By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Government has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, following the recent deaths of two veteran journalists, Mr Anietie Akpan and Mr Francis Ogar.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar, on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, described the passing of both media practitioners as a profound loss to the journalism community and the state at large.
Pastor Cobham noted that while his inaugural visit to the council coincided with a period of mourning, he yields to divine providence.
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“I am quite saddened by the demise of these very distinguished gentlemen. As a Christian, I submit to the fact that nothing happens without God’s endorsement,” Cobham said. “Life is not about how long, but how well – what impact you have been able to make in society. As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, they paid their dues, projecting the morals of our society and standing up for what is positive.”
The Commissioner commended the deceased veterans for their active service, describing them as the conscience of society who consistently held public office holders accountable. He pledged that the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, being media-friendly, would support the families and the union during the burial proceedings.
Cobham also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a robust, transparent partnership with the press. He announced plans to institute regular inter-ministerial press briefings to combat misinformation and ensure timely dissemination of government policies and initiatives.
“My strength lies in my confidence in you, and we are going to partner together to promote the image of Cross River State through constructive engagement,” he added, assuring that the administration would maintain an open-door policy.
Responding on behalf of the Union, the Chairman of NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, expressed gratitude to the state government for identifying with journalists during what she described as a remarkably difficult period.
Comrade Bassey paid tribute to the late newsmen, describing Anietie Akpan as a major pillar of the union and noting that Francis Ogar had battled ill health prior to his passing.
“Anietie Akpan was a very strong pillar of the Union. Our other colleague, Francis Ogar, had been battling ill health for a while. All of this is just so much on us,” Bassey said. “For everyone who came in contact with Mr. Anietie Akpan, he impacted their lives. He came, he saw, and he conquered.”
The NUJ Chairman assured the Commissioner of the union’s readiness to collaborate with the state government to project Cross River positively, stressing that journalists remain critical stakeholders in state development. She also welcomed the proposed revival of periodic ministerial press briefings, noting that regular engagement between government agencies and the press is vital to keeping the public accurately informed.
