From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone, has described Cross River State as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, commending Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for sustaining a conducive environment for development, investment, and media practice.
The declaration was made during a courtesy visit by officials of the NUJ South-South Zone to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, in Calabar, as part of activities marking the union’s zonal meeting hosted in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the NUJ National President, the South-South Zonal Vice President, Opaka Dokubo, praised the cordial relationship between the Cross River State Government and the media, noting that the state’s peace and stability stand in contrast to security challenges in many parts of the country.
“Cross River State remains a haven of peace and development. While insecurity has become a major challenge in many parts of Nigeria, Cross River continues to stand out as a place where people can live, work, and move freely,” he said.
He added that the level of peace in the state reflects public confidence in government and the impact of policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
“It is only a satisfied people, people who are happy with governance, that can sustain this level of peace and harmony.
“We commend the governor and his team for creating an enabling environment for development and for supporting the media in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities,” he added.
The NUJ leadership also appreciated the state government for recent interventions at the NUJ Secretariat, particularly the provision of electricity, describing it as a major boost to journalism practice.
The union noted that reliable power is essential for modern journalism, which depends heavily on digital tools, internet connectivity, and electronic devices for news gathering and dissemination.
“We are deeply grateful for powering the NUJ Secretariat. For journalists, electricity is not a luxury but a necessity.
“This intervention will greatly improve our operations and enhance our service to the public,” the union said.
While commending the government, the NUJ appealed for support toward the construction of a more befitting secretariat, noting that the current facility is no longer adequate for the growing needs of the profession.
Responding, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, reaffirmed the Otu administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the media and pledged to advocate for improved infrastructure for the union.
He described Cross River as one of the safest states in the country, attributing the prevailing peace to deliberate investments in security by Governor Otu’s administration.
“Today, Cross River is among the safest states in the country. You can move around Calabar at any time of the day or night without fear.
“This is the result of deliberate efforts by government to strengthen security and create an environment where people can thrive,” he said.
The Commissioner assured continued government support, emphasizing that journalists remain key stakeholders in the state’s development agenda.
He also noted that the state’s peaceful environment continues to attract national and international events, including investment conferences and professional gatherings, reaffirming Cross River’s openness to business and tourism.
The visit coincided with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration, offering both government and media practitioners an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey and the role of a free press in promoting accountability, good governance, and sustainable development.
The NUJ delegation reiterated its commitment to responsible journalism and strengthened collaboration with governments across the South-South region in the interest of peace, democracy, and national development.