The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the media, describing journalists as essential partners in promoting transparency, public accountability and sustainable development.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umo Eno, Ekerete Udoh, gives the assurance during a ministerial media briefing at Government House in Uyo, where government officials present updates on their respective areas of responsibility.
The briefing features presentations by the Commissioner for Labour, Elder Ikodem Ekong, the Commissioner for Town Planning, and the Governor’s Adviser on Political and Social Reorientation, Barrister Kufre Udosen.
Udoh commends journalists for their consistent participation in the briefings, noting that their engagement helps improve public understanding of government policies, programmes and activities across ministries, departments and agencies.
He says the administration recognises the media’s critical role in communicating government initiatives, promoting informed public discussion and ensuring that citizens remain aware of developments affecting their communities.
The CPS also links the relative industrial harmony in Akwa Ibom State and progress recorded under the Akwa Ibom United initiative to Governor Eno’s emphasis on peace, unity and constructive engagement among stakeholders.
Addressing concerns in some media circles that the governor is not sufficiently media-friendly, Udoh rejects the claims, insisting that the administration has demonstrated its willingness to maintain a productive relationship with journalists through practical interventions and sustained engagement.
As evidence of the government’s support, he cites the placement of advertisements in 50 local newspapers during the administration’s third anniversary and the state’s 39th anniversary celebrations.
He says the initiative demonstrates the government’s recognition of local newspapers as important channels for reaching communities and communicating public policies.
Udoh also references the presentation of brand-new vehicles to the executives of the immediate past Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council.
He further points to the completion of the NUJ auditorium as another intervention aimed at supporting journalists and strengthening the media community in the state.
According to the CPS, these initiatives reflect the administration’s understanding that a strong relationship between government and the media can contribute to effective communication, public awareness and accountability.
However, Udoh urges journalists to exercise caution when reporting information circulating on social media, emphasising the importance of verification before publication.
He warns that unverified claims and misleading narratives can confuse the public and potentially damage the reputation of individuals, institutions and the state.
The CPS encourages media practitioners to uphold professional ethics, maintain accuracy and distinguish verified facts from speculation, particularly in the fast-moving digital information environment.
His remarks highlight the responsibility of journalists to provide reliable information while scrutinising public policies and holding government institutions accountable.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the state government says it remains committed to engaging journalists as important stakeholders in governance, with the aim of improving public understanding and communicating Akwa Ibom’s development priorities.
The administration’s challenge will be to sustain this relationship through continued access to information, regular briefings, transparency and respect for the media’s independent watchdog role.
For journalists, the emphasis remains on balancing constructive engagement with independent reporting, fair scrutiny and the responsibility to keep citizens informed.
As the Umo Eno administration continues to implement its development agenda, the relationship between Government House and the media is expected to remain important in shaping public understanding of the state’s policies, projects and achievements.
