Wednesday June 10, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
…Plans celebration of Okpo’s four decades of journalistic service, seeks support from Sports Commissioner…
Few journalists remain active long enough to witness their careers become a legacy. For Comrade Solomon Okpo, Publisher of The Evangelist Newspaper, more than four decades of dedicated service to journalism will come into focus on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at The NUJ Press Center as colleagues, friends, and admirers will gather to celebrate his 70th birthday and his outstanding contributions to the media profession.
Ahead of the celebration, members of the planning committee on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, visited the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, to seek his support and formally invite him to the event .
The delegation comprised Comrade Isreal Ernest, Editor of City Watch Newspaper; Comrade Mabel Ekanem, Secretary of Unity Chapel; and Comrade Edifon Solomon, Chairman of the State Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during the visit, Elder Paul Bassey described Comrade Okpo as a distinguished journalist whose dedication to the profession, balanced reportage and commitment to mentoring younger journalists have earned him admiration across the media industry.
The Commissioner noted that society rewards hard work, dedication and selfless service, adding that Comrade Okpo’s life and career serve as a shining example that commitment and integrity ultimately pay off. He said the planned celebration was well deserved and pledged his support towards ensuring its success.
Elder Bassey further called on journalists and other professionals to emulate the veteran media practitioner’s exemplary qualities of professionalism, integrity, discipline and service to humanity.
On behalf of the planning committee, Comrade Edifon Solomon of State Information Chapel stated that the celebration is designed to honour Comrade Okpo’s attainment of 70 years of age as well as his more than four decades of unflinching dedication to the practice of journalism.
For over 40 years, Solomon Okpo has remained a respected figure in Nigeria’s media landscape, distinguished by his commitment to ethical journalism, community development and nation-building. Throughout his illustrious career, he has worked with reputable media organizations, earning widespread respect among colleagues and stakeholders within and beyond the media industry.
Through The Evangelist Newspaper, he has consistently used journalism as a tool for social change, amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens, promoting accountability and contributing meaningfully to public discourse on issues affecting communities and the nation at large.
His unwavering dedication to truth, fairness, integrity and responsible journalism has inspired generations of journalists and media practitioners. Widely regarded as a celebrated media czar, Okpo has built a reputation for professionalism and excellence in the discharge of his duties.
Beyond the newsroom, the septuagenarian has played significant roles in community service and grassroots development initiatives. His passion for social progress and civic engagement has positively impacted countless lives, earning him recognition as a respected elder statesman and advocate for positive change.
Okpo served as Chairman of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter. He is also a stakeholder in the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, a member of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law State Working Group, and a mentor to young journalists and industrial training students. Through these platforms, he continues to share his wealth of experience while nurturing the next generation of media professionals.
The June 18 celebration will provide family, friends, colleagues, associates hand well-wishers an opportunity to honour a man whose life exemplifies service, integrity and commitment to humanity.