By Akorokpor Linus
When history is written about the rebirth of Cross River State, the pen that documented it will be traceable to one place: the Ministry of Information.
Under the visionary leadership of *His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu*, and the purposeful supervision of *Dr. Erasmus Ekpang*, Honourable Commissioner for Information since 16th August 2023, the Ministry has moved from being a mere publicity unit to becoming the strategic engine room of the *"People First"* administration.
In just three years, we have witnessed a deliberate and systematic overhaul – not just of buildings and equipment, but of ideas, people, and perception. The goal is clear: modernize infrastructure, strengthen professional capacity, and project Cross River positively to Nigeria and the world.
*1. A NEW HOME FOR TRUTH: REVITALIZING OUR MEDIA INSTITUTIONS*
For years, the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation was a shadow of its former self. Today, it has been completely renovated and reborn as a modern Information Hub.
This hub now accommodates the newly installed Government Printing Press and key MDAs under one roof. With the procurement of state-of-the-art digital printing machines, the era of slow, poor-quality government publications is over. We can now print official and classified documents faster, sharper, and to global standards.
The near-commissioning of the complex is a living testament to Governor Otu’s commitment to the rebuilding, recalibration, and reconstruction of Cross River State.
*2. PUTTING A VOICE IN EVERY COMMUNITY*
Government means nothing if the people don’t hear it. To fix that, Governor Otu approved the employment of 40 new Information and Public Relations Officers across MDAs.
These officers are the new messengers of government. They are on the ground, in the communities, ensuring timely information, fighting fake news, and building trust between citizens and the 'People First' administration. For the first time, communication is no longer top-down alone – it is now grassroots and two-way.
*3. BROADCASTING THE CROSS RIVER STORY LOUDER*
The airwaves are the soul of democracy, and we have upgraded ours. The Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, CRBC Calabar, has received a major facelift with modern broadcast equipment.
Today, CRBC boasts improved signal strength, wider reach, and programming that truly informs, educates, and entertains. It is now positioned to take the daily activities, policies, and achievements of the Otu administration into every home, village, and LGA in the State
*4. PROFESSIONALIZING THE CRAFT OF COMMUNICATION*
A government that communicates well, governs well. That is why this administration has invested heavily in people and partnerships.
- Governor Otu approved land for the NIPR Reputation House in Cross River, in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
- The Ministry has sponsored Cross River’s participation in NIPR National Conferences every year since 2023, keeping our State at the center of national PR discourse.
- We have also forged a stronger bond with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, including supporting the installation of solar-powered electricity at the NUJ State Housing Secretariat.
This massive support has earned Cross River the reputation as one of the most media-friendly States in Nigeria and has created a better working environment for journalists statewide.
To further strengthen the Information architecture of the State, His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu appointed over 15 media aides drawn from Electronic media, Digital content creation, Public affairs analysis, and Media and Publicity to complement the work of the Ministry of Information.
In the same vein, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Honourable Commissioner for Information, also serves as the Secretary of the Forum of APC State Commissioners of Information across APC-governed States. His voice continues to resonate strongly in national conversations on communication, governance, and public policy.
Under his watch, the activities, policies, and programs of the Cross River State Government have gained massive visibility in major national media outlets.
Today, Cross River State is in the news for the right reasons for progress, innovation, and good governance.
*5. PROJECTING EXCELLENCE, ATTRACTING RECOGNITION*
Effective communication showcases results. Through strategic coordination of Democracy Day, Independence Day, and State anniversaries, the achievements of Governor Otu have received national attention.
This has translated into prestigious honors for the Governor:
- *The Sun Man of the Year 2025*
- *Silverbird Man of the Year*
- *Vanguard Good Governance Personality of the Year 2025*
- *Most Media Friendly Governor Award*
- *Most Labour Friendly Governor Award*
The pinnacle came on 17th April 2026, when Governor Bassey Edet Otu was invested as Patron of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, PNIPR – the first Governor in Cross River’s history to receive this national distinction.
*CONCLUSION: THE VOICE OF A NEW CROSS RIVER*
Under the supervision of Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, the Ministry of Information has been transformed into a dynamic institution where infrastructure meets intellect, and strategy meets service.
We have modernized platforms, empowered people, and professionalized partnerships. We have told our story better, and the world is listening.
As we approach the end of part One of the Governor Bassey Otu administration, the message is simple: the foundation is solid, the voice is clear, and the best is yet to come.
Cross River is no longer in the dark! Cross River is speaking! Cross River is leading!