The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, held its July 2026 Congress at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, where members deliberated extensively on issues affecting the journalism profession, the welfare of members, and matters of public interest in Cross River State.
The Congress was presided over by the Chairman of the Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, who constituted a two-member Communiqué Drafting Committee comprising Comrade Eyo Charles as Chairman and Comrade Ukorebi Essien as Secretary.
After exhaustive deliberations, Congress resolved as follows:
1. Welfare of Members
Congress reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of members and commended the State Council for its sustained efforts towards providing support to colleagues facing health and other personal challenges despite limited resources.
Congress expressed concern over the health condition of an ailing colleague and called on the Cross River State Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to provide the necessary assistance towards his recovery.
Congress appreciated the national leadership of the NUJ for its continued support and noted the welfare visit undertaken by the South-South Zone leadership on behalf of the national body to the recuperating Secretary of the Cross River State Council, Comrade Mike Abang.
Congress also observed a minute’s silence in honour of late veteran journalist, Mr. Francis Ogar, and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
2. Chapel Activities
Congress commended Chapels that have remained active through regular meetings and participation in Council activities.
Members encouraged all Chapels to sustain regular engagements and continue promoting the ethics, values and ideals of the journalism profession.
3. NUJ Identity Cards
Congress reviewed the ongoing issuance of NUJ annual identity cards and urged members who are yet to obtain theirs to do so without further delay.
While acknowledging the importance of the identity card as a means of professional identification, Congress appealed to the NUJ National Secretariat to review the annual renewal system with a view to adopting a more affordable, convenient and sustainable arrangement for members.
4. Environmental Degradation and Erosion
Congress expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of erosion, environmental degradation and indiscriminate developments on environmentally fragile locations across Cross River State, particularly in Calabar.
Congress noted that the continued construction of structures on erosion-prone areas and natural drainage channels poses serious threats to lives, property and the environment.
Accordingly, Congress called on the Cross River State Government to:
* Strengthen enforcement of environmental protection and urban planning regulations.
* Prevent illegal developments on vulnerable and high-risk locations.
* Intensify public enlightenment on environmental conservation and protection.
* Take urgent and proactive measures to address active erosion sites before they worsen.
Congress further urged relevant government agencies to diligently discharge their statutory responsibilities to prevent avoidable environmental disasters.
5. Revitalisation of NEWMAP
Congress called on the Cross River State Government to urgently revive and strengthen the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) or introduce similar intervention programmes aimed at addressing the growing erosion challenge and protecting vulnerable communities across the state.
6. Waste Management
Congress condemned the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and waterways, describing the practice as a major contributor to flooding and environmental degradation.
Congress urged relevant environmental authorities to intensify enforcement of sanitation laws while encouraging residents to embrace responsible waste disposal practices.
7. Dispatch Riders and Road Safety
Congress expressed concern over the increasing cases of reckless driving by some commercial dispatch riders across the state.
Congress called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Traffic Management Agency and other relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement of traffic regulations and ensure strict compliance with road safety standards by dispatch riders to reduce avoidable accidents.
8. Payment of Gratuities
Congress appealed to the Cross River State Government to expedite the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired public servants.
Congress noted that many retirees depend on these benefits for their livelihood and urged government to sustain its commitment towards releasing additional funds to clear outstanding obligations.
9. Professional Responsibility
Congress reiterated the need for journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by practising responsible, factual, balanced and public-interest journalism.
Members were encouraged to continue promoting professionalism, credibility and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Conclusion
Congress reaffirmed its commitment to promoting press freedom, professional excellence, accountability, good governance and sustainable development in Cross River State.
Members pledged to continue working with relevant stakeholders towards advancing the collective interests of journalists and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the state.
Signed:
Comrade Eyo Charles
Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee
Comrade Ukorebi Essien
Secretary, Communiqué Drafting Committee
Comrade Archibong Bassey
Chairman, NUJ Cross River State Council
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
