𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗢𝗠 𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗢𝗥𝗨𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗠 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗦 𝗡𝗨𝗝 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

The Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sunday Festus, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence in Rural Infrastructural Development by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.

The award was presented on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day celebration held at the Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo.

In his remarks, the Council Boss, expressed deep appreciation to the organizers and selection committee for finding him worthy of the honour.

“I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to stand before you as a recipient of this award. You can confirm from my Information Officers here that we are very media-friendly in Oruk Anam Local Government, and we are not backing down. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the organizers and the selection committee for this recognition,” he stated.

He noted that his achievements are a collective effort and dedicated the award to the people of Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

Obong Sunday Festus also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media and assured of more impactful developmental projects for the benefit of the people.

The award, which was initially received on behalf of the Chairman by the Vice Chairman of Oruk Anam, Hon. Akam Etiebet, recognizes his outstanding commitment to rural development and service to humanity.

Setting the tone for the event, the Chairman of the World Press Freedom Day Planning Committee, Comrade Oku Udoetor, underscored the vital role of responsible journalism in promoting peace, unity, and conflict resolution.

He charged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and remain committed to truth and fairness in their reportage, especially at a time when society looks to the media for direction and stability.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, reinforced the importance of the media as a pillar of democracy and a driver of peacebuilding. He urged journalists to maintain professionalism, accuracy, and balance in their reporting, while also commending individuals and leaders whose contributions continue to advance development and good governance across the state.

The event, themed “Shaping a Future at Peace: The Critical Role of Journalism in Promoting Peace and Resolving Conflicts in Akwa Ibom State,” featured notable personalities including the Chairman of the Occasion, Engr. Ukeme Eyo, MD/CEO of U&K Integrated Services, and the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Iniobong Umotong, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Akwa Ibom State University, as well as other panelists.

Also in attendance was the wife of the Chairman, Deaconess Mrs Juliana Sunday, Secretary of Council, Surveyor Saviour Inyang; APC Chapter Chairman, Elder Christopher Nelson; Supervisor for Health, Mr Victor Usua; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Itoro Simon; media professionals, government officials, and stakeholders from across the state.

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁,
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,
𝗢𝗿𝘂𝗸 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗺 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
𝟰/𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