Month: March 2025

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Hon Chief Sunny Ayang JP, has received an award of Excellence in Leadership and Most Gender-Friendly Chairman from the Obanliku Women in partnership with Team Ma Adiaha, Obanliku chapter. He received the award on March 8, 2025, during the International Women’s Day celebration at the local government council secretariat in Sankwala.

Presenting the award, Hon. Bridget Alina, the local government coordinator of ‘Team Ma Adiaha,’ noted that the award was given to the Executive Chairman in recognition of the chairman’s gender-friendly disposition in the constitution of his cabinet.

The state representative of Team Ma Adiaha, Dr. Christy Ushie, praised Chief Sunny Ayang for having the most women in his cabinet since the creation of the local government, including a Special Assistant on Girl Child Initiative and Gender Mainstreaming, focusing on helping girls and promoting equality, which merited the award of “Excellence in Leadership and Most Gender-Friendly Chairman” in Cross River State.

Hon. Sunny Ayang, in his response, thanked the women of Obanliku and Team Ma Adiaha for the award and dedicated it to God and the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He called the recognition a motivation to do even better and encouraged the women of Obanliku to accelerate action towards being actively involved in the electioneering process, ahead of the 2027 elections.

The International Women’s Day in Obanliku, which was also celebrated all over the world to recognise women’s achievements and promote equal rights, was anchored by the First Lady of Obanliku, Mrs. Josephine Ayang, and featured a presentation of fabrics and cash gifts to women.

Special guests at the event included the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Sunday Elam, Mrs Justina Shiyam, the Supervisor for Education, Mrs. Maria Obor, and many others.

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Calabar, Nigeria – March 7, 2025 – The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, officially inaugurated the Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu Youth House in Calabar. The event highlighted the facility’s role in supporting youth development and community engagement.

During the ceremony, Hon. Ironber encouraged young people to pursue meaningful endeavors that contribute to personal and community growth. He noted that the facility is intended to provide resources, skills, and opportunities to assist youth in various areas of development.

The Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu Youth House is designed to serve as a center for innovation, collaboration, and skill-building, offering a space where young individuals can engage in programs and initiatives aimed at addressing societal challenges.

The inauguration of the facility represents a step in efforts to support youth participation in development initiatives across the state.

He was Joined by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr Ijom Ukam, Special Adviser to the Governor on General duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development and Empowerment, Dr. Julius Kijou, and a host of Government officials.

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government, Hon Chief Sunny Ayang JP, has visited the Calabar Terminal of the Obanliku Riders, a transport service he started to help boost the local economy and economic burdens of Obanliku people.

Hon. Sunny Ayang emphasised that his government is dedicated to bringing projects that support economic growth and improve the lives of the Obanliku people.

He said this during an inspection visit to the Calabar Terminal of Obanliku Riders on Thursday at Mary Slessor, beside the NNPC fuel Station. Recall that the transport service, known as the Obanliku Riders, was launched on February 14, 2025, to celebrate his first 100 days in office.

Hon Sunny Ayang expressed his commitment to creating policies that will benefit everyone in Obanliku. While speaking with passengers at the terminal, he was pleased to see so many people using the service. He noted that the Obanliku Riders will help ease the financial strain on residents and boost the revenue of the local government.

The Executive Chairman reassured Obanliku people of his continued service, explaining that expanding the transport service with more vehicles would happen in one-week interval with the purchase of a new 18-seater bus. He also encouraged the park manager and SA Transportation, Peter Ololo and drivers to be careful, diligent, and respectful towards passengers.

Passengers shared their thoughts on the positive changes, stating, “We are happy to see Obanliku developing under Chief Sunny Ayang’s leadership. The improvements in transportation and infrastructure are really encouraging.”

One passenger mentioned the cost savings, saying, “Before, we used to pay about twenty thousand Naira to travel from Calabar to Obudu and then on to Obanliku. Now, we can reach our destination comfortably for just twelve thousand Naira, without any hassle.”

*Press Unit, Obanliku LGC.*

On Saturday, a heartfelt funeral was held for Hon. Abubakar Ewa, a former Commissioner for Tourism in Cross River State, in his hometown of Wula, Boki.

The event brought together many important political figures, including the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi. Also present was the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Barr Alphonsus Ogar, and Ntufam Barr. Fidelis Ugbo, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State.

The funeral was attended by other distinguished guests, such as Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Secretary to the State Government, Senator Eteng Williams along with several members of the Cross River State House of Assembly and notable individuals like Hon. Victor Abang, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, Mr Oden Ewa,

Hon. Abubakar Ewa, who was born on October 1, 1963, had a long and dedicated career in politics. He served in various roles, including Councillor, Supervisor for Education, Secretary of the Council, Executive Chairman of Boki, and even ran an initiative against deforestation. He also worked closely with the Governor on forest conservation and served as the Commissioner for Tourism until he sadly passed away.

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Member of the Council at FCE Bichi, Kano State, Chief Hon. Martin Orim, on Saturday, attended the burial of Hon. Abubakar Ewa, former Commissioner for Tourism in Cross River State, in his hometown of Wula, Boki.

Chief Martin Orim shared his thoughts on social media, stating, “Earlier today, I joined esteemed Cross Riverians and friends of the late Hon. Abubakar Ewa as he was laid to rest in his hometown.” He described Ewa, often referred to as “the Paramount Ruler of Boki Politics,” as an influential politician and mentor for many in the Central Senatorial District. Orim expressed his condolences, wishing for Ewa’s soul to attain eternal peace and for his family to find strength in their loss.

The service was attended by other notable figures including Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, as well as Hon. & Dr. Mrs. Victor Abang and RT Hon. Legor Idagbo, and several members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Commissioners and other dignitaries.

Hon. Abubakar Ewa was born on October 1, 1963. His extensive political career included roles as Councillor, Supervisor for Education, Secretary of Council, Executive Chairman of Boki, and Director General of the Anti-Deforestation initiative. He served as Special Adviser to the Governor on Forest Conservation and as Commissioner for Tourism until his passing.

By Denis Inakefe ANIPR

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has stated that the demise of former Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Hon Abubakar Ewa, has left a political vacuum in Boki politics, describing him as everyone’s pally, a Unifier and bridge-builder.

Speaking at the funeral ceremony of the Late Hon. Abubakar on Saturday in Boki, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem said, “Today, the Boki nation bows heads in sorrow to mourn one of their best. He was an astute politician from the Boki extraction, and words cannot explain how dear ‘Abu’ was to us.”

The Speaker prayed that God should help Boki to have another Abubakar Ewa, describing him as a true democrat and mentor that young people should emulate as they join politics, adding that he has left indelible records in the sands of time. He further assured the family of the Late Abubakar of the Government’s support and encouraged other political figures to support the family upon the demise of Abubakar.

The Deputy Governor, RT Hon. Peter Odey; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar; Secretary to the State Government Prof Anthony Owan Enoh; Former Chief of Staff and chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim; Member of Parliament, Hon and Dr. Mrs. Victor Abang AKA Mature; RT Hon Legor Idagbo; Deputy Speaker, Hon Sylvester Agabi; NTUFAM Fidelis Ugbo; Chief Peter Ojie; Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Commissioners were among those who attended the burial ceremony.

Hon Abubakar Ewa, fondly known as “the Paramount Ruler of Boki Politics” was born on 1st October 1963, served as the Councillor, Supervisor for Education, Secretary of Council, Executive Chairman of Boki, Direct General (Anti Deforestation) Special Adviser to the Governor on Forest Conservation, and Commissioner for Tourism where he served until death.

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