Newspaper Publishers Partner Clergy On State Development As ANPA Committee Visits Bishop Udonsek
The Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association of Akwa Ibom State (ANPA) on Friday, November 7, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Diocesan Bishop of the Christ Army Church of Nigeria, His Lordship, Bishop David E. Udonsek, at his residence in Eket.
The visit was part of activities preceding ANPA Week 2025, a week-long event scheduled to be held from Sunday, November 9, to Thursday, November 13, 2025, featuring a series of civic, humanitarian, and professional development programmes across the state.
Speaking during the visit, the President of ANPA, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, expressed appreciation to Bishop Udonsek for his warm reception and unwavering commitment to the moral, spiritual, and socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State.
He said the visit was aimed at soliciting the Bishop’s blessings and partnership as ANPA prepares to host its maiden week, which he described as a landmark event in the state’s media history.
Pastor Alfred noted that newspaper publishers play a vital role in promoting the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, through factual reporting, public enlightenment, and constructive engagement with stakeholders. He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to continue supporting policies and initiatives that advance peace, accountability, and development in Akwa Ibom State.
Related: A’Ibom Ministry of Culture and Tourism Backs ANPA Week 2025
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Elder Patrick Albert, expressed gratitude to Bishop Udonsek for granting the team an audience and for his continued interest in the growth of the media and the development of the State.
He said the association deemed it necessary to interface with the Bishop on the forthcoming celebration and to seek his prayers, guidance, and partnership toward its success.
According to Elder Albert, the maiden edition of ANPA Week 2025 includes a Thanksgiving Service, Free Medical Outreach, Visit to Orphanages, Road Walk, Novelty Football Match, Project Inspections, and an Evening with Newspaper Distributors and Vendors, culminating in a Symposium, Awards, and Luncheon.
He added that the Week, with the theme “The Relevance of Newspaper Publishers in State Development: The Case of Akwa Ibom State under the ARISE Agenda” and sub-theme “Newspaper Publishers as Catalysts for Democracy and Good Governance”, is designed to strengthen collaboration among media professionals, government agencies, and stakeholders in the state.
Elder Albert further commended Bishop Udonsek for his outstanding humanitarian and community development efforts across the State, noting that his philanthropic disposition has positively impacted many lives.
He announced that the prelate has been nominated for an Excellence Award, to be presented during the symposium and luncheon on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in recognition of his selfless contributions to humanity.
Responding, Bishop (Dr) David Udonsek expressed appreciation to the ANPA delegation for the visit and lauded the association’s commitment to promoting responsible community newspaper publication and supporting state development.
He described the local newspaper as a vital partner in advancing truth, transparency and societal growth, urging members to uphold the ethics of the profession and to use their platforms to foster unity and progress in Akwa Ibom State.
Bishop Udonsek also graciously accepted the nomination for the Excellence Award, dedicating the honour to God and to the body of Christ. He commended ANPA for recognising his service and for its efforts in deepening public understanding of governance and development issues.
The CPC delegation included the BOT Chairman, Elder Ernest Akpan, the Committee Secretary, Mr Harrison Ndifreke, and members of the committee, Daniel Edon, Wilson David, Uwem Ekoh and Paul Ufot.
