From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has commended journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their commitment to responsible and ethical reporting, saying balanced journalism has continued to promote accountability and good governance.
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, gave the commendation on Monday while inspecting a newly installed 150KVA solar power system provided by the state government for journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Calabar.
Ekpang said the media’s consistent coverage of developmental projects in Cross River, particularly during the current political season, reflected the press’s dedication to its constitutional role as watchdog of society.
He attributed the cordial relationship between the government and the media to the administration’s policy of openness, regular access to information and respect for the responsibilities of journalists.
“The government values the role of the media in strengthening democracy and ensuring that citizens remain informed about policies, programmes and projects,” he said.
The commissioner also praised the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, for what he described as pragmatic leadership and innovation at the press centre.
He described recent improvements at the centre as unprecedented and a milestone in efforts to strengthen journalism practice in line with global standards.
Ekpang stressed the need for journalists in the state to continually improve their skills to meet the demands of modern media practice.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and open communication, adding that an informed citizenry remains vital to effective governance.
He also assured that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of journalists and create an enabling environment for them to work productively.
In her remarks, the Cross River NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, thanked the state government for the gesture, noting that the solar installation would provide uninterrupted power supply to the press centre and improve journalism practice in the state.
She reiterated the commitment of journalists in the state to continue highlighting government programmes, activities and projects.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a letter of appreciation by the NUJ chairman to the governor for the support.
