By Solomon Azu and Tina Agosi Todo
The remains of former South South Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian Newspapers, late Mr. Anietie Ben Akpan, have been laid to rest in his hometown, Ekpeneobo, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The funeral/thanksgiving service, held at the community playground, Ekpeneobo, attracted journalists, family members, friends, community leaders and members of the Living Faith Church.
In a condolence message, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu described Late Anietie Akpan as a thoroughbred professional and a friend of Cross River State.
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Governor Otu represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill said though late Akpan was an indigene of Akwa Ibom, he lived and worked in Cross River for many years and contributed immensely to the state, noting that Calabar was his second home.
He extolled the late journalist for upholding the ethics of the profession, standing out for balance, objectivity and fairness at a time sensationalism is becoming common.
“His reports gave voice to the Niger Delta, projected our developmental challenges and celebrated our people,” the governor said, adding that Cross River has lost a friend, a bridge between the state and the media, and a patriotic citizen who used his pen to promote good governance.
Otu urged the family to take solace in the legacy of impact left by the deceased, which he said would inspire younger journalists, and prayed for the repose of his soul and fortitude for the family to bear the loss.
In his sermon, the Akwa Ibom State Pastor of Living Faith Church, Pastor Tunde Olaghende, admonished Christians to lead a good life, create impact and leave a legacy while on earth so that in death they would be remembered for good.
The service was followed by tributes extolling the late journalist as a thoroughbred professional, humble and community-minded.
On his part, the President, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Alhassan Yahya Abduallah described his death as a painful loss to journalism.
Abduallah, represented by the NUJ chairman, Cross River State Council, Archibong Bassey said late Akpan was a dedicated media professional whose contributions to journalism and commitment to dissemination of information remain part of his enduring legacy.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anietie was a respected colleague and a friend whose presence and relationship with others will be deeply missed. His passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill,” the NUJ President stated.
Former INEC Commissioner, and chairman, Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, Aniedi Ikoiwak, described late Anietie Akpan, as a balanced and objective reporter.
Ikoiwak, a schoolmate who sat on the same bench with Akpan on their first day in secondary school, said they reconnected in their working lives with Akpan in journalism and himself in INEC, sharing news and opportunities.
He described Akpan as a jolly good fellow and an open book, noting his reports were balanced to the point readers could not pinpoint his bias, a virtue he said should be emulated.
Late Anietie Akpan, who served The Guardian for many years in the South South, was known for incisive reporting on politics, governance and development issues in the Niger Delta region.
He is survived by his wife, children and extended family.
