The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham, yesterday paid a condolence visit to the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the death of veteran journalist and former Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian, Anietie Akpan.

Cobham, who led officials of the Ministry of Information to the NUJ secretariat in Calabar, described Akpan as an icon of journalism whose contributions to the profession in Cross River, the South-South and Nigeria remained significant.

Akpan, who died recently after several decades in journalism, was a respected media practitioner who served in various capacities during his career, including as South South Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian.

The commissioner said the state government shared in the grief of the NUJ and the wider media community, adding that the vacuum created by Akpan’s death would be difficult to fill.

Cobham also called for a stronger partnership between the Ministry of Information and the NUJ in promoting government policies and programmes, as well as projecting the image of the state.

Responding, the state NUJ Chairman, Archibong Bassey, thanked the commissioner for the visit and solidarity, describing Akpan as a mentor to many journalists and a bridge builder who upheld the ethics of the profession.

Bassey assured the ministry of the union’s readiness to sustain collaboration with government and promote accurate reportage of its activities for the development of the state.

The visit ended with prayers for the repose of Akpan’s soul and comfort for his family.