CALABAR – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone (Zone F), has commended the Cross River State Government for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Chronicle Newspapers complex, describing the project as a significant investment in media development and a demonstration of government’s commitment to strengthening public communication NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The commendation came from the Vice President of the NUJ, South-South Zone, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, after he and members of the union’s zonal leadership toured the facility during a visit to Cross River State ahead of the union’s zonal meeting.
Dokubo said the delegation was impressed by the quality and pace of work at the newspaper complex, noting that the project would restore one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected state-owned newspapers to its pride of place.
“We are very, very happy and satisfied with the quality and pace of work ongoing at the Chronicle Newspapers. Indeed, if you talk about state government newspapers, Chronicle is one of the topmost and iconic newspapers,” he said.
According to him, the newspaper, established in 1974, occupies a significant place in Nigeria’s media landscape and deserves the extensive rehabilitation currently underway.
He recalled that the complex suffered extensive damage during the EndSARS protests, leaving its facilities in a deplorable state, but noted that the ongoing reconstruction represented a comprehensive modernisation of the organisation.
“We understand what happened to the entire complex during the EndSARS protests, and it became completely out of order. But today, even as journalists who are directly affected by the facility, we can say truly the Chronicle is back to reckoning,” Dokubo stated.
The NUJ vice president expressed optimism that the project would soon be completed and commissioned, saying the union looked forward to witnessing the official reopening of the media house.
“In a short while, we want to be invited to the official opening of that complex. We are very happy with the work done there,” he added.
Dokubo said the rehabilitation of the newspaper complex reflected the Cross River State Government’s recognition of the critical role of the media in governance and democratic development.
He noted that governments could only remain connected to the people through effective communication and a vibrant media, describing the relationship between the state government and journalists in Cross River as cordial and productive.
“There is no way any government anywhere in the world will be close to the people without a connection with the media. The attention given to the Chronicle and the cordial working relationship that exists between the government and the NUJ show that governance is people-oriented,” he said.
He also commended journalists in Cross River for maintaining high professional standards, describing them as among the best practitioners in the country.
Dokubo urged the state government to sustain its investment in media infrastructure, saying a stronger public media institution would contribute to improved information dissemination, accountability and democratic governance.
The NUJ delegation was in Cross River State for its South-South zonal activities and also inspected other government projects, including the Cross River State Library and the Blake Calabar Resort.
