CALABAR – The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has called on journalists across the state and the nation to maintain the highest standards of journalism ethics in the performance of their duties.
Speaking at the one-day conference organised by the Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday at the Calabar Municipal Garden Hall, the Deputy Governor, represented by his Press Secretary, Fred Abua, Esq., emphasised the pivotal role of the media in shaping public discourse, advancing development, consolidating democracy, and fostering transparency in governance.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Senator Bassey Otu-led administration to promoting responsible journalism through partnership, collaboration, and the provision of an enabling environment for media practice.
Odey urged journalists to avoid sensationalism, falsehood, and personal bias, emphasising the importance of fact-checking before dissemination.
Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, highlighted the significance of the one-day conference themed “Journalism, Good Governance and the Quest for Sports Development: The Cross River Perspective.”
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She noted that the discussions centred on domesticating the national sports policy would significantly enhance sports development in the state. Bassey encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to the deliberations, emphasising the media’s pivotal role in driving public policy and development.
The one-day conference, which formed part of activities commemorating the 2025 Media Week Celebration in Cross River State, was attended by the Vice Chairman/CEO of the State Planning Commission, Dr Bong Duke, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nsa Gill, Director of Homeland Security (South), Mr Mike Nsan, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Mr Sam Egbala.
Also present were media practitioners, government officials, and representatives from civil society organisations.
