…Association engages council chairman on oil, maritime and blue economy opportunities
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has taken its Core Oil Communities Tour to Udung Uko Local Government Area, where the delegation engaged the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Okponung, on development opportunities in the oil, gas, maritime and blue economy sectors.
The engagement, held on Monday, August 17, 2026, followed the association’s earlier stakeholder engagement with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and formed part of EMR’s initiative to deepen interaction with oil-producing communities across the state.
Leading the delegation, the State Chairman of EMR, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, said the tour was designed to take journalism beyond the newsroom by listening directly to communities, documenting their realities, identifying challenges and highlighting opportunities capable of driving sustainable and inclusive development.
Ndifreke expressed appreciation to the council chairman for receiving the delegation and providing an opportunity for meaningful engagement with the association.
He said EMR was particularly interested in understanding the opportunities and challenges confronting Udung Uko and how the local government could leverage its strategic position to attract investment, create employment and improve the living standards of its people.
According to him, Udung Uko occupies an important position within Akwa Ibom’s oil-producing and maritime landscape, with prospects in oil and gas, maritime transportation, fisheries, coastal tourism and other components of the emerging blue economy.
“As journalists covering the energy and maritime sectors, we believe that our responsibility goes beyond reporting events. We also have a duty to listen to communities, engage relevant stakeholders and tell stories that can contribute meaningfully to development,” he said.
The EMR State Chairman stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, host communities, industry operators and the media, noting that such partnerships were essential to unlocking the economic potential of oil-producing and coastal communities.
He said the association was also interested in identifying ways the oil and gas, maritime and blue economy sectors could be better harnessed to empower young people, create jobs, attract investment and promote sustainable economic growth.
Ndifreke further clarified that the Core Oil Communities Tour was not merely a courtesy exercise, but a deliberate platform for engagement, fact-finding and advocacy aimed at ensuring that the concerns, aspirations and development needs of communities receive wider attention.
“We are not here merely to talk. We are here to listen, to learn and to build a stronger relationship with your administration and the people of Udung Uko,” he said.
He added that EMR would continue to provide platforms for constructive dialogue and responsible reporting on issues affecting communities within Akwa Ibom’s energy and maritime corridors.
The association also sought to hear from the council leadership on the achievements of the present administration, the challenges confronting the local government, its development priorities and areas where greater intervention from government, industry stakeholders and other partners would be required.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of Udung Uko Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Okponung, welcomed the EMR delegation and appreciated the association for choosing the local government as part of its Core Oil Communities Tour.
The engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss the realities of the local government, potential areas of economic development and the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement in advancing the interests of the people.
The visit ended with EMR reaffirming its commitment to strengthening its relationship with Udung Uko and other oil-producing and coastal communities across Akwa Ibom State.
The association said it would continue to listen, document, engage and amplify issues affecting communities while promoting responsible journalism and conversations that could contribute to the sustainable development of the state’s energy, maritime and blue economy sectors.