NUJ ,CRS Council Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has issued a strong call to action on several pressing issues affecting the state, following its Congress held on April 30, 2025, at the Etim Bassey Press Centre, State Housing, Calabar.
In a communiqué, issued after the Congress and signed by the Chairman Communique Drafting Committee, Comrade Richard Ndoma, Tina Todo and Ita Williams as members, the Union urged the Cross River State Government to immediately enforce a ban on the activities of scrap and metal dealers operating within Calabar metropolis.
“The rampant and unregulated nature of this trade poses a serious security and environmental threat,” the Congress observed. “A renewed clampdown is imperative to restore order and safety in the city.”
The Congress also called for stricter regulation of commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations in the metropolis.
According to the Union, the unrestricted influx of Okada riders into Calabar’s city centre has led to increased, accidents, and security concerns. “We urge the state government to restrict Okada operations to designated suburban areas and implement clear regulations to manage their movement,” the communiqué stated.
Raising alarm over a growing number of fatal incidents during the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, and some students missing their exams due to long distance of traveling to the examination centres, the NUJ expressed deep concerns over this.
“Too many young lives have been lost while trying to reach their examination centres,” the Union lamented.
It called on JAMB to overhaul its operational framework to make the exam process safer and more accessible for students.
To further support students, the Congress appealed to the State Government to establish more Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres across the state.
The Union stressed that these centres would ease the difficulties students (Children) face during JAMB registration.
“Simplifying and streamlining the registration process will reduce stress and increase the chances of students gaining admission,” the Congress stressed.
As part of preparations for its internal electoral process, the NUJ announced the formation of a three-man Credentials Committee ahead of the 2025 State Council election scheduled for July.
The committee is chaired by Comrade Florence Oluhu of the Chronicle Chapel, with Comrade Ubon Ekanem of the Correspondents’ Chapel as Secretary and Comrade Affiong Ndem of the Information Chapel as member.
Three-member committee was also inaugurated to plan the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Journalist Award ceremony slated for June 2025.
The committee is led by the Publisher/Editor in Chief of Pillar Today, Comrade Anietie Akpan,
Other members include the immediate past NAWOJ Vice President, Zone F, Mrs. Uduak Obeten, while the Chairman of the Ministry of Information Chapel, Comrade Iloke Egbe will serve as Secretary.
The Congress reaffirmed its obligation to press freedom, community safety, and educational advancement in Cross River State, urging stakeholders to act swiftly on the issues highlighted.
The State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Archibong Bassey, who presided over the Congress, called on the newly appointed committee members to view their roles as a responsibility to serve diligently and contribute meaningfully to the union’s progress.
The Chairman also urged the Credentials Screening committee to ensure they carry out a transparent screening exercise to enable the Union achieve success in the coming election.
The Chairman similarly charged the three-man Committee for the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Journalists Award to strive for openness and excellence in the discharge of their duty.