Senator Ekong Sampson Empowers Media, Youths with Digital Skills, Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Governance

Senator Ekong Sampson Empowers Media, Youths with Digital Skills, Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Governance

By Solomon OKPO

Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, has reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred and impactful legislative representation with the training and empowerment of youths and media professionals from the district in information and communication technology (ICT) and strategic media engagement.

The programme, held at the Mandela Hall of Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, focused on strengthening democratic participation through responsible journalism and effective use of digital media platforms. Addressing participants, Senator Sampson described the media as a critical pillar of democracy and national development, stressing that the expanding digital space has increased the responsibility of journalists in shaping governance and leadership narratives.

He emphasised the need for professionalism and continuous capacity building in journalism, noting that truth, objectivity and education remain non-negotiable values of the profession. The Senator also referenced his ₦100 million education support initiative for students across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District as part of his broader investment in human capital development.

Aligning his legislative vision with the ARISE Agenda of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Senator Sampson commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his reform-driven leadership and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, for providing purposeful direction in the National Assembly. He cited ongoing projects and interventions across the district as evidence of effective governance anchored on collaboration.

The lawmaker further announced plans to establish an Endowment Fund for journalists in Akwa Ibom State, while assuring participants that the second phase of his empowerment programme, covering the distribution of vehicles, motorcycles and other support 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, underscored the centrality of communication to democratic sustainability, describing the press as the authentic voice of the people.
In a 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, highlighted the strategic use of digital platforms to amplify citizens’ voices, enhance leadership visibility, counter misinformation and strengthen democratic engagement.

Speaking on “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, describing responsible journalism as a potent tool for social change and good governance.

Similarly, Dr. Idongesit Ashemeri, in her presentation on “X-raying Public Interest and Media Engagements,” advised journalists to adhere strictly to professional ethics, particularly in reporting government activities, to ensure the public is properly informed.

The Chairman of the Association of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District Media.
Professionals, Dr. Edet Okpo, commended Senator Sampson for facilitating the training and for setting a high standard in lawmaking, oversight and representation. He highlighted the Senator’s interventions in health, infrastructure, business grants, employment facilitation for over 40 constituents in federal MDAs, and his ₦100 million education grants to 500 indigent students and teachers.
Dr. Okpo also cited the Senator’s sponsored and co-sponsored bills, including those seeking 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 effective legislative engagement.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, alongside other media stakeholders, praised Senator Sampson’s consistent investment in education and capacity building, stressing that competence, integrity and knowledge acquisition remain essential 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, described the Senator’s ₦100 million education intervention as a landmark initiative in human capital development aligned with the ARISE Agenda.

In recognition of his effective and impactful representation, the Association of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Media Professionals presented Senator Ekong Sampson with the Outstanding Public Service and Effective Representation Award. Participants at the programme received certificates of participation and cash support.