Month: August 2025

The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced a one-month recess after weeks of rigorous legislative work. The break, which takes immediate effect, follows the Assembly’s official calendar and is designed to allow members engage in constituency consultations, project assessments, and international legislative activities outside plenary.

During the recess, lawmakers will interact with their constituents, evaluate ongoing projects, and gather input on key issues requiring legislative action. The period will also enable committees to advance their work and prepare for the next legislative session.

In his remarks before adjourning plenary, Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem praised members for their dedication, noting that the 10th Assembly has already recorded notable achievements. He reminded lawmakers that “the reward for hard work is more work,” urging them to remain committed to effective representation.

Ayambem reaffirmed the Assembly’s resolve to prioritize the welfare of Cross River citizens, while commending Governor Bassey Edet Otu for creating a supportive environment for legislative duties and for his commitment to assenting to people-oriented bills. He also applauded the Governor’s leadership in driving development across all local government areas.

The Speaker called on members to recommit themselves to service, stressing that their contributions would be remembered by posterity. The Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on October 10, 2025, to continue consideration of bills, motions, and oversight responsibilities.

The Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member representing Obudu State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi, joined the Yache community to celebrate their annual New Yam Festival. He was warmly received by Sen. Prof. Stephen Adi Odey, Commissioner for Education, Cross River State.

Hon. Agabi commended the people for preserving their cultural heritage and assured government support for projects that promote unity, agriculture, and development.

He further urged the Yache community to rally behind their illustrious son, Prof. Odey, noting that his achievements continue to bring pride and prospects of greater development to the Yache Nation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Women Leader for Northern Cross River, Mrs. Janet Inakefe, has congratulated the people of Obanliku Local Government Area on the occasion of its 34th anniversary.

Mrs. Inakefe, who hails from Obanliku, described the celebration as a milestone in the history of the area and prayed for continued unity, peace, and progress among the people.

She urged indigenes at home and in the diaspora to work together for the collective development of Obanliku, noting that the strength of the LGA lies in the commitment of its people to a common purpose.

According to her, Obanliku has great potential for growth if all stakeholders remain united and focused on community development.

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Office of the Surveyor-General Establishment Bill, 2025.

Sponsored by Hon. Stanley Nsemo, Member representing Calabar Municipality, alongside eight co-sponsors, the bill provides a legal framework for the Office of the Surveyor-General and strengthens its role in land administration, mapping, and geospatial data management.

Presenting the report of the Committee on Lands and Housing, Hon. Nsemo said the law will enhance land allocation, registration, and documentation, reduce disputes, and promote transparency in transactions. He added that it would also modernise surveying operations through innovations such as drone imagery and 3D city modelling.

Members who contributed during deliberation supported the bill, stressing its importance for physical planning and land reforms.

Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the sponsor and members for ensuring the passage of the bill.

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has launched an ambitious electrification project to power ten thousand (10,000) homes across the state using the Solar Home Systems.

The initiative, which kicked off in Calabar South, Akpabuyo, Abi, and Ogoja local government areas, is already recording remarkable progress, with installations rapidly taking shape across the communities.

Local Government Chairmen of the benefiting areas have lauded Governor Otu for what they described as intentional and people-centered leadership, commending his consistent efforts to place the welfare of Cross Riverians at the core of governance.

The Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency (CRSEA), Mr. Francis Ekpo, also expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and professionalism in the distribution of the solar systems. He assured that every LGA in the state will be covered, explaining that subsequent phases will extend the installations until all local governments are reached.

Residents of the four pilot LGAs have welcomed the development with excitement, describing it as a life-changing intervention. They praised the governor for prioritizing basic needs such as electricity and pledged their continued support for his administration beyond 2027.

The project is a collaboration between the Cross River State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abuja, with ASolar handling the installations. It is expected to improve access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy while boosting economic activities, education, and overall quality of life for rural households.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has pledged legislative support to strengthen the activities of the Female Commercial Drivers Association in the state.

Speaking when the group paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar, Ayambem praised the women for breaking barriers in a male-dominated sector, describing them as disciplined, patient, and “real women” who bring dignity to commercial driving.

He encouraged them to remain law-abiding while prioritizing safety on the road, assuring that the House of Assembly would support initiatives that improve their welfare and contributions to transportation in the state.

“Governor Bassey Otu leads a gender-friendly administration that recognizes the role of women. As lawmakers, we will do all we can to strengthen your work through legislation,” the Speaker affirmed.

Earlier, the association’s president, Mrs. Philomina Okon, highlighted the progress of female drivers in Cross River, noting that many had been professionally trained with support from Lafarge. She appealed for increased inclusion of women in the Ministry of Transportation to foster recognition and participation in governance.

Mrs. Okon also expressed gratitude to Governor Otu and the First Lady for their encouragement, pledging the association’s continued support for the governor’s agenda as the state approaches 2027.

The group further commended Speaker Ayambem for his leadership of the 10th Assembly, offering prayers for his success.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has congratulated the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, on his conferment of the prestigious traditional title of Otu Kinwang I of Boki Nation.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Rt. Hon. Ayambem described the recognition as a well-deserved honour that reflects Dr. Ironbar’s exemplary leadership qualities, steadfast service, and loyalty to the people of Cross River State.

According to Ayambem, “the conferment of this revered title affirms your commitment to excellence, community development, and the welfare of the people. It also shows the depth of trust and respect you have earned from your people and beyond.

The Speaker further prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, and strength for the Chief of Staff as he contributes to the advancement of the state and society at large.

“On behalf of the Cross River State House of Assembly, I celebrate this great achievement with you, my dear brother, and I wish you greater success in your service to humanity,” Ayambem added.

The Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and member representing Obudu State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr., has congratulated the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, on his conferment with the traditional title of Otu Kinwang I of Boki Nation.

The honour, bestowed by the Paramount Ruler of Boki, HRM Otu Fridalin Akando, was conferred during a civic reception jointly organised by the people of Beebo and Bumaji communities alongside the Philip Obi Foundation as part of activities marking the Boki New Yam Festival.

The ceremony also featured the recognition of Ambassador Soni Obache Abang, Executive Director of Finance at the South South Development Commission, who received a Humanitarian Award for his commitment to service and philanthropy.

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The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Martin Orim has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Frank Ayade on his birthday.

Hon. Orim, in his message, acknowledged the contributions of Dr. AYADE to the personal and political growth of many people in Obudu and beyond. He also highlighted Dr. Ayade’s understated yet profound influence, which serves as a continuing source of motivation for those around him.

Hon Martin Orim offered prayers for divine blessings upon Dr. Ayade, extending wishes for a long life, good health, peace, and the achievement of even greater milestones in his endeavours.

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