Uyo Council Boss Advocates Ethical Reporting, Sustained Support for Gov Eno, Uyo Leaders
By Henshaw Nyong
The Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, has called on members of the Uyo Media Group to uphold professionalism in their reportage and sustain support for the administration of Governor Umo Eno, as well as other leaders from the area who are contributing to governance in the state.
Dr Udo gave the charge when he received members of the group at the Council Secretariat in Uyo on Monday, where he also announced his decision to sponsor members for professional certification at the International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, as part of efforts to strengthen media capacity within the Local Government Area.
He said the move was in line with his belief that investment in human capital, particularly in knowledge-driven sectors like media, remains critical to the long-term development of Uyo, noting that his administration has consistently supported education and capacity building.
Executive Chairman, Uyo LGA
Udo, who is the ALGON Chairman in the State, disclosed that his administration had earlier provided financial support of N1 million each to Uyo indigenes studying at Law School, stressing that such targeted interventions are deliberate steps to prepare a new generation of professionals who will represent the interest of the area in the future.
The Council Boss attributed the relative peace and stability in Uyo Local Government since he assumed office in 2020 to the prudent management of resources and the timely fulfilment of obligations, including regular payment of salaries, furniture allowances, and statutory entitlements to both legislative and executive arms of the council.
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According to him, the focus of governance in Uyo has remained on productivity and development, anchored on the leadership of Governor Umo Eno at the state level and the coordination of the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, whom he acknowledged for providing direction and political stability in not just the capital city but beyond.
On ongoing projects, the Chairman listed the renovation of the Community Health Centre at Atan Offot, provision of transformers and electrification of communities across the four clans of Offot, Etoi, Oku and Ikono, as well as solar-powered water schemes aimed at improving access to potable water, among several others.
He further disclosed that the council is constructing 14 ARISE Compassionate Homes, one in each ward, noting that the first beneficiary at Nsukara Offot has already taken possession of a fully furnished house with a borehole and financial support, while others are at various stages of completion and expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
Dr Udo also highlighted the disbursement of N100 million to support small businesses in the area, with beneficiaries receiving between N1 million and N5 million, adding that the absence of undue pressure from stakeholders has allowed his administration to focus on the delivery of tangible benefits to the people.
He commended traditional rulers in Uyo for their cooperation, noting that his administration has maintained a cordial relationship with the traditional institution, which he described as key to sustaining peace and unity, adding that governance in Uyo is being run as “one big family”.
Earlier, the Chairman of Uyo Media Group (UMG), Elder Patrick Albert, said the group is made up of media professionals and social media influencers from Uyo Local Government Area, established to promote unity, development and protect the collective interest of the people across the 76 gazetted villages and four clans.
The former Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State chapter, noted that the group has continued to engage stakeholders and highlight the performance of Uyo sons and daughters in government, including those serving under Governor Umo Eno, adding that their commendations are based on verifiable achievements.
Elder Albert described Dr Udo’s leadership as impactful and visible across the Local Government, while urging him to sustain the tempo, assuring that the group would remain a reliable media partner in projecting government activities through newspapers, television, radio and digital platforms.
Responding, Dr Udo appreciated the group for its vision and commitment, commending its leadership for bringing together seasoned professionals, and urged members to remain ethical, responsible and committed to the ideals of the journalism profession.
He encouraged senior practitioners within the group to mentor younger members, stressing that the platform should not only serve professional purposes but also support the welfare of members, while collectively working towards building a better and more progressive Uyo that future generations would be proud of.
