By Solomon OKPO
Uyo, In a moment laced with humility, vision, and strong conviction, Pastor Osuiniabasi Alfred, newly inaugurated President General of the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers, Akwa Ibom State (ANPA), declared his commitment to servant leadership, transparency, and professional excellence during his acceptance speech at the official inauguration of the Executive Council.
Quoting Matthew 20:26, “Whoever wants to lead must first be a servant,” Pastor Alfred made it clear that his presidency is not driven by title but by a sense of duty to the publishing community in the state. “I stand here not as a boss, but as a servant among fellow publishers,” he declared to a gathering that included commissioners, senior media aides to the Governor, clerics, media elders, and distinguished guests.
The new ANPA President described the association not merely as a group but as a movement — the “beating heart of the press in Akwa Ibom,” composed of resilient publishers and proprietors who “finance truth even when it’s not profitable.” He saluted the unwavering commitment of media practitioners in the state and emphasized the vital role of the print and local media in democratic and community development.
Outlining his agenda, Pastor Alfred emphasized four key focus areas:
1. Enhanced engagement with stakeholders across political divides;
2. Publisher development through training, mentorship, and innovation;
3. Policy advocacy for media-friendly reforms; and
4. Constructive bridge-building among the media, government, and the public.
He reiterated that ANPA would not function as an opposition force or praise choir, but as a professional body dedicated to truth, ethics, and public service. “We are here to collaborate, not to confront. We are professionals… with a social contract to inform, educate, and serve,” he stated.
Addressing his fellow executives, he urged them to wear their positions as service robes, prioritizing legacy over applause. He promised to lead from within, remaining accessible and accountable throughout his tenure.
The new president also paid glowing tribute to Elder Ernest Akpan, Chairman, ANPA Board of Trustees and Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, commending his unwavering loyalty and bridge-building efforts between government and the press. “Thank you for not just knowing the way, but showing us the way,” Pastor Alfred remarked.
In his closing prayer, he called for divine strength, wisdom beyond politics, and courage beyond pressure, expressing hope that ANPA would not only grow into a formidable media body but become a strong pillar in shaping the future of Akwa Ibom State.
The event marked a new chapter for ANPA as it seeks to reinvent the place of local media in state development, under a leadership firmly rooted in faith, professionalism, and collective responsibility.
