By Oto-Obong Clement
CrossRiverWatch‘s News Editor, Mr. Jonathan Ugbal has been awarded the Media Correspondent of the year by the organisers of the Face of Culture pageant, Mountain Cinemas Nigeria.
Also, a former Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council in Cross River, Mr. Goddie Akpama was presented an award of excellence.
Others include Lady Theresa Agianye Akpagu who was awarded All Time Hospitality Ambassador and Mr. Fidelis Iblakong who was awarded the Youth Ambassador of the Year.
The awards were presented during the ninth edition of the Obudu face of culture pageant which saw a 200 level student of the Nassarawa State University, Lafia, Akpankpe Elizabeth emerge winner.
And, Mr. Ugbal told this reporter that the award will inspire him to do more in the area of reporting the cultural heritage of the state.
“I believe journalist are the modern day history writers and this award has spurred me to report our rich cultural heritage in a bid to preserve it for future generations.
“Some may think it is not a noble idea or that I am limiting my scope but, one has to start from somewhere and this is where I begin.
“I will continue to repay this goodwill through balanced, truthful, fair and objective journalism that will expose corruption and showcase those who are striving to add value and advance the course of mankind,” he said.
Mr. Ugbal also called on the youths to shun acts of gangstarism and focus their energy on positive ventures.
He averred that: “I have never seen where gangstarism led to the development of the local economy, improved healthcare or a standard and progressive education system. I call on the youths to shun it in all forms and divert that energy into positive and progressive ventures that will improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
A gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. John Upan Odey presented the award to Mr. Akpama.
And, Mr. Akpama while receiving the awards pledged his continuous support and announced that Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade will support the next edition of the pageant with the star prize of a car.
Meanwhile, Mr. Odey in his remarks commended the effort of the organisers in preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
He encouraged them to continue in their strides and charged the youths to always support progressive ventures irrespective of political affiliations and announced his intention to vie for governor.
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