Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have paid tribute to Anietie Akpan, former South-South Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian newspaper, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Ekpeneobo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
Akpan, who died on August 2 at the age of 63, was buried following a funeral and thanksgiving service attended by journalists, family members, friends and community leaders at the community playground in Ekpeneobo, Esit Eket Local Government Area.
Governor Otu described the late journalist as a thoroughbred professional whose contributions to journalism and Cross River State would remain indelible.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Nsa Gill, the governor recalled Akpan’s years of professional service in Cross River, where he lived and worked for an extended period and regarded Calabar as his second home.
He commended the deceased for upholding journalistic ethics, particularly the principles of balance, objectivity and fairness at a time when sensationalism was becoming increasingly common.
According to Otu, Akpan’s reports amplified the voices of Niger Delta communities, highlighted developmental challenges and celebrated the region’s people.
He described the journalist’s death as a loss to Cross River, noting that Akpan had served as a bridge between the state and the media while using journalism to promote good governance.
The governor urged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the legacy Akpan left behind and prayed for strength to cope with the loss.
Similarly, NUJ President Alhassan Abdullahi described Akpan’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession.
Represented by the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River Council, Archibong Bassey, Abdullahi praised Akpan’s dedication to professional journalism and public information, noting that his commitment to keeping the public informed remained an important part of his legacy.
In his sermon, Pastor Tunde Olaghende of Living Faith Church, Akwa Ibom, urged Christians to live meaningful lives and make positive contributions to society.
A former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioner, Aniedi Ikoiwak, also remembered Akpan as a balanced reporter whose objectivity earned him widespread respect.
Former secondary school classmates described the late journalist as humble and professional, recalling their longstanding friendship with him.
Akpan retired from The Guardian before establishing his own media platform. He remained based in Calabar until his death.
His professional legacy, particularly his commitment to balanced reporting and regional development, was highlighted by colleagues and public officials at his funeral.
