By Victor Essang
The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) has inaugurated a new executive council to steer the affairs of the association for the next two years, with Comrade Harrison Ndifreke emerging as State Chairman.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday in Uyo, also saw the emergence of Mabel Ekanem as Secretary, Josephine Ekpa as Treasurer, Mrs. Helen John as Vice Chairman, Deborah Young as Auditor, Ofonime Honesty as Assistant Secretary, Udeme Utip as Public Relations Officer, Unyime Ekwere as Welfare Officer, Solomon Okpo as Director of Programmes, and Dianabasi Effiong as Director of Marketing.
In his acceptance speech, Ndifreke expressed appreciation to the national leadership and members of the association for the confidence reposed in him and his team. He described the inauguration as the beginning of a renewed commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism, and excellence in reporting.
He pledged that the new administration would prioritize capacity building through regular training programmes, strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, promotion of professional ethics, encouragement of investigative journalism, and increased visibility for the association.
“The energy and maritime sectors remain critical drivers of economic growth and national development. As journalists covering these sectors, we have a responsibility to provide accurate, balanced, and insightful reportage that informs the public, promotes transparency, and supports sustainable development,” Ndifreke said.
The new chairman emphasized the importance of unity among members, noting that the success of the association would depend largely on collective commitment and cooperation. He assured members that the executive would serve with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose, while calling for the support of stakeholders and members to achieve the association’s goals.
Earlier, the National Secretary of EMR and immediate past State Chairman, Dr. Saviour Ekpe, reflected on the growth of the association in Akwa Ibom State, describing EMR as a specialized journalism platform focused on reporting developments in the oil and gas, power, and maritime sectors.
According to him, training remains the cornerstone of the association’s activities due to the highly technical nature of the industries it covers.
“There are specific terminologies and technical aspects associated with the energy and maritime sectors that require specialized training before journalists can effectively report on them,” Ekpe stated.
While congratulating the newly inaugurated executive members, he urged them to embark on an aggressive membership drive to expand the association’s current strength of over 30 members.
“We need to grow beyond our current numbers. Membership expansion will strengthen our voice and enhance our impact within the industry,” he added.
Ekpe also encouraged members to explore opportunities within the sectors they cover, hold stakeholders accountable, and contribute meaningfully to national development through responsible and objective journalism.
The event featured goodwill messages from media practitioners and stakeholders who expressed confidence in the future of the association.
Mr. Ikpong Essien Udom described the establishment of EMR in Akwa Ibom as a welcome development, noting that the state’s position as Nigeria’s leading oil-producing state makes it a strategic location for the organization.
He congratulated members for successfully establishing the association in the state and expressed optimism that it would flourish and contribute significantly to the growth of the media industry.
Similarly, Mr. Edet Ikotidem highlighted the professional benefits of membership in the association and urged journalists to remain committed to objective and development-oriented reporting.
He encouraged practitioners to tell stories that promote the state while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
Speaking further, the Vice Chairman of EMR, Mrs. Helen John, who is also an editor with The Pioneer Newspaper, expressed confidence that the association would achieve its objectives through sustained engagement with stakeholders in the energy and maritime sectors.
She noted that regular interaction with industry players would provide members with valuable insights and opportunities to enhance the quality of their reportage.
Also speaking, the Director of Programmes, Comrade Solomon Okpo, emphasized the vast economic potential of the energy and maritime sectors, describing them as highly rewarding beats for journalists.
He urged members to remain committed to their responsibilities, stressing that one of the primary roles of journalists is to hold public officials and industry operators accountable.
Okpo further advocated the establishment of a Ministry of Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom State to harness the enormous opportunities available within the maritime sector.
On his part, the Director of Marketing, Mr. Dianabasi Effiong, stated that EMR was established to promote societal development through constructive and impactful reporting.
He called on journalists to explore the immense opportunities within the maritime industry and contribute to public enlightenment through quality journalism.
Also speaking, the Welfare Officer, Mr. Unyime Ekwere, stressed the need for members to remain steadfast in holding governments and institutions accountable while working collectively to advance the association’s mandate.
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