By Onwa Ekor
In a bid to improve the working conditions of journalists while creating an enabling environment for effective media practice, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has installed a 15KVA solar power at the Ernest Etim Bassey NUJ Press Centre, in Calabar.
The governor while inspecting the installed power source, Monday, also commended journalists across Nigeria for their commitment to responsible and ethical reporting, admitting that balanced journalism remains critical to strengthening governance and democratic accountability.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, he maintained that the consistency of the media as well as the objective coverage of government programmes and projects, especially during the electioneering period, reflects the professional and constitutional role of journalists as the watchdog of the society.
The governor disclosed that the state has continued to benefit from fair and balanced reportage garnished with accuracy and a touch of professionalism, reasoning also that such reporting fosters public trust and promotes informed civic engagement.
He attributed the cordial relationship between his administration and the media to a deliberate policy of openness, access to information, and respect for the role of journalists in nation-building.
The governor urged journalists to continually upgrade their skills in order to meet evolving demands in the profession, particularly in a rapidly changing information landscape.
He applauded the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, for her pragmatic leadership and innovative strides at the Press Centre, describing the transformation as unprecedented and in line with global best practices.
Otu who assured of his administration’s stance on transparency, accountability and sustained engagement, reaffirmed his zeal to
continuously prioritize the welfare of journalists while supporting other initiatives that enhance professionalism within the media space.
Earlier, the State NUJ Chairman applauded Otu for the intervention, noting that the solar installation would guarantee uninterrupted power supply at the Press Centre and significantly improve media operations.
She reiterated the commitment of journalists in Cross River to continue providing accurate and responsible coverage of government policies, programmes, and projects in line with the ethics of the profession.
