By Divine Sam
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has appealed to individuals, organisations, and institutions to engage trained and certified media professionals for quality communication services and improved public information management.
Comrade John made the call on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 NUJ Press Week in Uyo, themed “Journalism Practice in Akwa Ibom: The Turning Point.”
He emphasized the need for improved welfare, ethical standards, and proper recognition of journalists, urging government agencies, corporate organisations, and media owners to work closely with the Union in ensuring dignity and professionalism within the industry.
According to him, journalism has evolved beyond conventional news writing and reporting. “Journalists are now policymakers whose contributions shape governance and economic outcomes. As we mark the 37th anniversary of our State Council, we must reassess our collective impact on society,” he said.
Reassuring practitioners of his commitment to their protection, he stated that the Union remains steadfast in defending journalists’ rights and privileges. “Journalists and journalism have never been society’s problem. If anything affects one journalist, the entire profession will respond—and as Chairman, I will lead that charge,” he affirmed.
He further described journalists as indispensable to national development, stressing that only trained professionals should be entrusted with media-related responsibilities.
Delivering the keynote address, London-based journalist Mr. Moffat Ekoriko described journalism as both a calling and a central pillar of societal progress. He maintained that no society experiences meaningful transformation without the active involvement of journalists.
“Nothing shapes society like ideas, and nothing drives ideas like journalism. Any society seeking genuine change must rely on journalists,” Ekoriko said.
He noted that journalism plays a fundamental role in accountability and public interest protection. “No movement, idea, government, or campaign succeeds without journalism. Journalists mediate between leaders and the citizens they serve,” he added.
Ekoriko emphasized the profession’s influence on societal growth, adding that the quality of public welfare correlates directly with the quality of journalism practiced. He warned that democracy cannot thrive in environments where journalists are compromised, complacent, or unethical.
Describing journalists as “the eyes, ears, and voice of the people,” he stressed their duty to promote cultural values, unity, and responsible citizenship. He also cautioned against social behaviours such as envy locally referred to as idiokesit and urged practitioners to safeguard public resources and foster positive societal orientation.
The 2025 NUJ Press Week continues today, December 2, with Chapel Day activities and an Artistic Competition at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo.
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