Journalists have been charged to embrace responsible journalism and use their platforms to project the state positively by highlighting its development strides, tourism potential and achievements of successive administrations.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Ekerette Udoh, gave the charge while receiving the members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, 2026 Press Week Committee, led by its chairman,, Comrade Gideon Ekere.
Mr Udoh urged media practitioners to rise above sensationalism, persistent negativity and unsubstantiated allegations, stressing that journalism should contribute meaningfully to the state’s development by promoting factual reporting, constructive engagement and a balanced account of government policies and programmes.
He maintained that Akwa Ibom’s development story deserved responsible documentation, noting that the state had evolved considerably since its creation in 1987, from the infrastructure challenges of its early years to its present standing as a destination with growing tourism and investment prospects.
According to him, the media has a critical responsibility to tell the Akwa Ibom story in a manner that reflects the state’s progress, recognises the contributions of successive administrations and encourages public confidence in legitimate development initiatives.
Mr Udoh, who disclosed that he had been in journalism since 1985, said his years of professional experience had reinforced his conviction that journalists must understand their responsibility in shaping public perception and defining the identity of their communities.
He particularly highlighted the tourism potential of Akwa Ibom, describing the sector as one of the state’s comparative advantages and commending the present administration’s investments in tourism infrastructure and other major development projects.
The CPS called on journalists to scrutinise issues responsibly without resorting to deliberate attacks on public institutions or the manipulation of information for political interests, insisting that criticism should be guided by facts, professional ethics and the public interest.
Mr Udoh described himself as a media professional who preferred to work behind the scenes to support others, adding that the future of the profession depended on building a new generation of capable and responsible journalists.
He also emphasised the need to nurture younger media practitioners, expressing his commitment to creating opportunities for emerging professionals to develop their skills, assume leadership responsibilities and expand the frontiers of journalism in the state.
