By Our Correspondent
CALABAR – The South-South Zone of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Cross River State Government for maintaining peace and security, describing the state as one of the safest and most stable in Nigeria.
The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the South-South zonal leadership of the NUJ to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, in Calabar as part of activities marking the union’s zonal meeting hosted by the state.
Speaking during the visit, the South-South Zonal Vice President of the NUJ, Opaka Dokubo, who represented the National President of the union, applauded Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for fostering a peaceful atmosphere that supports development, investment, and media practice.
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Dokubo noted that while insecurity remains a major challenge in many parts of the country, Cross River has continued to enjoy relative peace, making it a preferred destination for residents, investors, and visitors.
According to him, the prevailing peace in the state reflects public confidence in government policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
“Cross River remains a haven of peace and development. The security challenges confronting many parts of the country are not evident here, and that is a testament to the efforts of the government,” he said.
The NUJ leader also commended the cordial relationship between the state government and the media, stressing that such collaboration is essential for democratic governance and sustainable development.
The union further expressed gratitude to the government for recent interventions at the NUJ Secretariat, particularly the provision of electricity, which it described as crucial to modern journalism practice.
According to the union, reliable power supply is indispensable to journalists who depend on digital tools, internet connectivity, and electronic devices for news gathering and dissemination.
While appreciating the gesture, the union appealed to the state government to support the construction of a more befitting secretariat, noting that the existing facility no longer adequately serves the growing needs of media practitioners in the state.
Responding, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Otu’s administration to strengthening its partnership with the media and pledged continued support for the union.
Ekpang attributed the state’s peaceful environment to deliberate investments in security by the government, noting that residents and visitors can move freely within Calabar and other parts of the state without fear.
He emphasized that journalists remain critical stakeholders in the state’s development agenda and assured the union that government would continue to create an enabling environment for media practice.
The commissioner also disclosed that the peaceful atmosphere in Cross River has continued to attract major national and international events, investment forums, and professional gatherings, further positioning the state as a destination for business and tourism.
The visit coincided with the celebration of Democracy Day, providing an opportunity for both government officials and media practitioners to reflect on the role of a free press in promoting accountability, good governance, and national development.
The NUJ delegation reiterated its commitment to responsible journalism and enhanced collaboration with governments across the South-South region in advancing peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
