Month: February 2025

In a significant step for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, the Cross River State Executive Council has approved a key agreement that outlines how the Bakassi Deep Seaport will be owned and operated. The agreement includes plans to restructure Bakassi Deep Seaport Ltd., the company created for this project, which will be run in partnership with Arise IPP Ltd., a company from the UAE specializing in port development.

 

Under the agreement, Arise IPP Ltd. will own 80% of the port project, while the Cross River State Government will hold a 20% share. This partnership is crucial for securing the necessary funding, which has already started with support from Afreximbank.

During the meeting, Governor Bassey Edet Otu emphasized that the new port will help improve maritime transport, boost trade between West Africa and the rest of the world, and create jobs in Cross River State. He also announced plans to send some locals to Asian countries for training in port management to ensure there are skilled workers for the seaport.

In addition, the Executive Council approved the purchase of eco-friendly vehicles, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, to enhance public transportation. They also addressed the need for repairs on the Ikom-Boki-Obudu road and approved a funding package to improve facilities at the new University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

Governor Otu also mentioned plans to distribute 10,000 solar power systems for rural households, ensuring they reach the poorest communities. He raised concerns about the lack of proper asset records in the state and called for immediate improvements.

To avoid losses in state revenue, he warned officials against using private revenue consultants starting February 15, as those who do would face penalties.

To improve the effectiveness of the government, the governor tasked the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission and the Secretary to the Government’s office to develop a fair way to evaluate the performance of council members within two weeks, which will be conducted by an outside organization.

The council members also took a moment to remember the late Hon. Abubakar Ewa, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who passed away shortly before the last meeting in January 2025.

Governor Otu concluded by encouraging everyone to prioritize their health and schedule regular health check-ups.

The bill will facilitate lots of positive changes to the third tier of government, fastrack economic development and growth, encourage broader and greater participation as well as enhance effective and efficient service delivery at the local government level.

Some major sections of the Principal Law amended include; section 4(4)increment of departments from 7 to 12, section 5(2) readjustment of percentages of funds expected from the Local Government Councils to key MDAs to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, section 20(1) entrusting the responsibilities of humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary issues as well as Sports to the Vice Chairmen of Councils and section 21 which specifies that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character.

Other sections amended are; 22(3) and (6) which strengthens the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff. Section 22(a) and 22(b) which provides for statutory appointments of not more than 50 persons as well as the appointment of Ward Relations Officers with the status of Special Assistants for each Council Ward.

Also amended are sections 33(3) stipulating the appointments approved for the Leaders (Including a Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary) and Deputy Leaders of Councils as well as sections 45(A, B and C) on the establishment of office of HOLGAs, criteria for appointments and cessation of office.

Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, the Special Adviser on General Duties to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, has expressed his admiration for the Chief of Staff, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, and six state commissioners who recently received prestigious National Leadership Awards.

Hon Ironbar was honored as the Best Chief of Staff in Nigeria, while the six commissioners were recognized for their exceptional work in their respective fields. The awards ceremony took place at the National Merit Award Building in Abuja. The remarkable commissioners include:

 

– Dr. Egbe Ayuk – Best Commissioner for Health

– Senator Stephen Odey – Best Commissioner for Education

– Ankpo Pius Edet – Best Commissioner for Works

– Erasmus Ekpang – Best Commissioner for Information

– Mike Odere – Best Commissioner for Finance

– Odum-Ijom Ukam – Best Commissioner for Youth Development

In an interview, Barrister Akiba praised Chief of Staff Ironbar for his hard work and effective leadership. He highlighted Ironbar’s vital role in supporting Governor Otu’s administration, which is dedicated to improving the state and the lives of its residents.

 

“Today, we celebrate our diligent Chief of Staff, who has been awarded the title of Best Chief of Staff in Nigeria. This prestigious recognition is well-deserved,” Akiba said. He explained that Ironbar is the first Chief of Staff to receive this honour since the awards began 22 years ago, marking a significant achievement in history.

Akiba commended Ironbar’s leadership skills, describing him as someone who coordinates effectively and meets the state’s goals. He noted that Ironbar’s contributions have been crucial to the success of Governor Otu’s vision for the state.

 

He also praised the work of the other Commissioners:

– The Health Commissioner, an expert in his field, has made great strides in improving healthcare.

– The Works Commissioner has overseen significant infrastructure projects, including new roads and drainage systems.

– The Finance Commissioner has managed the state’s finances responsibly—Cross River is the only state not in debt.

– The Youth Development Commissioner has championed programs to empower young people.

– The Information Commissioner has improved access to government information.

– The Education Commissioner, a qualified senator with multiple degrees, has created a better learning environment in schools.

 

Akiba emphasized that each award winner has made valuable contributions to their roles, and the awards reflect their hard work and achievements, not any outside influence. He credited Governor Otu for his vision and leadership in making these successes possible, stating that the governor deserves much of the recognition for these awards.

The Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has noted that Nigeria is undergoing very serious restructuring, economically and, in particular, in its fiscal responsibility.

 

He maintained that Nigeria, as a nation, is turning the corner, and it’s very important that the South-South region aligns right to the center to ensure that the restructuring is correct.

 

Speaking to journalists at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar on Friday, upon his return from a national assignment, Governor Otu emphasized that times are tough, but it’s essential that we bite this bitter pill to be an independent nation.

 

He said, “The leadership is working tirelessly to ensure the South-South is properly aligned at the center, pushing beyond politics to achieve genuine restructuring.”

 

According to the governor, the region is set to chart a new course, driven by unity and a shared vision. “The BRACED Commission has been activated. It serves as what I call the ‘brain unit’ of the South-South, with well-structured master plans to drive development,” he noted.

 

Governor Otu urged journalists to look forward to the next South-South Governors’ Forum meeting in Calabar, promising that leaders would unveil a strategic roadmap for the region’s future.

 

On the recent National Leadership Awards conferred on his Chief of Staff and Commissioners, Governor Otu expressed gratitude to God for the grace to advance Cross River’s development. He affirmed that the state’s commitment to progress is unwavering.

 

“In Cross River, there’s no room for complacency. Any recognition our officials receive is well-deserved,” he said, urging the awardees to see the honor as both a challenge and a call to higher service.

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.