Month: March 2025

By Denis Inakefe, ANIPR

The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar representing his Boss, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, alongside the Deputy Speaker of the CRSHA, Hon Sylvester Agabi, Special Adviser to the Governor Barr Ekpeyong Akiba and many distinguished dignitaries across the state on Sunday, stormed  Buya village, in Bishiri South, for the thanksgiving service of Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP.

During the event, held at the Assemblies of God Church, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, representing the governor, radiated joy as he expressed his admiration for Hon. Sunny Ayang’s accomplishments. He emphasised the divine nature of elevation, attributing Hon. Ayang’s success to the hand of God in his life. To further demonstrate his support, he made a donation of five million naira (5,000,000) to the church’s ongoing building project on behalf of the state executive council.

Chief Martins Orim, the immediate past Chief of Staff to the former governor, lauded Hon. Sunny Ayang as a devoted politician whose commitment to the betterment of Obanliku and Cross River State is unwavering. He also made a financial contribution of #500,000 to assist with the church’s construction.

Hon. Chief Sunny Ayang during his speech, expressed his profound gratitude to God for his life, his triumphant election, and his inauguration as the Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area.

Hon Sunny Ayang, sharing an inspiring narrative of his journey, reflected on the trials and tribulations he overcame on his path to leadership. He acknowledged the unwavering support from friends, family, and well-wishers who played pivotal roles in realizing his dream of becoming Chairman.

Hon. Ayang expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, whose leadership provided a firm foundation for his endeavours; the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar and the Governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr Ekpeyong Akiba for their counsel and encouragement which has been invaluable; Chief Martins Orim, who believed in his vision and contributed to his journey, several key figures who were instrumental in his success. “I thank God for this day, and we are truly grateful,” Hon. Ayang stated.

As the celebration unfolded, it was infused with joy and excitement, culminating in a moment of distinction for Hon. Sunny Ayang, who was awarded the illustrious title of “Peace Ambassador” by representatives from the Kwande local government area in Benue State. The National Youth Council of Nigeria, led by Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, also honoured Hon Sunny with a beautifully crafted portrait.

This grand ceremony attracted an array of distinguished guests, including local government council chairpersons from Obudu, Bekwarra, Yala, Ogoja, Odukpani, Akpabuyo, Boki, and Etung, Members representing Obanliku, Ogoja and Boki-1 in the CRSHA, Hon. Pius Ashakia, Hon. Engr. Thomas Aruku and Hon Bette Obi, Commissioner for Special Duties, Oden Ewa, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, HRM Uchua Amos Item, Chief Ukandi Inakefe,

Hon. Chief Sunday Achunekang, Hon. Alina Bridget,, Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture to the governor, Prof John Shiyam, State Economic Adviser, Prof. Peter Oti, Vice chairmen of councils from Obudu and Obanliku, Leaders of Obudu and Obanliku Legislative councils, APC Chapter chairmen, political appointees, royal and religious fathers, members of the press, amongst others.

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of the Council at FCE Bichi, Kano State, Honourable Chief Martin Orim, and many political leaders across the State attended the Thanksgiving Ceremony of the council chairman Hon Sunny Ayang, JP.

Hon. Martin Orim described Chief Sunny Ayang as a reliable politician and man of his word, saying, “When he says yes, you can’t find him in the night saying no,” and a committed politician who has contributed to the growth of many politicians and development of Obanliku and Cross River State.

Speaking at the event held at Assembly of God Church BUYA, Bishiri South, Obanliku LGA, Chief Martin Orim thanked the Governor of Cross River State Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Chief of Staff Hon Emmanuel Ironbar for their consideration of Hon Sunny Ayang JP as Chairman of Obanliku and assured them of Sunny’s commitment and readiness to support the governor and work for the progress of the state. He said, “This Sunny Ayang that I know will not disappoint you.

Chief Martin Orim recounted how he called to check on Hon Sunny when he was down in health, and assured him of God’s healing, saying that” your Thanksgiving for health is greater than the Thanksgiving of being elected as the Executive Chairman. God has really shown that he was the one who chose you”. He encouraged the Obanliku people to continue to support and continue to encourage the chairman to serve Obanliku to greater heights.

Chief Martin Orim further supported the Thanksgiving Ceremony with #500,000 and assured supporting the church building project.

Shortly after Thanksgiving, Chief Martin Orim alongside High Chief Tony Undiandeye, the Vice Chairman of Obudu LGA, Hon Rhoda Ashong, Mr. Emmanuel Bepeh, Hon Phydel Aben, Mr. Lawrence Ukeh Ikem, Governor Otus CRO for Obudu Mr. Godwin Orim, Udeshi Mayor and his entourage visited one of his loyalists, Mr. Denis Inakefe who was together with Chief Ukandi Inakefe, The Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Uchua Amos Item, the Obanliku Leader of Council Hon Sunday Elam, APC ward chairman Solomon Eyem, Mr. JohnPaul Anakai, and a host of others at his hometown in Busafong Village of Bisu, Obanliku LGA.

Certified CMO

The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, has been inducted and decorated as an Honorary Member of the 13 Brigade/Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) by Brigadier General M.O. Ibrahim.

This recognition highlights his strong support for security initiatives and collaboration with the Nigerian Army in fostering peace and stability in Cross River State.

The State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate suspension of Dr. Emmanuel Ettah, Dr. John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing Ogar, and Professor Stephen Ochang, members of the 5th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) for alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

The House had deliberated on a petition by A. B. Cobham and Associates ( legal practitioners, Corporate and Real Estate Consultants) solicitors to Mr Emmanuel Eyo, the petitioner.

