CALABAR, NIGERIA – The Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has released the official programme for the 2025 Media Week celebration, with activities scheduled from May 5 to May 11.
The week-long event is designed to celebrate journalistic excellence, promote media welfare, and deepen conversations on ethical and responsible journalism.
Kicking off the event on Monday, May 5, is a solemn assembly and motivational talk at the NUJ Press Centre, Calabar. Speakers include Professor Patrick Ene Okon of the University of Calabar, a former journalist; Mr. Ogbang Akwaji, former Head of Service and former Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Chronicle; and Comrade Uduak Ikang-Obeten of CRBC. Games will follow later in the day.
Tuesday, May 6, will feature welfare visitations to five veteran journalists, affirming the union’s ethical duty to honor those who have served the profession. Games will follow at 3 p.m.
On Wednesday, May 7, health takes center stage. Dr. Otu Egbe, a clinical psychologist from the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Calabar, will deliver a talk on mental health and stress at 10 a.m. followed by a free medical screening conducted by ASI Ukpo Hospital. Games will resume at 4 p.m.
A public conference on Thursday, May 8, themed “Domesticating the National Sports Policy”, will be held at The Dome, Calabar Municipality. Governor Bassey Otu is expected to declare the event open.
Speakers include Mr. Paul Bassey, former CAF/FIFA Media Officer; Mr. Bong Duke of the Cross River Planning Commission; Mr. Ama-Ebi Ebipolade of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (South-South), and Dr. Macfalane Ejah, a public analyst.
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Friday, May 9, features a Jumaat prayer at 2 p.m., followed by games and a journalists’ get-together with music and family at the Press Centre.
Saturday is a rest day, while Sunday, May 11, concludes the week with a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Redemption, UNICAL, at 8 a.m.
In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Cross River State Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding press freedom and promoting ethical journalism.
“The media is central to any democratic society, and we must ensure journalists operate without fear or interference,” said Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information.
Commenting on this year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom”, Ekpang acknowledged the growing influence of AI in media practice.
“While technology is reshaping the information landscape, it must be harnessed responsibly to support—not undermine—journalistic ethics,” he said.
The statement condemned attacks on journalists and called for global action to end impunity. “We stand against the persecution and intimidation of journalists across the globe,” Ekpang said, emphasizing that the state government will continue to support media practitioners through its “People First” agenda.
As the NUJ Media Week unfolds, stakeholders are reminded of their duty to truth, public interest, and the ethical principles that guide journalism—principles that deontological ethics holds as non-negotiable, regardless of the changing media landscape.