By Patrick Abang, Calabar
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang has urged journalists to popularise science communication, and avoid unverified reports that spark conflict, undermine democratic governance, damage personal and institutional reputations and erode public trust.
Ekpang made the call on Wednesday in Calabar during opening session of the Maiden International Conference Organized by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Cross River State with the theme, “Science of Communication and The Communication of Science.”
He noted that effective science communication fosters informed decision-making, promotes scientific literacy, and inspires future scientific investigations and research to increase knowledge.
He decried the proliferation of fake news, driven largely by the weaponization of misinformation, blackmail and sensationalism and advised that reports on the media be effectively communicated to the people to solve problems.
He further urged the participants to put the knowledge they acquired during the conference into practice by spreading science communication and focus on science reports that would inform the next phase of scientific research
He said “To the students and lecturers of the Department of Mass Communication, you are the future guardians of truth, the scribes of clarity and the custodians of public conscience. I urge you all to uphold the science of communication not merely as a field of study, but as a moral duty.”
“Speak only the truth that is wrapped in facts, evidence, and integrity. Avoid the seductive pull of clickbait headlines, unverified gossip, or slanderous posts. Let your voice be the voice of justice, and your pen a tool for societal healing, not destruction”, he remarked.
He commended Governor Bassey Otu on his visionary leadership and reform-driven disposition in the communication sector, to reawaken and place Cross River State on the map of modern media excellence.
Chairman of the Organising Committee; Dr Emmanuel Inyang, said that the event provided opportunity for scholars to discuss the way forward on communication, urging participants and media experts to take advantage of the opportunity to explore science communication.
“We are here to see how technology has affected communication and our way of communication. And how we can take advantage of technology to advance communication”,
Nasarawa Gov inaugurates chairmen, Primary Education Board, LG Service Commission
By Igba Kuza, Lafia
The Nasarawa state Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has inaugurated Dr Kassim Muhammad as the Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB, and Mr Mustapha Aliyu as Chairman of Local Government Service Commission.
The Nigerian pilot also gathered that the governor also inaugurated 3 members for the SUBEB and another 2 members for the Local Government Service Commission.
The Governor, while performing the inauguration in Lafia, Wednesday, highlighted that his administration remained resolute in the provision of quality education for the children to nurture them becomes future leaders.
He maintained that basic education was a foundation for a prosperous society, hence the need to sustain the state’s modest effort toward repositioning primary and junior secondary schools in the state.
He urged the newly sworn in members to consolidate on the giant achievements for the benefit of the elementary education component and effective service delivery at the grassroots.
“Today’s event is therefore significant as it involves a few important institutions that are essential in our pursuit of socio-economic development.
“our commitment is to building a solid foundation for our educational sector, and also in ensuring that the third tier of Government is placed on the right pedestal for effective service delivery at the grassroots.
“As you may be aware, since our assumption of office in May 2019, we are continuing to accord high premium to the educational sector, particularly the basic component,” he said.
The governor said that his administration was poised to recruit additional staff for primary schools in the state.
Accordingly he enjoined the local government service commission to ensure the realisation of the state government to improve the socio-economic of people in the rural areas by ensuring local government functions well.
“It is part of our resolve to reposition the local government council with the full autonomy granted to the local government by the constitution” he maintained.