By The Evangelist | Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) has inaugurated new members into the association, charging them to uphold professionalism, accuracy, integrity and ethical standards in reporting the energy and maritime sectors.
The State Chairman of EMR, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, gave the charge on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during the inauguration ceremony in Akwa Ibom State.
Ndifreke described the admission of the new members as both an honour and a responsibility, stressing that membership of the specialised media association requires commitment to responsible journalism and a deep understanding of the sectors being covered.
He said the inauguration was not merely an exercise in expanding the association’s membership but an opportunity to admit journalists committed to accurate reporting, responsible public communication and constructive engagement on issues affecting the energy and maritime industries.
According to him, the energy and maritime sectors are critical to the economic development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, particularly in view of the state’s strategic coastline, oil and gas resources, maritime assets and growing opportunities in the blue economy.
The EMR chairman urged the newly inaugurated members to report with fairness, courage and integrity, noting that journalism goes beyond the publication of news stories to include informing the public, holding institutions accountable, promoting development and contributing meaningfully to society.
He also charged them to familiarise themselves with the ethics of journalism and the objectives of EMR, while developing professional relationships with key stakeholders and acquiring deeper knowledge of the technical, economic and policy issues shaping the energy and maritime sectors.
Ndifreke disclosed that the association would continue to provide capacity-building opportunities for members through training programmes, stakeholder engagements, professional development initiatives and advocacy in areas including oil and gas, shipping, marine logistics, maritime security, local content and the blue economy.
He further encouraged the new members to use their platforms to spotlight investment opportunities, expose challenges within the sectors, promote indigenous participation and draw attention to developments capable of improving the socio-economic wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people.
Also speaking, the director programme and State Secretary of EMR, Comrade Solomon OKPO and Comrade Mabel Ekanem, urges the new members to embrace continuous learning and maintain high professional standards in their reportage.
OKPO stressed that effective journalism in the energy and maritime sectors requires more than basic reporting skills, explaining that journalists must understand the technical, economic and policy dimensions of the industries in order to provide meaningful and accurate information to the public.
She encouraged the new members to uphold the principles of balanced, factual and development-oriented reporting, emphasising that continuous learning and relearning were essential to professional excellence.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, Comrade Grace Udoma thanked the leadership of EMR for admitting them into the association.
Udoma pledged the commitment of the new members to the growth and development of EMR, promising that they would uphold the principles of factual, professional and responsible journalism in their coverage of the energy and maritime sectors.
The inauguration is expected to further strengthen the membership base of EMR in Akwa Ibom State, promote professional collaboration among specialised reporters and enhance public understanding of developments in the energy and maritime industries.
The leadership of the association reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong, united and professionally respected body anchored on discipline, competence, commitment and adherence to the ethics of journalism.
