Tinubu Recommits to Credible Information as Cross River Revives Nigerian Chronicle

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the federal government's dedication to enhancing public communication, safeguarding historical records, and regaining public confidence in government institutions. This commitment was highlighted as Cross River State reactivated its dormant newspaper corporation and inaugurated a new government printing press in Calabar.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed Tinubu's stance during the official reactivation of the revamped Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now known as the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the state's new Government Printing Press.

Idris praised Governor Bassey Edet Otu for investing in the restoration of the state-owned media institution, emphasizing that information infrastructure is a vital aspect of development. He stressed that the transformation encompassed more than merely reopening a building; it signified an endeavor to revive an institution, preserve institutional memory, and reaffirm confidence in reliable journalism and efficient communication.

The newspaper corporation was established in the early 1970s and played a significant role in documenting Cross River's affairs and the lives of its inhabitants through various publications, including the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle. Idris acknowledged that the information landscape has undergone a dramatic shift, with news now disseminated within seconds through newspapers, radio, television, websites, and social media.

He also noted that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming content creation and distribution. Nevertheless, Idris maintained that credibility remains a fundamental element, stating, "Technology may alter the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness, and professional judgment."

Governor Otu expressed his administration's commitment to fostering the unobstructed flow of information between the government and citizens, which led to the revival of the Nigerian Chronicle. He mentioned that during his inaugural media parley after becoming governor, he pledged to rejuvenate the state's information assets. The administration has already enhanced transmission equipment at the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) and refurbished its office facilities.

Otu highlighted that the Nigerian Chronicle, which had been inactive for nearly two decades, was another essential component of the state's information infrastructure. He acknowledged the significant investment in state-of-the-art printing equipment and the renovation of the newspaper complex, which suffered damage during the 2020 EndSARS protests.

Challenging the newspaper's management and staff, Otu called for professionalism, hard work, and the protection of the facilities against vandalism. He mandated the editorial board to establish a Critical Response Initiative (CRI) to provide prompt responses to breaking news, misinformation, and emergencies within and outside the state.

Former Cross River State governor and esteemed journalist, Clement Ebri, considered the occasion deeply personal, reflecting on his journalism career that began at the Chronicle in 1978. Ebri recounted his rise from a Features Editor to Acting Editor in 1980. He fondly remembered the newspaper's impressive daily circulation of up to 120,000 copies and correspondents in key Nigerian cities.

Ebri described the Nigerian Chronicle as more than just a newspaper; it was an institution known for its vibrant and intellectually robust journalism.