Eket Media Professionals Honour Sen. Sampson, Reps’ Members, Frank Archibong, Ors   

The superlative performance and consequential impact on constituents by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the Senate, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson PhD, has been honoured with a prestigious award from the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals.

The honour took place during a 3-Day Media Symposium organised by the association in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, on the theme, “Communication Dynamics and Corporate Governance in Akwa Ibom State.

The event which was held at Eden Hotels, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, had as a Keynote Speaker, a renowned and multiple award-winning Journalist, international public affairs analyst, and publisher of NewsAfrica, London, Mr. Moffat Ekoriko.

Dissecting the umbrella theme of the symposium in his keynote address on the title: “Communication Dynamics and Corporate Governance in the Niger Delta Region”, Mr. Ekoriko called on Oil Companies operating in the Niger Delta to pay more attention and show deeper commitments to the principle of Corporate Citizenship as a way of deliberately paying back to host communities that bear the brunt of the multiple hazards of oil activities on the ecology and associated socio-economic effects on the society.

Drawing comparisons from what is obtainable in Europe, the Keynote Speaker also charged journalists to be more inquisitive about the quality of political leadership and governance in the management of the Commonwealth of the people, especially with the presence of the Petroleum Industry Act which, according to him, was essentially targeted at improving on the environment, lives of the people and standard of living.

Speaking on behalf of Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, formerly known as Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, an oil company with operational base in Akwa Ibom State, the General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mr. Ogechukwu Udeagha, stated that the company was passionate about corporate social responsibility even as it has entrenched that responsibility as an integral part in the company’s policy of paying back to the society, especially host communities.

In his bullet point presentation on a projector, Udeagha in his lecture entitled, “Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Operation of Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited in Akwa Ibom State” as a Guest Lecturer, presented a panoramic outlay and contents of what Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited has done and is doing in response to corporate social investments, he stressed that although it was the duty of his department in the company to adequately educate and inform the publics on the companies operational thrust and social packages for Host Communities, that responsibility was not exclusive.

Udeagha, who glowingly commended the Chairman of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, Elder Edet Okpo, for initiative to organize the event, describing it as fantastic, therefore stated that it was imperative Journalists were conversant with the principle of Corporate Social Responsibility, monitor its functionality and applicability in companies, and properly enlighten the publics in their editorials and reportage. He said Seplat Energy was ever ready to partner with such lofty initiatives. It would be recalled that after a long period of negotiations, Seplat Energy acquired the assets of Mobil Nigeria Unlimited in its latest expansion of the borders of investments as a mega and competitive player in the oil and gas industry.

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Prof. Peter Esuh, Professor of Marketing Communication and Rhetoric and Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies University of Uyo, who was the Lead Paper Presenter, spoke on the theme, “Surveillance Journalism and the Imperatives of Good Governance in Akwa Ibom State; Professor Herbert Bartha, Professor of Science Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, “Appraising the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility of Oil and Gas Companies on Akwa Ibom Development Progress”; Prof. Charles Obot, Professor of Broadcasting, Development and Political Communication, University of Uyo, explored the title, “Interventionist Journalism and Cyber Security and Corporate Governance in Akwa Ibom State”; while Dr. Nsikak Idiong, Associate Professor and Head of Department, Journalism and Media Studies, University of Uyo, did justice to the topic, “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Media Practice for Corporate Governance”.

They stressed the importance of ethical compliance, professionalism, a nose for news, innovation, and readiness to change and adapt to emerging trends that can improve Journalists’ careers.

The high point of the event on the first day was the presentation of awards to deserving awardees.

Senator Ekong Sampson Ph.D, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals and Senator representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate bagged the “Outstanding Public Service and Effective Representation Award. Presenting the to the Senator which was received on his behalf by the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Peter Esu, Elder Edet OKPO, Chairman of the Association said it was in recognition of Senator Ekong Sampson’s Stellar performance as a senator which the Media professionals noted has been unprecedented in the tripartite areas of lawmaking, oversight and representation, hence resulting in great positive impact on the landscape and constituents.

It was noted that, apart from his cerebral contributions and legislative acumen, the senator has become both the pride of the Senatorial District and a catalyst for the massive transformation and empowerment programmes that have characterised the last two years of his representation in the 10th Senate.

Speaking on behalf of the Senator, Prof Esuh stated that because no one in the Senatorial District ab initio, had any doubts in the Senator’s already tested ability, integrity and patriotism in public service, it was no surprise that he has brought a paradigm shift in the narratives of representation across the 12 local government areas that make up the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, otherwise referred to as Eket Senatorial District.

Also celebrated and honoured with the Award of Outstanding Service to Humanity was Mkpisong (Hon ) Frank Archibong. The award was said to be in recognition of his consistency in public service, goodwill, and sincere service to God and Humanity, deepening the roots of democracy through empowerment of individuals and institutions.

 

In particular, his consistent personal undertaking of offering scholarships and sponsoring of Indigent students from the Senatorial District reading Law at various Nigerian Universities within Nigeria, was highlighted.

