RAY EKPU

Mr. Raymond Amos Ekpu, popularly known as Ray Ekpu, is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished journalists, a master of the written word, an accomplished editor, an incisive columnist, a courageous defender of press freedom, and an enduring voice for truth, knowledge and democratic values.

For more than five decades, Ray Ekpu has occupied a place of uncommon distinction in Nigerian journalism. Through his pen, editorial leadership, intellectual courage and unwavering commitment to professional excellence, he has helped shape the character of the Nigerian press and inspired generations of journalists to see journalism not merely as a career, but as a calling and a public trust.

Born on August 6, 1948, in Ikot Udo Osom in present day Ukanafun Local Government Area, Ekpu began life far from the commanding heights of the Nigerian media to which his name would eventually rise.

His early education took him through Ibibio State College, Ikot Ekpene, and Holy Family College, Abak, before he proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he studied Mass Communication and graduated in 1973. He later obtained a Master’s degree from Indiana State University, Bloomington, United States.

His journalism career began with the Nigerian Chronicle, Calabar, where he served as Features Editor between 1974 and 1976. He subsequently became Acting Editor of the Sunday Chronicle and later Editor of the Nigerian Chronicle. His reputation as a gifted editor and writer continued to grow, leading to his appointment as Editor of the Sunday Times, Editor of the Business Times, and Chairman of the Editorial Board of Concord Newspapers.

But it was in 1985 that Ekpu and his fellow journalists, Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed, embarked on the venture that would permanently alter the landscape of Nigerian journalism. Together, they founded Newswatch Communications Limited, and introduced Newswatch Magazine, a publication that introduced a bold, innovative and investigative approach to journalism in Nigeria.

As pioneer Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Chief Executive, and subsequently Editor-in-Chief and Chief Executive, Ekpu became one of the principal architects of the Newswatch tradition of fearless reporting, penetrating analysis and compelling commentary. Newswatch became a symbol of a new journalism, one that questioned authority, challenged official narratives, investigated uncomfortable truths and expanded the boundaries of public discourse. Under the leadership of its pioneering editors, the publication achieved remarkable influence, while its journalists paid a heavy price for their commitment to professional independence.

Ekpu himself endured arrests, detention, prosecution, harassment and intimidation by successive military administrations. He was subjected to the full weight of an intolerant state because of his writings and his insistence that the Nigerian people had a right to know. Yet, he refused to be silenced. Indeed, the trials of those years only reinforced his conviction that the journalist’s responsibility is greatest when truth becomes inconvenient to those in power. His courage during Nigeria’s difficult years of military rule established him as one of the country’s foremost apostles of press freedom.

It was this courage, excellence and leadership that earned him one of the most remarkable distinctions in the history of African journalism. In 1987, Ekpu was named International Editor of the Year by World Press Review in New York for his work as Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch. The honour placed him among the world’s outstanding editors and made him, according to accounts of the award, the first Black recipient of the prestigious international recognition. The award celebrated the qualities that had come to define his journalism – courage, enterprise, leadership, commitment to press freedom and responsibility, defence of human rights and professional excellence. He followed this international distinction with another remarkable global recognition. In 1988, he was named among the Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) by Jaycees International at an event in Sydney, Australia.

His long list of professional and civic recognitions also includes the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Award, the Distinguished Alumnus Merit Award of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, the University of Lagos Alumni Association Achievers Award, the Gold Award for 25 Nigerian Celebrities, the Award for Professional Excellence by Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the Corporate Fellowship and Merit Award of the Institute of Sales Management of Nigeria, and an Award for Excellence in Journalism by Akwa Ibom State. He was also recognised by UNESCO for excellence in journalism.

In recognition of his contributions to journalism and national development, he was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He was also admitted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE).

His service to journalism extended beyond Nigeria. Ekpu served as President of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, becoming the first Black person to rise to that position, and also served as President of the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

In 2013, his contribution to journalism was further recognised by The Nation newspaper of Kenya, which honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award during its 50th anniversary celebrations.

In Nigeria, his lifetime of journalistic achievement was recognised in 2018, when he received the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the country’s most respected honours for outstanding contributions to journalism.In 2022, Vanguard Newspapers honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards, recognising his immense contribution to the nation through his distinguished career.

Perhaps one of the most enduring tributes to his legacy is the decision to establish the Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism in Akwa Ibom State. Instituted by the Inoyo Toro Foundation, the prize seeks to promote the very values that have defined Ekpu’s career -investigative journalism, professional excellence, courage and integrity.

Beyond the awards, offices and titles, perhaps Ekpu’s greatest achievement lies in the generations of journalists he has influenced. He has been a teacher without a classroom, a mentor without a formal register, and a standard-bearer whose example continues to challenge journalists to write with courage, investigate with diligence and speak truth to power.His command of language is matched by his depth of thought. His columns have provided generations of readers with penetrating perspectives on Nigeria’s political, social and economic journey. His writings have appeared not only in leading Nigerian newspapers and magazines but also in international publications, including the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Milwaukee Sentinel, Portland Oregonian and the Journal of Democracy.

He is also an accomplished author and editor whose published works include Newswatch Best, Jogging in the Jungle: The Newswatch Story, Ojukwu, A Leap of Faith and other works addressing Nigeria’s politics, society, business and national development.

For his exceptional contribution to print journalism; his mastery of informed commentary; his pioneering role in investigative journalism; his courage in defence of press freedom; his service to professional journalism in Nigeria and internationally; his mentorship of generations of media practitioners; and the global recognition he has earned for Nigerian journalism, we proudly celebrate Mr. Raymond Amos Ekpu, FNGE, OON, as OUR PRIDE, on the 39th Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.