By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, has explained that its N36 million donation was to preserve the ‘Nigerian Chronicle’ and prevent the state-owned newspaper from collapsing.
Cross River States ALGON chairman, Mr. Yabila Inyang, disclosed this yesterday during an interactive session.
Inyang, said that the 18 local government councils pooled the funds to support Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s revamp of the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation.
Inyang noted that the intervention was necessary to protect a historic institution that serves the public.
The ALGON chairman, who spoke days after the governor commissioned the remodelled ‘Nigerian Chronicle,’ said that the state-owned newspaper corporation remains critical to public information and civic education in the state.
He averred that without deliberate action, the legacy publication risked being lost.
He said, “We backed this initiative because it is about preserving our heritage.
“On behalf of the council chairmen, we want to express our appreciation to our governor for revamping this institutional heritage.
It would have been a misnomer for this historic legacy to fizzle out under our watch.”
He added that the donation demonstrates grassroots commitment to state assets.
Inyang called on other stakeholders to support the ‘Nigerian Chronicle’ through patronage and partnerships, urging the newspaper’s management and journalists to justify the investment.
He added, “I want to charge the journalists in the ‘Nigerian Chronicle’ to justify this monumental investment by the present administration by ensuring that professionalism and objectivity remain the guiding principles of the newspaper.”
Inyang also commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for commissioning the South National Community Food Bank Project in Calabar.
He insisted, “At a time of economic challenges, providing access to food for disadvantaged families is a timely and commendable intervention.”
ALGON pledged to work with relevant agencies to ensure the food bank reaches vulnerable families at the grassroots.
