NGO seeks partnership with NUJ to enhance good governance in C’River

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

A Non Governmental Organization on the aegis of Good Governance Advocacy International (GGAI) has called for collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, to entrench good governance  in the state and at the national level.

The Director General of the Organization, Sir Leonard Anyogo made the call during a courtesy visit to the state chairman of NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Center, Calabar.

Anyogo explained that GGAI is a non-political and not-for-profit humanitarian organization headquartered in Ontario, Canada, stating that it focuses on promoting good governance among elected and appointed government officials through transparency and leadership accountability. 

He said since commencing operations in Nigeria on July 1, 2025, GGAI has prioritized enhancing the rule of law, human rights, migration issues, and press freedom.

He described GGAI as “a seed” and emphasized that the media represents “the rich, fertile soil” necessary for spreading the organization’s message and successes. He stressed that GGAI and NUJ partnership would amplify the discourse on good governance nationally.

“We appeal that the message of good governance be given prominence and placed on the front burner of national discourse,” Sir Anyogo stated. He expressed confidence that with Comrade Archibong Bassey’s leadership, media and governance objectives would be increasingly aligned for societal benefit.

He outlined the benefits of good governance through a tripodal framework of stability, highlighting advantages for government, citizens, and the broader body polity. 

“These, according to him, would include more efficient governance, tangible democratic dividends such as improved living standards, and broader economic growth with improvements in infrastructure, public services, and affordability of goods.

Anyogo also acknowledged the importance of NUJ’s openness to partnership, describing the media as “key to development” and expressing optimism that collaboration would result in “a healthier media space” and advancement of good governance ideals in Cross River.

He concluded with a call for collective action, urging all stakeholders to embrace good governance as “a way of life, the only way to go,” invoking blessings for successful collaboration.

Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Archibong Bassey, said as a watchdog of the society, the media is a critical stakeholder in the advocacy for good governance.

“If you are doing advocacy, you must bring the media into it. So, it’s a step in the right direction. For us here, we commend when we need to and criticize when we need to. So, we are grateful to collaborate with you. It’s a synergy. We are going to work together.

“Our interest is the people. We should ensure that our people get what they deserve. What government should provide or make available for the people or the policies, the programmes that are in the interest of the people is being promoted,” she stated