By Frank Ulom
Over a year ago, the media space was agog when the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, elected its first female chairman.
Yes, it was a record that was broken, after decades of the council’s existence, and it shook the entire media space in the state.
But, to me, it was just another NUJ Chairman that was elected. Note, every journalist or practitioner is called a gentleman, whether male or female.
If everyone is a gentleman, why is the “first female chairman” announcement a big thing? Well, it was because it was what it was.
Fast-forward to today, exactly one year, two months and six days, Comrade Archibong Bassey has shown that a good leader can be anybody – whether male or female.
As per the words of Anton Ego, “Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.” That’s my description of Comrade Archie Eso.
In her numerous achievements as Chairman, the most outstanding for me is the safety and welfare of journalists in the state – both members and non-members of the union. She had dared the daredevils, faced the unfaceable, etc, for the welfare of journalists, in extension, bloggers in the state. Was it training and retraining? To mention but a few. I am not saying others didn’t, but she did it and did it well.
I recalled when she was attacked while fighting for the stomach of Journalists in the state. That was the height of it! Imagine if something more had happened, but God forbids and will always forbid anything bad to happen.
Tomorrow, 16th July 2025, the council will be electing a new EXCO. Whoever has the interest of Journalists and the council at heart should vote for Comrade Archibong Bassey and her team.
Look at what she has done for one year and two months, imagine what she’ll do in three years – it’ll always be happy hours for journalists.
God bless you Comrade Archibong Bassey, God bless the NUJ, and God bless Nigeria.
Ulom Is a Journalist, Publisher of Converseer in Calabar.
