…describes him as Consummate Journalist, Mentor
By Ime Silas
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and the media community over the death of Anietie Ben Akpan, former South-South Regional Editor of The Guardian newspaper.
In a press statement released on August 4, 2026, Dr. Edu described Akpan’s passing as “a painful loss, not only to the journalism profession, but to everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
“I condole with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Cross River State media community, the management and staff of The Guardian, and the entire family of our dear brother and friend, Anietie Ben Akpan, over his passing,” she said.
Dr. Edu, who hails from Cross River State, said she knew Akpan personally and attested to his reputation as a thoroughbred professional who shaped the careers of many younger reporters in the region and across the country.
“He was a consummate journalist, a mentor to many, and a man who served the profession with uncommon dedication, integrity and excellence,” she reminisced, adding that “His humility, professionalism and unwavering commitment to truth distinguished him throughout his remarkable career.”
Anietie Ben Akpan was widely regarded in media circles in the South-South as one of The Guardian’s most consistent voices on governance, human rights and community development.
During his tenure as South-South Editor, he coordinated coverage across the six states in the zone and was known for insisting on fact-checking, balance and editorial independence at a time when the media landscape faced growing commercial and political pressures.
Colleagues remember him as calm, approachable and generous with guidance. Many journalists who passed through the Port Harcourt and Calabar bureaus during his years credit him with mentoring them into reporters and editors who now work in major newsrooms nationwide.
“His immense contributions to journalism and the development of the media profession earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues across the country.
“His legacy will continue to inspire generations of media practitioners in Nigeria and beyond”, Edu noted.
The NUJ Cross River State Council is expected to announce burial arrangements in consultation with the Akpan family. Tributes have continued to pour in from press clubs, online news platforms and civil society groups who worked with Akpan on reportage of public accountability and social justice issues in the Niger Delta.
Dr. Edu prayed for comfort for the bereaved and for strength for the journalism community as it mourns one of its own.
“At this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, the entire Akpan family, friends, and professional colleagues. I pray that Almighty God grants him eternal rest and gives all who mourn him the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” she said.
The late Anietie Ben Akpan is survived by his wife, children, and extended family. Media stakeholders in Cross River and beyond have described his death as the exit of a voice that stood for truth, mentorship and service in Nigerian journalism.
