By Our Reporter
The National Presidents of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hassan Yahaya and Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim respectively, have arrived in Calabar ahead of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Investigative Journalism Award set to hold on Saturday 20 September, 2025, in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The award, instituted in honor of the late media icon Beatrice Bassey Ita, recognizes journalists who demonstrate courage, diligence, and integrity in investigative reporting.
Speaking shortly after arriving the Margaret Ekpo International Airport on Friday, NUJ President, Hassan Yahaya said their visit was to honor the invitation of Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and celebrate journalists distinguished in investigative journalism.
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Yahaya emphasized the importance of using existing legal frameworks like the Freedom of Information Act to hold government accountable and urged journalists to uphold the constitutional role of the media as stipulated in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution. He called for capacity building and adherence to ethics to enable journalists to operate without fear or intimidation.
On her part, the NAWOJ President, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim praised the revival of the award, describing it as a morale booster for journalists nationwide. She expressed her admiration for Calabar’s peace and hospitality, noting similarities to her home state, and congratulated the organizers and NUJ for rekindling the program, which highlights the value of hard work in journalism.
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, hosting the delegation at her residence, reaffirmed her support for quality journalism initiatives. She commended the unions for strengthening democracy through investigative reporting and pledged her continued backing for journalists in their efforts to hold leaders accountable.
