By Patrick Obia
Five years and ten months after the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation – Nigerian Chronicle structure was vandalized during the #ENDSARS crisis, it has been remodelled into a state-of-art facility.
Hoodlums had on October 23, 2020, broke into various warehouses belonging to the government in the state and set the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA warehouse on fire including the Advert Department of Chronicle.
The looters had also in the process burnt down the Advert department completely and looted some offices.
On Thursday, September 3, 2026, the newly remodelled building now christened “Cross River Information Hub” with more modern equipment was commissioned along Barracks Road, Calabar.
Governor Bassey Otu during the commissioning said the renovation is part of his administration’s promise of engendering free flow of information from the government to the citizens and vice versa.
He said to achieve this goal, every information asset will be revitalized and the channel strengthened to deliver on its mandate.
“I therefore made true to my promise by up-grading the transmission equipment of the State Radio and Television Stations – the CRBC. We also gave the office blocks a face lift.
“Another most crucial information apparatus of the state is the “Nigerian Chronicle” Newspaper established since 1974; but remained moribund for about two decades now. Considering the importance of the print media, I set every machinery in motion to re-equip the facility and put it back to use; as well as renovating the entire complex plundered during the ENDSARS protest of 2020.”
Otu noted that it is one thing for the State Government to plough its scarce finances to reactivate the moribund press by the procurement and installation of the state-of the-art printing machines and accessories; and another for the members of staff to justify the investment through hard work and protection against vandalization.
He enjoined the Corporation to always verify facts before publication as falsehood and sensational information is only consigned to the social media and other new media platforms.
“Another critical assignment of your newspaper is to propagate every development milestone achieved by this administration for public information and appraisal. You should equally bear in mind that not all public perceptions are realities. So you need to sieve out propaganda from every happening within and outside the state.
On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi lauded the administration of Governor Bassey Otu for giving the media sector the attention it deserves, at a time, he said many newspapers are dying and people felt there is no future for the newspaper.
“Thank you for that. Today is about much more than opening a building or providing equipment, just as I have been saying before, it is about restoring an institution, preserving institutional memory and renewing confidence in the newspaper profession and indeed the media profession itself.”
The Minister said the faster information travels, the greater importance must be placed on verification, adding that technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy and fairness and should be a center for credible journalism, digital innovation, professional development and meaningful public engagement.
“People who do not document their journey leave others to tell their story for them. This is why the current government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, places great importance on strengthening public communication and improving citizens’ access to accurate information.
Mohammed averred that the government must earn the trust by speaking honestly to citizens, explaining decisions with clarity, acknowledging challenges where they exist and listening to the public’s concerns.
He said it behoves on Nigerians to keep the nation together even as the country begins the electoral cycle.
“I therefore appeal to electoral actors, the media and the citizens alike to place national unity above sectional, ethnic or religious considerations. As political activities intensify, we must resist disinformation, hate speech, incitement and narratives deliberately calculated to turn Nigerians against one another.”
He implored Journalists to interrogate claims, verified before publishing and resist the occasion to sacrifice accuracy for speed or sensationalism, warning that political affiliation must never be allowed to displace professional judgment.
“Be firm, but also be accurate. Be competitive, but also remain ethical. Above all, guard your credibility. Public trust, once lost, is very difficult to regain. The transformation we are witnessing today is therefore part of a larger national conversation about the future of information in Nigeria.
Former Commissioner for Information and now Commissioner of Land and Housing, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, in his opening remarks said the awakening, rebirth and comprehensive renovation of the facility was made possible under the courage, bold and ambitious leadership of Governor Bassey Otu.
He disclosed that the governor has “graciously approved the appointment of 30 Ad-hoc staff for the printing press and 25 permanent staff for the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation.”
Veteran Journalist, and one of the pioneer staff of Chronicles, Pa Ray Ekpo while visibly elated about the renovation, said it is a homecoming for him for a journey that started 56 years ago.
He expressed that the new look of Chronicle that was the voice of the people in the 90s will not just empower journalists but give them a voice.
Former Governor of Cross River State during the military era, Chief Dr. Clement David Ebri, recounted his journey as an Editor in the establishment.
He said coming into the Chronicle Newspaper in 1976 was the game changer for him in his media career, cum as the governor of the state then.
While regretting the carnage done to the corporation during the ENDSARS period in October 2020 that has seen so much vital information lost, he expressed optimism that the remodeling is a consolation and yet another opportunity for better things ahead.
The eloquent former Governor, implored anyone who still has copies, photos and any material to bring them as a way of re-equipping the library again.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham in his short speech said the commissioning marks the restoration of Cross River’s lost glory, applauding Governor Otu.
The General Manager of Cross River Newspaper Corporation, Mrs. Keyou Edet, while applauding the government and guests, said the facilities will be judiciously used and maintained.
Highlight of the event was book launch and the recognition of distinguished personalities including the Pa Ray Ekpo, Chief David Clement Ebri; former military Governor of the state, Late Brigadier U.J Esuene represented by his daughter, Iniobong Esuene, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris and other dignitaries.
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