By Obeten Godfrey
Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has officially commissioned Sparkling 92.3 Fm in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Ayade performed the commissioning at an event held on Saturday at the Station’s office in Lemma, 8 Miles Calabar.
The Governor in his commendation message applauded the founders of the radio station “for coming up with such brilliant idea”, stating that “there can never be enough Fm radio stations in the State because there is so much to report”.
He said he is happy that the media space in Cross River is expanding speedily; and expressed joy at the arrival of the station, which he said is coming at the right time when the State is experiencing massive digital industrialization.
“Cross River State used to be tagged a Civil Service State, but we have proved that to be a wrong notion. The State right now is on the National map due to the massive digital industrialization revolution taking place here.
“There is massive investment drive in the State. With the Garment factory, Calapharm, Rice City, Deep Sea Port, Super Highway among others, which are a few developmental strides embarked upon by the present administration, you will not lack what to report,” Ayade said.
The Governor represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong urged the broadcast outfit to at all times adhere strictly to the ethics and rudiments of the profession by delivering balanced, unbiased and timely reportage.
In an opening remark, the Managing Director of the Station, Mr. Enimimi Innocent thanked God for making the project and the day a reality.
Enimimi avered that “The emergence of the radio station marked the coming to fruition of a dream to provide the beautiful city of Calabar and Cross River State a radio station that is truly owned by the people.
“Sparkling 92.3 Fm Calabar is born out of a deep longing to provide the Canaan City a mass media platform that will foster cohesion, a platform that will foster unity and bridge the socio-cultural, ethno-political divides that tends to keep us apart.”
The MD opined that the values of the radio station is founded on the principles of equity, fair play and truth which the media organization will thrive to uphold.
He however reiterated that the Station will not fail in its duties as the watchdog of the people to hold Government accountable by drawing their attention to areas of perceived gaps all in a bid to make Cross River State better, bigger and prosperous.
He concluded by commending the Government for providing a condusive atmosphere for the media in the State, even as they look forward to a better relationship and partnership with them.
Similarly, the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly; John Gaul Lebo, represented by the Chairman House Committe on Information, Hon. Mathew Olory described the establishment of Sparkling Fm as a good omen.
He said the station was coming timely with sparkling ideas which will further help in taking the state to sparkling heights, “Cross River State is a Sparkling State, as a House and Chairman, House Committee on Information; we will partner with the station on information dissemination to keep the State sparkling.”
Pictures from the event below.
Leave feedback about this