Wednesday November 19, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Aniekan Umanah, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, declared open the maiden edition of the Uyo Social Media Week at Ceedapeg Hotel, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo. The event, hosted by the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), attracted leading voices in digital communication, governance, entrepreneurship, and media innovation.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Digital Media and Governance: Bridging the Gap,” the Commissioner emphasized that digital media has become the heartbeat of modern governance. He noted that social media today promotes transparency, strengthens accountability, and connects citizens directly to government policies and development initiatives. According to him, the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated how digital platforms can document progress in real time and deepen citizen participation in governance.
Dr. Umanah, however, underscored the need for responsibility in the digital space, warning against the dangers of misinformation. He cautioned content creators, influencers, journalists, and citizens to verify information before publishing or sharing. “Don’t let the breaking news break the society,” he stressed, urging users to prioritize truth, accuracy, and constructive discourse.
Highlighting Akwa Ibom’s growing digital transformation under Governor Umo Eno, the Information Commissioner stated that the State Government is actively digitizing governance processes, including the ongoing CBT-based civil service recruitment. He commended the governor for his openness to media engagement, noting that his recognition as the “Most Media-Friendly Governor of 2025” reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency and digital inclusiveness.
As part of his support for digital innovation and youth-driven initiatives, Dr. Umanah announced a ₦1 million donation on behalf of the Ministry of Information to support the successful hosting of the 2025 Social Media Week. He encouraged young people to maximize digital opportunities, describing them as “digital entrepreneurs” who can earn significantly when the platforms are used productively.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chancellor of COOPA, Mr. Utitofon Morgan, celebrated the organisation’s ten-year journey, recounting its contributions to ethical digital publishing, civic awareness, and social development campaigns. He described the Social Media Week as COOPA’s gift to the public, aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and amplifying local voices through digital innovation.
The Uyo Social Media Week continues through Friday with workshops, boardroom conversations, and poolside sessions designed to engage participants on emerging trends in digital media, governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
