Ex-Guardian Deputy Bureau Chief Anietie Akpan Laid to Rest in Akwa Ibom

 Ex-Guardian Deputy Bureau Chief Anietie Akpan Laid to Rest in Akwa Ibom 

The remains of former South-South Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian newspaper, Mr. Anietie Ben Akpan, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Ekpeneobo, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, amid glowing tributes to his professionalism, integrity and contributions to journalism.

The funeral and thanksgiving service, held at the community playground in Ekpeneobo, attracted journalists, family members, friends, community leaders and members of the Living Faith Church, who gathered to pay their last respects to the late media professional.

In a condolence message, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, described Akpan as a thoroughbred journalist and a friend of Cross River State who made significant contributions to the development of the state through his professional practice. Governor Otu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, noted that although the deceased hailed from Akwa Ibom State, he lived and worked in Cross River for many years, making Calabar his second home.

The Governor commended Akpan for upholding the ethics of journalism and distinguishing himself through balanced reporting, objectivity and fairness at a time when sensationalism was becoming increasingly prevalent in the media.

"His reports gave voice to the Niger Delta, projected our developmental challenges and celebrated our people," Otu said.

He added that Cross River State had lost not only a friend but also a bridge between the state and the media, as well as a patriotic citizen who deployed his pen to promote good governance and development.

The Governor urged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the enduring legacy of the deceased, noting that his professional achievements and positive impact would continue to inspire younger journalists.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Akpan's soul and for God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.

In his sermon, the Akwa Ibom State Pastor of Living Faith Church, Pastor Tunde Olaghende, admonished Christians to live exemplary lives, make meaningful contributions to society and leave enduring legacies that would speak positively for them after death.

The service featured tributes from colleagues, associates and well-wishers, who described the late journalist as a consummate professional, a humble personality and a man deeply committed to the welfare of his community.

President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, described Akpan's death as a painful loss to the journalism profession.

Abdullahi, who was represented by the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River State Council, Archibong Bassey, said the deceased was a dedicated media professional whose contributions to journalism and commitment to the dissemination of information remained 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.

Also paying tribute, former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, Aniedi Ikoiwak, described Akpan as a balanced and objective reporter whose professional conduct earned him respect.

Ikoiwak, who was Akpan's schoolmate, recalled that they sat on the same bench on their first day in secondary school before reconnecting later in their careers, with Akpan pursuing journalism while he served in INEC.

According to him, their professional relationship provided opportunities to exchange news and share information, further strengthening a friendship that had endured over the years. He described the deceased as a jolly good fellow and an open book whose reports were so balanced that readers could hardly identify any personal bias. Ikoiwak urged practising journalists to emulate Akpan's commitment to fairness, objectivity and professional integrity.

Akpan served The Guardian for many years as a leading media voice in the South-South region, earning recognition for his incisive coverage of politics, governance and development issues across the Niger Delta.

He is survived by his wife, children and other members of his extended family.