Donald Duke, Otu, Sunny Neji, Others, Honour Agba Jalingo’s Accountability, Investigative Journalism Foundation
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, Former Governor Donald Duke, Honorable Peter Akpanke have joined several dignitaries in Cross River State and Nigeria in welcoming the establishment of the Agba Jalingo's Foundation for investigative and accountability journalism (AJFIAJ), in Calabar.
Several dignitaries from both private, and public sectors and private individuals turned up at the combined one day maiden symposium of (AJFIAJ), and birthday anniversary of Agba Jalingo, where individuals made financial commitments in support of the (AJFIAJ), with the theme ‘journaliam and crossing the cyber crimes and legal huddles’.
Speaking in an address to partipants at the event, ex-Cross River State Governor, Dr Donald Duke, encouraged media practitioners and Journalists to always trade on correct and accurate information, noting that weather good or bad, every information disseminated attracts varied degrees of consequences, which individuals Journalists must brace up for.
According to him, “the rapidity in which the world is changing, even office spaces are changing. I can not comprehend what the world Will look like in the next ten years, in terms of information communication technology (ICT). But, they're consequences, you must be ready to face the consequences of whatever information we put out there.”
“My message to all of us is; as we go into a new year, let's take responsibility for all we do. Speak the truth and know that they're consequences even for speaking the truth; “For government officers here, do not get shy or upset when people call you. Don't get too irritated when you get calls from people you don't know because you're a servant , the day you begin to feel very irritated, you're no more serving.” He said.
The ex Governor encouraged truth, facts and accuracy in the practice of journalism.
Meanwhile, the Member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarara federal constituency, Peter Akpanke, represented by his media aid, Awade Friday; commended the character of Mr Agba Jalingo, noting that his activism has always attracted positive results of public relevance and interest.
“Jalingo is my constituent, your activism has produced good results. The theme of this symposium is timely considering the important role of Journalists in society,”Akpanke remarked.
He made a commitment of half a million naira in support of the Agba Jalingo foundation for investigative and accountability journalism (AJFIAJ). Other dignitaries also made financial commitments in support of the foundation.
On his part, the State Governor, Bassey Otu, represented by his commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Beshel Justine, reemphasised his administrations’s commitment to journalism, media and information dissemination.
“All we try to do in Cross River State is to make public all our government practices, projects and programs public, inline with the roles of journalism. Today, journalism must pave a new way for information dissemination. The theme of this event has become very apt at this time. Journalist must also adopt cutting edge practices to fit into the present technologically advanced world.
In his remarks, Mr Jalingo reaffirmed his commitment to journalism practice, holding government accountable and advocating for the voiceless in the society; Jalingo further lauded Governor Bassey Otu for granting pardon to 45 inmates from Afokang correctional facility few days ago, calling the action a good one.
Other dignitaries in the event include wife of immediate past governor, Ben Ayade, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu comrade Gill Nsa, lawyers, Journalists, government functionaries and university students.
Source: CrossRiverWatch
