By Philip Agba and Margaret John
Cross River State has been noted as one of the States in Nigeria that have greatly benefitted from the mass media in terms of objective, impartial and balanced content due to its plurality of broadcast stations.
The attribution was given at the one year anniversary lecture of Sparkling 92.3FM Calabar where the Cross River State Governor rated the station high.
The Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Aye Henshaw further commended the management and staff of the station for their developmental strides within a short time, urging them to expand the broadcast services to television.
The Governor reckoned “Sparkling 92.3FM since coming on air has added a new vista to this era. It has helped to broaden the content. I’ll commend them for contributing in a concrete way in reducing the rate of unemployment in the State.
“Cross River State is flourishing in terms of the broadcast media. In just four years of Governor Ayade’s stewardship, we have up to six broadcast stations and have promoted democracy as far as broadcast media is concerned.
“Ultimately, we expect you to expand even into television. We wish that you partner with the State Government for the overall development of Cross River State.” He concluded.
The Inaugural lecture was part of the activities marking the one year anniversary of the station with the topic: “The Role of Media in National Economic Development: A Case Study of Cross River State.”
Prof. Offiong Ani Offiong, Tue Inaugural Lecturer noted that the presence of several broadcast media in the State especially the private stations have not only put a competitive edge among the broadcast stations but have also helped to boost the economic development of the State.
He maintained that, “Cross River State citizens have really benefitted from the media. The shift from public to private is a better imperative brought about by new technology. There is indebt analysis in State matters. The reach is a lot wider than what used to prevail. The new media organizations act as social control and as checks and balances to things that only the fourth estate of the realm can control.
“There have been strong points marshaled out in terms of the fact that the media in National Economic Development is a panacea for growth. Cross River State Government and its citizenry have been able to benefit from very good broadcasters and journalists working in various media organizations. The checks and balances are very equitable to ensuring that things are done properly.” He ended.
In his keynote address, Chief Wilfred Ina lauded the contributions made by media outfits in the State.
He urged that professionalism needs to be maintained as he envisioned a better society courtesy of the media.
On his part, the General Manager of the station, Mr. Effiong Nyong maintained that more creative contents should be expected.
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