The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has officially named its conference hall after a former chairman, Israel Umoh, in recognition of his transformative contributions to the union’s infrastructure. The announcement was made during the union’s July Congress, and the facility will now be known as the Israel Umoh Conference Hall.
Recognition of Selfless Service
During the unveiling, the NUJ chairman in Akwa Ibom, Nsibiet John, emphasized that Mr Umoh deserved to be honored for his selfless service and visionary leadership. He noted that Mr Umoh’s tenure from 2004 to 2007 was marked by significant infrastructure projects that left a lasting impact on the council.
Mr John recalled that under Mr Umoh’s leadership, the NUJ secretariat building was completed, fully furnished, and officially commissioned by the then Akwa Ibom Governor, Victor Attah, on 21 November 2006. This achievement was a cornerstone of the former chairman’s legacy.
Key Projects and Lasting Legacy
Additionally, Mr Umoh laid the foundation and constructed the 2,000-seat NUJ Auditorium up to the lintel level. The project was later completed and commissioned by Governor Umo Eno on 1 August 2025, further cementing Mr Umoh’s contributions to the union’s infrastructure.
Mr John also commended past leaders for their foundational work, stating that successive administrations had collectively strengthened the NUJ in Akwa Ibom. The recognition of Mr Umoh during his lifetime, he said, reflects the union’s commitment to celebrating excellence and rewarding impactful leadership.
‘I Didn’t See It Coming’ – Umoh
Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, Mr Umoh expressed his surprise at the honor. “I didn’t see it coming,” he said. “I was shocked because I didn’t expect it. You know I left the office 21 years ago.”
Mr Umoh confirmed that the decision was announced by the NUJ state chairman during a meeting of the State Advisory Council, a body of former chairmen and secretaries. He noted that he had no prior knowledge of the decision, making the recognition even more meaningful.
Gratitude and Forward-Looking Vision
Mr Umoh expressed particular joy that the recognition came during his lifetime. “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,” he stated.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr Umoh revealed that he secured approval for a Journalists’ Village from former Governor Attah just two weeks before leaving office and also established a cooperative society for union members. He noted that the naming of the hall attracted congratulatory messages from friends and associates both within and outside Nigeria.
Commitment to Professionalism
Mr Umoh, who served a single three-year term as NUJ chairman from 2004 to 2007, commended the current leadership for its foresight. He urged the council to sustain efforts to strengthen the profession and to “fight quackery” within the union.
The naming of the Israel Umoh Conference Hall stands as a testament to the enduring impact of dedicated leadership in advancing the infrastructure and unity of the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State.
