Obanliku Chairman Hon. Sunny Ayang Honoured as Otue-Ikwen 1of Obanliku by Basang Nation

Iloke Egbe 

In a colourful and culturally rich ceremony held in honour of the Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Chief. Dr. Sunny Ayang, JP, as a mark of appreciation and conferment of a revered traditional title of 'Otue-Ikwen 1 of Obanliku' by the Basang Nation. 

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Comr. Emmanuel Kayang who affirmed that the honour was in recognition of the Council Chairman's remarkable contributions to community development and pragmatic  governance.

According to Mr Kayang the event, took place at Bayalele Community Hall, and drew dignitaries from across the Local Government Area and beyond. In attendance was the Chairman’s wife, Mrs. Josephine Ayang, the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Amb. Glory Awowoh, the Leader of Council, Hon. Sunday Elam, Supervisors and other political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups and enthusiastic residents.

That the traditional rite's was performed by the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Ambassador Amos Item, who bestowed the chieftaincy title to the Chairman, while commending Hon. Ayang for his dedication to improving infrastructures, uplifting the lives of Basang indigene, and fostering unity and peace across the Local Government.

Making his remarks the Chairman of the Basang Development Association, Hon. Sylvanus Anyawho, praised the Council Chairman for his impressive strides within his first 100 days in office. He highlighted landmark initiatives and achievements such as the Obanliku Riders Transport Service, the completion of the Obanliku Local Government Education Authority building, the supply of facility's at Utanga Community clinic, and Youth empowerment programs. He also appreciated Hon. Ayang’s inclusive leadership approach, particularly his appointment of Basang sons and daughters into strategic positions.

In the his words he said “today, we honour a man who has shown exemplary dedication to the progress of the Basang Nation. Hon. Sunny has not only contributed to the development of our Local Government but has also inspired many through his selfless service,” Hon. Anyawho remarked.

Visibly moved by the recognition, Hon. Ayang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Basang Traditional Rulers' Council and the good people of Basang while dedicating the honour to the collective efforts of his team, and reaffirming his commitment to sustainable development across Obanliku.

Speaking further the chairman said "this title is not just a personal achievements; it is a testament to the collective efforts of my team and the support of the Obanliku people. Together, we have made meaningful strides, and together we shall continue to push for progress,” he stated.

Mr. Ayang condemned in strong terms the recent community disputes, emphasizing his resolved to ensure lasting peace, especially between the Bishiri and Basang communities reiterating that he would not spare the rod and spoil the child and also expressed his resolved to bring lasting peace to the people. He used the occasion to encouraged hard work among youths and to denounced negative vices.

Also  honoured at the event was Dr. Don Clems Enamhe, a one time convener of ‘Who is Who in Cross River North’.

The ceremony was enriched with traditional performances and goodwill messages from community leaders, all echoing the call for unity and continued development in the Basang nation.

Other highlights of the event was a vote of thanks by BDA Chairman, Hon. Sylvanus Anyawho expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Ayang and his entourage, pledging the unwavering support of the Basang people to the current administration.

AUDA-NEPAD Organize One Day Capacity Training for Small Holders Farmers in Cross River

Iloke Egbe - MIDC 

African Union Development Agency which is an offshoot of New Partnership for African Development adopted by African Heads of States and Government of OAU in 2001 in Collaboration with the Cross River State Government holds one day capacity training for small holders farmers in Calabar with the theme Enhancing Agricultural Productivity amongst small-holder farmers. 

The event held at the Metropolitan Hotel-Calabar with objectives of eradicating poverty, promote sustainable growth and development, halt marginalization of Africans and empower women through identification of their needs as well as challenges, proffering way forward and avenues of solving their challenges.

The one day event featured paper presentations from eminent personalities including Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer  of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Prof. Michael  Okom, Prof. Susan Ohen, Dean faculty of Agriculture and Wildlife Resources Management University of Calabar.

Some of the topics for the training included improving the Agricultural Productivity and Livelihoods of Small-holder farmers in Cross River State Through Training and Capacity Building by Dr Emmanuel Eremi and Establishment, Management and Growth of Small-holder farm steads. 

Highlights of the event was welcome address by the State Coordinator AUDA-NEPAD Dr. Prince  Michael Nku Abuo, goodwill message from the wife of the Governor represented by Apostle Dr. Queeneth Eton, and the Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Lukpata, breakout sessions and group interactions, questions and answers.

