Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, for successfully conducting a peaceful and rancour free election at the just concluded 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference.
The conference held on July 16, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, State Housing, Calabar.
“I want to thank you all and welcome you to this 2025 Delegates Conference,” he said. “We have heard it all, we have seen it all, and I believe there is no need to dwell too long on speeches. I simply wish us a very successful conference.”
Dr. Ekpang praised the leadership of Comrade Archibong Bassey, particularly the synergy she has nurtured with the Cross River State government. “It is unopposed for our First Lady of journalism, who has done exceptionally well, from staff training to transforming the operations of the Council,” he stated.
“She has enjoyed a seamless working relationship with the government, and we will continue to give her and the NUJ all the support they require.”
He also acknowledged the necessity of patience in dealing with government matters but assured the NUJ of continued support. “By the grace of God, within this three-year tenure, 80 percent of the Union’s needs can be met,” Ekpang promised.
“We are proud of this one family that has come together seamlessly, and we encourage her to do even more.” Ekpang appealed.
The National Vice President of the NUJ Zone F, Comrade Opakah Dokubo, who represented the National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahyah at the Cross River State Council’s 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference, applauded the peaceful conduct of the election, describing the process as “commendable and a model for other state councils to emulate”.
In his address, Dokubo praised the electoral process and urged the re-elected executives to build on their previous tenure by promoting unity and professionalism within the state council.
He emphasized that the seamless transition demonstrated the maturity and commended the commitment of journalists in the state in upholding the values of the profession.
On his part, the former Head of Service and respected veteran journalist, Comrade Timothy Obang Akwaji, praised the Cross River NUJ for achieving what he described as a “historic, rancour-free transition…This is the first time we are witnessing such a peaceful process.
“In my nearly 30 years with the Council, I have not seen a transition this smooth. You don’t change a winning team; this one has defended and elevated us.”
Akwaji stressed the essence of the cordial relationship between the government and the NUJ, saying it opens doors to greater welfare benefits for journalists. “When the Commissioner says the government is comfortable with our leadership, that gladdens the heart. This kind of synergy promises many goodies for media practitioners in the state.”
He also called for infrastructural improvements, especially a permanent Press Centre. “The press centre we are seated in was meant to be temporary. Let us avoid the temptation of making it permanent,” he warned. “It’s time to think of allocating land for a befitting accommodation. This is the ‘Season of Sweetness,’ and I trust this government will do the needful.”
Also speaking, the former Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsa Gill, expressed joy over the peaceful election and endorsed Archibong Bassey’s re-election. “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to address you today.
“It’s been a smooth and peaceful day. Archibong is concluding the term I once held, and I can confidently say I’m proud of her achievements.”
Gill who is now Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, attributed her unopposed re-election to the overwhelming confidence members have in her leadership.
“The evidence lies in the results. She ran unopposed. That says a lot about the trust and unity within the Council,” he said, adding, “I thank members for their understanding and collective sense of purpose.”
Looking forward, Gill expressed hope that Archibong would surpass her previous efforts. “As the veterans have said, behave as though you haven’t done anything yet — this is the beginning of greater things. We are confident that she will raise the bar even higher in her second term.” Nsa said..
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, Comrade Samuel Egbala, praised the Council for organizing a peaceful election devoid of rancour or violence.
“I came here and saw a crowd, and I have been around long enough to say this is the first NUJ election with no quarrels, no shouting, no guns, just peace,” Egbala remarked adding, “it means we are making tremendous progress.”
He applauded Comrade Bassey and her team, stressing that they have created a family atmosphere within the Union. “We don’t have sponsors; we are our sponsors,” he said. “Let us continue to work together with the mindset that we are one big family. And for our mother, Archibong, we expect more, draw all of us together.”
Egbala also supported calls for a new permanent Press Centre for the Union. “I want to join the voices of the Head of Service and others in advocating for an allocation that gives us a befitting secretariat,” he stated. “Let this be the legacy of this new leadership. With collective physical and prayerful support, we can achieve it.” Egbela emphazied.
The Permanent Secretary, Secondary Education Board, Pastor Eyo Offiong, also commended the leadership of Comrade Bassey for a job well done but pleaded that the new Exco should build bridges and ensure a peaceful coexistence with all members.
