The Cross River State Government has commended Sparkling 92.3 FM for its professionalism, balanced reportage, and consistent support for the policies and programmes of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration as the radio station marks its eighth anniversary.
The commendation was made, Tuesday, during a celebration held at the office of the Commissioner for Information in Calabar, where the Ministry of Information hosted the management of the station to mark the milestone.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, described Sparkling FM’s eight-year journey as a significant achievement in the state’s media landscape, noting that sustaining a broadcast station was as important as establishing one.
“You know for this milestone, eight years is no mean feat. There is one thing in opening a radio station, and another thing is sustaining it and keeping it abreast with older media stations. Sparkling FM has done very, very well,” Ekpang said.
He praised the station for maintaining high standards of professionalism and for consistently projecting government activities and achievements in a responsible manner.
According to him, the Otu administration remains committed to openness and transparency, adding that credible media partnerships have played a key role in strengthening public understanding of government policies.
“The media remains a critical partner in governance. What you see on ground in Cross River State today is better appreciated because stations like Sparkling FM help bring it to the people,” he added.
Ekpang further noted that the station’s reportage has contributed to the growing public confidence in government programmes and the increasing visibility of ongoing infrastructural projects across the state.
He assured continued collaboration between the Ministry and the station, while urging media practitioners to remain committed to ethical journalism in the face of growing misinformation.
In his remarks, the General Manager of Sparkling FM, Mr. Oto-Obong Ekpenyong, said the visit was to appreciate the state government and 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 today, and we are grateful for the support we have enjoyed,” he said.
He said the station had remained focused on social relevance, ethical broadcasting, and balanced discourse despite the rapidly changing media environment.
Ekpenyong also acknowledged the pioneering efforts of veteran broadcaster, Mr. Effiong Nyong, who laid the foundation for the station’s growth and success.
Also speaking, the Head of Programmes at Sparkling FM, Ukamaka Richard-Bassey, appreciated 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 First Cross River State World Broadcast Day Awards, including Best Community Radio Service Programme, Best Morning Show Programme, and Best News Radio Station.
In his vote of thanks, the 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.
The event concluded with the cutting of the anniversary cake and renewed pledges of stronger collaboration between the Cross River State Government and Sparkling 92.3 FM.
By Kingsley Agim and Benedicta Otu
