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…Seeks Media Subvention
By Saviour Ekpe
The Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA), Akwa Ibom State on yesterday, held the grand finale of its maiden ANPA Week 2025 at CEEDAPEG Hotel, Uyo.
The event, which featured a symposium, awards ceremony, and luncheon, brought together top government officials, media professionals, and over 100 local newspaper publishers under one umbrella with a strong reaffirmation of support for the Umo Eno-led administration, renewed commitment to strengthening the media sector and appealed for government intervention to stabilise state-based newspaper publishing in the State.
In his welcome remarks, the President-General of ANPA, Pastor Osuiniabasi Alfred described the week-long activities as “a resounding success,” noting that the series of engagements—including a Free Medical Outreach; visit to orphanage home; fitness walk; novelty match and inspection of government projects—demonstrated the association’s commitment to public service and development.
Quoted Henry Ford, the President General said: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success,” explaining that the statement reflects the unity and shared purpose that guided ANPA throughout the week.
Pastor Alfred emphasised the association’s role as a critical stakeholder in the media ecosystem, stating that ANPA members “publish and finance the running of over 100 Akwa Ibom-based newspapers,” thereby creating jobs, nurturing journalists, and strengthening democracy through credible information dissemination.
He commended the Central Planning Committee led by Elder Patrick Albert for their “exceptional coordination and vision,” and reiterated ANPA’s early endorsement of Governor Umo Eno’s administration. According to him, “ANPA was the first organized body in the State to pass a Vote of Confidence on the Governor,” pledging continued partnership based on constructive and responsible engagement.
The President-General called on the government to support local publishers with monthly subvention, cooperative strengthening and assistance in acquiring land for the proposed ANPA Business Hub, which will house a modern printing press and serve as a centre for collaboration and capacity building. He stressed that these interventions would help newspaper houses cope with rising printing costs and expand circulation.
Also speaking, the Chairman of ANPA’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and one of the founding visioners, Elder Ernest Akpan described the event as historic and a fulfillment of a long-standing dream. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said: “It always seems impossible until it is done,” adding that ANPA’s growth into a body of nearly 100 publishers proves the power of collective vision.
Elder Akpan, himself the Special Assistant to the Executive Governor expressed profound appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for believing in and supporting the ANPA dream, noting that the Governor made history by appointing seven publishers as aides—“a first in our State.”
Elder Akpan highlighted ANPA’s contribution to projecting the ARISE Agenda and promoting the achievements of the administration, recalling that the association was also the first professional body to endorse the Governor for a second term.
He praised the success of the ANPA Week, particularly the Free Medical Outreach and inspection tours of ongoing government projects across the 31 LGAs. He also commended the CPC, the Commissioner for Information, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and other aides who are members of ANPA for their support.
Both leaders reaffirmed ANPA’s loyalty to the government, its mission to elevate the media profession, and its commitment to guide, inform, and hold leadership accountable with patriotism. Pastor Alfred closed by reminding members of Robert Ingersoll’s words: “When we lift others, we rise ourselves.”
The grand finale concluded with awards presentation, symposium discussions, and a luncheon marking the successful end of the maiden ANPA Week 2025.
