Since 2005 when I did my One Year Internship Programme at the Nigerian Television Authority Channel 12 Uyo, the edifice was like an eyesore SERVING as an embarrassment to the Nigeria Union of JOURNALISTS, Akwa IBOM STATE COUNCIL.

The led administration of Late Daniel Ekanem as Chairman of NUJ in the late 90s is said to have started the building yet left uncompleted till date.

It was a beehive of Reptiles, domain for nefarious activities prior to the fencing of the Union by Comrade Patrick Albert led administration which Comrade Nene Affia served as Vice Chairman.

In 2022 while consulting the State Chapter of Nigeria Union of JOURNALISTS, Pastor UMO ENO pledged a whooping sum of Ten Million Naira for the completion of the building, redeemed the Promise within three weeks…yet the Project wasn’t completed.

Suffice to add that, Pastor UMO ENO is a man of Integrity who respects his spoken words and make them his bond.

I have inquired, checked, cross-checked and has never seen nor hear of any instance(s) where he’s made any promise without fulfilment.

It may take a while, sometimes longer time, BUT THE FULFILMENT OF THE Governor’s PLEDGE to anyone, organization IS always CERTAIN AND SACROSANCT.

Barely two years in office as the governor (after investing 10million Naira in the Project), Pastor UMO ENO took upon himself the completion of the edifice which has been fully completed at the moment.

An auditorium that ASPIRANTS vying for Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly used as their manifesto while soliciting for Media SUPPORTS during Press Briefing is Presently Completed by PASTOR UMO ENO WHO IS RUMOURED NOT TO HAVE GOTTEN MASSIVE SUPPORT FROM THE HIERARCHY OF THE UNION while vying for Governorship seat.

An Auditorium that was a home of Reptiles will henceforth be a Money Making venture for the UNION.

Never in the History of the state has any governor donated SUV JEEP to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of JOURNALISTS but Pastor UMO ENO within two years in office did not ONLY dashed the Chairman of NUJ Comrade AMOS ETUK a SUV CAR, but also lavishly bestowed about 13 saloon cars to MEMBERS of the State Working Committee of the union.

It’s pertinent to note that, Senator Godswill Akpabio while SERVING as GOVERNOR was also a Messiah to the UNION as he donated buses to various Chapels of the union, gave 100 million naira (A day, Comrade Thomas Thomas was arrested by the DSS), to the union.

His lieutenants Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem donated ICT CENTRE, Mr. Don Etim and Pastor Anietie Ukpe donated KVA GENERATOR each to the council among other gestures.

Unlike his PREDECESSORS who never attended the yearly Thanksgiving services of the NUJ, GOVERNOR UMO ENO has graced the services with all Executive Council Members, CHAIRMEN and members of Boards and Commissions, aides etcetera since assumption of Office.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi in 2024 represented the governor in the event that took place in Ikot Ibiok, Eket Local Government Area.

Hosted by the Honourable COMMISSIONER for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. FRANK ARCHIBONG, the Thanksgiving was like a Pilgrim where the entirety of Government “Apparatus” were emptied into the Oil City.

It was an outing that Heavens were opened, blessings poured on the Church of God, The Forth Estate of the Realm even as the name of God was glorified.

In 2025, the State Chief Executive personally attended the event BLESSED the State Working Committee of the Union with assorted vehicles…an unprecedented GESTURE that took the members of the union by surprise.

It’s pertinent to reveal that, Pastor UMO ENO has not only identified with Nigeria Union of JOURNALISTS, but has inculcated MEMBERS of the UNION in his led administration.

…a GOVERNOR who’s appointed more than 30 JOURNALISTS as his personal aides. Never in the history of the state has JOURNALISTS benefitted in such outrageous number.

…a GOVERNOR who more than 16 JOURNALISTS had served as Transition Committee members prior to the Present Local Government administration.

…a GOVERNOR who more than 10 JOURNALISTS are currently serving as Supervisors in various Local Government Areas deserves ACCOLADES.

The GOVERNOR has demonstrated Transparency, accountability in the running of Government via constant Media interaction, ensuring Ministerial briefing as at when due even as he’s provided cordial working environment for the MEMBERS of the fourth Estate of the Realm.

As the auditorium is tastefully completed, it’ll serve as a meeting hall for about 900 JOURNALISTS where congresses, Press briefing will be held.

The Present Hall built during Comrade Isreal Umoh administration is like a cubicle due to the increasing number of JOURNALISTS ACROSS THE State.

The auditorium will equally be lease out for PUBLIC events, in which case will serve as Revenue venture for the UNION.

So far, Pastor UMO ENO has shown sincere commitment to the Welfare, Wellbeing of the Nigeria Union of JOURNALISTS.

Despite the alleged “Face-off” with the Leadership during his campaign, he’s affirmed the Position of ABRAHAM LINCOLN THAT “IN EVERY CROOKED POLITICIAN, THERE’S A DEDICATED LEADER.”

Pastor UMO ENO is indeed A DEDICATED LEADER.

A FORMER ENCLAVE OF REPTILES, MEETING POINT OF DRUGS ADDICTS, RAPING POINT ETAL WILL NOW BE A MONEY MAKING VENTURE FOR JOURNALISTS, CONFERENCE HALL AMONG OTHERS.

To whom much is given, so much is expected. It behooves on MEMBERS of the Pen PROFESSION to reciprocate the gesture via adhering to the tenets of Journalism practice as the various gestures of the governor is worth appreciating, commendable and emulating.

©️ PROPHET (COMRADE) TOROBONG EKPO

PIONEER ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF CONSOLIDATED CHAPEL NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS.