Gov Otu Reactivates Nigerian Chronicle, Unveils State of The Art Printing Press
By Missang AKPET
Cross River State Governor,Senator Bassey Otu on Thursday commissioned the revitalized facilities of the state Newspaper Coperation, Publishers of the Nigerian Chronicle and a new government printing press in Calabar, describing the project as a fulfilment of his pledge to restore official channels of public information.
The Chronicle, established in the 1970s, had been largely moribund for about 6 years with its complex extensively damaged during the 2020 #EndSARS protest, with equipment, books, records and newspaper cuttings lost.
Governor Otu while commissioning the new edifice renamed Cross River Information Hub said he had earlier upgraded transmission equipment and office blocks at the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation after promising at his first media parley in office to revitalize every state information asset.
He warned that government investment in the state of the-art press must be matched by staff diligence and protection of the facilities against vandalism.
The governor directed the Editorial Board to develop a Critical Response Initiative to report breaking news, counter misleading information and cover emergencies.
“Considering the importance of the print media, I set every machinery in motion to re-equip the facility and put it back to use; as well as renovating the entire complex plundered during the #EndSARS protest of 2020".
“As a conventional media outlet, you should always verify facts before publication; as falsehood and sensational information is only consigned to the social media and other new media platforms,” Otu said.
He added that the paper should publicise the administration’s development milestones while distinguishing propaganda from fact.
The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris
Malagi, said the new printing press had been given the attention it deserves at a time that many newspapers are dying and at a time people felt that there is no future for the newspaper.
“Today is about restoring an institution, preserving institutional memory and renewing confidence in the newspaper profession and indeed the media profession itself,” Idris stated.
“Technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, it cannot replace accuracy, it cannot replace fairness. This hub should be a centre for credible journalism, digital innovation, professional development and meaningful public engagement. It should tell the Cross River story confidently to Nigeria and to the world.”
“Journalists must interrogate claims, verify before publishing and resist the occasion to sacrifice accuracy for speed or sensationalism,” he advised.
The Minister noted that even in the digital age, official documentation remains indispensable. He added that under President Bola Tinubu, the federal government places great importance on strengthening public communication and improving citizens access to accurate information.
The current Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham while describing the commissioning as a historic milestone in the state's journey toward modernization and self-reliance, said the project is not just about brick, mortar, and machinery but represents a bold step toward reclaiming the heritage of independence and excellence in public communication.
He listed the benefits of the new press hub to include; Cost Efficiency, Security & Confidentiality, Job Creation and Commercial Viability
The event was attended by government officials, media stakeholders and members of the public.