Gov. Otu Unveils New State Mantra at Endorsement Dinner by Cross River Northern District Stakeholders

Iloke Egbe 

Cross River State Governor, Apostle, Senator Bassey Otu, has unveiled a new unifying mantra for the State: “One Cross River, One Love”, building on his administration’s established “People First” philosophy. The announcement was made during an Endorsement Dinner hosted in his honour by the Northern Cross River Coalition (NORTHCCO), a prominent socio-political group from the Northern Senatorial District of the State.

The event held at Hogis Royale Hotels in Calabar, featured the presentation of a communique from NORTHCCO’s General Assembly in Ogoja, where the group unanimously endorsed Governor Otu for a second term in the 2027 Governor ship race. They also passed a vote of confidence in both Governor Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, praising their “exemplary performance” less than two years into their administration.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr Nsa Gill indicate that declaring Otu as their sole candidate for 2027, the group stated that no aspirant from the Northern Senatorial District would contest against him. That they further pledged to fund the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form on his behalf, and also threw their support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to Mr. Gill, Governor Otu expressed deep appreciation to the political stakeholders and traditional rulers of the North for their unwavering support. Reiterated that his administration’s commitment to equitable development across all Senatorial Districts and emphasized ongoing efforts to recover looted State assets, citing the recent reclamation of a major Oil Palm Estate.

That the Governor adopted NORTHCCO’s slogan, “One North, One Love”, Governor Otu extended its sentiment to the entire State, declaring “One Cross River, One Love” as a new rallying call for unity and inclusivity.

Several key political and traditional leaders endorsed the Governor’s re-election bid, including NORTHCCO Chairman, High Chief Peter Higgins; the Board of Trustee chairman Chief Fidelis Ugbo, Director-General of the group’s Central Working Committee, Rt. Hon. Legor Idabo; Director of Mobilization, Hon. Martins Orim, Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Professor Zana Akpagu and Chief Peter Ojie.

 They also advocated for more developmental projects and increased political appointments for the Northern District.

The Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Utsu Ukandi Felix Ukudare, voiced concerns about growing insecurity in the neighborhing states to the district. In response, Governor Otu assured that security remained a top priority, stating that the state’s security architecture is well-prepared to counter external threats.

Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Chief of Staff Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and several elder statesmen from the Southern Senatorial District and the host northern Senatorial district.

The evening concluded with renewed calls for unity, development, and continued support for the Otu administration as the State prepares for the political road ahead. This position is shared by many stakeholders in central and southern Senatorial Districts given the credible performance of the Governor.

NASSCO, NIMC and SOCU Commences NIM Integration for Poor and Vulnerables

Iloke, Egbe - SOCU-CR 

The National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office Abuja in collaboration with National Identity Management Commission and State Operations Coordinating Unit(SOCU) has  Commenced NIN integration into the State Social Register in preparation for the 15 million targets beneficiaries by the Federal Government cash transfer programme. 

The Programme which is taking place Nation wide and in the 18 Local Government Areas of the State is aimed at updating the data of persons in the State Social Register to include NIN numbers for those who don't have and corrections of names and current addresses of persons to reflect their current status.

Speaking during a meeting of program Staff and the supervisory MDA which is the State Planning Commission, the State Project Coordinator SOCU-CR Mr Bassey Effiong stressed the importance of the exercise, informing all that the Federal Government is desirous of assisting the poor and vulnerable including youths and unemployed in the country using data from Social Register.

Mr. Effiong charged supervisors to ensure enumerators avoid cutting corners in the process, reiterating that any of such practices will show as the system is built to detect such. According to Mr Effiong the State data should be reliable, accurate and a true representation of the status of the beneficiary's, adding that a situation where data uploaded to National portal are rejected for lack of due diligent will not be accepted as it will affect the beneficiaries including the State.

He expressed hope that the experiences of the enumerators will fastrack reliable results to enable the State improve on the quality of her data. Adding his voice, the Head M&E/MIS Mr Nsed Akonjom informed that a team of supervisors will be dispatched to the field to supervise how the enumerators go about the update exercise with the Head of Operations Mr Godwin Ador supervising activities within the northern, central and southern senatorial districts.  

The team for each Local Government is made up of 3 enumerators, 1 NIMC Officer, 1 Graviance Redress Officer with the Local Government Community Development Officer. SOCU Staff and SPC were also deployed to each Local Government to supervise the process.

