Betta Edu, NUJ, Colleagues Celebrate Anietie Ben Akpan’s Legacy As Mentor Of South-South Journalists

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – Tributes have continued to pour in for veteran journalist and former Deputy Head of the South-South Bureau of The Guardian, Mr. Anietie Ben Akpan, with colleagues, media leaders and public figures remembering him as a mentor who nurtured generations of journalists, built careers and upheld the highest standards of professional excellence.

Akpan, fondly known as “Roro Chief,” died on the night of Sunday, August 2, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council.

Announcing his passing, the NUJ described Akpan as one of its distinguished veterans whose journalism career spanned more than three decades and was marked by dedication, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“His 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 union said.

In a condolence message, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Betta Edu, described the late journalist as “a consummate journalist, a mentor to many, and a man who served the profession with uncommon dedication, integrity and excellence.”

“I knew Anietie personally. He was a consummate journalist, a mentor to many, and a man who served the profession with uncommon dedication, integrity and excellence. His humility, professionalism and unwavering commitment to truth distinguished him throughout his remarkable career,” Edu said.

She noted that Akpan’s immense contributions to journalism earned him the admiration of colleagues across Nigeria and said his legacy would continue to inspire generations of media practitioners.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, colleagues said Akpan’s greatest contribution was the investment he made in younger journalists, many of whom credited him with opening doors that shaped their careers.

Senior journalist, media strategist and public relations consultant, Alhaji Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, described Akpan as “an institution” whose influence extended far beyond the newsroom.

“Roro Chief was not just a journalist; he was an institution. He was one of the finest products of journalism from Cross River State, a mentor, teacher, bridge-builder and media icon whose influence extended far beyond the newsroom,” Olanrewaju said.

He recalled that Akpan welcomed him warmly when he was transferred to Cross River State and introduced him to the journalism community, saying the late journalist believed in competence, professionalism and integrity rather than personal connections.

“It was through him that I became the Broadcast Consultant for the Presidential Amnesty Programme training in Obubra,” he said.

According to Olanrewaju, the opportunity exposed him to national personalities and became one of the defining moments of his professional career.

He also credited Akpan with entrusting him with documentary productions and consultancy assignments that broadened his experience in journalism and communications.

Reflecting on their final conversation, Olanrewaju said he had planned to visit Akpan during a recent trip to Calabar but learnt he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

“That very night, you called me back and asked why I did not come. I replied that even your voice did not sound like your usual energetic self and that what you truly needed was rest,” he recalled.
He said he never imagined that conversation would be their last.

The Chairman of the NUJ, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, also paid an emotional tribute, describing Akpan as a father figure whose encouragement sustained him during the difficult early years of his journalism career.

“I am so glad I never stopped letting you know how much I deeply appreciate you for the fatherly role you played in my life,” Bassey said.

Recalling his early days in the profession, the NUJ chairman said Akpan, alongside veteran journalist Bassey Inyang, repeatedly defended and encouraged him whenever he faced intimidation.

“When I was bullied in my early years in the practice, it was you and Mr. Bassey Inyang who always came to my rescue,” he said.

Bassey revealed that even while Akpan battled illness, he remained a dependable source of counsel and encouragement to younger colleagues.

“The many times I would call you even on your sick bed to tell you my troubles and you would calmly say, ‘Mma mma douk odudu,'” he recalled.

Overcome by emotion, Bassey added: “I am so broken, Mr. Anietie Ben Akpan. I am so broken.”

Another colleague recalled that after relocating from Lagos to Calabar in 2009, Akpan became a pathfinder, friend and supporter who constantly encouraged him to pursue excellence in journalism.

During his distinguished career, Akpan spent 37 years with The Guardian before co-founding Pillartoday.com.ng.

He earned widespread respect for his investigative and special reports, particularly on women and child rights, and for his extensive coverage of the Bakassi Peninsula handover and developments in the Gulf of Guinea.

Even while battling illness, colleagues said he remained committed to journalism, ensuring continuity by handing over editorial responsibility for his publication to his daughter, Etinyene.

As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues say Akpan’s enduring legacy will be measured not only by the stories he reported but by the journalists he mentored, the opportunities he created and the values of integrity, courage and professionalism he instilled in generations of media practitioners.

“He inspired many of us to see journalism not merely as a profession, but as a sacred calling and a lifelong responsibility to society,” Olanrewaju said.