Gov Otu Hails Media Practitioners, Reaffirms Commitment To A Free Independent Press State

By Promise Imoh.

In Commemoration of 32nd World Press Freedom Day, the Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Otu of Cross River State has joined in celebrating journalists and the media in general on the celebration of their 2025 World Press Freedom Day.  

This was revealed in a Goodwill message by the State Commissioner For Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang on Friday. 

Speaking on the importance of the day as well as this year’s theme ‘Reporting in this brave new world: the impact of Artificial intelligence on press freedom and the media’, the Commissioner stated that the day is essential for reflection among the media and also raise awareness on the significance and importance of the presence of a Free press state and society.

“World Press Freedom Day is a day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to remind governments all round the world and media in particular to see the need to respect their commitment to Press Freedom. It is a day of reflection among the media and to raise awareness on the fundamental principles of Press Freedom throughout the world.

The Cross River State Government wishes to note that this Commemoration once again brings to the fore the very essence of the media and its Practitioners.

“A proactive press remarks for any democratic society, central to the impression that information is a public commodity, it is essential to everything we do, more often than not, we trust the media with providing the information”.  He said. 

He further emphasized that the theme is apt and timely and noted that if fully incorporated into the media sphere can help achieve a seemingly impossible goal. 

“This year’s theme is apt and timeous, this is a clear indication that, a Free press is the mechanism that we have for furthering the protection of journalists on the line of duty, while leveraging on the relevant and impact of Artificial intelligence in information gathering and dissemination. This is even more so that advent of Artificial intelligence has brought the world together at a stage for information gathering and reporting.  It is therefore very critical that as purveyor of the society, the media must necessarily embrace the power of artificial intelligence in bringing the world together towards achieving the seeming impossibilities of nature”. He noted.

Reaffirming the government commitment to ensuring an independent free Press society, the statement noted that Cross River State will continue to partner with the media in protecting their interest and fighting misinformation in the State.

“As we continue to emphasize on the factual, accuracy, credibility and most importantly, cling to the ethical standard of journalism which the world press freedom day was initiated to remind us about, the government of Cross River State hereby restates her commitment to a Free Independent Press in the State, so that every journalist can operate without fear of molestation, while also noting the alarming effect of the present day digital revolution in the media sector that is virtually altering the information terrain and its modality of Production and distribution. 

“As an administration with the “people’s first” mantra, Governor Bssey Edet  Otu will continue to partner with the media and other relevant stakeholders to protect freedom of expression and fighting misinformation in the State. The government shall continue to fight all enemies of a free Press society that promotes discrimination and crime against journalists in the course of performing their legitimate duties and also promotes the digitalization of the media in the State so that the impact of Artificial intelligence would be felt in the performance of their duty in our dear state”. Erasmus stated.

Echoing the need for the world to celebrate this great profession, he called for a stop in the persecution of journalists globally. He also wish every journalist practicing within Cross River State a beautiful world Press Freedom Day celebration. 

“As we commemorate this day, the Cross River State government joins her voice in condemning the continued persecution of responsible journalist by repressive government around the globe, some leading to imprisonment and death of genuine media Practitioners and calls for total restraint. 

“Once again government congratulates all journalist across the globe, those practicing in our dear state in particular on this auspicious world Press Freedom Day 2025, with a renewed hope that this season of sweetness which is recalibrating the state from all sectors shall add greater value to  this symbiotic relationship”.  He concluded.