Ita Giwa Partners NUJ to Establish Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation in Calabar

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in partnership with Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, has concluded plans to officially establish the Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation in Calabar, in honour of the late veteran journalist, broadcaster, and media icon, Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita.

The initiative is designed to immortalize Mrs. Ita’s invaluable contributions to journalism, broadcasting, and public service, while also creating a vibrant hub for research, mentorship, tourism, and professional development for Journalists, students, researchers, and media enthusiasts.

Announcing the vision for the  project in Calabar, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, said the centre will stand as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and cultural heritage.

He was accompanied by the Vice President of the union Zone F, Comrade Dokubo Opaka; NAWOJ National President, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim; Chairman of NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey and his Executive members, as well as the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor  on Public Affairs, Comrade Nsa Gill, during a courtesy visit to Senator Ita-Giwa at her Calabar residence.

According to Yahaya:"The Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation will provide access to books, archives, multimedia resources, tourism experiences, and training opportunities, all aimed at inspiring the next generation of communicators and storytellers. 

Through this project, NUJ seeks to preserve the legacy of Beatrice Bassey Ita as a trailblazer who dedicated her life to journalism and the empowerment of women in the media.”

The NUJ President further noted that his visit coincides with the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, an annual award instituted to celebrate excellence in journalism and honour the memory of the late media icon.

In her remarks, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa described the NUJ President’s presence in Calabar as both historic and a homecoming, noting that the project is a befitting tribute to her late mother.

She recalled her mother as a woman of rare character, discipline, and foresight who combined firmness with love, and whose passion for education, community service, and moral uprightness greatly influenced her family and society at large.

Senator Ita-Giwa added:“My mother used her pen and profession to build bridges. She believed deeply in truth, justice, and fairness, values that continue to guide her children and all who came in contact with her. 

"The establishment of this centre will serve as a place of learning, tourism, and reflection, where young people, Journalists, and researchers can draw inspiration from her legacy of integrity, resilience, and service to humanity.”

She further assured that she would make available all her mother’s works, artefacts, and memorabilia to enrich the new centre.

The NUJ delegation, led by its President, later visited the tomb of the late Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita, at Mcdonald Street, Calabar South Local Government, where prayers was offered in her memory.

All is Set for Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award as NUJ, NAWOJ Presidents Arrive Calabar

All is Set for Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award as NUJ, NAWOJ Presidents Arrive Calabar

Iloke Egbe 

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, and his counterpart from the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, has arrived in Calabar ahead of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalism Award scheduled to hold on Saturday in Calabar Cross River State.

The Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalists Award, instituted in honour of the late media icon,  to celebrates outstanding Journalists who demonstrate courage, diligence and integrity in their work.

Speaking on Friday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport on arrival, the NUJ President Alhassan Yahaya said their presence was to honour the invitation of distinguished Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and to celebrate Journalists who have proved themselves worthy in investigative reporting.

“We are here on the invitation of Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, first to assure her that we are together, and at the same time to celebrate hard work, perseverance, and Journalists we believe have done wonderfully well in investigative reporting,” Yahaya said.

On the State of press freedom in Nigeria, Yahaya reaffirmed the constitutional role of the Media, urging Journalists to fully utilize existing legal frameworks in holding Government accountable.

“As you all know, we have what we call the Freedom of Information Act, and as Journalists we need to use such laws to ensure that Government is accountable. Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as amended makes it clear that our duty is to hold Government accountable. At this time, we must remain focused, build the capacity of our members, and equip them with the constitutional provisions, code of ethics and code of practice so that they can do their jobs without fear or intimidation,” he added.

In her remarks, NAWOJ President Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim commended the organisers for reviving the award, describing it as a morale booster for Journalists across the country.

“This is my second time coming to Calabar after 20 years, and the first time I was here I was impressed by the tranquility, peace and hospitality of the people. I have always prayed to return to this State because it has so much similarity with where I come from. I want to commend the organisers and NUJ for rekindling this programme because it tells Journalists that when you work hard, at the end of the day you will be appreciated,” she said.

While receiving the delegation at her residence, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa assured them of her continuous support and partnership for initiatives that promote quality journalism.

She commended the unions for their role in strengthening democracy through investigative reporting and pledged to continue standing by Journalists in their efforts to hold leaders accountable.

The Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award Committee chairman, Comr. Anietie Akpan expressed excitement on the successful arrival of the NUJ and NAWOJ Presidents including Zonal Officers, stating that the event is already very successful.

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs Comr Nsa Gill affirmed that with the arrival of the national President the event is 100% successful, adding that the owners of the event are on ground. 

Some Journalists present include Comr. Okpaka Dokubo Zonal Officer NUJ zone B, the State chairman NUJ Cross River State Council Comr. Archibong Bassey, State Nawoj chairman, Comr Rekpene Uket, and across section of Journalists in the State, including members of the NUJ State Executive Council.

Nutrition is not Political Issues, it's in Rural Communities and Needs Organic Approach - Hilary Bisong

Iloke Egbe SPC 

The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security RT. Hon. Hilary Bisong has expressed excitement on the level of commitment of the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on issues of food and Nutrition in the State, adding that it's work in process that is aimed at putting Cross River first in the nutrition map in Nigeria. 

He disclosed this during his remarks while declaring open a breakfast meeting with Chief Executives and key stakeholders on the adoption of child Nutrition Fund and the implementation of 6 months paid maternity leave in Cross River held at the State planning Commission conference hall, New Secretariat Complex Calabar.