UNICROSS Alumni President Praise Gov. Otu for Implementation New Minimum Wage to Staff.

Iloke Egbe 

For years, former students, Staff, and students of the University of Cross River State have expressed concerns about Government neglect and lack of investment in the University, with Staff and students welfare being a major issue. However, under His Excellency Gov. Bassey Otu's leadership, things are gradually improving.

In a statement signed by the national President of the University Alumni Association Dr. Inyali Peter pointed that after months of discussions, the Government has commenced implementing the new national minimum wage for University Staff, a development that has been greeted with excitement among UNICROSS Staff.

That as Alumni Association, we commend Gov Otu and his team for prioritising the welfare and interests of our Staff. We take pride in having some of the most passionate and patriotic University Staff in the country, and this gesture will undoubtedly boost their morale and motivation.

In the words of the President, he said "we knew from the onset that Gov Otu's leadership would bring positive change to the University. Even before assuming office, he had demonstrated his commitment to the institution by facilitating the construction of the administrative block complex, which transformed the University's aesthetics and created a more conducive working environment"

While appreciating this development, we humbly appeal to the Governor to remain open to further requests, particularly regarding other pressing infrastructural needs such as road networks, Staff and student accommodations, lecture theaters, electricity, health facilities, etc.

He used the opportunity to appeal to affluent Cross Riverians to support the University's growth by investing in its development. The University is our collective heritage, and every hand must be on deck to propel it into a world-class institution.

Adding his voice, the chairman Board of Trustees of Unicross Alumni Association Dr Ukam Ngwu also alluded that the Governor has demonstrated compassion to the plight of Unicross Staff in confirmation of the saying, when the righteous rule, the people rejoice.

Gov. Otu, Wife and others Lead Jesus Carnival in Calabar

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government has officially introduced a new annual event into its tourism calendar. The event, titled “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise” — popularly known as the “Jesus Carnival” — will be held every Easter season.  

The maiden edition took place on Easter Monday in the state capital, Calabar, and was flagged off by the Governor, Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu, alongside his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu. The colorful and spiritually charged event, marked by splendor and cultural flair, is a spiritual offshoot of the globally celebrated Carnival Calabar, traditionally held every December.  

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Mr Nsa Gill indicate that organizers explained that the Jesus Carnival is designed as a moment of collective gratitude to God for the success of Carnival Calabar and the continued progress of the State. It blends faith, culture, and thanksgiving into a unique Christian celebration during the Easter season.  

According to Mr Gill, Governor Otu declared: “Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration. From inception, I declared this a Godly State, and Jesus the true Governor. Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You have brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the State in their prayers.”  

He called on more Christians to join the effort to pray for Cross River, emphasizing that “no investment in the things of God is ever wasted.” The Governor also thanked the large contingent of clergy who led their congregations in participating in the event.  

The parade route covered several strategic locations across Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, including Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout, before returning to the main carnival corridor. Prayers were offered at various roundabouts along the way, adding a spiritual dimension to the march.  

Governor Otu and his wife danced and sang alongside thousands of Christian faithful, with gospel music echoing through the streets in a jubilant expression of faith.  

Bishop Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, speaking before the flag-off, said the vision for the Easter event was inspired by a desire to dedicate a significant part of the tourism calendar to Jesus Christ.  

“While Carnival Calabar is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honor Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people,” she explained.  

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, described the Jesus Carnival as the brainchild of the First Lady, crediting her prayerful support for much of the administration’s success. He coordinated the parade’s logistics and highlighted its significance as a new attraction in the state’s growing tourism offerings.  

“With this spiritually uplifting addition to its tourism calendar, Cross River State has reaffirmed its identity as a place where culture and faith intersect—making Easter not just a religious observance, but a state-wide celebration of divine gratitude and praise,” he concluded.  

The celebration culminated with live gospel music performances, headlined by internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, whose electrifying performance left the crowd in awe.  

Prayers were led by prominent religious leaders, including the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. (Dr.) Takis Etim Caiafas; Bishop Josef Bassey; Bishop Emma Isong; Bishop Bassey E. Edem; Apostle Frank Umoh, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs; and several others across various Christian denominations.

Statement by Unicross Alumni President on the Occasion of Inauguration of the 6th Governing Council

Iloke Egbe 

The President of University of Cross River State Alumni Association Dr Inyali Peter bare his mind on the positive development associated with the University in recent time, specifically the Inauguration of the 6th Governing Council of the University. 

