A’Ibom Info Boss Hails Newspaper Publishers As Partners In Advancing State ‘ARISE Agenda’

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has described newspaper publishers as vital partners in promoting development and advancing Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda through information dissemination, civic engagement and accountability.

Speaking, Thursday in Uyo during the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers of Akwa Ibom (ANPA) Week 2025 on the theme, “The Relevance of Newspaper Publishers in State Development: The Case of Akwa Ibom State Under the ARISE Agenda,” Umanah, represented by his Special Assistant, Mr. Udeme Inyang, said newspapers remain indispensable for shaping public opinion and strengthening communication between the government and the people.

He noted that newspapers in the State play critical roles in educating citizens on government policies, promoting transparency and serving as permanent records of government decisions and historical events. “No media platform makes a more lasting impression on the public than the print media,” the Commissioner emphasized.

Highlighting the components of the ARISE Agenda, Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management and Education & Health Sector Advancement, Umanah said newspapers can help amplify its objectives by reporting milestones, facilitating public feedback and promoting accountability through investigative journalism.

He urged publishers to engage communities through human-interest stories that showcase the impact of programmes like the Free Food Distribution scheme and ARISE Compassionate Homes, while also partnering with government on platforms that foster dialogue and enhance public understanding of the administration’s development efforts.

Commending ANPA for organizing the event, Umanah said it provides an avenue for strengthening collaboration between the government and the press. He encouraged publishers to go beyond routine publicity and take up their role as “active partners in Akwa Ibom’s transformation journey under the ARISE Agenda.” Earlier, ANPA Chairman, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, appreciated the State Government for supporting media development and recognizing the contributions of newspaper publishers.