He called on UNICEF, CS-SUN and other stakeholders to support the State Government in her desire to domesticate the production of most of the vital supplements needed to address malnutrition using calafarm which already has equipments, human resources and in a good location. Adding that Cross River State is not like any other State in Nigeria as the State strive to lead in the fight against malnutrition and poverty using system approach. 

According to Mr Bisong, the present administration doesn't want to spend public money in away that it will not give value to the people hence, the desire to promote locally sources and alternative to reduce the cost of imports and charges to promote sustainability. 

In her contribution, the Board of Trustee Chairman, Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria Dr. Mrs. Mbang Ada expressed the Board appreciation to the State for the positive commitment shown to fund Nutrition activities including the money released to march-fund Nutrition. That whatever led to the return of the money back to Government needs to be discussed and addressed for the benefit of the State and to enhance the participation of the State in assessing the Child Nutrition Fund which has much value to add. 

On her part, the Commissioner Ministry of Women Affairs Hon. Dr. Edema Irom advocated for the establishment of home gardens to address malnutrition and poor handling or processing of food. While the Commissioner Ministry of Health Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk reiterated the reduction in the number of Board room meetings for increase funding of activities at the grassroots level or direct beneficiaries. 

Highlights of the meeting was presentation on objectives of the meeting by CS-SUN program Officer Mr. Ambrose Avhesor, strengthening Child Nutrition Fund in Cross River State by the Executive Secretary CS-SUN Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Director General, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr. Vivian Mesembe Otu and from the SA Budget Office represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Peter Uklala. 

Dignitaries in attendance were Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Food Security and Focal Person on Nutrition Hon. Dr. Edem Okokon Offiom, the Head of Service Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng represented by Mr Okoi Ofem, the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer SPC Pastor Dr Bong Duke represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio who gave a welcome remarks.

The was also witness questions and answers, vote of thanks and group photograph.

CROSS RIVERERIANS LIVING WITH DIABETES ISSUE SOS TO GOVERNOR OTU OVER INSULIN CRISIS AND YEARS OF NEGLECT

Patients’ Network demands urgent Government action as rising costs push many to the brink

The Network of Persons Living with Diabetes in Cross River State has sounded a distress call to His Excellency the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, urging him to take immediate action to address what they described as an “unfolding health crisis” in the State.

In an open letter signed by the group’s coordinator, Comrade Bernard Enyia, the Network appealed to the Governor to tackle the spiralling cost of insulin and the lack of state-backed support for diabetics, which they say has already cost many lives.

Comrade Enyia, himself battling diabetes alongside prostatitis and Bell’s Palsy, said his survival so far has been sustained by the sacrifices of family, friends, and colleagues. But he warned that thousands of other Cross Riverians suffering from diabetes complications do not have the same support systems.

“Many have died, several others are dying, and many more will continue to die because of lack of access to essential diabetes medicines and services,” the letter stated.

The appeal follows a patients’ advocacy campaign staged on 28 August 2024, where members of the Network marched peacefully across Calabar to highlight the insulin crisis and the soaring costs of managing non-communicable diseases.

The group accused successive State Government of neglect and discrimination, pointing out that the Cross River State Ministry of Health has no desk officer for diabetes, no annual programme for prevention or control, and no budgetary allocation for interventions.

“How do you explain a situation where Government provides free immunisation, distributes free mosquito nets, and offers free tests for HIV, TB and leprosy, while diabetics are left to pay to the last kobo? This is injustice, neglect, and insensitivity to a vulnerable population,” the statement said.

The State Health Insurance scheme was also criticised for failing to cover insulin and other key diabetes medications. According to the Network, this exclusion undermines Cross River’s chances of meeting global health targets on universal coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The letter recalled years of advocacy efforts dating back to 2018, during which the group engaged successive Commissioner's of Health. Yet, the prevalence of diabetes has continued to rise with no meaningful State action.

Under Enyia’s leadership, the association has:

Established diabetes clubs in hospitals, institutions, and communities. Donated 300 packs of test strips to health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organised outreaches to the Police, Immigration, Civil Defence, and FRSC, appointing senior officers as Diabetes Ambassadors. Supported the former First Lady, Dr Linda Ayade, with free blood sugar and BP screening at a public outreach, at his personal expense.

Sustained awareness through radio and television campaigns, workplace screenings, Church sensitisation, and home visits.

Despite these efforts, the group said “there has been no political will to act.”

The network called on Governor Otu to take immediate steps, including: Creating and funding a diabetes desk in the Ministry of Health. Allocating a budget line for diabetes in the upcoming state budget. Expand health insurance to cover insulin and essential drugs.

Training healthcare workers across all 18 LGAs as diabetes educators. Integrating diabetes care into primary health care. Subsidising drugs and compulsory blood sugar/BP testing in hospitals. Providing wheelchairs for amputees. Observing World Diabetes Day annually in the State.

The group reminded Governor Bassey Otu that many of its members are loyal APC supporters who voted for him in 2023. It will be unfair and a display of ingratitude to deprive us of the dividends of democracy,” they argued, urging the Governor to include diabetics in economic empowerment programmes, SME grants, and alternative livelihoods to reduce their financial burdens.

“Even if you cannot empower all of us, you can start somewhere. Your name will be written in gold if you make a difference,” the letter concluded.