Ekong Sampson Trains Media, Youths in Akwa Ibom South for Democratic Engagement

Ekong Sampson Trains Media, Youths in Akwa Ibom South for Democratic Engagement

…Aligns legislative vision with ARISE Agenda, Tinubu’s reforms, Akpabio’s Senate leadership

Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, has trained and empowered youths and media professionals from the district in ICT and strategic media engagement, reaffirming his commitment to people-centred and impactful legislative representation.

Speaking at the programme held at Mandela Hall, Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, the Senator described the media as a cornerstone of democracy and national development, noting that the evolving digital space has further expanded the responsibility of journalists in shaping governance and leadership.

“Truth and objectivity must remain the core values of journalism. Without education, there can be no journalism. We must continue to train, continue to read, and broaden our intellectual horizons,” he said, while referencing his ₦100 million education support initiative for students across the Senatorial District.

Senator Sampson reiterated his commitment to sustainable development and effective representation, aligning his legislative vision with the ARISE Agenda of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his reform-driven leadership and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, for providing purposeful legislative direction, citing key projects across the district as evidence of effective governance and collaboration.

The Senator further announced plans to establish an Endowment Fund for journalists in Akwa Ibom State and assured participants that the second phase of his empowerment programme, including the distribution of vehicles, motorcycles and other items would be implemented within the first quarter of the year.

Delivering the keynote address, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Peter Esuh, stressed that democracy cannot thrive without effective communication, describing the press as the authentic voice of the people.

Presenting the lead paper titled “Maximizing the Power of Digital Media Platforms in Shaping Public Views About Leadership and Representation in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District,” the Head of the Department of Information and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Herbert Batta, enlightened participants on the strategic use of digital media to amplify citizens’ voices, enhance leadership visibility, strengthen democratic participation, combat misinformation, and shape accurate public narratives.

In his lecture, “Strengthening Responsible Journalism for Impactful Representation and Good Governance,” the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, urged journalists to uphold credibility, fairness and disciplined fact-checking, noting that responsible journalism remains a powerful instrument for social change and good governance.

Similarly, Dr. Idongesit Ashemeri, who spoke on “X-raying Public Interest and Media Engagements,” advised journalists to adhere strictly to ethical standards guiding professional practice, particularly in reporting government projects, to ensure citizens are adequately informed.

In his address, the Chairman of the Association of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District Media Professionals, Dr. Edet Okpo, lauded Senator Ekong Sampson for facilitating the training programme and for raising the bar in the core mandates of lawmaking, oversight and representation.

“You are a man of unquestionable democratic credentials and result-oriented public service. Your interventions in health, quality infrastructure, business grants, facilitation of employment for over 40 constituents in federal MDAs, and massive investment in education, including the recent ₦100 million education grants to 500 indigent students and teachers are commendable,” he said.

He also highlighted the Senator’s sponsored and co-sponsored bills, including those for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi; the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Eket; amendments to the Federal Medical Centres Act; and the South-South Development Commission, as evidence of robust legislative representation.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, alongside other media stakeholders, praised Senator Sampson for his consistent commitment to education and capacity building, stressing that competence, integrity and knowledge acquisition must remain central to leadership and national development.

Other speakers, including Elder Patrick Albert, former NUJ Chairman; Comrade Amos Etuk, immediate past Chairman of the Union and Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Media; and other stakeholders, commended the Senator for making history as the first Senator from the district to establish a structured education support initiative. They described the ₦100 million education intervention as a landmark investment in human capital development that aligns seamlessly with the ARISE Agenda.

In recognition of his effective and impactful representation, the Association of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Media Professionals honoured Senator Ekong Sampson with the “Outstanding Public Service and Effective Representation Award”.

Participants were presented with certificates of participation and cash support.

© Net Reporters