Veteran journalist and publisher, Anietie Akpan, has died after spending more than three decades in the media profession.
According to the Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akpan died on Sunday night. He previously served as Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian in the South-South before establishing the online newspaper, Pillartoday.com.ng.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NUJ described his death as a huge loss to the journalism profession and Cross River State.
“The passing is a monumental loss, not only to the NUJ family but also to the media profession and Cross River State as a whole,” the statement read.
The statement, signed by the state council chairman, Archibong Bassey, said Akpan was known for his dedication, integrity and commitment to excellence throughout his career.
The union extended its condolences to his family and said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later.
The spokesperson to Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Linus Obogo, also paid tribute to the late journalist in a Facebook post.
“Good night and rest peacefully in the Lord, Oga Anietie Akpan. You blazed the trail and paved the way for others to follow. The journalism profession just lost a gem,” Obogo wrote.
Akpan was widely respected across Cross River and neighbouring Akwa Ibom states for his public affairs reporting and for mentoring young journalists.
During his career, he received a meritorious award from Safe Child Africa, a United Kingdom-based non-governmental organisation, for his reports on child witchcraft allegations in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. His work helped draw attention to the experiences of children accused of witchcraft and the need to protect vulnerable minors.
One of his last published reports was titled, “Marina Road Ruts Into Two,” which focused on a landslide in Calabar caused by heavy rainfall.
In the report’s byline, he acknowledged the support of his family and neighbour while battling illness.
It read, “By Anietie Akpan, from his sick bed with assistance by his wife, Imaobong, daughter Etinyene and neighbour Idongesit Otoobong.”
The report, published on July 30, reflected his commitment to journalism despite his failing health.
