Cross River Govt, Media Pledge Stronger Collaboration At 8th Anniversary Event

The Cross River State Government has lauded  Sparkling 92.3 FM for its professionalism, balanced reportage, and consistent support for the policies and programmes of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration as the station marks its eighth anniversary.

The commendation came on Tuesday during a celebration at the office of the Commissioner for Information in Calabar, where the Ministry hosted the station’s management to mark the milestone.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Information Dr Erasmus Ekpang described Sparkling FM’s eight-year journey as a significant achievement in the state’s media landscape.

“You know, for this milestone, eight years is no mean feat. There is one thing in opening a radio station, and another in sustaining it and keeping it abreast of older media stations. Sparkling FM has done very, very well,” he said.

Ekpang praised the station for maintaining high professional standards and consistently responsibly projecting government activities and achievements.

According to the commissioner, the Otu administration remains committed to openness and transparency, and has been key to strengthening public understanding of government policies.

“The media remains a critical partner in governance. What you see on the ground in Cross River State today is better appreciated because stations like Sparkling FM help bring it to the people,” he added.

He noted that the station’s reporting had contributed to growing public confidence in government programmes and to increased visibility of ongoing infrastructure projects across the state.

Ekpang assured continued collaboration between the Ministry and the station, while urging media practitioners to remain committed to ethical journalism amid rising misinformation.

In response, the General Manager of Sparkling FM, Mr Oto-Obong Ekpenyong, said the visit was to express appreciation to the state government and to strengthen existing partnerships with the Ministry of Information.

“We wanted to use this anniversary to appreciate the government of Governor Bassey Otu and formally introduce ourselves. Sparkling FM is 8 years old today, and we are grateful for the support we have enjoyed,” he said.

Ekpenyong said the station had remained focused on social relevance, ethical broadcasting, and balanced discourse despite the rapidly changing media environment.

He also acknowledged the pioneering efforts of veteran broadcaster Mr Effiong Nyong, who laid the foundation for the station’s growth and success. Head of Programmes, Ukamaka Richard, thanked the state government for creating an enabling environment for media practice in Cross River State.

She disclosed that Sparkling FM recently received multiple awards at the 106th World Broadcast Day Awards, including Best Community Radio Service Programme, Best Morning Show Programme, and Best News Radio Station.

In his vote of thanks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mr Anthony Asuquo Okon, described Sparkling FM as a reliable media partner and one of his favourite stations.

“It is delightful to see Sparkling FM grow over the years. My prayer is that God who started this good work will continue to sustain it and take it to greater heights,” Okon said.