By Solomon Okpo
Eket, A three-day symposium organized by the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals (ESDMP), in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, has ended with far-reaching resolutions aimed at enhancing corporate governance, media relevance, and community development in Akwa Ibom State and the Niger Delta at large.
The symposium, themed “Communication Dynamics and Corporate Governance in Akwa Ibom State,” brought together journalists, academics, and industry stakeholders at Eden Hotels, Eket, where they explored the evolving role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development—particularly in the oil and gas sector.
In its communiqué, the forum emphasized that effective communication is central to strengthening transparency and corporate responsiveness, especially within the extractive industries, where communication breakdowns often breed distrust and underdevelopment.
Participants highlighted gaps in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation, noting that despite numerous initiatives, host communities continue to suffer neglect and tension due to the tokenistic and short-term nature of most interventions. The symposium called on oil companies to institutionalize participatory communication platforms that prioritize local community voices.
The meeting strongly advocated for the integration of media professionals into CSR and corporate governance frameworks, asserting that such inclusion would enhance scrutiny and accountability of oil companies, government agencies, and multinational operators.
The communiqué further called for a paradigm shift in CSR philosophy, urging stakeholders to prioritize sustainable, long-term projects in areas such as education, health, youth development, technology, and environmental protection—beyond mere handouts.
Participants also resolved that regulatory oversight mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and global CSR best practices. Journalists were particularly enjoined to become conversant with the PIA’s provisions to effectively track the operations of Host Communities Development Trusts and other leadership structures established under the law.
The forum made a bold case for capacity building in digital journalism, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that these are essential tools for media practitioners to remain effective watchdogs in an evolving information ecosystem.
On the future of Akwa Ibom’s economy, the symposium called on the state government to sustain and deepen economic diversification efforts initiated by previous administrations, stating that the state must proactively develop non-oil revenue streams to secure its economic future.
In a nod to technological advancement, the symposium advocated for the creation of regional AI innovation hubs, backed by international development partners, donor agencies, and government, to empower local media organizations in deploying AI for investigative reporting and governance monitoring.
The symposium also reaffirmed the need for interventionist journalism—a form of journalism that goes beyond reportage to actively engage in solution-driven discourse, especially in challenging environments.
In a major highlight, the leadership of ESDMP was commended for its professional direction, and a Good Governance Tour Committee was inaugurated to begin independent assessment of projects executed by the 12 local government councils and legislators in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, including evaluating the real-time impact of PIA implementation in host communities.
The communiqué was endorsed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee chaired by Mfon Uyeh, with members including Florence Umoetuk, Solomon Okpo, Edet Edet, Roseline Etuk Udo, and Secretary Paulinus Nta. Professor Herbert Batta served as Adviser.
The resolutions mark a strategic roadmap for repositioning the media as both a partner and a watchdog in driving good governance, corporate accountability, and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
