Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong : When a First Timer Exceeds Expectations

Inyali Peter 

Last week, the Senator representing Cross River South, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, once again drew the Senate’s attention to the worsening erosion and landslide crisis in Calabar and neighbouring communities, continuing a pattern of advocacy that has become a defining feature of his representation. The Senate responded by calling for the immediate release of ecological funds to help Cross River tackle the problem, which threatens lives, homes and livelihoods.

The Senate identified Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Effangha Mkpa, Nyaghasang, Ikot Anwatim, Nasarawa/Bacoco, Akai Effa, Bayside and Summit Hills among the affected areas. Anansa was also listed as a community where continuing landslides have damaged properties and displaced residents.

For a first-timer, Sen. Asuquo has undoubtedly exceeded expectations as his three years representation has been nothing short of impressive. He has built a reputation of consistently drawing national attention to critical issues affecting his senatorial district and indeed the state since assuming office in 2023. 

From the deplorable condition of the Calabar–Itu Road and the slow pace of work on the project to the recurring erosion crisis in Calabar, he has continued to use his position to seek solutions. He has also raised concerns that has led to serious actions on the Calabar–Oban–Ekang Road, erosion in Nassarawa and Ikot Nkebre, and killings and boundary disputes in Odukpani.

At home, he has facilitated projects, grants, scholarships and employment opportunities for his constituents and others. In Abuja, he has sponsored motions and bills on issues of national importance. As the youngest senator in the 10th Assembly, his record reflects an effort to connect legislative work with the everyday concerns of the people he represents.

Governor Bassey Otu has found in Sen. Asuquo a partner in the effort to move Cross River forward. Their respective efforts also highlight the importance of cooperation between the state government and its representatives at the national level in pursuing projects, attracting federal support and addressing the state’s development needs.

Higher federal allocations and increased internally generated revenue alone cannot meet every development need of the state. Governor Otu has an ambitious agenda for the people, but debt servicing, salaries and inherited pension and gratuity obligations place considerable demands on available resources. Attracting funding and support from other sources is therefore not only essential but a necessity.

This is where sustained legislative advocacy becomes important. A motion in the Senate can draw national attention to a problem, but consistent engagement with the relevant ministries, agencies and government officials is often necessary to secure the desired outcome. A functional state lobby group could help coordinate these efforts, track commitments and ensure that Cross River’s requests receive the attention they deserve.

Other members of the National Assembly representing Cross River can build on this what Sen. Asuquo has done by working together to pursue the state’s common interests. Beyond raising motions, they can maintain pressure on relevant federal agencies, follow up on proposed interventions and collaborate with the state government to turn opportunities into tangible benefits for the people. A coordinated effort would give the state a stronger voice in Abuja.

Sen. Asuquo has proven how persistent advocacy can bring local concerns to the national stage. As he continues his work, greater collaboration among Cross River’s federal lawmakers could help extend the reach of these efforts and improve the state’s chances of securing the support it needs.

John Owan Enoh and the Making of a Road Deal

inyali Peter 

The Ikom–Etomi–Agbokim Waterfalls Road has received a fresh boost following the release of the first tranche of funding for its emergency reconstruction. The development is welcome news for communities whose commercial activities depend on the road, as well as efforts to improve access to one of Cross River State’s most famous tourist attractions, Agbokim Waterfalls.

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, announced the development after securing an agreed funding arrangement with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Under the arrangement, releases were scheduled from September to December to enable the commission to fund the project and facilitate the contractor’s return to site.

The intervention reflects the importance of sustained engagement in addressing infrastructure challenges. The Minister had committed to monitoring the agreed releases and ensuring that the funding arrangement translated into visible work. He has now confirmed that the September allocation has been released, the NDDC has paid the contractor and the contractor has acknowledged receipt of funds.

Work is expected to resume once the rains subside and weather conditions permit. This is the kind of purposeful engagement that turns government commitments into tangible progress for the people. The state government cannot fund every road project across Cross River alone. Leaders at all levels must therefore complement Governor Bassey Otu’s efforts by attracting federal support and pursuing interventions that benefit their communities. The Minister has demonstrated the value of this in many fronts.