 

Other recipients of the award in various categories included Member representing Eket/ Ibeno/ Onna and Esit Eket in the House of Representatives, Abuja, Rt. Okpolupm Etteh;

Member representing Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja, Rt. Hon. Uduak Ududoh; Member representing Oron/ Okobo/ Mbo/ Urueoffong Oruko / Udung Uko federal Constituency in the House Of Representatives, Abuja, Rep. Martins Esin; Executive Director, Projects, NDDC, Rt. Hon. Sir Victor Antai; Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga; and Vice Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Nse Essien. Others were Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyork; Hon(Deaconess) Glory Ekah; Executive Chairman, Ibeno LGA, Engr. Michael Abakam; Engr. Bobby Onofiok; Mr. Friday Akpan; Elder Benjamin Udobia; Engr. Nsikan Mathew; Họn. Engr. George Henshaw, Executive Chairman Of Okobo, and Hon. Chief Asukwo Enweme, Executive Chairman, Oron Local Government Area.

 

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, Elder Edet Okpo, highlighted the essence of the training and the need for corporate bodies or partners to always sponsor capacity building for media practitioners, to boost professionalism and productivity. He noted that the training was an annual ritual for expanding the frontiers of knowledge of members.

 

“The question now might be: So why this training on such an interesting theme? It is the conscious or deliberate effort of the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals to respond pragmatically to its vision, objectives, goals, and necessity in our changing times.

 

We came here today essentially for quality knowledge transfer and impartation, to better our professional standing in a vast growing competitive world. We expect that at the end of this workshop, we shall return fuller in knowledge and better equipped as fortified players in the open and competitive professional space”

 

Elder Edet Okpo reiterated that it was the reason they went for the best of hands to explore the nitty-gritty in the major and sub-theme of the symposium which was, “Appraising the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility of Oil and Gas Companies on the Akwa Ibom Development Progress.

 

The Chairman of the Association also thanked Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited for its big heart and playing the Big Brother in accepting to sponsor the aspects of conference materials for the symposium.

 

“We say thank you for reviving the essence and giving functional meaning to the concept of Corporate Social Investments. Your ungrudging acceptance to sponsor the needed materials for this conference has clearly distinguished you as a true Corporate Citizen”, Okpo, observed.

 

For the awards, Okpo who poured special encomiums on Senator Ekong Sampson for having made Akwa Ibom South(Eket )Senatorial District now respected competitor than a spectator in the National Assembly matters, said the awardees were carefully selected by a special panel that critically assessed the performance of representatives from Eket Senatorial District, other public stewards and private individuals who have impacted their communities and humanity in general by their scorecard or performance in office, which would serve as a motivation for more.

 

He also thanked and commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for making Akwa Ibom State a model in peace, political understanding, and inclusion, and running an open-door policy and diplomacy with the media community.

 

Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals is a duly registered Media Advocacy group with over 400 seasoned and award-winning media professionals, Communication Scholars, Credible Social Media bloggers with the mandate to promote accountability, transparency and impact in governance, and thereby serving as a megaphone in championing specific and collective interests of Akwa Ibom State. It is the publisher of The Scorecard Magazine, whose main engagement is the documentation and promotion of government and Corporate Organizations’ policies, programmes, and landmark strides.

 

According to Okpo, “It is on record that this Organisation had carried out Special documentary of all the Projects of the immediate past administration in the State in two series and presented same during the last State Executive Council Meeting in 2022 and another edition during his grand reception organized by Stakeholders of Akwa Ibom South (Eket )Senatorial District on May 27, 2023.

 

“Let me on a very special note appreciate the General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Ogechukwu Udeagha for remaining consistent in building a mutually-beneficial relationship between Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited and the host Communities through his Media Management.We assure you of our sustained Media Support and robust collaboration”.

 

At the end, certificates were issued to participants, as well as an inspection tour of infrastructural projects under the ARISE Agenda.

 

“Let me extend our best wishes and commendation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno PhD for the increased unity, better security, more infrastructure, clearance of backlogs of pensions and gratuity, improved welfare for civil servants, the resurrection of hope in the realization of Ibom Deep Seaport, building of concrete bridges across political and tribal devides, growing economy and developing people”

 

OKPO was full of gratitude to Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi for her massive support and guidance which have added value to the Association.

He also informed his members that plans were almost concluded by Senator Ekong Sampson to train Media Professionals in his Senatorial District outside Akwa Ibom State. In a 13-point communique issued at the end of the media symposium, members of the Associated Press equally commended Governor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited but emphasized that the need for capacity building was indispensable in honing the skillsets of Journalists.

 

Present also were the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, immediate Past Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert, former chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Sunday Antai, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Document, Dr. Essien Ndueso, who is also the BOT Chairman of the Association; Mr. Umoh Joshua of Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, President, Institute of Corporate Leadership and Mentorship, Apostle Emmanuel Eduongo and others who came in solidarity.

 

On Monday, June 30, 2027, Members of the Association shall embark on an inspection of key infrastructural projects in the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.