The Commissioner for Information in Cross River State, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, has made a passionate appeal for truth-driven and ethical communication, especially in the dissemination of scientific knowledge. He made this call on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the maiden International Conference organized by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
The conference, themed “The Science of Communication and the Communication of Science,” drew academics, media professionals, students, and researchers from across the country. Addressing the participants, Dr. Ekpang emphasized that in today’s fast-paced digital age—where a single social media post can shape public opinion or incite chaos—integrity in communication has become not just a professional standard, but a moral obligation.
“We are living in a time when communication has evolved beyond speech—it is now a science of influence, action, and interpretation,” Dr. Ekpang stated. “Yet with this evolution comes the danger of misinformation, blackmail, and sensationalism, which continue to erode public trust in science, governance, and the media.”
Drawing from his dual background in Environmental Sciences and media leadership, the Commissioner highlighted the growing need to bridge the gap between science and communication. He described effective science communication as a critical tool in fostering public understanding, encouraging evidence-based policy, and promoting scientific literacy. According to him, clarity, accuracy, public engagement, and storytelling are vital to simplifying complex scientific ideas and making them accessible to the general public.
Dr. Ekpang challenged students and lecturers of Mass Communication to see themselves as custodians of truth and the conscience of society. “Avoid the seductive pull of clickbait, unverified gossip, or slanderous posts. Let your voice be the voice of justice and your pen a tool for healing,” he charged.
The Commissioner also used the occasion to commend Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his sweeping reforms in the communication sector, describing him as a “communication reformer with a golden touch.” He highlighted major strides under the current administration, including the full digitization of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), the revival of the once-dormant Government Printing Press with modern technology, and the renovation of the state’s Newspaper Corporation.
“These interventions have repositioned Cross River State as a pacesetter in digital communication,” he noted, adding that daily news bulletins and enhanced online presence through X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms now reflect a government committed to transparency and progress.
As the conference unfolded with panels, presentations, and discussions, Dr. Ekpang urged participants to deepen their commitment to using communication as a tool for development, truth-telling, and social cohesion. He described the forum as timely and intellectually enriching, setting the tone for future conversations on the convergence of science and media in a rapidly changing world.
The maiden international conference at UNICROSS not only marks an academic milestone but also signals a broader call to action: for communicators, scientists, and policymakers to work together in upholding integrity, promoting facts, and safeguarding the public space from the dangers of misinformation.
