By Akpan Udo-Inyang
CALABAR -Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has commiserated with the family of late veteran journalist, Mr. Anietie Akpan, who died recently after a brief illness.
He described late Akpan during his condolence visit to the bereaved family as a man of stature whose contributions to journalism and public life would remain indelible.
The Governor conveyed his condolences through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, who visited the family alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) , Cross River State Council.
The delegation was received by the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Imaobong Akpan, and daughter, Etinyene.
The governor, furher described Akpan as a respected media professional whose passing was a loss to the journalism community, noting that the deceased had made significant contributions to journalism and public discourse.
He said the decision to identify with the family reflected his appreciation of the important role journalists play in documenting events, informing the public and contributing to societal development.
Otu assured the family that the state government shared in their grief and prayed that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the monumental loss.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, also appreciated Governor Otu for his media-friendly disposition and continuous support for the journalism profession in the State.
She said the gesture would go a long way in supporting the bereaved family and the media community in giving the late veteran journalist a decent farewell.
In an emotional response, the late veteran’s daughter, Etinyene expressed the family’s gratitude to Governor Otu for the thoughtful gesture, saying they were grateful indeed for his identification with them at such a difficult time.