By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – All roads lead to the Shettima Hall, State Library Complex, Calabar, today, Thursday, October 2, 2025, as the much-anticipated Destiny Cross River Awards takes centre stage in what organisers describe as a “covenant night where history, prophecy, and destiny converge.”
The awards, a project of Destiny Cross River Covenant Council and Josef Bassey Legacy Foundation, was conceived by His Eminence, Archbishop Josef Bassey, The Archbishop of Calabar and Spiritual Leader of God’s Heritage Nation to celebrate men and women whose sacrifices, patriotism, and service have shaped the destiny of Cross River State and positioned it for a greater future.
Topping the list of honourees is Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who will be conferred with the Destiny Grand Commander Award, the highest honour of the evening. Organisers say the recognition comes as a tribute to his uncommon leadership in “rebuilding Cross River from ruins to glory, restoring broken institutions, and rekindling hope for sustainable progress.”
Other eminent Cross Riverians set to be celebrated include:
Chief Anthony Ani (CON), former Minister of Finance, to receive the highest award under the Legends Protocol category.
Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi (SAN, CON), former Attorney General of the Federation, to be honoured with the Destiny Patriarchal Laureate Award.
Prof. Kelvin Etta, respected educationist, to receive the Destiny Patriarchal Defender Emeritus Award.
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, iconic politician and humanitarian, who makes history as the first female recipient of the Awards, honoured under a matriarchal category that highlights her decades of political courage and community service.
Speaking ahead of the event, Archbishop Josef Bassey explained that the Awards are not merely recognitions but “a covenant moment to immortalise patriots and inspire a new generation of destiny-builders.”
Dignitaries from government, business, academia, the church, and the diplomatic corps are expected at the historic gathering, which promises to be the grandest edition yet.
The Destiny Cross River Awards 2025, beyond the glamour, seeks to stand as a prophetic roll call of destiny-shapers, and a clarion call for Cross Riverians to “rise, build, and bless the nations.”