The road’s importance to commerce cannot be overstated. Farmers need reliable access to markets for their produce, traders depend on efficient movement of goods, and local businesses require better connectivity to reach customers and suppliers. Poor road access can increase transportation costs, delay deliveries and limit commercial opportunities. Reconstructing this corridor would help ease these constraints and strengthen economic activities across the communities it serves.

There is also a tourism dimension to this project. Agbokim Waterfalls is one of Cross River’s most famous tourist attractions, drawing visitors to its remarkable landscape and cascading waters near the Nigeria–Cameroun border. Better road access would make visits more convenient, support tourism-related businesses and create opportunities for local residents who provide transport, accommodation, food and other services. The road is therefore not merely a local infrastructure project; it is an investment in the state’s economic and tourism potential.

Besides, the Minister’s intervention also highlights the value of collaboration in public service. Securing funding for a project involving different government institutions requires engagement, negotiation and persistent follow up. The participation of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the NDDC, alongside the contractor’s response, shows how coordinated efforts can move an infrastructure project closer to implementation.

Beyond any doubt, he deserves commendation for pursuing the funding arrangement and continuing to monitor its implementation. His commitment to tracking subsequent releases and the contractor’s return to site is important. All hands at this point must be on deck to sustain the momentum to see the reconstruction through to completion.

BIRTHDAY FELICITATION

The Chairman and entire members of the Progressive family felicitate with His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, on the auspicious occasion of his 67th birthday celebration.

We join families, friends, associates, and the good people of Cross River State in celebrating a distinguished leader whose life has been marked by service, vision, and commitment to the progress of our dear state. Your Excellency’s leadership continues to inspire confidence, and your dedication to the welfare and development of our people is deeply appreciated.

As you mark this milestone, we pray that Almighty God grants you good health, renewed strength, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service to humanity. May this new year of your life bring you greater joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Happy 67th Birthday, Your Excellency.

Signed:

Hon. Okon Nyong Effiom

Chapter Chairman

Sir Edwin Duke

Chapter Secretary

Otu at 67: Effiwatt Hails Governor’s Leadership, Credits Peace and Infrastructure for Cross River’s Progress

 Iloke Egbe

The Chairman of the Cross River State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, KSJI, has congratulated Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on his 67th birthday, describing him as a purposeful and visionary leader whose administration has made significant contributions to the state’s development.

Effiwatt, in a goodwill message to mark the governor’s birthday anniversary, attributed the progress recorded in Cross River State to Governor Otu’s commitment to peace, security, infrastructure development and human capital advancement. He noted that the prevailing peace and security in the state had provided a solid foundation for growth across other sectors of the economy, while improvements in public infrastructure had further strengthened the state’s development prospects.

The Civil Service Commission chairman also highlighted the employment of qualified Cross Riverians into Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), describing the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development and the delivery of essential public services. According to him, Governor Otu’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to service, with his policies and programmes designed to address critical challenges affecting the welfare of the people.

Effiwatt observed that the governor’s people-oriented approach to governance had demonstrated his determination to tackle poverty, disease and ignorance, while creating opportunities for improved living standards across the state. He further commended the governor for remaining steadfast in the discharge of his responsibilities and for placing the interests of the people at the centre of governance.

Rather than abandoning ongoing commitments, Effiwatt said, Governor Otu had sustained continuity in governance through policy frameworks and development programmes aimed at empowering citizens and delivering tangible benefits to communities.The commission chairman described the governor’s 67th birthday as a milestone worthy of celebration, noting that his years of service reflected a commitment to humanity and the pursuit of sustainable development. He added that effective leadership requires not only the formulation of sound policies but also their consistent implementation to improve the lives of citizens.

On behalf of the Cross River State Civil Service Commission, Effiwatt joined other Cross Riverians in celebrating the governor, praying for many more years of purposeful service, sound health and divine protection as he continues to lead the state.

He concluded by wishing Governor Otu a fulfilling birthday anniversary and renewed strength to advance the development aspirations of Cross River State.

