NUJ in Akwa Ibom names hall after former chairman

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has named its conference hall after a past chairman, Israel Umoh. This is to honor his contributions to the growth of the union’s infrastructure.

The hall was unveiled after the union's Congress in July. It will now be called the Israel Umoh Conference Hall. Journalist Dianime Uko shared this moment on Facebook.

During the unveiling, the NUJ chairman in Akwa Ibom, Nsibiet John, said Mr Umoh deserves this honor for his dedicated service and leadership. He praised Mr Umoh for projects that improved the council's infrastructure.

Mr John remembered that during Mr Umoh’s time as chairman from 2004 to 2007, he completed the NUJ secretariat building and furnished it. The building was commissioned by the then Akwa Ibom Governor, Victor Attah, on 21 November 2006.

Mr John also mentioned that Mr Umoh laid the foundation for the 2,000-seat NUJ Auditorium and got it to the lintel level. This project was later completed and opened by Governor Umo Eno on 1 August 2025.

Mr John said that recognizing Mr Umoh while he is alive shows the union’s commitment to celebrating excellence and honoring good leadership. He also praised past leaders for building the foundation for the union’s progress. He noted that successive leaders have worked together to strengthen the NUJ in the state.

‘I didn’t see it coming’, Umoh

Mr Umoh spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. He said the honor surprised him completely.

“I didn’t see it coming,” the happy former chairman told the newspaper.

“I was shocked because I didn’t expect it. You know I left the office 21 years ago,” Mr Umoh added.

When asked if he knew about the decision beforehand, he said he was not informed before the announcement.

He explained that the decision was made public by the NUJ state chairman during a meeting of the State Advisory Council. This body includes former chairmen and secretaries of the union who advise the state council on important matters.

Mr Umoh expressed joy that the recognition happened while he is still alive.

“This is a very remarkable thing that has been done by the Union for me while I’m alive. It would have been tragic if the Hall was named after me posthumously.”

Legacy beyond the Hall

Looking back on his time, Mr Umoh mentioned that he got approval for a Journalists’ Village from former Governor Attah two weeks before he left office. He also started a cooperative society for union members.

He said the naming of the hall after him brought in congratulatory messages from friends and associates, both in Nigeria and abroad.

Mr Umoh, who served a three-year term as NUJ chairman from 2004 to 2007, praised the current leaders for their vision.

He encouraged the council to keep working to strengthen the profession and to fight against quackery within the union.