Ukorebi Esien | July 17 , 2025
CALABAR — The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, has reiterated her commitment to building a vibrant, professional, and people-centered Union that upholds the ethics of journalism and promotes the welfare of its members.
Speaking shortly after her official inauguration during the 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference of the Union held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, Bassey called on members of the Council to eschew rumour-mongering and focus on generating innovative ideas that would reposition the Union for growth.
"I don't need gossips, I need ideas that will move the Council forward," Don't come and tell me what this person said about me, rather come and tell me what ideas you have for our collective growth. If you must tell me what they said about me, also tell me what you said." She declared in a passionate address to members, stressing that her administration would prioritize unity, professional development, and accountability.
Bassey, who initially assumed office in an acting capacity on May 9, 2024, following the appointment of her predecessor, Comrade Nsa Gill, as Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, officially took the reins of leadership after a year of service which she described as a "trial period."
In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the challenges faced during the transitional year, including funding constraints, emotional burnout, and managing expectations. "There was a time I told my mother, 'I'm not doing it again.' But when I look back and see the support I get, it strengthens me," she said, with visible emotion.
Bassey emphasized the need for collective responsibility in running the affairs of the Union. "All hands must be on deck. This is not a one-person job," she said, calling on stakeholders to support efforts in revenue generation and programme implementation.
Delivering a detailed account of her one-year stewardship before her formal election and inauguration, Bassey listed several key achievements under her interim leadership to include:
Training and Retraining of over 120 journalists to improve professional capacity.
Renovation of the Chairman's Office and replacement of outdated furniture with modern conference chairs.
Welfare Interventions, including support for ailing and bereaved members.
Recognition and Awards, including the revival of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Journalist of the Year Award after years of dormancy.
Press Freedom Initiatives, such as the 2025 World Press Freedom Day outreach to Afokang Correctional Centre and Mother Elizabeth Orphanage.
Infrastructure and Donations, notably a brand-new 18-seater executive bus from the Cross River State Government and other material donations from public-spirited individuals and institutions.
Partnerships for Welfare, including collaboration with a federal agency to procure 50kg bags of rice at subsidized rates for members.
Solemn Assemblies and Outreach, reinforcing the council's belief in spiritual guidance for leadership.
Bassey also acknowledged the strong support received from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Comrade Nsa Gill (Immediate Past Chief Press Secretary to the Governor), and expressed gratitude to the national leadership of NUJ, especially Zone F Vice President, for their guidance and solidarity throughout the transitional period.
"Going forward, we intend to build a Union that puts people first—a Union that listens, grows, and leads by example," she affirmed.
Other members of the State Working Committee re-elected unopposed alongside Comrade Archibong Bassey of the NTA chapel include Comrade Sunday Inah (CRBC chapel) – Vice Chairman,, Comrade Michael Abang (Correspondence Chapel) – Secretary, Comrade Kingsley Agim ( Information Chapel) – Assistant Secretary, Comrade Achiane Adams (Ministry of Information Chapel) – Treasurer and Comrade Benedicta Anam (FRCN) – Auditor
Their tenure is expected to last until 2028.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, represented by Comrade Opakah Dokubo, Vice President of Zone F. urged members of the Cross River Council to remain united, cooperate with the newly inaugurated leadership, and shun any form of division or personal interest. "A united NUJ is a stronger NUJ," he stressed. He also used the opportunity to call for a befitting and bigger Secretariat for the council.
The Conference was chaired by Dr. Brenda Akpan, pioneer President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), with prominent members of the Union, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang and other government functionaries in attendance.
0 comments: