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Tag: Archibong Bassey

  • Press Freedom Day: NUJ seeks safe, supportive environment for media practitioners

    Press Freedom Day: NUJ seeks safe, supportive environment for media practitioners

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council has called on government at all levels to ensure a safe and supportive environment for media practitioners to operate effectively.

    Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, made the call on Saturday during a road walk to commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day in Calabar, the state capital.

    The road walk, tagged ‘Freedom Walk’, had a large turn-out of media professionals in the state who marched peacefully from the WAPI Junction, through Diamond, Stadium and terminated at the Millennium Park. Their messages were conveyed in placards with inscriptions such as “The Nigerian Media Deserves Freedom, Not Fear”, “No True Democracy Without a Free Press”, “Fake News Thrives When the Press is Gagged”, among others.


    Comrade Bassey stressed the importance of an unfettered press, stating that societal ills flourish when journalists are silenced or restricted. She underlined the mutual responsibility between the press and society in safeguarding truth and accountability.

    The NUJ Chairperson called on journalists to remain focused, in spite of distractions, and uphold truth as a fundamental value of the profession.

    Also speaking, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nsa Gill, cautioned journalists against premature politicking, stressing that the current focus should be on governance, not elections.

    In line with the 2025 theme of the World Press Freedom Day, which is “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”, the CPS urged media practitioners to embrace evolving tools, especially Artificial Intelligence, to enhance their reporting skills. He noted that while AI can support journalism, it must not replace core journalistic values or ethical practices.

    “It is wrong to copy and paste AI content without verification. Journalism still demands accuracy and accountability,” he said.

    As part of the Freedom Walk, media professionals visited the Mother Elizabeth Redeemed Orphanage and the Medium Security Prison, Afokang, where they donated food and toiletries to both the orphanage and inmates.

  • C’River NUJ chairman felicitates National President on his birthday, describes him as leader of rare vision, strength

    C’River NUJ chairman felicitates National President on his birthday, describes him as leader of rare vision, strength

    On behalf of all journalists in Cross River State, I join the entire Nigerian journalism family in celebrating a leader of rare vision, strength, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of a free, vibrant, and responsible press.

    Your dedication to defending press freedom, promoting excellence in journalism, and fostering unity within our noble profession continues to inspire us all. Today, we honor not just your birth, but the incredible impact your leadership has had on the journalism landscape in Nigeria.

    May this new year of your life be filled with good health, greater accomplishments, and renewed strength to continue steering the Nigerian Union of Journalists to even greater heights.

    Happy birthday, Mr. President!
    Your legacy continues to grow.

    Signed:
    Comrade Archibong Bassey
    Chairman, NUJ Cross River State Council

  • Media Week: C’River Govt, Police pledge support for NUJ

    Media Week: C’River Govt, Police pledge support for NUJ

    The Cross River State Government and the Nigeria Police Force have both pledged their support for the forthcoming Media Week that will be organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    The pledge was made Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang and the Commissioner of Police, Cross River Command, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin, when the leadership of NUJ in the state led by its Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, paid a courtesy visit to them in Calabar.

    The NUJ Media Week which will officially commence on May 4, will open with a media walk in Calabar to commemorate the annual World Press Freedom Day while other activities will take place within the week that will climax with a thanksgiving service on May 11.

    The Commissioner for Information promised to do his best to ensure that the activities of the week were successful, stating that Governor Bassey Otu is a very media friendly personality and has made his job easier by being quite an effective leader.

    “The governor has embarked on so many laudable projects that the people can see, as this projects are discussed in the Exco meeting, he ensures that they are carried out without prejudice to any section of the state.

    “It is important for us to continue to sell this state which should be one of the key functions of the media but for us to achieve this, we need to be at peace with ourselves and eschew bitterness,” he said.

    Earlier, the NUJ Chairman noted that the visit was to inform the number one information officer in the state of the  activities lined up for the 2025 NUJ Media Week, while also thanking the state governor for creating an atmosphere that is media friendly.

    Chairman of the Media Week Planning Committee, Mr Eyo Charles, on his part listed the various activities lined up for the week, including the visit to the Correctional Center Afokang and an orphanage. He also appealed for the support of the state government to enable the events to be remarkably successful.


    Meanwhile, during the visit to CP Omosanyin, at the Police Headquarters, Diamond Hill, the NUJ Chairman intimated the him on the forthcoming Media Week and other issues aimed at strengthening the already existing cordial relationship between Media Practitioners and the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the area of information gathering and dissemination for effective and efficient service delivery.

    Responding, CP Omosanyin promised to personally be present during the conference on Thursday and pledged full support from his command.

    The CP reiterated the Command’s resolve to uphold the rule of law, justice, equity and fairness in the discharge of its constitutional mandate as enshrined in relevant laws of the land for a safe and secure society.

  • NUJ Hall of Fame: Archibong Bassey-led state council commended for celebrating legacy of excellence

    NUJ Hall of Fame: Archibong Bassey-led state council commended for celebrating legacy of excellence

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council ably led by Comrade Archibong Bassey has been commended for sustaining a legacy of excellence, demonstrated by celebrating past journalists who dedicated their lives to upholding the principles of the noble profession.

    The commendation was made Wednesday by an elder stateswoman, Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa at the unveiling of NUJ Hall of Fame which took place at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.

    The event saw the induction late Chief Beatrice Ita, a pioneering female journalist and mother of Senator Ita-Giwa, into the Cross River Journalists Hall of Fame. The recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to journalism and her role in shaping the media landscape in the state.

    In her goodwill message, Senator Ita-Giwa expressed gratitude to the NUJ for recognizing the sacrifices and hard work of past journalists. She emphasized that honouring journalists who stood for truth, integrity, and public enlightenment is a noble act that preserves history and inspires the next generation of media professionals.

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    Her words, “I sincerely commend the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Cross River State Chapter, for this thoughtful initiative. Journalism remains a pillar of democracy, and it is heartwarming to see that those who gave their all for this noble profession are not forgotten.”

    Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Senator Ita-Giwa described Chief Beatrice Ita as a fearless and dedicated journalist who used her pen to fight for justice and give a voice to the voiceless. She called on young journalists to uphold the values of professionalism, objectivity, and ethical reporting, just as the honorees did during their time.

    The event, which brought together media practitioners, government officials, and members of the public, served as a reminder of the critical role journalists play in shaping society.

    Senator Ita-Giwa reaffirmed her support for the media, urging practitioners to continue upholding truth and fairness in their reporting while remaining steadfast in their commitment to nation-building.

    The event coincided with the NUJ chairman’s birthday.