NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey (Centre), some of the honourees, the State NUJ Vice Chairman, Sunny Imah (1st from L) after the ceremony.
By Anietie Akpan
Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa has commended the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Chapter, for celebrating past journalists who dedicated their lives to upholding the principles of true journalism.
At an event held, February 5, 2025, the NUJ Ernest Etim Bassey PressCentre, the NUJ Cross River Council inducted the late Chief Beatrice Ita, a pioneering female journalist and mother of Senator Ita-Giwa, into the Cross River Journalists Hall of Fame. Also inducted was the pioneer National Chairman of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Dr. Brenda Akpan. These two inductees were not past State Chairmen of the NUJ but were recognized based on their immense contributions to the practice and development of journalism profession.
Those inducted into the NUJ Hall of Fame under the past State Chairmen category include, the pioneer Chairman of NUJ in the State, late Chief Ernest Etim Bassey; former Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, late Etubom Bassey Ekpo Bassey; the former General Manager, Nigerian Chronicle, late Martins Usenekong; former Chairman Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Okon Osung; former General Manager, Nigerian Chronicle, late Unimke Nawa; former House of Representatives member, Ntufam Ekpo Okon; former Press Secretary, Ikom LGA, late Comrade Ese Asinya Ese; former Secretary of NLC in the State, late John Ogbedu; former Mayor of Calabar Municipal Council, Willie Etim Okokon; current Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Sports, Sam Egbala; former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Emma Akpong; former Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Omini Oden; former General Manager, CRBC, Eniang Ndem; former Director CRBC, Ndoma Akpet; former Asst Director, Ministry of Information, Victor Udu; and current CPS, Nsa Gill.
Their recognition celebrates the remarkable contributions to journalism and roles in shaping the media landscape in the state and Nigeria at large.
Cutting of the birthday cake .
In her message of appreciation, 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.
“I sincerely commend the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, 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,” she stated.
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.
A cross section of guests.
She called on young journalists to uphold the values of professionalism, objectivity, and ethical reporting, just as the honorees did during their time.
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, 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.
The high point of the colourful ceremony was the cutting of the birthday cake of the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey and was assisted by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang; Dr. Brenda Akpan; the celebrants mother, Mrs Bassey; former State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Lawrence Ekwok, the Commissioner National Population Commission, Bishop Alex Ukam, the Publisher/Editor in Chief, Pillar Today, Chief Anietie Akpan; the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Comrade Nsa Gill; the State Police Commissioner, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah who was represented and the Chairman of the Occasion, Member representing Yakutr 1 in the State Assembly, Hon Cyril Omini who was also represented.
