Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with Florence Ita-Giwa, has announced plans to establish the Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation in Calabar.
This is in honour of the late veteran journalist, broadcaster, and media icon, Beatrice Bassey Ita.
The initiative, which was unveiled during a courtesy visit to Ita-Giwa at her Calabar residence yesterday, is designed to immortalize Mrs. Ita’s immense contributions to journalism, broadcasting, and public service. It will also serve as a hub for research, mentorship, tourism, and professional development for journalists, students, and media enthusiasts.
Speaking during the visit, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya, described the centre as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and cultural heritage. He explained that the project would provide access to books, archives, multimedia resources, and training opportunities aimed at inspiring the next generation of communicators and storytellers.
According to him, “The Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation will preserve the legacy of a trailblazer who dedicated her life to journalism and the empowerment of women in the media.”
Comrade Yahaya was accompanied by the NUJ Vice President, Zone F, Dokubo Opaka; NAWOJ National President, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim; Chairman of NUJ Cross River State Council, Archibong Bassey and her Exco; as well as the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Public Affairs, Gill Nsa.
On her part, Ita-Giwa described the initiative as a befitting tribute to her late mother, whom she remembered as a woman of discipline, foresight, and compassion. She noted that her mother’s values of truth, justice, and fairness guided her life and career, and continue to influence her family and community.
“My mother used her pen and profession to build bridges. She believed deeply in integrity and service to humanity. The establishment of this centre will ensure that her works, artefacts, and legacy become a source of learning and reflection for generations to come,” Ita-Giwa said.
The NUJ delegation also visited the tomb of Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita at McDonald Street in Calabar South Local Government Area, where prayers were offered in her memory.
The unveiling of the project coincides with the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Journalists Award, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, an annual award instituted to celebrate excellence in journalism and honour the late media icon.
