•As chairman vows to make headquarters finest in Akwa Ibom
By Emmanuel Ntekim
The Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has commended the Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren, for the ongoing transformation of the council secretariat and other developmental projects across the area.
The chapel leadership described the scale of infrastructural works at the council secretariat as impressive, saying the projects, when completed, would provide a more conducive working environment for council workers and restore the dignity of the local government administration.
Chairman of the Federated Chapel, Comrade Bassey Ibiatisuho, stated this when he led members of the chapel executive and the Vice Chairman of the 2026 Chapel Week Planning Committee, Comrade Jane Uwa, on a courtesy visit to the Onna council chairman.
The delegation also undertook an inspection tour of some of the ongoing projects within the council premises.
Among the projects inspected were the ultramodern Executive Council (EXCO) Building, the remodelling of the Chairman’s Office block, renovation of the Legislative block and construction of internal roads within the council secretariat.
Ibiatisuho said the projects demonstrated a commitment to improving the physical and administrative environment of the council, adding that their completion would enhance efficiency and productivity among workers.
He said the visit was also intended to enable the chapel leadership to assess the development taking place under the Umoren-led administration and formally invite the council chairman to the 2026 Federated Chapel Week scheduled for October 8 to 11.
Speaking during the visit, Umoren thanked the Federated Chapel for the gesture and acknowledged the important role of journalists in promoting accountability, strengthening governance and deepening democracy through the dissemination of information.
The council chairman explained that his administration inherited a secretariat that required substantial attention, stressing that the ongoing construction and renovation works were part of efforts to create a functional and efficient local government administration.
“I really appreciate this visit, even though you came when we are still trying to put things right here. The council secretariat is like a construction site now because I was a bit disappointed with the way I met it, but I can assure you, next time you visit, this will be one of the finest local government secretariats you will see in this state,” Umoren said.
He assured that his administration would continue to improve the working environment for council personnel while implementing interventions aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of residents.
Umoren also congratulated the Federated Chapel on its forthcoming Chapel Week and commended the programmes planned for the celebration.
He particularly praised the proposed establishment of press clubs in schools, describing the initiative as an opportunity to expose young people to journalism and prepare future media professionals.
“I want to really commend you for the programmes you’ve lined up to mark your week. Going to schools to set up press clubs, in fact, that’s the first time I’m hearing such initiative and it is really commendable. You are preparing future journalists today, and that’s a good one,” he said.
The 2026 Federated Chapel Week is expected to feature the inauguration of press clubs in schools, free medical outreach, a chapel week lecture and honours programme, as well as a thanksgiving service.
Other members of the chapel delegation included Vice Chairman, Pastor (Mrs.) Enobong Inyang; Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ntekim; Treasurer, Dr. Etimbuk Idiong; and Vice Chairman of the 2026 Chapel Week Planning Committee, Comrade Jane Uwa.
