News 31 Chapel of NUJ Celebrates 2025 Week, Marks 10th Anniversary 

News 31 Chapel of NUJ Celebrates 2025 Week, Marks 10th Anniversary 

… Recognizes Eminent Personalities With Excellence Awards

The leadership and members of News 31 Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council have rounded off activities marking their 2025 Chapel Week.

The activities which kick-started with a thanksgiving service on Sunday in Oron, ended with a One – Day Media Symposium on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Immediate Past NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk and his successor, Comrade Nsibiet John

The memorable event, the first to be held at the newly commissioned Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno Auditorium, NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, also featured the presentation of awards to deserving personalities in Akwa Ibom State.

The chairman on the occasion, Elder Patrick Albert, congratulated Comrade John Ekpo-led Executives and the Planning Committee for organising an outstanding 2025 Chapel Week which coincides with its 10th anniversary celebration.

Elder Albert, who is a former chairman of the State NUJ, also commended the solidarity among all members and paid special tribute to their past leaders, whose dedication laid the foundation for the Chapel’s steady growth, noting that their unity, commitment, and shared purpose remain a source of inspiration and strength.

Speaking on the theme of the symposium, “AI and Journalism: Leveraging Opportunities In Grassroots Information Management,” Albert asserted that Knowledge–driven journalism helps to enhance values, self-worth and usefulness.

Dr. Abasifreke Idiong and NUJ Chairman, Nsibiet John

“Journalism, at its core, is about helping people make sense of the world by providing accurate, relevant, and contextual information. To do this well, journalists must move beyond simply reporting the “who, what, when, and where” of events; they must connect the dots, explain the “why and how”, and place issues in perspective so that citizens can understand and act on them. This is where artificial intelligence offers remarkable opportunities,” he added.

Keynote Speaker Dr Abasifreke Idiong

Among those honoured were: the former First Lady of Oron Local Government Area, Mrs. Arit Etim, PhD; the Chairman of Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Council and former Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Uno Etim Uno; the immediate past State Chairman of NUJ and SSA to Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk; the former Chairman of News 31 Chapel of the NUJ and Information/ Public Relations Officer for Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Comrade Roseline Etukudo, among others.

The event also featured Keynote presentation on the theme of the event, “AI And Journalism: Leveraging Opportunities In Grassroot Information Management”, by Dr. Abasifreke Idiong of the University of Uyo and another Lecture on the topic, “Image Management And AI Ethics and Excellence In The Local Government Administration, presented by Dr. Chris Okon, of the University of Uyo, as well as goodwill message from the State Council Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Nsibiet John.

In his remarks, Comrade Nsibiet John, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, expressed delight with the initiatives of News 31. He commended the executive and members of News 31, and by extension, the NUJ, for the job well done, stating that they have carved a niche for themselves in the archives of the Profession.

Comrade John noted that the theme of the event, “AI and Journalism: Leveraging Opportunities in Grassroot Information Management,” was not only interesting but also thought-provoking. He assured them of his administration’s commitment to better the lots of all NUJ members.

Highlighting some of his administration’s achievements within his few weeks in office, he announced that 25 NUJ members had already been enlisted for training. He pledged that more members would be added to the program in the coming weeks, to further enhance the capacity of NUJ members.”

High point of the event, which was held under the Distinguished Chairmanship of the former Chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Elder Patrick Albert, was cutting of the 10th Anniversary Cake of News 31 Chapel of the NUJ.

Among dignitaries at the event were State President of NULGE, Comrade Anestina Iweh
Chairmen of various Chapels of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council.

-Edna Monye