…Honours Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, Oku Ibom Ibibio, Others at ANPA Week 2025 Finale
UYO — The Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association, Akwa Ibom State (ANPA), has restated its commitment to deepening partnership with the state government while seeking financial and infrastructural support to sustain the local print media industry.
The President-General of ANPA, Pastor Osuiniabasi Alfred, made the appeal during the grand finale of the maiden ANPA Week 2025, held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at CEEDAPEG Hotel, Uyo.
This year’s event, themed “Newspaper Publishers as Catalysts for Democracy and Good Governance,” featured a series of community-focused activities, including a medical outreach, orphanage visit, fitness walk, and inspection of government projects.
Pastor Alfred emphasized that ANPA’s unity and collective strength have continued to bolster journalism development, job creation, and democratic engagement in Akwa Ibom State.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsibly promoting government achievements while maintaining professionalism and patriotism.
He appealed to the government to introduce monthly subventions to newspaper houses to cushion the rising cost of production and enhance staff welfare. He further requested support for the establishment of an ANPA Business Hub, a modern Publishers’ House, and a state-of-the-art printing and training centre.
Pastor Alfred commended the Central Planning Committee led by Elder Patrick Albert and appreciated government officials who are members of the association, including the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Aniekan Umanah; Chief Press Secretary Mr. Ekerete Udoh; and Senior Special Assistants on Media and Documentation.
Award Presentations
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities whose contributions continue to uplift the state and its media landscape. Honourees include:
- Sen. Godswill Akpabio – President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Governor Umo Eno – Governor of Akwa Ibom State
- His Eminence, Ntenyin Dr. Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP – Oku Ibom Ibibio
- Sen. Effiong Bob
- Sir Dr. Victor Antai – Executive Director, Projects, NDDC
- Sen. Ekong Sampson
- HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet – Paramount Ruler, Udung Uko LGA
- Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem – Former Secretary to the State Government
- Sir Chief Dr. Effiong Daniel Afikurue, KJW, Ikpoto Oro
- Rt. Hon. Chief Uno Etim Uno – Executive Chairman, Urueoffong Oruko Local Government Area
- Hon. Martins Esin – Member Representing Oron Federal Constituency
- Chief Edet Isong, Okete Okete Oro – Publisher, Newsday Newspaper
In his closing remarks, Pastor Alfred urged members to uphold professionalism and remain steadfast in advancing the voice of Akwa Ibom State through credible journalism.
“Together, we will continue to write, inform, educate, and strengthen democracy in our dear state,” he said.
By Ndifreke Bassey
Newsday Newspaper
