The Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Edem Darlington, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Council, has fulfilled a pledge to provide decent housing for an ailing colleague.
The keys to a new apartment were officially presented to Mr. Enya Ndem, a journalist with Ibom Nation newspaper, during a brief ceremony held in Calabar on Thursday. The event was attended by government officials, leadership of the NUJ, and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
Speaking during the handover, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary described the initiative as a humanitarian milestone that transcends professional duties. He emphasized that the intervention was born out of a genuine need to improve the living conditions of the beneficiary, which were previously described as “not ideal.”
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“This is beyond journalism; this is humanity,” Darlington stated. “The NUJ Chairman has gone beyond the boundaries to touch lives and, with the cooperation of the Correspondents’ Chapel chairman, this has become a reality. We are happy that he now has a better place to stay.”
Darlington further noted that the state government remains committed to supporting initiatives that prioritize the dignity and wellbeing of media practitioners.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, affirmed that the union’s priority remains the welfare of its members. She explained that the decision to intervene was immediate upon discovering the challenges faced by Mr. Ndem.
“Journalists deserve dignity and support in recognition of their contributions to society,” Bassey said. She assured members that the council would continue to champion welfare-driven projects across the state.
The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Eme Offiong, characterized the gesture as “unprecedented,” noting that the union committed substantial resources to ensure the journalist was relocated to a more comfortable environment. She also lauded Darlington for bridging the gap between the government and the media community.
Responding to the gesture, the beneficiary, Enya Ndem, expressed profound gratitude to the NUJ leadership and the state government. Overwhelmed by the support, Ndem noted that the new accommodation provides him with much-needed hope as he continues his recovery process.
“I never expected this level of support. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and everyone who contributed to making this possible,” he remarked.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation of keys, marking a new chapter for the veteran journalist and reinforcing the spirit of unity within the state’s media industry.
