Veteran Journalist Anietie Akpan Laid To Rest In Akwa Ibom
By Missang AKPET
The remains of veteran journalist, Anietie Akpan, have been committed to mother earth in his hometown, Ekpene Obo, in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Akpan, who was the Editor and Publisher of Pillar Today newspaper, passed on Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a brief illness.
In his exhortation, the officiating minister, Pastor Tunde Olagbende, said death is inevitable for every human being.
He stated that the worst thing that can happen to anyone is not death itself but a life without purpose.
"Life is a privilege. Ensure you have quality relationships with people and impact lives," he said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, described the late Anietie as a gentleman of the noble profession who dedicated his life to journalism.
He said veterans like Anietie laid the foundation for most younger journalists today, adding that though he has passed on, his legacies and footprints remain.
In his condolence message, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullah, said the death of the publisher of Pillar Today Newspaper and former Deputy Bureau Chief, South-South, of The Guardian Newspapers is a painful loss to the journalism profession and the media community.
He described him as a dedicated media professional whose contributions to journalism and commitment to information dissemination remain part of his enduring legacy.
The National President, who was represented by the Cross River State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, maintained that beyond his professional accomplishments, Anietie was a respected colleague whose presence will be deeply missed.
The burial was attended by professional colleagues, government representatives, friends, family members and we'll wishers.
The late Anietie Akpan, in his 36 years of journalistic career, served as a reporter with The Guardian Newspaper where he rose to the rank of Deputy Bureau Chief, South-South, before leaving in 2021 to establish Pillar Today Newspaper.
