In a momentous occasion for the thriving community of Obanliku, the Obanliku Local Government Development Advisory Council (OLG-DAC) was officially inaugurated on Friday, January 31, 2025. The ceremony, presided over by the Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Hon. Sunny Ayang, JP, took place at the Sanjis Hotel, nestled in the scenic Busanfong area of Obanliku.
In his inaugural address, Hon. Sunny Ayang stated: “The duty of transforming Obanliku into an urban city of our aspirations does not rest solely on the shoulders of my administration. It is a shared responsibility, upheld by the collective wisdom and counsel of all Obanliku citizens represented here today.” He emphasised that with collective insight, success would be a shared narrative, unfolding for all to witness.
Putting his vision into action, Hon. Sunny formally inaugurated the Advisory Council, entrusting its members with the mission of outlining a comprehensive development framework and strategy designed to elevate Obanliku to unprecedented heights, thus birthing a Greater Obanliku.
The Advisory Council Chairman, Ntufam Barr. Fidelis Ugbo, spoke passionately during the ceremony, urging his fellow council members to view their engagement as a noble calling to service. He projected optimism, reminding them that in six months, they would reconvene to present their accomplishments. “Our ambition to evolve Obanliku into a modern, urbanized city is anchored in a strategic development plan,” he remarked.
Prominent voices at the event, including Dr. (Mrs.) Mary-Theresa Ikwen, Rt Hon. Maurice Evey, Hon. Akpi Uwanede, Barr. Mike Aniah, Engr. Martins Item, Mr. Agba Agba, Barr Gabriel Ikang, Dr. Emmanuel Akashie, the chairman of the Obanliku Development Association (ODA) Calabar branch, Surveyor Justin Ukama, and Hon. Tony Abaka, the Secretary of the Advisory Council, echoed the sentiment that a clear development agenda for Obanliku is paramount. They applauded the visionary leadership of the Executive Chairman, which dovetails with the ODA Conference resolutions of 2021, thus calling for the unwavering support of all citizens.
The speakers noted the critical need for human development and capacity building in Obanliku’s workforce. They emphasized the importance of effective policy implementation, collaborative efforts, and the necessity of conducting a Baseline Survey to construct a robust Economic and Social Register for the area.
A highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a consultancy agreement with Korn Consult Limited. The Managing Consultant, Dr. OKorn Elvis, elaborated on the agreement’s focus: to secure grants and partnership funding directed towards transformative projects in agriculture, infrastructure, and health sectors, promising a prosperous trajectory for the community.
The inaugural ceremony drew an impressive gathering, featuring the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Glory Awowoh; the Leader of the Council, Hon. Sunday Elam; Obanliku Community Relations Officer, Chief Linus; Secretary of Council, Dr. Joseph Agba; and numerous Advisory Council members, including Barr. Pius Awah, Chief Emmanuel Inakefe, Mr. Festus Utsu, as well as honorable councillors, legislative clerks, and various political appointees. Their presence underscored a collective commitment to the future of Obanliku, uniting all in the pursuit of progress and development.
