The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council has inaugurated the pioneer executive members of the Aviation Correspondents Chapel in the state, with a charge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the coverage of the aviation sector.
The inauguration ceremony, which held in Uyo, had the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, deliver the keynote charge to the new chapel. She emphasized that the creation of the specialised beat was in response to the growing importance of aviation to the state’s economy and national discourse.
Comrade Moore cautioned members against the temptation to rush to publish unverified information, stressing that credibility remains the bedrock of journalism. “You must remain diligent, responsible and accurate in your reportage,” she told the new executives. “The public deserves facts, not speculation, especially in a sensitive sector like aviation where misinformation can cause panic.”
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of Aviation Correspondents of Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Charles Bassey, expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership for approving the creation of specialised beats. He noted that the move was aimed at bridging existing gaps in the professional coverage of key sectors, with aviation identified as a priority area given Akwa Ibom’s investments in air transport infrastructure.
Comrade Bassey pledged that members of the chapel would deploy expertise, training and ethical standards to deepen reportage of issues around airports, airlines, safety, and aviation policy in the state and beyond. He added that the chapel would also work to promote accurate data and public understanding of developments in the sector.
Aviation stakeholders who witnessed the inauguration lauded the initiative and urged the correspondents to use their platform to educate the public. The Chairman of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, Comrade Ukeme Isaac, said the establishment of the chapel came at the right time as Akwa Ibom continues to position itself as a hub for aviation in the South-South region.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSAN, in the state, and Auditor-General of the State’s Trade Union Congress, Comrade Ubong Samuel, applauded NUJ for the foresight. He called on members to leverage their professional expertise to sensitise the public to the vast opportunities within Akwa Ibom’s aviation sector, including jobs, investments and tourism.
With the inauguration, the NUJ Akwa Ibom Council now has a dedicated team of reporters focused on aviation matters. Union leaders expressed optimism that the chapel would enhance media visibility for the sector while ensuring that reportage remains factual, balanced and in the public interest.
