UNICAL Hosts First Regional Hub International Communication Conference
By Judex OKORO
Barely few days after the Department of Mass Communication, University of Calabar successfully hosted the local hub of 74th International Communication Association, Nigeria.
The International Communication Association (ICA) 74th Annual Conference held in Australia and Calabar Region Hub between Thursday, June 20 and Monday, June 24, 2024.
The Conference, which focused on various topics in Communication and Human Rights, attracted academic scholars across the universities and media professionals to share experiences on modern trends in communication, journalism human rights and development.
Speaking on the history of human rights struggle in the world and in Nigeria, the Head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) who also served as the Chairman of the Opening ceremony, Dr. John I. Ukam, emphasised that there was a need for the media to hold the government accountable for human rights abuses, noting that human rights cases are prevalent in our contemporary society.
In her welcome address, chairperson, ICA Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Ekaette George, commended ICA for approving 2 hubs for the Nigeria Chapter of ICA in Kaduna and Calabar.
She also used the occasion to invite communication professionals and scholars to join the ICA in Nigeria in promoting scholarship in communication within the Nigerian community and informed participants that the location for ICA 75th Conference is in Denver Colorado, USA and encouraged as many scholars as possible from the Nigerian community to plan for onsite participation at the conference.
Commending the organisers for bringing the conference closer to the communication community in Calabar, Dean, faculty of communication technology, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Prof. Jacob Agba, said there is need for communication scholars and professionals to take advantage of the conference to better enrich their career journey.
On his part, the head, department of mass communication, University of Calabar, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, thanked the ICA Nigeria chapter for bringing the Regional Hub to Calabar. He also appreciated the Vice Chancellor for providing the enabling environment for the department to be able to host the conference.
A participant, a postgraduate student, department of mass communication, Unicross Calabar, Joseph Ashibekong described the conference as very educating and remarkable.
He said: “I thank the Calabar Region of ICA, for bringing such a programme to Calabar to encourage learning as the Conference has no doubt added value to our academic work. I also appreciate the ICA Headquarters for paying off the conference cost of about $800 dollars, about N1m million naira for all participants who registered for the Conference in Calabar Region. I pray for a continued partnership in the years ahead.”
Highlight of the conference was a visit to Marina Resort Calabar, where participants were conducted round the Museum Centre and learned the history of Slave Trade in Africa, which took place from 14 to 18 Century, before the Abolition that liberated Africa.
