By Kelvin Ololo And Favour Adinya
To drive positive changes in the media landscape amid global technological advancements, the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism (AJFIAJ), has trained government media aides, press secretaries, and journalists on advancing their craft within the bounds of legal ethics in the state.
The two-day masterclass began on Thursday, October 30, 2025, and concluded with certification on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Cross River State Library Complex in Calabar.
Speaking on “media and information literacy,” Acting Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies and Chairman of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Media Team, Mr. Cornelius Ella, explained that technological advancements have shifted the media space from analog to digital, making it faster, more powerful, and complex.
He urged media professionals not to be swayed by speed but to pursue their work with a strong passion for truth, accuracy, objectivity, and fairness without manipulation.
He said, “create content that is credible that when your name is mention you become a brand. Build trust and not publicity.”
The communication scholar advised government media aides to carefully leverage media credibility and wider coverage to reach their publics and serve their principals’ interests.
Addressing legal issues in the profession, legal practitioner and Principal Consultant of FBI Legal, First Baba Isa Esq., stated that “the only component that has been given responsibilities to hold government accountable on state policies is the press.”
Delivering a lecture on “Media Integrity: Reality and Law,” Barrister Baba Isa encouraged practitioners to adhere strictly to professional ethics to avoid litigation.
He discussed the role of integrity in media practice, describing it as “doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” He highlighted the positive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on media operations while warning against legal pitfalls such as copyright infringement and defamation under Nigerian law.
Media Consultant Alhaji Rasheed Olanrewaju led a session on “Action Planning, Networking, and Corporate/Government Communication.” He explained how effective governance communication can be enhanced through strategic planning and relationship building.
He said, “As a good Press Secretary, you must set agenda and be on the game, this is achieve by networking and connecting with other media houses. Also set smart objective, breakdown tasks into activities, assign responsibilities clearly, allocate resources effectively, create a timeline for execution, monitor and review regularly.”
Commending the convener, Mr. Agba Jalingo, Mr. Monday Ashibogwu urged participants to build value and relevance to stand out.
He said, “abide by the golden rule that says if a journalist cannot tell the truth, he/she shouldn’t tell a lie.”
The event was attended by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu; Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor; media aides to the Governor; press secretaries to council chairmen and chairpersons, journalists and media experts from within and outside the Cross River State.
The masterclass was graced by His Royal Highness Muril Munene (Prof. Itam Hogan Itam) – Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, who was represented by His Royal Highness Muril Eyo Effiong Okon.
