Tuesday July 21, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Dianime UKO
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has named its rebranded Conference Hall after a former Chairman of the Council, Comrade Israel Umoh, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the infrastructural development of the Union.
The facility will henceforth be known as the “Israel Umoh Conference Hall.”
The unveiling was done by the Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, shortly after the July Congress of the Union.
Comrade Nsibiet John said Comrade Israel Umoh deserved to be celebrated for his selfless service and visionary leadership, particularly in providing enduring infrastructure for the Union.
He recalled that during his tenure as Chairman of the Union from 2004 to 2007, Comrade Umoh completed the NUJ Secretariat building, which houses the newly renamed conference hall, furnished the facility, and saw to its commissioning by the then Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, on November 21, 2006.
The NUJ Chairman further noted that Comrade Umoh also laid the foundation and constructed the 2000-sitting capacity NUJ Auditorium to lintel level, a landmark project that was eventually completed and commissioned by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on August 1, 2025.
According to Comrade John, honouring the former Chairman while he is still alive is both fitting and inspiring, as it reflects the Union’s commitment to recognising excellence and rewarding impactful leadership.
He also expressed appreciation to all past leaders of the Council for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State, noting that the achievements being celebrated today were made possible by the sacrifices of successive administrations.
Responding, an emotional Comrade Israel Umoh thanked the leadership of the Union for the honour, saying he was deeply humbled to witness such recognition during his lifetime.
“This is a very remarkable thing that has been done by the Union for me while I’m alive. It would have been tragic if the Hall was named after me posthumously,” he said.
The former NUJ Chairman pledged his continued support to the Union, and urged journalists in the state to remain committed to professionalism, unity and the defence of public interest.
Also speaking, former leaders of the Council, Comrade Friday Umoh, Comrade Uduak Ekong and Comrade Amos Etuk commended the current leadership for honouring one of their own, describing the gesture as a worthy recognition of dedicated service.
They prayed for greater peace, unity and progress in the Union under the leadership of Comrade Nsibiet John, while urging members to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the NUJ and advancing the welfare of journalists in Akwa Ibom State.
NUJ Akwa Ibom Names Rebranded Conference Hall After Former Chairman, Israel Umoh