He stated that on Thursday, April 17, 2025, was a memorable day for our nascent Association and, indeed, the entire University for a number of reasons. That his inauguration into the 6th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), may have made the headlines among  members, but there was more to it.

According to the President, the day marked a remarkable beginning of a new dawn in the institution in general and the end to the almost seven years of leadership tussle in the Alumni Association. Beyond this, the University has moved from not having a single member of its product in the Council a few years ago to having one in the last eight years and now four in the incumbent Council which are Dr. Victor Ndifon, Mr. Ukam Ilok, Dr. Eddy Hogans, even though they represent different interests, they have now joined the President to increase the number of products of the Institution in Council. This number will increase to five in the coming days when they conduct the convocation seat election. What this means is that for the first time in the history of the University, the Governing Council will have five (5) persons with permanent connections to the institution as old students playing critical roles in its policy framework. This does not only signify progress but it is a sign that the Institution has come of age and sooner, rather than later will begin to also produce Vice Chancellors and other Management Staff from among the Alumni of the Institution.

 Stating that as the President, Thursday was not the first time he was going to be introduced into the Governing Council. That he was first introduced into the Governing Council (5th Council ) on the 19th of February 2024 but shortly after that, some persons with vested interests that wanted to perpetually keep the Association divided to their benefits, frustrated all efforts for him  to function effectively in Council. But as God had destined, what they thought was aimed at destroying him turned out to be a reason for him and the Association’s elevation. Mr Peter said he was not just inaugurated in the small Council Chambers of the University but at the hallowed Chambers of the State Executive Council by none less a person but the Visitor and Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. Even at the point of the inauguration, some agents within and outside the University who are adverse to this progress tried to frustrate it, but God put them all to shame.

In his words "I don’t begrudge anybody because I see the situation the Association has gone through as the necessary path to cross to take it rightful place as the real owner of the University', adding that maybe without the journey, the many lessons we have learned wouldn’t have been possible. Again, like I did promised during the electioneering period in 2023, after this current administration, nobody within and outside the University would take the Alumni Association for granted again.

 While expressing words of appreciation, Mr Peter said to everybody who stood by truth throughout the stormy days, we say thank you. To our dear Governor and Visitor, we say thank you for believing in my ability to be part of the team to transform the institution. Stating that he have never forgotten the very short but inspiring congratulatory message he received from the Governor in 2023 upon winning the  election as President of the Association. Reflecting on message he received from the Governor, where he expressed excitement about his emergence because, in him, he had a partner who shares the same passion as him for the institution. While affirming that the Governor has demonstrated his love for the institution in many ways before and even now as the Visitor.

He extended his appreciation to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the Commissioner for Education, Distinguished Senator Stephen Odey, the House of representative member, Hon. Peter Akpanke, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, the State Protocol Officer, Hon. Sylvester Abang, the Commissioner for Youths Development, Barr. Ukam Ijom, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths Development, Comrade Daniel Obo, and all those who stood by him from the beginning of the struggle to the end, he Said thank you. According Mr Peter he said I don’t have anything to offer you other than ensuring I make you proud in the discharge of my duties.

And to his predecessor, Comrade Eyam Abeng, and his wonderful Alumni executive members, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Barr. Dr. Ukam Ngwu, and other members, and all his supporters, he also said thank you for believing in me. Now that we have been more empowered, while assuring that he is motivated and commitment to partner with relevant authorities to move the University forward in line with the People’s First Agenda of Governor Bassey Otu and we are stronger than ever.

 He said the entire Alumni and the University community, I appeal for understanding saying "my promise to you is that we may not always do what you will like, but we will always do what is right and best for the Association and University. For the things you’ll not like, I apologize ahead but know that our intention is far from trying to offend people; we know that in the process of trying to change the norm, a lot of people will be offended but trust us that whatever we stand for, both in the running of the Association and contributions in Council will be in the best interest of our alma mater".

Mr Peter further acknowledged that the Association have spent over a year wasting resources that should have been channeled into working for the University in court or security. However, the storm is now over, and  the Association is getting to work immediately. That like he assured during the elections, he resolved and remained good relationship to ensure that we mobilize resources to address the small yet important things that can make our University better. But we can not do this alone. Therefore, I appeal for the continued support of everybody he added. For some of our members who are still  pained of the progress made, he urge them to put the interest of the Association and University first by eschewing all bitterness and join hands to work together for our alma mater.