…Donates Brand-New Vehicles to NUJ Exco, Appoints Chairman as SSA on Local Media Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday, August 1, 2025, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a free and vibrant press as he commissioned the Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno Auditorium at the State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), located on Information Drive, Uyo.
He also presented brand-new official vehicles to members of the State Executive Committee of the Union.The iconic structure built for journalists in Akwa Ibom State was named in honour of the Governor’s late wife, and represents the fulfillment of a promise he made to the NUJ during their New Year Thanksgiving Service earlier this year.
While inaugurating the facility, Governor Eno commended the outgoing NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, for his professionalism and maturity, which he said have greatly contributed to promoting the image of Akwa Ibom State.“We have promoted Akwa Ibom as a state, and not demoted it. That is what you have done. Governments will come and go, but Akwa Ibom remains constant,” the Governor stated.
In recognition of his service, the Governor announced the appointment of Comrade Amos Etuk as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media.The Governor also presented brand-new official vehicles to members of the outgoing NUJ State Executive Council, another promise fulfilled during the union’s earlier thanksgiving event.Addressing journalists ahead of the forthcoming NUJ elections, Governor Eno urged them to uphold peace, decorum, and professionalism throughout the process.
“My support for you is because of your conduct and the way you’ve safeguarded the peace of the state. You’ve not set the state ablaze,” he remarked.Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, praised the Governor’s consistency in delivering on promises, describing the commissioning as an enactment of the “finisher’s anointing.”
He commended the administration’s commitment to press freedom and harmonious engagement with the media.“Since you came on board, no journalist has been arrested or jailed for any reason. This is evidence of your support for a free press,” Umanah stated, urging journalists to reciprocate with responsible journalism.Also in attendance, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, commended the Governor for his impactful leadership and for appointing journalists to key roles in government.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Information Commissioner in strengthening the media-government partnership.In his remarks, the outgoing NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for supporting the completion of the auditorium—an effort that began nearly two decades ago under the leadership of Comrade Israel Umoh.
He described the event as historic and pledged continued collaboration between the NUJ and the state government.“Your Excellency, this is the legacy we envisioned. You have been a father to Akwa Ibom NUJ. We assure you that this cooperation will be sustained,” Etuk affirmed.The highlight of the event was the official naming of the structure as the Patience Kemi Umo Eno NUJ Auditorium, immortalizing the late wife of the Governor and symbolizing the administration’s unwavering support for the media.
