As part of a growing effort to spotlight synergy between the media and development-oriented corporate organisations, the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has honoured SUMEDHA Energy Ltd (formerly NOSL) and Ibom Developers Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) with an Excellence Award for their remarkable commitment to grassroots development and corporate accountability.
The recognition, presented in Uyo, underscored the critical role of strategic partnerships in addressing community needs and promoting sustainable development.
Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Bassey Akra, applauded both firms for adopting a participatory development model that consistently prioritise humanitarian projects and local collaboration.
“They have not only demonstrated responsible corporate behaviour, but have embedded community trust into their operating model,” he noted.
State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, echoed this sentiment, describing the honoured companies as “model partners” in the shared mission to build inclusive, peaceful communities. He referenced Ibom Developers FZE’s role in restoring peace to the Eastern Obolo area by facilitating the reopening of the Ikonta/Obianga creek, an action he said reaffirmed the company’s authentic concern for community welfare.
He emphasized the media’s unique position in strengthening such corporate-community alliances, stating, “We must work together to ensure that the impact being made is accurately captured, amplified, and replicated.”
In his remarks, former Correspondents Chapel Chairman, Comrade Idongesit Ashemeri, encouraged ongoing collaboration with the media through training initiatives, support for journalism tools, and open-door engagement policies — all crucial to fostering transparency and mutual respect.
Representing the award recipients, Mrs. Uduak Ekpo, Media Manager for Akwa Ibom, thanked the NUJ for the recognition and reaffirmed the companies’ enduring commitment to inclusive development. She clarified misconceptions surrounding the identity of their operating entities, noting that SUMEDHA Energy Ltd and Ibom Developers FZE, not Sterling Global, are the active players in Akwa Ibom.
Mrs. Ekpo also highlighted several milestone interventions by the companies, including:
Educational scholarships and grants
Women-focused empowerment initiatives
Free medical outreaches and over 50 sponsored eye surgeries
Assistive support for people with disabilities
Road and infrastructure projects
Support for local fishermen through tools and training
Over 70% employment of indigenous personnel
She concluded by calling on the media to maintain its supportive role in bridging communication gaps and promoting evidence-based narratives around corporate social investments.
“This award reminds us that true development thrives on partnership,” she said, “and we are committed to expanding our impact with the media as a key ally.”