The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Nsa Gill has commissioned a new Media Outlet known as “TheInvestigator.”
The media hub which is for Journalism Development and Innovation is sited in Calabar, the state capital, south south Nigeria.
The Cross River NUJ Chairman in a witty speech said that the union is committed to the growth and development of journalists and the practice hence, the need for a hub solely focused on that.
“We have been talking and I can assure you of our support,” Comrade Gill said that to stay updated innovation and development are the keys in journalism.
Meanwhile, the State Chapter Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Ben Okache has lauded the team behind the hub.
He said he would work with TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Hub, and sued for the maintenance of ethics.
“We want to see the marriage of journalism and public relations to better inform the society, venturing into this sector is a good one,” the Cross River NIPR Chairman said.
On his part, the State Civil Society Network Coordinator, Leader Ben Usang noted that the hub is a testimony to the robust collaboration between the media and the civil society sector in the State.
Leader Usang said “We are happy about this development and we can confidently say this is our own.” And urged CSOs in the state to utilize the facility and support its growth.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Raphael Offiong urged for grassroots impact, and advised the team not only work in Calabar but extend their service to rural communities, adding that the initiative is timely.
Also speaking, the Chairman State Correspondence Chapel, Mrs. Eme Offiong said she would support the hub as well and sued for openness.
She pointed out that only through initiatives such as this can the journalism profession represent what it truly stands for.
In another goodwill message, the State Coordinator for Partners for Peace (P4P), Mr. Ukorebi Essien expressed optimism that the hub will be successful, and vowed to support in any way they can.
While calling for robust partnerships for the media outlet to thrive, Mr. Gabriel Adim, a staff of the Mary Slessor Foundation noted that the world revolves around ideas.
Mrs. Eseoghene Ibor, a Board of Trustee Member of TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Foundation who is among the owners of the hub said standards would be maintained in its activities.
She said the board is committed to ensuring that the hub actualizes its objectives.
Earlier, the Director of TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Hub, Comrade Archibong Jeremiah noted that the hub was born out of the need to take the bull by the horns.
Comrade Jeremiah, while welcoming the guests to the event, revealed that the services offered by the hub are coworking space.
He said other services include skills development, research and social experiments, and a venue for meetings and workshops.
He acknowledged the supports of The ICIR, MacArthur Foundation and The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
Comrade Jeremiah is the immediate past Managing Editor of CrossRiverWatch and a Board of Trustees member of the Association of Cross River Online Journalists (ACROJ).