Our reporter
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has announced a diverse programme of events to mark its 2025 Media Week, set to run from 5 to 11 May. This year’s observance takes on added significance, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day and featuring a critical focus on artificial intelligence and media ethics.
According to the union, the week-long activities are aimed at celebrating the journalism profession, advancing welfare for practitioners, and encouraging robust discussions around responsible reporting in the digital era.
The celebrations will commence on Monday, 5 May, with a solemn assembly and inspirational talks at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar. Guest speakers include Professor Patrick Ene Okon, a respected academic and former journalist; Mr Ogbang Akwaji, a seasoned media veteran; and Comrade Uduak Ikang-Obeten of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation. Recreational games will follow the formal opening.
Tuesday will see the NUJ extend support to elder members of the profession through welfare visits to five veteran journalists, a gesture reflecting the union’s commitment to honouring journalistic legacy.
Health and wellbeing will take centre stage on Wednesday, 7 May, with a mental health seminar delivered by Dr Otu Egbe, a clinical psychologist from the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar. This will be followed by free medical screenings courtesy of ASI Ukpo Hospital.
On Thursday, attention turns to public policy, as stakeholders gather at The Dome in Calabar Municipality for a high-level conference on the theme, “Domesticating the National Sports Policy.” Governor Bassey Otu is expected to inaugurate the session, with notable speakers such as former CAF and FIFA media officer Paul Bassey, Cross River Planning Commission’s Bong Duke, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation representative Ama-Ebi Ebipolade, and public affairs analyst Dr Macfalane Ejah.
A Jumaat service and social evening will take place on Friday, while Saturday has been declared a day of rest. The week will conclude on Sunday, 11 May, with a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar.
In a press release commemorating World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, the Cross River State Government reaffirmed its pledge to uphold media freedom and ethical standards. Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, addressed this year’s global theme—“Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom”—stressing the dual nature of emerging technologies in journalism.
“AI is rapidly transforming the way news is gathered and shared,” Ekpang noted. “Yet, this power must be exercised within ethical boundaries to preserve the integrity of journalism.”
He also denounced global attacks on journalists, calling for concerted efforts to protect press workers from harm and impunity. “Freedom of the press is non-negotiable in a democratic society,” he said, assuring that the state remains committed to supporting journalists through its ‘People First’ agenda.
As the NUJ Media Week unfolds, media professionals are being urged to uphold truth, public service, and the ethical foundations of their craft—values that remain vital in an increasingly digital world.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
