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Dr. Ekpang's First Year Anniversary: A Focus on Infrastructure, Staff Welfare in the Ministry of information



On August 16, 2023, Governor Otu inaugurated a 31-member cabinet, including Dr. Erasmus Ekpang Nku-Ekpang, who was appointed as Commissioner for Information. Dr. Ekpang, a Doctorate Degree holder in Environmental Sciences and Management, was tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Information and its parastatals, including the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, Cross River Broadcasting Corporation stations in Calabar and Ikom, and the Cross River State Signage and Advertising Agency (CRISSAA).


Since assuming office on August 17, 2023, Dr. Ekpang has demonstrated exceptional leadership, revitalizing the Ministry and transforming it into a beacon of transparent and effective communication for the state. His first initiative was to address the morale of the Ministry's staff, who had been working in a severely degraded environment following the EndSARS protests of October 2020.


Dr. Ekpang worked  to restore public power supply to the Ministry’s building, thereby providing a safe and conducive workspace for staff.


His communication strategy, aligned with Governor Otu’s “People First” mantra, focuses on building a strong reputation, restoring public trust, amplifying government policies, promoting positive state values, and creating an enabling environment for the media. His dedication to these principles has steadily propelled Cross River State towards greater visibility and development within Nigeria.


In December 2023, Dr. Ekpang further enhanced his communication skills by completing a Master Class Training Programme with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, earning him the status of a Chartered Professional. Over the past year, his commitment to truth and transparency has resonated with Cross Riverians, who have expressed satisfaction with the state’s developmental strides under Governor Otu’s leadership.


Dr. Ekpang's leadership has also seen significant progress in the Ministry's infrastructure and staff welfare. Governor Otu’s recent approval for the procurement of digital machines and accessories for the Cross River State Government Printing Press marks a significant step forward. The Ministry has successfully produced and circulated over 5,000 copies of the “Giant Strides” magazine, showcasing key achievements of the Otu administration. The Cross River State Tenders Journal and Daily News Bulletin have also been consistently published online.


In collaboration with the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, Dr. Ekpang has revitalized the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle newspapers, ensuring their regular circulation despite financial constraints. Efforts to renovate the corporation’s facilities, damaged during the EndSARS protests, are underway, further strengthening its operations.


At the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), Dr. Ekpang has overseen significant improvements, including the installation of new transmitters, studio cameras, and a 33KVA power transformer, all of which have enhanced the station’s broadcasting capabilities. A new 500KVA generator has also been installed as a backup, ensuring consistent power supply for 20 hours of daily broadcasting.


Under the leadership of Dr. Ekpang and CRISSAA Director-General Mr. Ubong Sam, the Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Agency has reported high revenue inflows and compliance, contributing to the state’s economic growth.


Dr. Ekpang’s first year as Commissioner for Information has been marked by significant achievements and a renewed commitment to truthful and effective communication. As Cross River State continues to benefit from his strategic leadership, residents can look forward to more positive developments in the years ahead.

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