The Deputy Gov. Rt. Hon. Peter Odey (left), receiving the award on behalf of Gov. Bassey Otu from the Paramount Ruler of Okoyong Nation, Obonn Efiong Offiong Andong on Wednesday.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace-driven development and inclusive governance, assuring the Okoyong community of sustained infrastructural and socio-economic growth.
The Governor gave the assurance through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on Wednesday, at a civic reception and chieftaincy coronation ceremony organised by the Okoyong Traditional Council to honour the Governor and distinguished sons of the community.
Conveying the Governor’s goodwill, Odey in a release from Governor’s Office Press Unit, described Okoyong as a historic community deeply rooted in the history of Cross River State and Nigeria.
He explained that Governor Otu was unavoidably absent due to a National Economic Council meeting in Abuja but had directed that all other engagements be stepped down to ensure his presence was duly represented.
He announced that key development projects were already underway, including the construction of the Adiabo Road, while the Federal Government’s Calabar–Lagos Coastal Highway is expected to pass through the area as more development interventions would follow, provided peace is sustained.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba (2nd right), the Executive Secretary of the CUDA, Chief Effiong Ayi, (3rd right) and others during the ceremony on Wednesday.
“The Governor has asked me to tell you that development will continue to come to Okoyong, but he is also asking for one thing: that this community remains at peace with itself and its neighbours,” Odey said, adding that peace would open the door to roads, electricity, and water supply.
He paid tribute to the award recipients, particularly the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba and the Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), Chief Effiong Ayi, and others, commending their service and contributions to development.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Oden Ewa, said Okoyong has consistently stood on the right side of history, recalling its role during the era of missionary Mary Slessor and its decision to align with progressive leadership.
Ewa noted that the civic reception reflected the strong bond between the community and the Otu administration, describing the Governor’s policies as people-centred and impactful, with visible gains in infrastructure and human capital development, including the ongoing Adiabo-Ikoneto Road project.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, described the event as strategic and charged the award recipients to see their honours as a call to greater responsibility, while declaring his personal ties to Okoyong as a son-in-law of the community.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, speaking at the ceremony.
Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Okoyong Nation, Obonn Efiong Offiong Andong, said the civic reception was organised to appreciate Governor Otu for his tangible impact on the community, noting that many Okoyong sons and daughters have benefited from appointments and employment under the present administration.
He highlighted the Adiabo-Ikoneto Road as a transformative project that has eased movement between Okoyong and Calabar, drastically reducing travel time and improving the quality of life of residents.
The Okoyong Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs presented an award of excellence to Governor Otu in recognition of his outstanding contributions, commitment to sustainable development, and inclusion of Okoyong indigenes in governance.
Responding on behalf of the chieftaincy award recipients, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba described their ‘Anta Dunuo’ honour as a confirmation that service under Governor Otu’s administration is being noticed and appreciated.
He said the recognition represents a “thank you” from the people and a call to higher responsibility, which he rededicated to the Governor’s administration.
The event was well attended by high profile figures, notably the Chairman of Cross River House of Representatives Caucus and Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba; members of the Cross River House of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government Councils, among others.
