July 1 (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of weigh-in allowance to journalists in the state’s employment who were previously excluded from the scheme, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of media professionals.
The governor announced the approval while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, during a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo.
Eno directed the Head of Civil Service to implement the approval immediately, noting that it was only fair for all eligible government-employed journalists to benefit from the allowance.
“If some journalists are already receiving the allowance, it is only proper that those omitted should also benefit”, the governor said, acknowledging that journalists, particularly members of the Government House Press Corps, often work beyond regular hours and deserve appropriate welfare support.
The governor reiterated that his administration remained focused on improving the welfare of citizens while delivering on the promises of the ARISE Agenda.
He said the state’s development trajectory was driven by deliberate leadership and sustained implementation rather than mere expectations.
Highlighting recent achievements, Eno referenced the arrival of the first batch of 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to modernise the state’s transportation system and stimulate economic growth.
He congratulated the newly elected NUJ leadership on its emergence and commended the union for its continued collaboration with his administration. He urged journalists to sustain their support in projecting the state’s development initiatives, particularly as the government works to position Akwa Ibom as a major tourism destination.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the visit was to formally introduce the new executive to the governor and express appreciation for his consistent support for the media.
John described Eno as one of Nigeria’s most media-friendly governors, citing the completion of the long-abandoned Patience Umo Eno Hall at the NUJ Press Centre after more than 18 years, the presentation of official vehicles to the immediate past NUJ leadership, and the appointment of journalists into key positions in government.
He also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to combating fake news and professional misconduct, assuring the governor that the NUJ would remain a dependable partner in promoting the development of Akwa Ibom State.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Civil Service Mrs. Elsie Peters, Commissioner for Information Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Dean of the College of Commissioners and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Frank Archibong, alongside other members of the State Executive Council and senior government officials.
Attached: The NUJ Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, presenting a plaque to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, during the visit to the State Executive Chamber.
