Cross River State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, has called on media practitioners to project accurate, development-focused narratives about the state to boost investor confidence and economic growth. Speaking at a media engagement in Calabar, Odey emphasized that negative or inaccurate reportage can deter potential investors and damage the state's image ¹.

*Key Points:*

- *Accurate Reportage*: Odey urged journalists to focus on highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, tourism potential, and investment opportunities.
- *Investment Thrive on Perception*: "Investment thrives on perception. If we don’t tell our own story right, someone else will tell it wrong — and we’ll all pay the price," Odey said.
- *Media Training*: The event addressed strategies for improving public communication, crisis messaging, and transparency.

Odey's call to action aligns with broader state efforts to reposition Cross River as a top destination for business and leisure. By promoting the state's assets, such as its coastline, Calabar port, and tourism appeal, media narratives can play a pivotal role in shaping investor sentiment and attracting capital inflow and job creation ¹ ².