Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been honoured by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) for his outstanding performance and leadership in the State.
The award was presented at the 82nd General Assembly of Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria(BON), held at Hogis Royale, Calabar.
The Governor was represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, who declared the assembly open and received the award on his behalf.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Hon Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, was also honoured.
BON recognised his contributions to efficient information management and the growth of the State's broadcast industry, as well as his role in the successful hosting of the event in Calabar.
The assembly, themed "Broadcast Media: Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria," brought together Directors-General, chief executives of broadcasting organisations and other stakeholders from across the country. They deliberated on the role of broadcast media in deepening democracy and driving economic development.
Declaring the assembly open, Deputy Governor Odey commended BON for its consistency in promoting professionalism and ethical broadcasting. He said Cross River State remains committed to supporting a free, responsible and development-driven media.
He described the honour as a validation of the People First administration's modest achievements in repositioning the State for growth and inclusive development. He urged BON to develop practical frameworks for strengthening professional standards and accountability in radio and television broadcasting.
Governor Otu said the need for higher professional standards had become more urgent because broadcast content has the capacity to shape public opinion, influence values and affect the conduct of young people.
He warned that irresponsible, divisive and poorly verified content could deepen social polarisation and expose young people to harmful ideologies.
According to him, the General Assembly provided an opportunity for BON to "develop practical frameworks that strengthen ethical broadcasting, promote responsible editorial judgment and ensure greater accountability" for content transmitted to the public.
Governor Otu added that his administration remained committed to a free, responsible and vibrant media, a commitment he said had also been demonstrated through investments in state-owned broadcasting institutions.
In his remarks, the BON Chairman, Tony Akiot, called on the Federal Government to urgently support the broadcast industry, warning that rising operational costs threaten the survival of radio and television stations across the country.
Represented by the Vice Chairman of BON, Yusuf Alhaji Idaho, Akiot said the high cost of diesel and other petroleum products, unreliable electricity supply, exorbitant tariffs and the rising cost of imported broadcast equipment were making operations increasingly difficult.
He said, "Many radio and television stations have shut down operations, while many others are struggling to maintain reduced daily transmission."
He urged the government to formulate deliberate policies to keep broadcast organisations afloat, given their role in providing information and supporting democratic and economic development. He also appealed to state governments to support private broadcast stations operating within their jurisdictions, noting that such stations disseminate information on government activities to the public.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner Cobham, who spoke as host of the assembly, described Calabar, the Tourism Capital of Nigeria, as a city that understands the power of a good story. He said broadcasting remains central to telling stories that inform, educate, connect and shape society.
Cobham noted that at a time when technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the media landscape and misinformation travels faster than truth, the responsibility of the professional broadcaster has never been greater. He urged participants to keep truth, professionalism, responsibility and public interest at the centre of their deliberations as they chart the future of broadcasting, and to experience the warmth, culture and hospitality of Cross River State while in Calabar.
The opening ceremony also featured goodwill messages from industry stakeholders, including the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
The BON General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of broadcast owners in Nigeria, charged with setting the policy direction for the industry.
By Nakanda Iyadim
