The Cross River State Government has moved to position digital content creators as key partners in promoting investment opportunities, tourism potential and government achievements, urging them to take ownership of the state’s narrative and counter misinformation through strategic storytelling.

The call was made on Thursday during a breakfast meeting with digital creators in Calabar, where government officials described content creators as critical stakeholders in shaping public perception and projecting Cross River’s image to local and global audiences.

Speaking on the theme, “Amplifying the Cross River Narrative Through Strategic Digital Storytelling,” the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Out on Content Development and Archiving, Ms. Akpala, said content creators have become powerful agents of development whose work can influence economic growth, tourism promotion and public engagement.

According to her, Cross River possesses enormous cultural, tourism and economic assets, but their impact depends largely on how effectively they are documented and communicated to the world.

She described content creators as “architects of perception” and “modern-day griots,” noting that their cameras, smartphones, microphones and digital platforms have become important tools for advocacy, education and nation-building.

Akpala stressed the need for creators to uphold ethical standards in the digital space, warning against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

“In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, content creators must become champions of truth, accuracy and ethical communication,” she said.

She also pledged greater engagement between government and the creative community through training, networking opportunities and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening digital storytelling across the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, said the administration’s development strides under Governor Out’s People First agenda provide compelling stories that deserve wider visibility.

He cited ongoing infrastructure projects, including the award of over 426 kilometres of roads, the completion of more than 110 kilometres, the revitalisation of about 92 primary healthcare centres, payment of WAEC fees for public school students and the procurement of 108 mini tractors to support agriculture.

“These achievements are not just statistics; they are stories of resilience, progress and hope. This is where content creators have a critical role to play,” Ekpang said.

The commissioner also highlighted major investments in tourism, transportation and aviation, including the near-completion of the Obudu Cargo Airport, acquisition of three aircraft and the deployment of electric vehicles to improve public transportation.

He said opportunities abound for creators to tell stories around strategic projects such as the proposed Calabar Deep Sea Port, the revival of Tinapa Business Resort and the forthcoming African Sub-Sovereign Government Network Conference scheduled to hold in Calabar in November.

Both officials urged creators to become ambassadors of the state by showcasing its tourism assets, investment opportunities and cultural heritage while using factual and creative content to challenge false narratives.

Ekpang expressed optimism that the engagement would usher in stronger collaboration between government and the digital creative community, leading to a more coordinated effort to promote Cross River’s development agenda to the world. (The Guardian)

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