NDDC Commissioner Abasiandikan Nkono Thumbs Up Journalism Practice In Akwa Ibom State

The Akwa Ibom State Representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, has commended the “encouraging standard” of journalism practice in the State.

The endorsement came on Tuesday during separate courtesy visits to the NDDC Commissioner’s office in Uyo by the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, and the leadership of the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA), Akwa Ibom State, who were accompanied by members of the Central Planning Committee (CPC) for the ANPA Week.

Nkono, himself a media entrepreneur and practitioner, pledged the Commission’s support for upcoming programmes of the NUJ and ANPA and gave a resounding thumbs up to the media profession in Akwa Ibom, particularly praising practitioners who have exhibited ethical standards and developmental reporting.

He specifically applauded the NUJ leadership for instilling professionalism and setting new benchmarks for journalistic excellence that have significantly elevated media practice in the state.

“I always harp on ethical compliance by professionals and for professionals to be accorded deserved respect in society. The profession is thriving; the heights reached have been encouraging, but more has to be done. The current leadership of the union has to build on the successes of the immediate past administration in the union.”

He congratulated the Comrade Nsibiet John-led executive of the union and expressed delight at the union’s achievements barely two months into office, stating that he has “seen a blueprint of success” in the team’s focused approach, professionalism, and commitment to effective representation.

He assured them of the NDDC’s commitment to strengthening public enlightenment and development communication across the state.

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“The NDDC under my supervision has transitioned from transaction to transformation, focusing on sustainable infrastructural development and impactful interventions that will also benefit the media community in the state,” Apostle Nkono stated.

He urged journalists to remain factual, objective, and transparent, emphasising that balanced and credible journalism fosters public trust and respect.

In his remarks, Comrade Nsibiet John congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and lauded his commitment to service delivery.

“We create bridges of unity, and we have identified NDDC as a crucial partner. The reward for hard work is more work. We are happy that you are a media practitioner and are confident that you will deliver. We have confidence in you,” Comrade John stated.

The NUJ Chairman listed the union’s achievements within two months, including providing free internet for members at the press centre, welfare packages for elderly members, training for 120 members, forming partnerships with the Clement Isong Foundation, Amnesty International, and Policy Alert, and the ongoing beautification of the press centre.

He briefed the Commissioner on preparations for the upcoming 2025 NUJ Press Week and formally solicited the Commission’s support for its success.

In a separate visit, the Central Planning Committee (CPC) for ANPA Week 2025 sought the NDDC’s partnership for its maiden event scheduled for November 9-13, 2025.

The CPC Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert, described community newspapers as the “heartbeat of journalism” and highlighted their role in fostering connections between the people and the government, promoting civic engagement, and supporting local economic growth.

The ANPA Week, with the theme “The Relevance of Newspaper Publishers in State Development: The Case of Akwa Ibom State under the ARISE Agenda”, will feature a series of events. These include a Thanksgiving Service, a Free Medical Outreach, a Visit to Orphanages, a Road Walk, a Novelty Football Match, Inspection Visits to Government Projects, an Evening with Newspaper Distributors/Vendors, and a culminating Symposium, Awards, and Luncheon.

The highlight will be the conferment of Golden Awards on Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio for “their exemplary contributions to state and national development.”

The NDDC Representative particularly commended newspaper publishers for their crucial role as the heartbeat of grassroots journalism, even in the face of the rising influence of online media.

He also commended ANPA members for maintaining high professional standards that have significantly contributed to keeping Akwa Ibom citizens well-informed and engaged with government policies and programs.

Furthermore, Apostle Nkono gave a comprehensive rundown of NDDC’s projects and interventions in Akwa Ibom State, which include: over 10,000 youths across the Niger Delta trained in vocational skills with a ₦50,000 monthly stipend for 12 months and starter packs; foreign and local scholarships to Akwa Ibom indigenes; contract awarded for construction of a pavilion for Akwa Ibom State University, contract awarded for a 1,000-capacity solar-powered water project in Ibiono, contract awarded for construction of internal roads in Eket, intervention for flood victims in Akwa Ibom State, anti-malaria outreach, anti-drug abuse outreach, contract awarded for a town hall in Abak, teachers’ quarters in Ukana, contract awarded for the construction of corpers lodge in Uyo, the “Light up the Niger Delta” street lighting project; free medical outreaches across the state; and the upcoming commissioning of the Akwa Ibom State NDDC office, following the recent commissioning of offices in Cross River, Bayelsa, and Delta States.

The NDDC boss pledged the Commission’s support for both the NUJ Press Week and the ANPA Week 2025, affirming that the NDDC is a dedicated partner in fostering media development and sustainable growth in Akwa Ibom State.

The delegations from the NUJ and ANPA also included Comrade Amos Etuk, immediate past State NUJ Chairman and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; Comrade Mageret Moore, Vice Chairman, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council; Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, Secretary, NUJ Akwa Ibom State; Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Akwa Ibom State; and other members of the NUJ SWC.

Other attendees were Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, Chairman, NUJ Press Week Planning Committee 2025; Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, President, ANPA; Mrs Nsikak Ekong, Chairman, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State; Mrs Ekaette Thompson, SA to Governor; Elder Ernest Akpan; Harrison Ndifreke, Secretary, CPC, ANPA Week; Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, President, ANPA; Elder Ernest Akpan, Chairman, BoT, ANPA; Deacon Ubong Etetor, Secretary, ANPA; Comrades Wilson David, Akaninyene Essang, Chief Ita Eyo, Comrade Ini Akpan, Treasurer, ANPA; Comrade Daniel Edon, and Comrade Bassey Mark Effiong.

Aides of the NDDC Commissioner also graced the two events.

Media Unit,
Office of the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, NDDC.