Saturday August 2, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has declared himself and the Union as ambassadors of the ARISE Agenda of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, commending the administration’s media-friendly policies and infrastructural interventions.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the NUJ Auditorium Complex in Uyo on Friday, Yahya lauded Governor Eno’s commitment to the development of journalism in the state, describing the gesture as rare and impactful.
He said: “Your Excellency, let me commend you for coming up with a fantastic initiative called the ARISE Agenda. The Nigeria Union of Journalists is a strong ally, strong advocate and ambassador of your ARISE Agenda.”
Comrade Yahya said the National Exco was impressed with the Governor’s leadership style and acknowledged the administration’s investment in agriculture and other components of the ARISE blueprint.
According to the number one Journalist in the Country, a recent performance index released by the Innovation Centre of Journalism ranked Akwa Ibom among the top states in terms of media funding, innovation, equipment support and healthy government-media relations.
He stated that no state in Nigeria has surpassed the record of Akwa Ibom in appointing journalists into government, adding that even at the NUJ National Secretariat in Abuja, there is nothing close to the fantastic edifice inaugurated in Uyo.
The NUJ Boss further described the naming of the complex after the Governor’s late wife, Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno, as a thoughtful and commendable gesture, noting that she was a strong pillar of support to the Governor, who has distinguished himself as the most media-friendly leader in the country.
Yahya announced that members of the NUJ National Executive Council would, in November, return to Akwa Ibom for a more comprehensive tour of what he called the “superlative achievements” of Governor Eno within just two years in office.
As part of the event, the NUJ presented Governor Eno with a national recognition, tagged “Award for Best Governor on Infrastructural Development for the Media.”
Responding, Governor Umo Eno expressed appreciation to the NUJ for the honour and said the inauguration of the project marked the fulfillment of a promise he made to the State Council of the Union during the 2023 governorship campaigns.
The State Chief Executive thanked the Union for naming the complex after his late wife, describing the gesture as deeply personal and comforting to his family.
Governor Eno also commended the outgoing State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk, for his service and announced his appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Local Media.
In fulfillment of his promise, the Governor presented brand new vehicles to members of the outgoing State Working Committee of the NUJ and used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to supporting the media.
Addressing the upcoming NUJ election, scheduled for August 2, the Governor urged contestants and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully and professionally, emphasizing unity and collective progress.
The event, which held at the NUJ Press Centre along Information Drive, Uyo, was well attended by journalists, friends of the media, and a large crowd of dignitaries, including political stakeholders, captains of industry, and other professionals.