..to reintroduce Ministerial briefing
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, of the State Government’s unwavering support following the death of two veteran journalists, Mr. Anietie Akpan and Mr. Francis Ogar.
Cobham gave the assurance on Wednesday during a condolence and familiarization visit to the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
Describing the passing of both media practitioners as a profound loss to their families and the union, he said their contributions as the "conscience of society" would not be forgotten.
"Life is not about how long, but how well, about the impact you have made 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 right," Cobham said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a robust partnership with the press, pledging a media-friendly administration under Governor Bassey Otu.
He also announced plans to reintroduce regular inter-ministerial press briefings to combat misinformation and ensure the timely dissemination of government policies.
"Every public office holder holds the office in trust and must be made accountable, which the media do as the watchdog of society," he added.
Reiterating his commitment to an open-door policy, the State spokesman said: "My strength lies in my confidence in you, and we are going to partner to promote the image of Cross River State through constructive engagement."
In her response, the State Council Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, thanked the Government for identifying with journalists during this difficult period.
She described the late Anietie Akpan as a strong pillar of the union and noted that Francis Ogar had battled ill health before his passing.
"For everyone who came in contact with Mr. Anietie Akpan, I am sure they will speak with one voice. He impacted the lives of those he met. He came, he saw, and he conquered," Bassey said.
The NUJ Chairman also expressed shock at the unprecedented youth empowerment programmes the administration has initiated, as disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Youth Development.
She appealed for the revival of regular ministerial press interactions to keep the public abreast of the various programmes and policies the State has put in place to better the lot of Cross Riverians.
