By Asuquo Cletus
The Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Edem Darlington and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Council have fulfilled their promise by presenting a key to an apartment to ailing journalist with Ibom Nation newspaper, Enya Ndem, in Calabar as part of efforts to improve the welfare of media practitioners in the state.
The apartment was officially handed over on Thursday during a brief ceremony attended by journalists, government officials and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor, Edem Darlington, commended the leadership of the NUJ for what he described as a humanitarian gesture that went beyond professional obligations.
Darlington said the intervention reflected genuine concerns for the wellbeing of journalists, adding that the government would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of media practitioners.
“This is beyond journalism. This is beyond what we do. This is humanity, the chairman has gone beyond the boundaries to touch lives and, with the cooperation of the Correspondents’ Chapel chairman, this has become a reality.”-He said
He noted that the living condition of the journalist before the intervention was not ideal and expressed relief that he now has a comfortable accommodation.
“At least we have been able to move him from where he was before. We all saw the situation and it wasn’t befitting of anyone staying there. We are happy that he now has a better place to stay,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Eme Offiong, praised the Cross River NUJ leadership for prioritising members’ welfare.
Offiong described the gesture as unprecedented, noting that the union committed substantial resources to secure the accommodation for the journalist.
“Welfare is quite important, but going this far is not what anybody expected.
The care and concern shown to our member is something that cannot be quantified,” she said.
She also commended Darlington for his support to journalists in the state and for strengthening the relationship between the government and the media.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Council of the NUJ, Archibong Bassey, said the union remained committed to supporting members facing difficult conditions.
Bassey explained that the union decided to intervene after discovering the challenges faced by the journalist, stressing that journalists deserved dignity and support in recognition of their contributions to society.
She assured members that the NUJ would continue to prioritise welfare and support initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of journalists across the state.
In his remarks, the beneficiary, Enya Ndem, expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel and the state government for the support shown to him during his health challenges.
Ndem said he was overwhelmed by the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of love and unity within the journalism profession.
“I never expected this level of support. I am deeply grateful to the NUJ leadership, my colleagues and everyone who contributed to making this possible,” he said.
He added that the new apartment would provide him with comfort and hope as he continued his recovery process.
