AN Ex-Officio member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory, NUJ FCT, Council, Comrade Ebriku John Friday (JP), Thursday, was appointed as Senior Special Assistant, SSA, on Data Analytics to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu.
Friday’s appointment was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof Anthony Owan-Enoh.
Meanwhile, he expressed immense appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu for believing in him, and granting him the opportunity to serve in his government and to render selfless service to the great people of Cross River State.
He also promised to diligently carry out his duties in the capacity he has been appointed and said the best of his professionalism and experience will be given to the people, and to add value to the administration of the Governor.
Meanwhile, he called on the people to also join hands with the government of Otu to deliver the best of the dividends of democracy, and assured the youths that they remain paramount under the scheme of things as they will get the best from the Otu-led administration.
Comrade Ebriku John Friday is a Cross River State–born journalist (from Yala), educated in Economics at the University of Abuja, who rose through media ranks into leadership and civic roles.
He leverages journalism, digital platforms, and public office to advocate for youth empowerment, good governance, community peace, and media excellence.
Friday until his appointment as the SSA on Data Analytics has been a practicing journalist, and also a mediapreneur a very active youth advocate, and public servant, whose work spans media, politics, and grassroots development.
He has over the years built a media reputation and professionalism while he worked at one of Nigeria’s prominent newspaper companies and headquartered in Abuja, Leadership Newspaper.
In Leadership Newspaper, he served dedicatedly and played salient roles and carried out delicate responsibilities as he moved from the ranks to management cadres including; News Page Design Editor, Deputy Manager, Design Director, Online Editor, Assistant General Manager, and General Manager.
Interestingly, he currently publishes and edits several online platforms including TheLeaderNG.com, Jabbama.ng, DailyPatriot.ng) under eHub Media Nigeria Limited.
As a visionary leader and committed journalist, he serves as the editor of the online platform for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
Due to his track record and commitment to the pem profrssion, he was appointed as an Ex‑Officio Member of the NUJ FCT Council in April 2025, and he has been among the media team of His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
Meanwhile, the predecessor of Governor Bassey Otu, Senator Ben Ayade appointed Comrade Ebriku John Friday (JP) as the Special Assistant on Print Media, which he meritoriously served the people of Cross River State in that capacity.
In his leadership and community engagement, he has distinguished himself, and this made him to make his vision plain and physical by founding the ‘Project1000’, a Civic-Development Forum for Yala professionals, and he also launched the agricultural and empowerment programmes since 2019.
As an astute writer Comrade Ebriku John Friday Has authored and published peace-building and community resolution articles for The Leader platform.
He was recognized with the Niger Delta Youth Ambassador award in 2021 for promoting economic empowerment, democratic principles, and cultural values in the region.
In 2023 he was named Media Personality of the Year by the organisers of the prestigious Yala Achievers Awards in recognition of his media expertise and dogged advocacy in the media ecosystem.
Rooted in his Yala heritage, he’s praised for social solidarity, humility, spiritual grounding, and consensus-building.
NGOs like the Grassroots Solidarity Group and Yala local bodies commend him as “a patriot, selfless, and committed son of Yala nation” who uplifts his people through positive engagement.
He is a strong advocate for good governance, civic accountability, and infrastructure delivery.
He has deeply invested in youth development and empowerment, particularly in the Niger Delta/South-South regions.
He uses the local-first approach, consistently centered on his ethnic/community roots and spiritual values.
