…as NUJ Meets Gov. Eno
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John , has appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to restore the Union’s monthly subvention and approve enhanced welfare packages for journalists in the state.
The appeal formed the highlight of discussions on Monday when the leadership of the NUJ paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Uyo, with issues bordering on journalists’ welfare, digital empowerment, housing and professional development dominating the meeting.
Speaking on behalf of over 800 members of the Union, the NUJ Chairman commended Governor Eno for his administration’s sustained support for journalists and the media community, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most media-friendly governors.
He specifically lauded the governor for completing and equipping the NUJ auditorium, now known as the Patience Kemi Umo Eno Auditorium, appointing journalists into government, including a representative on the Road Maintenance Assessment Team, and creating a conducive atmosphere for media practice in the state.
According to him, journalists in Akwa Ibom have continued to enjoy press freedom under the current administration, noting that the media has neither been intimidated nor suppressed.
Comrade John also highlighted achievements recorded since assuming office on August 2, 2025. These include the installation of 24-hour internet services at the NUJ Press Centre, renovation of the Union Secretariat, construction of a mini football pitch in partnership with a private investor, improved security at the Press Centre, and the training of over 250 journalists in modern journalism practice.
He disclosed that the Union would mark its first anniversary in office on August 2, 2026, with a leadership retreat involving executive members from its 18 chapels to strengthen professionalism, media leadership and capacity building.
Reaffirming the Union’s commitment to ethical journalism, the NUJ Chairman said the leadership had intensified efforts to combat quackery and prevent individuals from using the media space to promote ethnic division and misinformation.
He urged the governor to restore the Union’s monthly subvention, provide 1,000 laptops for registered journalists to enhance digital reporting, implement the payment of weigh-in allowance for eligible journalists in government employment, provide housing support for journalists through government housing schemes, and donate a bus to facilitate project monitoring, news coverage and Union activities.
Comrade John also appealed to Governor Eno to consider qualified members of the Union for appointments into boards and commissions, noting that the NUJ is endowed with experienced professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to governance and public service.
Responding, Governor Umo Eno appreciated the leadership and members of the NUJ for their continued support and partnership with his administration, describing the media as a critical stakeholder in the development of Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor commended the Union for promoting professionalism and ethical journalism and assured journalists that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for the media to thrive.
He acknowledged the requests presented by the Union and assured that they would receive due consideration in line with available resources and the priorities of his administration.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with the media and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that would strengthen journalism and advance the successful implementation of the ARISE Agenda in Akwa Ibom State.
