Broadcast Media: Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria
By Patrick Abang
·
Published on October 9, 2026
·
2 min read
Cross River State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was honoured by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) at its 82nd General Assembly held at Hogis Royale, Calabar, on Thursday.
Representing the Governor, Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, declared the assembly open and received the award on his behalf in recognition of his performance and leadership in Cross River State.
The assembly, themed “Broadcast Media: Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria,” brought together Directors-General of broadcasting organisations and other stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the role of broadcast media in democratic and economic development.
He noted that Governor Otu, a media-friendly leader, has demonstrated his commitment to strengthening the state’s media infrastructure through the restoration and upgrade of facilities at the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), as well as the renovation and upgrade of the historic Nigerian Chronicle building, among other interventions.
Odey also highlighted Cross River’s vast tourism potential and the administration’s efforts to restore the state’s position as a leading tourism destination. He cited the ongoing renovation of the Obudu Mountain Resort and the planned test run of the Obudu Cargo and International Airport as key interventions expected to boost tourism, connectivity and investment.
The Deputy Governor stressed that effective publicity and strategic media collaboration are essential to showcasing Cross River’s tourism, culture and investment opportunities, and reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with BON in strengthening broadcasting and promoting the State.
Earlier, BON Chairman and leader of the delegation, Alhaji Yusuf Isa, who led the organisation to Cross River State for its 82nd Annual General Meeting, commended Governor Otu for his administration’s strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, tourism and sustainable development, noting that the efforts have continued to enhance the state’s profile as a destination for tourists and investors.
Isa also applauded the administration’s people-oriented programmes and effective information dissemination, while highlighting challenges confronting the broadcasting industry, including the rising cost of diesel, unreliable power supply and the high cost of broadcast equipment.
He appealed to Governor Otu to further support public and private broadcasters through increased funding, modern equipment and solar power solutions, stressing that a stronger media industry would contribute significantly to democracy, economic growth and societal development.
