The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone (Zone F), has described Cross River State as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, commending the administration of Governor Bassey Otu for creating a conducive environment for development, investment, and media practice.

The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by officials of the NUJ South-South Zone to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, in Calabar weekend as part of activities marking the union’s zonal meeting holding in the State capital.

Speaking on behalf of the National President of the NUJ, the South-South Zonal Vice President, Opaka Dokubo, lauded the cordial relationship between the state government and the media, noting that Cross River has continued to stand out positively amid the security challenges confronting many parts of the country.

According to him, the prevailing peace and stability in the state have created an atmosphere where residents, investors, and visitors can live and conduct their activities without fear.

“Cross River State remains a haven of peace and development. Today, insecurity has become a major challenge in many parts of Nigeria, but Cross River continues to stand out as a place where people can live, work, and move around freely,” Dokubo stated.

He attributed the peaceful atmosphere to the confidence of the people in government and the impact of policies aimed at improving their welfare, stressing that only a satisfied and hopeful population can sustain such a high level of harmony and social stability.

The NUJ leadership also expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for recent interventions at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, particularly the provision of a 15KVA solar power system that now guarantees uninterrupted electricity supply to the secretariat.

The union noted that reliable power supply is essential to modern journalism, as reporters and media organisations rely heavily on electronic devices, internet connectivity, and digital communication tools to gather, process, and disseminate information to the public.

“We are deeply grateful to the government for powering the NUJ Secretariat. For journalists, electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity. This intervention will greatly improve our operations and enhance our ability to effectively serve the public,” the union said.

While commending the administration for its support, the zonal leadership appealed for government assistance towards the construction of a more befitting secretariat, noting that the current facility has become inadequate for the growing demands of journalism practice in the state.

Responding, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, reaffirmed Governor Otu’s commitment to maintaining a robust partnership with the media, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in the state’s development agenda. He pledged to continue advocating for improved infrastructure and support for media practitioners.

Ekpang described Cross River as one of the safest destinations in Nigeria, attributing the achievement to deliberate investments in security by the Otu administration. He noted that the state’s peaceful environment continues to attract major national and international events, investment forums, and professional gatherings.

He assured the union of government’s continued support and reiterated that Cross River remains open for business, tourism, and sustainable development. The visit, which coincided with the Democracy Day celebration, also provided an opportunity for both parties to reflect on the role of a free and responsible press in deepening democracy, promoting accountability, and advancing national development.