By Our Reporter
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described the late veteran journalist, Mr. Anietie Akpan, as a man of stature whose contributions to journalism and public life would remain indelible.
The Governor conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, who visited the family alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council. The delegation was received by the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Imaobong Anietie Akpan, and daughter, Etinyene Anietie Akpan.
Obogo said Governor Otu had wished to visit the family personally to condole with them over the loss, but the exigencies of duty necessitated his sending a delegation to convey his message of sympathy and solidarity.
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He said the Governor had also provided financial support to assist the family with preparations for the final rites of the late journalist.
According to Obogo, the gesture demonstrated Governor Otu’s solidarity with the bereaved family and his recognition of the late Akpan’s contributions to the journalism profession.
He described Akpan as a respected media professional whose passing was a loss to the journalism community, noting that the deceased had made significant contributions to journalism and public discourse.
Obogo said the Governor’s decision to identify with the family reflected his appreciation of the important role journalists play in documenting events, informing the public and contributing to societal development.
He assured the family that the State Government shared in their grief and prayed that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the monumental loss.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, also thanked Governor Otu for his media-friendly disposition and continuous support for the journalism profession in the State.
She said the gesture would go a long way in supporting the bereaved family and the media community in giving the late veteran journalist a decent farewell.
In an emotional response, Etinyene expressed the family’s gratitude to Governor Otu for the thoughtful gesture and support, saying they were grateful indeed for his identification with them at such a difficult time.
She appreciated the Governor for remembering the family and standing with them in their period of grief.
