COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE CONGRESS OF THE EKET FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY MEDIA PROFESSIONALS (EFCMP) Held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Merafany Sports Hall, Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE CONGRESS OF THE EKET FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY MEDIA PROFESSIONALS (EFCMP) Held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Merafany Sports Hall, Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

BACKGROUND
The Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals (EFCMP) is a forum comprising Journalists, Brand Management Consultants, Content Creators, Photographers, Broadcasters, and Online Publishers from the four Local Government Areas that make up the Eket Federal Constituency, namely Eket, Esit Eket, ONNA, and Ibeno Local Government Areas.

The Forum is dedicated to promoting the development of the Eket Federal Constituency through responsible information dissemination and management, as well as championing causes that foster growth, unity, peace, and sustainable development among the people of the Constituency.

CONGRESS-IN-SESSION

1. The Congress commenced at exactly 4:00 p.m. with an opening prayer led by Comrade Joseph Ekong.

2. The Congress was well attended by members and was presided over by the Chairman of the Forum, Comrade Enobong Nsimah.

3. In his opening remarks, the Chairman welcomed members to the Congress and expressed his appreciation for the support and confidence in electing him to lead the Forum. He noted that the Congress marked the first formal gathering of the Forum since his election as Chairman.

4. The Congress approved and adopted the slogan, “EFC — Informing the People, Shaping the Future,” as the official slogan of the Forum, to be used in its engagements and activities henceforth.

5. The Congress commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for what it described as his interventions, transformative initiatives and policies which have impacted positively on the people of the Eket Federal Constituency. In particular, the Congress acknowledged the ongoing construction of the 15.1-kilometre Ndon Eyo–Ikot Akpatek–Ikwe–Odio Road, as well as the appointment of five Commissioners and over 40 Aides from the Federal Constituency into the State Government. On the strength of these considerations, the Congress declared its support for the Governor’s second-term bid.

6. Members of the forum who have benefitted first-hand from the Health Insurance Scheme of the Akwa Ibom State Government informed the meeting and accordingly. In acknowledging such incredible feat, the Congress commended the State Government for the Health Insurance Scheme, stating its importance in improving access to healthcare for residents of the state.

7. The Congress passed a vote of confidence on the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, Patron of the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals, in recognition of his unrelenting support, encouragement, and commitment to the Forum’s growth and members welfare since its inception.

8. As a matter of urgent importance, the Congress in distress noted that scourging flood in Eket LGA that has affected several homes are entirely man-made occasioned by indiscriminate disposal of refuse, building on waterways and channels. While sympathising with the victims, the Congress proposed to meet with Town Planning Department to tackle the menace and to question their activities and sheer negligence and approving some structures without considering the lurking consequences. The Congress therefore called on the Akwa Ibom State government to approve the construction of more and quality drainages, as well as provide palliatives to the victims of flooding to cushion the devastating effects.

9. The Congress commended the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Akaniyene Tommey, for his proactive interventions on issues of urgent concern, particularly his prompt response to the recent flooding situation in the area.

10. The Congress also commended the Executive Chairman of Esit-Eket Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Uduak Ikemesit Ikot, for her impactful leadership and interventions within the Local Government Area, particularly her prompt response to reports concerning dangerous road spots and potholes. Also, commended her partnership with the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area on zero-pothole along the corridors linking the sisters communities.

11. In view of the commencement of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Congress urged members to refrain from the use of blackmail, misinformation, propaganda, and other unethical practices in the discharge of their professional responsibilities. Members were encouraged to properly advise and guide their principals and political candidates where necessary and to ensure that they are not used as instruments for negative or malicious campaigns.

12. On the recent peaceful demonstration of Okon Youth over the activities of Sumedha Energy (Sterling Global) Operators of OML13, the Congress frowned at such disregard, manipulation and exploitation, failing to adhere to the obligations of the Petroleum Industry Acts 2021 chapter 3 for the Host Communities. The Congress stated empathetically that Sterling Global should act accordingly on the areas of presenting their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), sign the MoU with the Host community and interface with Eket Local Government authority in line with global standard to ensure smooth operations.

13. In its resolve to strengthen collaboration among media professionals across the four Local Government Areas and promote accurate, balanced, responsible, and development-driven reportage within the Eket Federal Constituency, the Congress urged members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. The Congress further encouraged members to ensure that criticism is constructive, factual, fair, and guided by public interest.

14. The Congress announced a novelty football match between members of the Forum and the Eket Divisional Police Command, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026.

15. The Congress announced the commencement of a pro bono initiative aimed at identifying and supporting innocent or indigent inmates at the Eket Correctional Centre, particularly those who have no legal support fees.

16 The Congress approved a period of one month for all interested and existing members to complete their registration and payment of the approved annual membership fee.

17. The Congress expressed its profound appreciation to the BOT Chairman, Mr. Essien Ndueso, PhD, Mr. Mfon Bassey, Comrade Jerryz Edoho, Comrade Edet Edet; Comrade Joseph Ekong, Comrade Ubong Creativity, Mkpisong Barr. Bassey Dan Abia, KJW, and all members of the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals for their contributions towards the success of the Congress.

Signed:

Comrade Joseph Ekong
Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee

Comrade Unwana Assam
Secretary

Comrade Ubong Creativity
Member

Mrs. Emem Ebito
Member

Comrade Enobong Nsimah,
Chairman, EFCMP