By Deborah Ekanem
The State’s Chief photographer and the Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno, Idara Adiakpan has announced the second edition of the Visual Conference and Photography Awards. Adiakpan, in a press conference held on Tuesday, 7 October, 2025 at Vinpy event center, Uyo, said the two‑day event will run on 9 – 10 October 2025 at the same venue on Udo Udoma Avenue.
Adiakpan explained that the conference aims to bring professional mentors to Akwa Ibom, noting that many young photographers cannot afford travel or costly training elsewhere. “Our creative industry is very broad; we need to bring them together, put them on track, and expose them to what’s happening beyond the state,” she said.
The programme will feature expert photographers such as Eduwem Ukpong, Kelechi Amadi, and the PhotoFreak team. The organisers introduced a guiding mantra – TRACE – standing for Trust, Reliability, Accountability, Competence and Execution, to shape talent development and media output.
Adiakpan thanked Governor Eno for the opportunity, stating the intention to identify, train and retain local photographers, many of whom excel in Lagos, Abuja and other cities but often return home. She added that the event will include a photography award to celebrate outstanding talent.
Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Council, commended Adiakpan for aligning with Governor Eno’s empowerment agenda and pledged NUJ support to ensure the conference’s success