One of the honoured past Chairmen, Elder Willie Etim Okokon, showing off his portrait.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
In a landmark event aimed at preserving the legacy of journalism in Cross River State, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Council recently unveiled its Hall of Fame under the theme, “Honoring Legends, Preserving Legacy.”
The event, held at the Ernest Etim Press Centre, Calabar, brought together past chairmen and hundreds of members of the Union to celebrate the achievements and contributions of veteran journalists.
The event commenced with a Solemn Assembly, conducted by Rev. Sister Patient Atteh, who delivered a rousing exhortation. calling on every journalist to uphold journalistic integrity and honoring those who paved the way for the profession in Cross River State. She took her time also to pray fervently for God’s protection, and guidance to the members and leadership of the state council.
The event proper was chaired by Hon. Cyril Omini, represented by Amb. Olori Gladness Odosiakun Balinwo Ofekobi. Hon. Omini, in his remarks, praised the initiative, stressing that remembering past leaders strengthens the foundation of journalism in the state.
“This Hall of Fame is more than just a tribute; it is a testament to the hard work of our heroes who strive for integrity, and for those who built the NUJ in Cross River State, We must continue to uphold the values they stood for and inspire future generations to strive for excellence”, said the Chairman.
Among the honorees were 14 past, present, dead, and alive chairmen of the council and distinguished veteran journalist Late Chief Beatrice Bassey Ita, mother of Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, as well as Dr. Brenda Akpan, the former first President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and its founder.
At an event held, February 5, 2025, at the NUJ Ernest Etim Bassey PressCentre, the NUJ Cross River Council inducted two veterans, the late Chief Beatrice Ita, a pioneering female journalist and mother of Senator Ita-Giwa, and Dr. Brenda Akpan, the former first President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and its founder. into the Cross River Journalists Hall of Fame in the non-past chairmen category.
Others so inducted in the past chairmen category include, the pioneer Chairman of NUJ in the State, late Chief Ernest Etim Bassey; former Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, late Etubom Bassey Ekpo Bassey; former Chairman Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Okon Osung former General Manager, Nigerian Chronicle, Unimke Nawa; former House of Representatives member, Ntufam Ekpo Okon; former Secretary of NLCin the State, late John Ogbedu; former Mayor of Calabar Municipal Council, Willie Etim Okokon.
Others are current Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Sports, Sam Egbala; former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Emma Akpong; former Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Omini Oden; former General Manager, CRBC, Eniang Ndem; former Director CRBC, Ndoma Akpet; former Asst Director, Ministry of Information, Victor Udu; and current CPS, Nsa Gill.
The ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes, applause, and reflections on the invaluable contributions of these media icons.
Members at the Solemn Assembly.
One of the attendees, Comrade Essien Ita of CRBC Chapel, lauded the efforts of the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, in bringing the Hall of Fame to life.
“This is a remarkable initiative,” Ita said adding ,“Recognizing the contributions of our past leaders is one of the best things this administration has done. As the first female NUJ chairman in the state, Comrade Bassey is truly making a difference.”
Comrade Joseph Ephraim, a member of the Correspondents’ Chapel, echoed similar sentiments, commending the chairman’s vision.
“For the chairman to conceive such an initiative shows her visionary leadership,” Ephraim stated. “It is a brilliant idea that sets her apart. I encourage other council leaders to introduce innovative projects that honor our profession and its history.”
He further urged the chairman to leverage goodwill and support from stakeholders to drive more impactful projects.
“NUJ is not a money-making organization; we thrive on goodwill. The chairman should use her office to attract well-meaning Nigerians to support our causes,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Tony Ita Etim stressed the importance of celebrating journalism’s history and its pioneers.
“What the chairman has done is highly commendable,” he said, noting,“Remembering our heroes and past leaders ensures that their sacrifices are not forgotten. If you walk into the Governor’s office, you see portraits of past governors; journalists should also celebrate their own. We are the Fourth Estate of the Realm and must take pride in our contributions to society.”
The event also doubled as a celebration of Comrade Bassey’s birthday, making her the first female NUJ chairman in Cross River State to achieve such a milestone while in office. In her brief remarks, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her obligation to advancing journalism in the state.
“I am deeply honored to serve this union and to have the opportunity to celebrate our legends. This Hall of Fame is just the beginning. We must continue to document our history, recognize our heroes, and ensure that future journalists understand the foundation upon which they stand”. She added.
She further encouraged members to uphold professionalism and unity within the union, saying, “Journalism is a powerful tool for societal change. Let us remain steadfast in our mission to inform, educate, and hold those in power accountable”.
