Cross River Govt Mourns Veteran Journalists, Pledges Closer Partnership With NUJ
By Missang Akpet
The Cross River State Government has extended its condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Cross River State Council, following the deaths of two veteran journalists, Mr. Anietie Akpan and Mr. Francis Ogar.
The Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, conveyed the government’s sympathy on Wednesday during a condolence visit to the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar.
Describing the passing of both media practitioners as a profound loss, Cobham said a huge vacuum has been left in the media community by their departure.
“I am quite saddened by the demise of these very distinguished gentlemen. As a Christian, I submit to the fact that nothing happens without God’s endorsement".
“Life is not about how long, but how well – what impact you have been able to make in society. As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, they paid their dues, projecting the morals of our society and standing up for what is positive" Cobham said.
The Commissioner commended the deceased for their years of active service, describing journalists as the conscience of society who consistently held public office holders accountable.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a robust and transparent partnership with the press while announcing plans to institute regular inter ministerial press briefings to combat misinformation and ensure timely dissemination of government policies and initiatives.
“My strength lies in my confidence in you, and we are going to partner together to promote the image of Cross River State through constructive engagement,” he said.
The Commissioner recalled his previous tenure as Commissioner for Transportation where he maintained regular engagement with the media, and said his new role presents an opportunity to build further on that relationship.
Responding on behalf of the Union, the Chairman of NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, thanked the state government for identifying with journalists during this difficult period.”
Bassey described the late comrades as major pillars of the union and noted that they had battled ill health prior to their death.
She congratulated Cobham on his appointment and appealed for the revival of ministerial press briefings to help MDAs explain government policies, programmes and projects to Cross Riverians.
