By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Aviation Correspondents of Akwa Ibom State (ACAKS), has been inaugurated with a charge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and ethics in reporting the aviation sector.
Comrade Nsibiet John John, Chairman of the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who performed the inauguration last week in Uyo, described aviation as a critical and sensitive sector that demands diligence and responsible reportage.
Represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, the NUJ Chairman, cautioned members against rushing to publish unverified information, stressing that journalists must cross-check facts and ensure accuracy at all times.
“Aviation is too sensitive for errors. Report only what you have verified. Your work must also be in harmony and contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
The ceremony which was witnessed by representatives of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, ANAP, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, Comrade John assured ACAKS of the Council’s support and urged the corps to keep the NUJ informed of its major activities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ACAKS, Comrade Charles Bassey Silas, thanked the NUJ leadership for supporting the creation of specialised beats.
Bassey explained that ACAKS was formed to address the gap in professional coverage of key sectors, with aviation being a priority.
“Aviation is critical. The airport is the first point of entry into our state. As journalists, we are the mirror through which society sees itself. The era where visitors tell our aviation story must give way to us telling our own story,” Bassey said.
Bassey noted the drive by the State’s Governor, Pastor Umo Eno at developing the aviation sector, assuring that ACAKS would ensure professional reportage of projects including the smart airport, the MRO facility, and Ibom Air’s fleet expansion.
He announced that ACAKS would the launching “Ibom Aviation Journal” in September as part of the state’s 39th anniversary.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of ATSSAN and Auditor-General of TUC Akwa Ibom, Comrade Ubong Samuel, described ACAKS as a welcome development that will ease the burden of public communication for aviation unions.
He urged ACAKS to amplify the call for training and capacity building, and assured the corps of a robust partnership.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, Comrade Ukeme Isaac, said the inauguration of ACAKS was long overdue. He noted that the corps will help bridge the information gap between airport management and the public.
Isaac urged ACAKS to use professional journalism to sensitise Akwa Ibom people on the vast opportunities in the state’s aviation ecosystem, stressing that collaboration between stakeholders and the media will boost public understanding and attract more investment to the sector.
