Former deputy bureau chief of The Guardian, Anietie Akpan, dies

Anietie Akpan, a respected veteran journalist and publisher known for his extensive coverage of public affairs and child rights issues, has passed away. Mr. Akpan, who served as a former deputy bureau chief for The Guardian in Nigeria’s South-south region, died on Sunday night.

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The passing is a monumental loss, not only to the NUJ family but also to the media profession and Cross River State as a whole.

His career spanned over three decades, during which he earned a reputation for his integrity and commitment to excellence. After leaving The Guardian, he established his own newspaper, Pillartoday.com.ng. The Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) described his death as a "monumental loss" to the profession and the state.

Colleagues and public officials have paid tribute to Mr. Akpan, remembering him as a trailblazer and mentor. Linus Obogo, spokesman for the Governor of Cross River State, noted that Akpan "blazed the trail and paved the way for others to follow." His influence extended to mentoring younger journalists in Cross River and neighboring Akwa Ibom states.

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Good night and rest peacefully in the Lord, Oga Anietie Akpan. You blazed the trail and paved the way for others to follow. The journalism profession just lost a gem.

In a poignant display of his dedication, Mr. Akpan filed one of his final reports, "Marina Road Ruts Into Two," from his sickbed, assisted by his family and a neighbor. The story, published on July 30, addressed recent landslides in Calabar. His determination to continue reporting despite his deteriorating health underscored his unwavering commitment to journalism.

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By Anietie Akpan, from his sick bed with assistance by his wife, Imaobong, daughter Etinyene and neighbour Idongesit Otoobong.