By Solomon OKPO
The Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals (AESDMP), a coalition of award-winning journalists and communication scholars from Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, is convening a three-day Media Symposium on “Communication Dynamics and Corporate Governance in Akwa Ibom State.”
The symposium will be held from Wednesday, June 25, to Friday, June 27, 2025, at Nissi Hall, Eden Hotel Limited, Eket, with daily sessions commencing at 10:00 a.m.
Designed to stimulate critical discourse on transparency, accountability, and responsive governance, the event will feature a blend of academic rigour, professional insights, and strategic engagements. The Opening Ceremony on Thursday, June 26, will be graced by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, as the Special Guest of Honour. His Deputy, Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, who doubles as the Association’s Patroness, will serve as Mother of the Day, while the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Hon. Frank Archibong, will chair the occasion.
The symposium’s Keynote Address will be delivered by Mr. Moffat Ekoriko, an international journalist and publisher of NewsAfrica, London. Mr. Oge Udeagha, General Manager, Government and Public Affairs at SEPLAT Energy, will serve as Guest Lecturer.
The academic programme will feature presentations by renowned scholars including:
Professor Herbert Batta, who will speak on “Appraising the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibilities of Oil and Gas Companies on the Akwa Ibom Development Process.”
Professor Peter Esuh, delivering a paper on “Surveillance Journalism and the Imperatives of Corporate Governance in Akwa Ibom State.”
Professor Charles Obot, who will address “Interventionist Journalism, Cybersecurity, and Corporate Governance in Akwa Ibom State.”
The conference, according to a release signed by AESDMP Chairman Elder Edet Okpo, Training Facilitator Professor Peter Esuh, and Central Planning Committee Chair Dr. (Mrs.) Idongesit Ashameri, will offer a fertile ground for policy-relevant debates and solutions-oriented engagements.
On the sidelines, the Association will bestow honours on distinguished individuals for their contributions to governance, development, and media advancement. Honourees include:
Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD – Senator, Akwa Ibom South
Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh – House of Representatives, Eket Federal Constituency
Rep. Martins Esin – House of Representatives, Oron Federal Constituency
Rt. Hon. (Sir) Victor Antai – Executive Director, Projects, NDDC
Hon. Frank Archibong – Commissioner for Local Government
Prof. Eno Ibanga – Commissioner for Works
Elder Paul Bassey – Commissioner for Sports
Prof. Nse Essien – Vice Chancellor, AKSU
Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok – Member, TetFund Board
Engr. Bobby Onofiok – Managing Partner, Bokano Nigeria Limited
…among other notable figures.
The AESDMP extends a formal invitation to media professionals, political stakeholders, corporate leaders, and the general public to participate in this transformative engagement for deepening corporate governance through strategic communication in Akwa Ibom State.
