Remains Of Multiple Award Winner Journalist, Anietie B. Akpan, Laid To Rest In His Hometown

By Lawrence Mpama

The serene and quiet atmosphere of Ekpene-obo community in Esit Eket local government area, experienced very unusual and unsettling behive of activities as human traffic suddenly increased in the area leading to immediate hustling for space and anything cold to quench taste. But the local folks who didn’t understand, questioned why the uneasy movement in the once peaceful community, and concluded that something was not alright, their anxiety was put to rest when a long convey of vehicles led by an ambulance stop at the entrance of Pa Bernard Akpan’s compound in Ekpene-obo, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Inside the ambulance was the remains of former South-South deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian newspaper, and Editor – in- Chief of Pillar Today, Mr. Anietie Ben Akpan, who had transited to his Creator. His family, friends, colleagues and associates had escorted his remains home to give him a befitting Rite of Passage, amid glowing tributes to his professionalism, integrity and contributions to journalism.

The funeral and thanksgiving service which was conducted by Living Faith Bible Church aka winners Chapel, was held at the community playground in Ekpene-obo, Esit Eket Local Government Area and present at the funeral were Family members, journalists, friends, Associates, community leaders and members of the Living Faith Church, ready to pay their last respects to the late media guru.

The Pastor of Living Faith Church in Akwa Ibom, Pastor Tunde Olaghende, admonished Christians to live exemplary lives, make meaningful contributions to society and leaving 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.

The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, in his condolence message, 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 states 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 tribute to Mrs Imaobong Akpan, wife of the deceased, the former senate leader of the 7th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former Chairman of NDDC, and presently, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University of Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Senator Victor NDOMA-EGBA (SAN) stated that, “Anietie was more of a brother. He was more than a journalist, he was a pillar in truth and in deed. For over three decades, his pen at The Guardian set a standard of discipline, integrity and courage.”

The Pro-Chancellor continued, “He was soft spoken, mild mannered but courageous and brilliant in the pursuit of truth. After his service at The Guardian, he went on to found Pillar today, keeping the light of responsible journalism burning in Cross River State.”

He stated further that, “Anietie always pushed others forward and was self-sacrificing. He recalled asking for his recommendation when there was the opportunity of an opening for which he was eminently qualified. He recommended someone else though the opportunity did not materialize. Even when his health was failing, he still found strength to strengthen others. He taught us that a newspaper was not just ink, it was conscience.”

Senator Ndoma-Egba concluded by saying that, “Our lives are measured not by their lengths, or quantity, but by their impact, or quality. Anietie’s life gave meaning to many others and he had life in each of his years. He prayed for his soul to find rest in the bosom of his Creator.

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.

Anietie 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 later joined hands with Pastor Kingston Joseph to Establish The Pillar Today, in preparation for his eventual retirement.

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