By Our Reporter
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has called for the inclusion of journalists in empowerment programmes initiated by the Member representing Eket/Esit Eket/Onna/Ibeno Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.
Comrade John made the appeal during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the federal lawmaker to present a scorecard of his activities and achievements at the National Assembly. The event was held at Villa Marina Hotels in Eket Local Government Area.
He commended the lawmaker for convening the briefing, describing the initiative as a commendable step toward transparency and accountability in public service. According to him, such engagements provide an opportunity for constituents and stakeholders to offer constructive feedback that can help shape effective representation.
The NUJ Chairman praised Etteh for the development strides recorded since assuming office and encouraged him to sustain his commitment to legislative effectiveness, constituency development, and empowerment programmes that directly benefit the people.
While acknowledging the impact of the lawmaker’s initiatives, Comrade John urged him to recognize practicing journalists from the constituency as critical stakeholders by incorporating them into empowerment schemes and development-driven activities. He also encouraged the sponsorship of training and retraining programmes for media practitioners within the constituency.
He emphasized that journalists play an indispensable role in strengthening democratic governance through information dissemination, public enlightenment, and constructive engagement with government policies and programmes.
Comrade John further appealed to the federal lawmaker to intensify advocacy on key infrastructural concerns affecting the constituency, particularly the Eket–Ibeno Road, noting that addressing such challenges would significantly improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents.
He assured the lawmaker of the continued support and cooperation of journalists in the state, adding that the media remains committed to promoting awareness of government policies and programmes that are aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.
According to him, a strong partnership between public office holders and the media would enhance transparency, deepen accountability, and ensure that development initiatives effectively reach grassroots communities.
The stakeholders’ meeting was chaired by former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien, who expressed satisfaction with the performance of the federal lawmaker.
Other prominent stakeholders who spoke at the event included Bassey Dan Abia, SAN; Isiah Abia; Usoro Akpanusoh; Owoidighe Ekpoatai; Aniekan Akpan; Kingsley Etop Mbre; and the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Mrs. Ekah. They all commended the lawmaker for the progress recorded so far in representing the constituency.
Their contributions highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among political leaders, stakeholders, and the media in advancing development across the Eket Federal Constituency.
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