The Coordinator, Office of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, alongside Sumedha Energy Limited a joint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Ibom Developers FZE, have been honoured at the Dinner/Award Night organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.
Lady Obareki received an Award of Excellence in recognition of her contributions to social development, humanitarian services, and achievements through the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), the First Lady’s pet project. Sumedha Energy Limited and Ibom Developers FZE were also honoured for their outstanding contributions to job creation and community development in the state.
Speaking at the event, which also featured the unveiling of Critique Magazine and the launch of a 15 million solar power facility at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, Lady Obareki called for constructive, objective, and responsible journalism.
Represented by the Member representing Urueoffong/Oruko State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Precious Selong, she described true journalism as “not about praise or criticism in isolation, but about asking the right questions, presenting verified facts, and providing context that empowers citizens to act.” She also commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for recognising her contributions to society.
Receiving the award on behalf of Sumedha Energy Limited and Ibom Developers FZE, the companies’ Media Manager, Aniekeme Finbarr, described the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility to do more.
He explained that Sumedha Energy Limited, formerly Natural Oilfield Services Limited, operates as a joint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), while Ibom Developers FZE functions as an independent entity within the Free Zone, supporting oil processing and related infrastructure.
Finbarr noted that the companies’ operations in Akwa Ibom, which gained momentum between 2022 and 2023, have been driven by a commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
According to him, the organisations have collectively created over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly impacting livelihoods across host communities. He added that their community development initiatives between 2025 and early 2026 have produced measurable outcomes in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
More than 500 students, he said, have benefited from educational support programmes, while primary healthcare centres have been renovated and outreach services expanded to underserved areas.
He further disclosed that women and entrepreneurs have been empowered through targeted training and business support initiatives.
Finbarr reaffirmed the companies’ commitment to local content, noting that Akwa Ibom indigenes occupy key positions across human resources, community development, and technical operations, with ongoing investments in capacity building to prepare local talent for specialised roles.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Bassey Anthony, commended Sumedha Energy Limited, Ibom Developers FZE, and other partners for their support to the media and contributions to societal development.
In his keynote address, Emmanuel Abraham highlighted the role of responsible leadership and strategic investments in driving sustainable growth and community transformation.
Top management staff of the organisations were present at the event, including Engr. Fabian Ebri and Senior Base Manager ACP (Rtd) Digha, alongside Community Development Programme (CDP) managers Grace Inyang, Emem Udoh, Patrick Ukpong, and Vivian Udofia.
The event brought together stakeholders from the media, government, and private sector, celebrating excellence in journalism while recognising the impactful contributions of corporate organisations to economic development in Akwa Ibom State.
