By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Cross River Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, responsible journalism, and development-focused reporting in the state.

Delivering a welcome address,at the CROSSJOF Day and Launch of Panorama Magazine, in Abuja, Chairman of the Forum, Francisca Ogar, explained that the day was set aside for journalists of Cross River origin to reflect on the state’s progress and future, and to reposition themselves as catalysts for positive change.

Speaking further at the event, held with the theme:” Building The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs in Cross River State”, Ogar noted that journalists often participate in national and regional policy conversations, but the gathering was intentionally different.

According to her, it was ,an opportunity for practitioners to engage strictly as Cross Riverians concerned about the state’s trajectory.

She highlighted critical issues confronting the state, including declining quality of education, soaring cost of living, unemployment, drug abuse, insecurity, and gender-based violence.

According to her, these problems demand a more deliberate and coordinated media response.

“We desire to be part of the solution by setting the agenda through effective reportage and by holding our leaders accountable to the people,” she said, stressing that journalists have a duty to track political promises and ensure elected officials remain connected to their constituencies.

Ogar expressed concern over the poor response of many elected officials to CROSSJOF’s recent scorecard project, which assessed lawmakers’ performance and constituency interventions.

“Only Senator Jarigbe Agom and Hon. Peter Akpanke were confident enough to open their doors to the team and provide information on their constituency projects,” she noted, describing the situation as reflective of public dissatisfaction across several constituencies.

Despite the challenges, the Forum chairman commended the Prince Bassey Otu administration for its strides in boosting internal revenue generation, and praised the state’s Commissioner for Information , Dr. Erasmus Ekpang and the Senior Special Assistant on Media (Abuja) ,Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche,for ensuring regular communication on government policies and programmes.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a CROSSJOF Award of Excellence to Senator Jarigbe Agom, who Ogar said had “delivered dividends of democracy to his constituents and remained in touch with the people,” earning the reputation of a “people’s senator.”

She used the platform to call on legislators and public office holders to intensify efforts toward economic development, arguing that improved economic opportunities would help enhance security and reduce youth-related social vices.

The Forum also unveiled its new publication, The Panorama, available in both online and print formats.

Ogar said the magazine would serve as a central tool for public awareness and political education, especially as the 2027 election cycle approaches.

She thanked participants for honouring the invitation and expressed optimism that the engagements at the 2025 CROSSJOF Day would strengthen the Forum’s contribution to building a more prosperous and accountable Cross River State.

In his keynote address at the event,the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, urged young people from Cross River State to embrace innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as core tools for shaping the economic future of both the state and the nation.

Senator Enoh described Cross River’s rich cultural heritage, creative talent, and vast natural endowments as fertile ground for new enterprises, noting that the rapidly evolving global economy demands a new generation of problem solvers.

He pointed to emerging opportunities in renewable energy, agri-tech, tourism technology, and digital services, stressing that only youths who are diligent, adaptable, and innovation-driven will thrive in the new economic landscape.

The Minister also commended Nigerian journalists for their resilience, courage, and commitment to uncovering facts in spite of numerous challenges.

He encouraged the media to continue highlighting and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit among young Nigerians,particularly the creativity, innovation, and willingness to take risks that define successful enterprise.