BY PATRICIA OGBECHE

The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, on October 22, 2025, represented His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, at the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) National Conference held at The Dome, Calabar Municipal.

The national conference, with the theme “Communication and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Era of AI, Big Data, and Cultural Transformation,” brought together communication scholars from across the globe.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Senator Odey appreciated the organizers and participants who traveled from within and outside the country to attend the impactful conference. He noted that the event aligns with ongoing developments in the education sector in Cross River State, adding that governance and education cannot thrive without effective communication.

The Commissioner further stated:
“I am truly grateful, because without adequate data, effective planning is impossible. Listening carefully to the keynote speaker today has reinforced this fact.

At this point, we would like to make a quick appeal that at the end of this conference, we be provided with the conference proceedings. This will enable us to share and build upon the valuable knowledge and insights shared here today.

I want to sincerely commend everyone who has taken the time to attend this important conference. I assure you that you will not leave the same way you came, you are going back with a wealth of new knowledge and understanding, So, I encourage you to stay attentive, make the most of every session, and take full advantage of the rich presentations and discussions that have been prepared to guide us. He noted

On this note, and on behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, I have the honour and privilege to formally declare this conference open, to the glory of God.”

During the conference, Senator Odey, on behalf of His Excellency, unveiled the newly published journal titled “The Nigerian Journal of Communication.”

Dignitaries in attendance included:
Prof. Abdulahi Bashir – National President, ACCE
Prof. Ezekiel Asemah – Deputy President, ACCE
Prof. Florence Obi – Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (represented)
Prof. Lawrence Ekwok – HOD, Department of Communication, University of Calabar
Prof. Abiodun Salary – Keynote Speaker
Prof. Tony Eyang – DVC Academic, ACCE
Prof. Peter Esu – Member, NOT
Dr. Ibituru Pepple – National Secretary, ACCE
and many other distinguished personalities.