Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has once again proven that he is a man of his word, fulfilling a major promise to the media community by inaugurating the Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno NUJ Auditorium on August 1, 2025. The new state-of-the-art facility, located at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Uyo, stands as a monumental gesture of goodwill to the press and a testament to the Governor’s enduring support for free speech and media professionalism.
Umo Eno Delivers Big: Commissions NUJ Auditorium, Gifts Cars, Appoints SSA
The commissioning of the auditorium named in honour of the Governor’s late wife, Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno, marks the fulfillment of a pledge made earlier this year during the NUJ New Year Thanksgiving Service. Governor Umo Eno’s administration has not only delivered the promised infrastructure but also used the opportunity to empower the outgoing NUJ State Executive Committee by donating brand-new official vehicles to its members.
During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Umo Eno praised the leadership of outgoing NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, citing his maturity and responsible journalism as instrumental in maintaining peace and promoting the image of Akwa Ibom. “Governments will come and go, but Akwa Ibom remains constant,” Umo Eno said, in a powerful reminder that progress and professionalism must outlive any administration.
In recognition of Etuk’s dedication, the governor announced his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, ensuring continuity in collaboration between the media and the government.
The Governor’s commitment didn’t stop there. The handover of new vehicles to NUJ Exco members highlighted another fulfilled promise, emphasizing that the governor doesn’t just talk about progress—he delivers it. “My support for you is because of your conduct and the way you’ve safeguarded the peace of the state. You’ve not set the state ablaze,” he remarked, urging the media to remain professional ahead of the upcoming NUJ elections.
The event drew praise from various dignitaries, including State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, who called the commissioning a demonstration of Umo Eno’s “finisher’s anointing.” He highlighted that under Umo Eno, not a single journalist has been arrested or harassed, a strong indicator of his administration’s commitment to press freedom. “This is evidence of your support for a free press,” Umanah stated, urging journalists to respond with responsibility and integrity.
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National NUJ President, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, was also full of praise for the governor, thanking him for not only constructing the auditorium but for consistently placing journalists in strategic positions within government. He credited Umo Eno for bridging the gap between government and media through respectful dialogue and inclusion.
Comrade Amos Etuk, in his emotional farewell speech, thanked Umo Eno for bringing to completion a project that had been in limbo for nearly 20 years. Initiated under Comrade Israel Umoh, the structure is now a shining reality—thanks to Umo Eno’s intervention. “This is the legacy we envisioned. You have been a father to Akwa Ibom NUJ,” Etuk declared.
The emotional high point of the ceremony was the official naming of the building as the Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno NUJ Auditorium, a deeply symbolic gesture that not only immortalizes the Governor’s late wife but also solidifies Umo Eno’s reputation as a true friend of the media.
As Akwa Ibom looks to the future, it’s clear that the bond between the state government and the press is stronger than ever—thanks to the leadership and integrity of Umo Eno. From fulfilling promises to empowering the media, the governor is crafting a legacy of trust, respect, and tangible support for journalists in the state.
