By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the employment of 25 new staff members for the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle, as part of efforts to reposition the state-owned media organisation.
The State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, who disclosed this in Calabar, said the approval followed the comprehensive renovation and remodelling of the Corporation’s structures, which were originally built in 1971.
He explained that the recruitment process would be conducted in line with the provisions of the Cross River State Civil Service Commission, which has the statutory responsibility of employing workers into the state’s civil and public service.
Dr. Ekpang noted that the facelift of the Newspaper Corporation had restored the historic facility to modern standards while ushering in a new era for the media outfit.
According to him, the intervention would strengthen the Corporation’s capacity to serve as a credible platform for information dissemination and promotion of Cross River’s cultural heritage, stressing that the organisation currently has fewer than 10 staff members.
“I sincerely thank His Excellency, our ‘People First’ Governor, for his commitment and direction towards completing the remodelling of the Nigerian Chronicle.
“These new staff, when they come on board, will significantly boost the workforce of the Corporation and reposition it for better service delivery,” the Commissioner said.
Dr. Ekpang further disclosed that Governor Otu had also approved the engagement of 30 ad-hoc workers to commence operations at the newly installed Government Printing Press located within the Corporation’s complex.
He said the printing press, which is expected to be reopened and commissioned soon, would improve production capacity, enhance efficiency, increase government revenue, and ensure timely delivery of quality publications within and outside the state.
“The ad-hoc staff are expected to manage production at the press for three months, after which the Governor may consider absorbing them into the State Civil Service on a permanent basis,” Ekpang added.
The Commissioner said the development represented a strategic move by the Otu administration to restore the glory of the state’s media institution through investment in both infrastructure and human resources.
Media stakeholders have commended the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards rebuilding confidence in public institutions and repositioning the state’s media sector.
Observers said the development aligns with Governor Otu’s broader “People First” agenda, which focuses on improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors of the state.
With the renovation of the Newspaper Corporation and the planned commencement of printing press operations, the institution is expected to regain its position as a strong voice in Nigeria’s media industry after more than five decades of service.
The move, stakeholders noted, reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving the history of the Nigerian Chronicle while embracing innovation and modern media practices.
