Cross River Partners NUJ to Boost Calabar Carnival, Tourism

Our Correspondent

The Cross River State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in promoting the world-famous Calabar Carnival and other initiatives aimed at showcasing the state’s tourism and economic potential.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, made this known on Monday, September 22, when the National President of NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar.

Ironbar, who represented Governor Bassey Otu at the meeting, said the administration recognizes the role of the media in driving development and is eager to strengthen ties with the NUJ.

> “The government wants a partnership for the Calabar Carnival. The NUJ and the media remain reliable partners in good governance, and together, we will work out modalities for a media tour to further project the state’s progress,” Ironbar said.

The NUJ President, Alhaji Yahaya, who was in Calabar for the recently concluded 5th Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award ceremony, commended Governor Otu for his achievements since assuming office.

He noted that the state has witnessed significant progress in less than two years and urged the governor to sustain his developmental drive.

> “Cross River has regained its footing, and we encourage the governor not to relent. The state should also foster programmes that will bring journalists on media tours to see and report the progress being made,” Yahaya stated.

He also expressed appreciation to the government for supporting the NUJ in successfully hosting the award ceremony and pledged continued partnership in promoting Cross River’s economic and tourism prospects.

The NUJ delegation included the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Aisha Ibrahim; Chairman of the Cross River NUJ Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey; and other officials.