Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, have been honoured by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, at its 82nd General Assembly in Calabar.
The awards recognised Governor Otu's leadership and performance in the state, as well as Commissioner Cobham's contributions to information management, the development of the broadcast industry and the successful hosting of the assembly.
The event, held at Hogis Royale in Calabar, brought together directors-general, chief executives of broadcasting organisations and other industry stakeholders from across the country.
Governor Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, called on BON to strengthen professional standards, ethical broadcasting and accountability in the dissemination of information.
He warned that irresponsible, divisive and poorly verified broadcast content could deepen social polarisation and expose young people to harmful ideologies.
The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to a free, responsible and vibrant media, noting that investments in state-owned broadcasting institutions had helped strengthen their capacity to reach audiences.
The assembly, themed “Broadcast Media: Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria,” also featured a call by BON Chairman, Tony Akiotu, for urgent government support to address rising operational costs threatening the survival of radio and television stations.
Akiotu, represented by BON Vice Chairman Yusuf Alhaji Idaho, cited high fuel prices, unreliable electricity supply and the rising cost of broadcast equipment as major challenges confronting the industry.
The gathering provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the role of broadcasting in strengthening democracy, promoting accountability and advancing Nigeria's economic development.
