Williams Akpan, Calabar
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has announced the death of one of its foremost veteran journalists, Mr. Anietie Akpan, who passed away on Sunday night, August 2, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, who described the late journalist as an accomplished professional with more than three decades of distinguished service to the media industry.
According to the union, Akpan built an enduring reputation for dedication, integrity and commitment to excellence throughout his journalism career.
The council noted that his death has created a huge vacuum within the media community and the NUJ family in Cross River State.
“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 statement further conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Chairman, the Executive Council and members of the union to the bereaved family.
“We pray that Almighty God grants them the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The union appealed to the public to respect the family’s request for privacy while funeral plans are being concluded.
It added that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced when consultations with the family have been completed.
Until his passing, Comrade Akpan served as the Cross River State Senior Correspondent of The Guardian newspaper and was later appointed the South-South Bureau Chief.
After dedicating more than 30 years of distinguished service to The Guardian, he joined Pillar Today Newspaper as a member of its management team.
He also served as Chairman of the , Screening Committee for the multimillion-naira 5th Edition of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Legacy Best Investigative Journalist Award for for serving Journalists in Cross River, 2025 edition.
The award Comrade Ben remains the defending champion for four years.
