Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING NEWS: Youths of Ikot Ansa Nab Vandals Destroying Public Utilities, Hand Over to Authorities for Prosecution

  In a combined effort to curb the rampant vandalism of public utilities in Cross River State, the youth leader of Ikot Ansa, Prince, Victor Otu Iso JR, alongside his community, successfully apprehended criminals involved in the destruction of vital public infrastructure. The vandals were caught red-handed this morning, 13th day of September 2024, as they attempted to steal Amor cables belonging to state transformers at Ekpo Iso. Acting swiftly, the youth leader invited the Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, and his counterpart on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, to the scene. The Special Advisers arrived promptly, accompanied by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from the Federal Division, and took custody of the criminals. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further interrogation and prosecution. While addressing the youths of Ikot Ansa, Engr. Dr. Egbe and Barr. Akiba commended t...
1 comment
Read more

Hope Waddell, Ex-Gov Ayade Settle Land Dispute, Launch 1bn Endowment Fund

  By Detailing News  The longstanding land dispute between the Presbyterian Church’s Hope Waddell Training Institution and the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has been amicably resolved, paving the way for renewed development at the historic institution. The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, disclosed this at a press conference in Calabar on Monday. The briefing marked the commencement of activities for the 130th anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution, which was established in 1895. According to him, the dispute was not solely between the Church and the former governor but also involved the institution’s Old Students Association. He explained that the contested land had historical significance as the former residence of the Inspector-General of Police. “The land issue was not just between Governor Ayade and the Church; it also involved the Old Students Associati...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gov’s Aide on Public Utilities Assesses Infrastructure at College of Health, Calabar

     By Detailing News  In a bid to revamp public utilities across Cross River State, the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe KSM, embarked on a needs assessment tour of the College of Health Technology, Calabar, today March 12, 2025. The visit forms part of a statewide initiative to identify and restore non-functional public infrastructure, aligning with Governor Otu’s "First People’s Mantra", which prioritizes the well-being of citizens and economic growth through infrastructural development. Engr. Egbe emphasized the importance of rehabilitating public utilities to enhance their efficiency, encourage industrial growth, and create a conducive environment for investment in the state. "This tour is necessary to assess the state of public utilities and identify areas where the government must intervene. Many institutions, including this college, have pressing infrastructural challenges that hinder growth and academic excel...
Post a Comment
Read more