By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist Oil/Gas News Desk
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has engaged the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Glory Ekah Effiong, as part of its Core Oil Communities Tour aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities in oil-producing communities across the state.
The delegation, led by the State Chairman of EMR, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, said the initiative was designed to bring energy and maritime reporting closer to the grassroots while providing balanced and responsible media attention to issues affecting communities at the heart of Akwa Ibom’s oil and maritime economy.
Ndifreke described Ibeno as a community of strategic importance to both Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, noting that its coastal location and oil-producing status present significant opportunities for economic development. He stressed the need for such opportunities to be matched with sustainable development and greater inclusion of host communities.
“We are here to listen, to understand and to report. Ultimately, we want to contribute our quota towards promoting a more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive future for Ibeno and Akwa Ibom State,” Ndifreke said.
Responding, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Glory Ekah Effiong, charged journalists to uphold the principles of responsible journalism, accuracy and fairness when reporting issues concerning oil-producing and coastal communities. She noted that the media has an important role in informing the public with facts, promoting constructive dialogue and giving balanced attention to both challenges and development efforts.
Effiong also urged EMR members to use their platforms to highlight the impact of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which she described as people-centred, while amplifying legitimate community concerns and showcasing the economic potential of Ibeno and other oil-producing areas. She commended the association for taking its engagement to the grassroots.
In her vote of thanks, EMR Secretary, Comrade Mabel Ekanem, expressed appreciation to the Ibeno Local Government Council for receiving the delegation and providing an opportunity for meaningful interaction. She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustained engagement with oil-producing and maritime communities across Akwa Ibom.
Ekanem said EMR would continue to deploy responsible journalism to promote informed public discourse, strengthen community participation and draw attention to opportunities within the energy and maritime sectors.
The Core Oil Communities Tour is an EMR initiative focused on documenting developments, identifying challenges and opportunities, and promoting constructive dialogue among government, industry players, host communities and other stakeholders.
