The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday honoured Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, with an Award of Excellence in Media Infrastructure Development during a grand Awards and Dinner Night at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. The event marked the climax of the Union’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
The ceremony, which drew dignitaries from across the country, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—represented by the Minister of Information, Hon. Mohammed Idris Malagi—featured governors, industry leaders, media stakeholders, and NUJ members from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Governor Umo Eno, who was also the presenter of the anniversary book titled Bleeding Ink, authored by former NUJ National Secretary Shu’aibu Usman Leman, was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah. He was accompanied by the Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson.
In his remarks, Governor Eno commended the Union for its role in nation-building and urged media practitioners to promote development journalism that supports societal growth. He further emphasized the need for the traditional media to embrace technological advancement, particularly Artificial Intelligence, without compromising the core values and foundational structures of journalism.
“New innovations in information management must be seen as complementary tools, not threats, to traditional media. Development journalism remains key to shaping a progressive society,” Governor Eno stated through his representative.
Hon. Umanah reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to press freedom in Akwa Ibom State, highlighting the administration’s ongoing support for media growth under the ARISE Agenda.
“Today, under the leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State enjoys a cordial and robust relationship with the media. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with journalists in promoting our shared development goals,” Umanah added.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Tunde Akanni of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, who examined the evolving landscape of journalism in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He urged media professionals to adapt to technological changes while maintaining the ethics and responsibilities of the profession.
Other notable award recipients included Governors Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Mohammed Yahaya (Gombe), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Past and present NUJ presidents and officials of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) were also honoured.
The three-day anniversary celebration featured a Jumat service, visit to an orphanage, a National Executive Council meeting, the Awards/Dinner, and a Thanksgiving service.
The NUJ 70th Anniversary underscored the critical role of the media in Nigeria’s democratic journey and its continued relevance in the digital age.