Opening debate on the petition, the Leader of the House and Member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, drew the attention of Members to the allegations of gross misconduct against; Dr Emmanuel Ettah, Dr John Inah Ukam, Prof Mathew Nsing Ogar and Prof Stephen Ochang during their tenure as Members of the 5th Governing Council of UNICROSS.

The allegations as stated in the petition include; Illegal Tenure Extension and Unlawful Sale of University Property. The petition indicates that Dr. Emmanuel Ettah refused to vacate office at the expiration of their tenure in September 2023 and also sold University Property between May and August 2024, almost a year after the expiration of their tenure. The petition also emphasized that the auctioning of University Equipment was in total violation of the Public Procurement Act and the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The Lawmakers, in their separate contributions, while deliberating on the petition, viewed the action of Dr Emmanuel Ettah and Co as a total violation of the Extant Laws establishing the University. They further stressed that the State Government’s policy on the non-extension of tenures by public officers is still in force and emphasized that the continued stay in office of the Council Members after the expiration of their tenure is illegal.

They thereafter adopted the resolution moved by the Leader, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo(Odukpani ), and seconded by the Deputy Leader Rt Hon Davies Etta(Abi) which states in part;
” having unanimously agreed, the House recommends the immediate suspension of Dr. Emmanuel Ettah, Dr. John Inah Ukam, Professor Mathew Nsing, and Professor Stephen Ochang. They are to be suspended from all activities of the University until a proper investigation is carried out by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution”.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance. He assured that the House will carry out a thorough investigation on the matter and thereafter make appropriate recommendations to the Governor who is the Visitor to the University.

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government, Hon. Chief Sunny Ayang JP, has purchased an additional new 18-seater bus for the Obanliku Riders, a transport service he initiated to support the local government’s economy and alleviate the financial burdens of the people of Obanliku.

On March 6, 2025, Hon. Sunny Ayang pledged to add another 18-seater bus to the existing fleet in response to increased patronage, which he observed during an inspection of the Obanliku Riders terminal at Mary Slessor, next to the NNPC fuel station in Calabar.

During the handover of the new bus to the Special Assistant on Transportation, Peter Ololo, and the Park Manager, Joseph Achung, at the Calabar terminal, Chief Sunny Ayang urged them to manage the vehicles responsibly for the greater good of the Obanliku local government. He emphasised that the buses are public property owned by the local government and should be well maintained for the benefit of future administrations.

Hon. Sunny Ayang also encouraged the drivers to conduct themselves properly and be diligent while on the road. He expressed appreciation to the passengers for their support and urged them to reach out to him regarding any misconduct by the transport management team or drivers.

The Executive Chairman reassured the people of Obanliku of his ongoing commitment to service and infrastructural development. He stated that the Obanliku Riders, part of his campaign promises, would help ease the financial strain on residents by reducing the fare from ₦18,000 to ₦12,000, and would also enhance the local government’s revenue.

Passengers at the terminal praised the Executive Chairman for his initiative to alleviate the economic burdens on the people of Obanliku and for bringing recognition to the local government through the establishment of the Obanliku Riders.

Press Unit, Obanliku LGC.
24/03/2025

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ebebe Ayang, has received the “Ambassador of Peace Award” from the National Association of Nigeria Youth Ambassadors for Peace. This accolade recognizes his significant contributions to community development and his commitment to promoting peace both locally and further afield.

The award was bestowed on Thursday at the Obanliku Local Government Council Secretariat. Comrade Aji Abraham, the Chief of Staff to the National President of the youth organization, stated that this award honours Hon. Sunny’s lifelong devotion to humanitarian efforts, peace advocacy, and his remarkable role in enhancing security in Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.

Comrade Abraham pointed out that the youth organization selected Hon. Sunny for this recognition due to his enthusiasm for empowering youth and his persistent efforts to cultivate peace throughout his tenure as chairman.

Comrade Adamu Julius, the Public Relations Officer of the organization, also commended Hon. Sunny for his outstanding leadership that transcends his governance area, highlighting the positive influence he has had even among the residents of neighboring Benue State. “Your leadership and support in uplifting the youth have been exceptional. Your commitment to peace has not gone unnoticed,” he stated.

In accepting the award, Hon. Sunny conveyed his appreciation and expressed that he felt honored to receive such recognition. “Bringing peace brings me joy,” he said, recounting his long-standing involvement in crisis resolution between Benue and Cross River states. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to upholding peace for both current and future generations. He also urged the youth to aid the government in minimizing conflicts, as peace is vital for development.

The gathering was attended by several prominent individuals, including the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Glory Awowoh, Secretary Dr. Joseph Ebebe Agba, and various officials from the youth organization.

Favour Abatang, who founded and leads Her Voice Foundation, has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Women of African Descent for 2025 by the African Women Network.

This announcement was made on the group’s official website, celebrating outstanding women of African heritage who make a positive difference in their communities and workplaces.

In their statement, the African Women Network expressed excitement over this new initiative, saying, “We are thrilled to honor these extraordinary women who have shown amazing leadership, integrity, and the ability to bring about positive change. After carefully reviewing many nominations, we are proud to share this list of 100 women whose work has significantly impacted their communities and fields. They are inspiring role models whose stories of strength and commitment encourage others to strive for greatness.”

Favour Abatang was highlighted for her work with Her Voice Foundation, where she empowers teenage mothers by providing them with education and support.

Other notable women included in the list are Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and famous personalities like Afrobeat star Tems and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, among others.

The honourees will receive a Certificate of Appreciation at the upcoming Africa Women Summit, taking place from May 8th to 10th, 2025, at the Concorde El Salam Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

The African Women Network aims to recognise and celebrate influential African women who are making significant contributions in various fields, including leadership and advocacy. They shine a light on exceptional women from Africa and those of African descent in the diaspora, highlighting their valuable contributions to society and culture.