Otu at 67: Lukpata Hails Governor as Catalyst for Development, Stability in Cross RiverOtu at 67: Lukpata Hails Governor as Catalyst for Development, Stability in Cross River

 Iloke Egbe

The Cross River State Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata, has described Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as a God-sent leader whose administration has continued to drive development, promote stability and improve the lives of residents across the state.

Lukpata made the assertion in a goodwill message commemorating Governor Otu's 67th birthday anniversary, describing the milestone as a celebration of a life dedicated to impactful service, purposeful leadership and inclusive governance.

The commissioner commended the governor for extending the dividends of democracy to communities across Cross River State, particularly hard-to-reach areas that have historically faced challenges in accessing government interventions and development opportunities. According to him, Governor Otu's people-first philosophy has strengthened the connection between government and the people by ensuring that governance reaches those who need it most.

"You have taken governance directly to those who need it most through your people-first mantra," Lukpata stated.

He added that the governor's leadership had demonstrated the importance of placing the welfare of citizens at the centre of public administration, noting that his contributions to the state's development had positively impacted lives in several ways.

Lukpata further observed that Governor Otu's 67th birthday provided an opportunity for Cross Riverians to reflect on his leadership journey and appreciate the progress recorded under his administration.

He said he joined other well-meaning citizens of the state in celebrating the governor's life and leadership, expressing confidence that his continued service would contribute to the advancement of Cross River State.

On behalf of the Ministry of International Donor Coordination, the commissioner congratulated Governor Otu on the occasion and prayed for renewed strength, sound health, greater wisdom and divine protection as he continues to steer the affairs of the state.

At 67, Otu Was Divinely Ordained To Serve Humanity - C'River Assembly Commission Chairman

Iloke Egbe_

The Chairman of the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon, has described Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as a God-sent leader divinely ordained to provide solutions to challenges confronting humanity.

In a congratulatory message to mark the Governor's 67th birthday anniversary, Okon said the Governor's purposeful leadership is evident in his people-centred policy framework across various sectors of the state economy.

He noted that under Governor Otu's administration, the state has enjoyed progress, peace, security and even development through strong institutions and systems established to ensure no one is left behind.

According to him, the systems approach to administration promotes grassroots growth and stability which has pushed back the frontiers of poverty among Cross Riverians.

Okon further stated that the Governor has also provided the needed infrastructure required to make the state a true destination for leisure in Nigeria with the best environment moderated by nature.

"At 67, your footprint is a clear indication that you were divinely ordained to serve humanity and to provide solutions to many challenges confronting the human society in terms of reduction in poverty, disease prevalence and ignorance to a varied degree," he said.

He added that the Governor has not shied away from his responsibilities, but has put the people first while ensuring continuity in governance as the basis of giving value to the people with a sound policy framework and implementation of programmes that empower the people.

"We are proud to have you as our God-sent leader," Okon stated.

The Assembly Service Commission Chairman, on behalf of staff and Commissioners of the Commission, joined other Cross Riverians to congratulate the Governor and wished him many more years of purposeful life in good health and divine protection.

EFCC detective, was inaugurated as Professor of Practice in Criminology and Security Studies by MIVA University.

*Behold the Latest Professor!*

Yesterday in Abuja, one of Cross River finest ambassadors, Dr. David Olom Nkpe, a senior 

By Inyali Peter 

Dr. Nkpe is a man of exceptional intellect whose academic journey speaks for itself. From graduating with First Class honours at the University of Jos to having his postgraduate research works adjudged the best in his class, he has consistently distinguished himself through hard work, brilliance and a deep commitment to knowledge.

What makes this achievement even more inspiring is that he has continued to contribute to scholarship while serving as a senior EFCC official, a job that demands so much of his time and energy. His ability to excel in both fields is worthy of admiration.

This is a proud moment for Utugwang, Obudu and the entire Cross River. His exploits is a lesson that dedication to learning and excellence will always open new doors. 

Congratulations, Big Bros. This is well deserved, and I celebrate you greatly.