From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Edem Darlington, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, have fulfilled their promise by presenting the key to a new apartment to an ailing journalist with Ibom Nation newspaper, Comrade Enya Ndem, in Calabar.
The gesture forms part of the union’s efforts to improve the welfare of media practitioners in Cross River State.
The apartment was officially handed over on Thursday during a brief ceremony attended by journalists, government officials, and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor, Edem Darlington, commended the leadership of the NUJ for what he described as a humanitarian gesture that went beyond professional obligations.
Darlington said the intervention reflected genuine concern for the wellbeing of journalists in Cross River State, adding that the government would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of media practitioners in the state.
“This is beyond journalism. This is beyond what we do. This is humanity. The chairman has gone beyond the boundaries to touch lives and, with the cooperation of the Correspondents’ Chapel chairman, this has become a reality,” he said.
He noted that the living condition of the journalist before the intervention was not ideal and expressed relief that he now has a comfortable accommodation.
“At least we have been able to move him from where he was before. We all saw the situation and it wasn’t befitting of anyone staying there. We are happy that he now has a better place to stay,” he added.
The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Eme Offiong of Voice of Nigeria, praised the Cross River NUJ leadership for prioritising members’ welfare.
Comrade Offiong described the gesture as unprecedented, noting that the union committed substantial resources to secure the accommodation for the journalist.
“Welfare is quite important, but going this far is not what anybody expected. The care and concern shown to our member is something that cannot be quantified,” she said.
She also commended Darlington for his support to journalists in the state and for strengthening the relationship between the government and the media.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, said the union remained committed to supporting members facing difficult conditions.
Comrade Bassey explained that the union decided to intervene after discovering the challenges faced by the journalist, stressing that journalists deserved dignity and support in recognition of their contributions to society.
She assured members that the NUJ would continue to prioritise welfare and support initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of journalists across the state.
The beneficiary, Enya Ndem, expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, and the state government for the support shown to him during his health challenges.
Ndem said he was overwhelmed by the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of love and unity within the journalism profession.
“I never expected this level of support. I am deeply grateful to the NUJ leadership, my colleagues, and everyone who contributed to making this possible,” he said.
He added that the new apartment would provide him with comfort and hope as he continued his recovery process.
