By Asuquo Cletus
Journalists in Cross River State on Friday rallied support for an ailing colleague, Enya Enya Ndem, a correspondent with Ibom Nation Newspapers, as they paid him a solidarity visit at his residence.
The delegation, led by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor, Edem Darlington, alongside the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, presented cash and food items to the sick journalist to assist him in meeting his immediate needs.
Darlington, who described Ndem as a former schoolmate, donated ₦50,000 in cash and provided essential food items, including yams, garri and bags of rice.
The governor’s aide said the visit was aimed at identifying with the journalist during his period of ill health and difficult living conditions.
He expressed concern over Ndem’s living situation, noting that the environment was not conducive, and assured that efforts would be made to relocate him to a more suitable accommodation.
Recalling their early days in school, Darlington said they had shared memories with other journalists in the state, including the late Albert Andinam and the late Increase Abasi, stressing the importance of standing by one another in difficult times.
“We just feel that we should be there for each other, so you are never forgotten,” he said, urging Ndem to remain strong and hopeful.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Cross River State, Archibong Bassey, commended Darlington for the gesture and encouraged members of the union to emulate such acts of kindness.
She noted that the visit demonstrated empathy, leadership and professional solidarity among journalists.
“We felt it was important to come here personally to see you and let you know that you are not alone. As colleagues and brothers in the profession, we must always look out for one another,” she said.
Responding, Ndem expressed appreciation to the delegation for the support, describing the visit as encouraging during a difficult period.
“I feel very grateful from the bottom of my heart. I didn’t expect all of you to climb this place just to see me,” he said.
