UYO, Leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) from the South-South geopolitical zone have hailed Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as a catalyst for national development, citing his people-oriented leadership, infrastructure-driven vision, and outstanding media relations.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, on Friday, ahead of the NUJ Zone F meeting in Uyo. The visiting delegation, led by the NUJ Vice President (South-South), Comrade Opaka Dokubo, included Chairmen and Secretaries from all six states in the zone and was received by the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk.
During the interactive session, the NUJ leaders lauded the impressive strides made by the Umo Eno administration under the ARISE Agenda, praising its inclusive governance style and openness to the media. They noted that such leadership has not only transformed the state but has also set a standard for development in the South-South region and beyond.
Comrade Dokubo described Governor Eno as “Nigeria’s most media-friendly Governor” and praised his administration’s deliberate policy of fostering transparency and collaboration with the media.
Earlier in the day, Commissioner Umanah held a strategic engagement with indigenous newspaper publishers in the state, where he reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening media-government relations. He also highlighted ongoing achievements under the ARISE Agenda, which spans agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, and education.
In what was described as a “Happy Hour for Publishers” by Comrade Amos Etuk and Elder Ernest Akpan, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, over 30 publishers convened for an evening session that further deepened trust and cooperation between the media and government.
Speakers at the event commended Governor Eno for creating a conducive environment for press freedom and innovation in media practice. They also praised Hon. Umanah’s appointment as a strategic step toward effective information management and professional engagement with the local press.
In a unanimous resolution, the publishers reaffirmed their support for the Umo Eno-led administration and pledged to promote responsible journalism while amplifying the successes of the state’s development blueprint.
