Month: August 2025

The Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jr., has extended warm felicitations to Dr. Frank Ayade on his birthday.

Hon Agabi described Dr. Ayade as a man whose life reflects humility, generosity, and commitment to the growth of others. He noted that Dr. Ayade’s contributions to community development and the personal advancement of many people remain worthy of admiration.

The Deputy Speaker wished him continued good health, peace, and fulfillment in the years ahead.

It was a day of warmth, fellowship, and spiritual upliftment as Team Prince Otu Ikom Women, under the leadership of Hon. Commissioner Rose Atep, paid a special courtesy visit to the Commissioner 3 of the Cross River State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Friday Ntaji.

The delegation of women did not just come to extend their greetings; they came with prayers, heartfelt intercessions for Hon. Ntaji, his family, and his work in service to Cross River State. The atmosphere was filled with a deep sense of unity and faith, as the women sought God’s guidance and blessings upon the Commissioner and the government of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu.

Speaking during the visit, Commissioner Rose Atep praised Hon. Ntaji for his humility, dedication, and unwavering support for the success of the People’s First agenda. She described the prayers as their way of standing beside him and drawing spiritual strength for the tasks ahead.

In his remarks, Hon. Ntaji expressed profound gratitude to Commissioner Rose Atep and the Ikom women for their love, solidarity, and prayers. He noted that such gestures of kindness are what keep leaders motivated to serve with sincerity and renewed commitment. “Your visit has touched me deeply. Your prayers are a source of strength, and I assure you that I will continue to give my best to our people,” Hon. Ntaji said warmly.

The visit ended on a joyous note with songs of thanksgiving, smiles, and renewed hope for greater days in Cross River State, and a presentation of a special portrait to the Commissioner 3.

Signed:
Media Team,
Office of Hon. Friday Ntaji
Commissioner 3, Cross River State Civil Service Commission.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jr., have received special recognition from the Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in Lagos, Yan Yuging, for their leadership and commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Cross River State and the Chinese government.

The honour was conferred following the recently concluded China-Africa Training Course on Ocean Governance, where the Cross River State House of Assembly was rated the most outstanding legislature among participating African institutions. The programme, which focused on sustainable ocean management and policy frameworks, drew representatives from several African countries, with Cross River’s lawmakers earning particular praise for their active participation and innovative ideas.

In his remarks, the Consul General commended the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for fostering partnerships that extend beyond politics to economic and environmental development. He further announced 10 additional training slots for members of the Cross River State House of Assembly to attend the next Ocean Governance programme in China, noting that such opportunities would deepen knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Speaker Ayambem described the recognition as “a testament to the dedication of the Assembly to global best practices in governance,” adding that Cross River State stands to benefit from stronger ties with China in areas such as trade, technology, and marine resources. Deputy Speaker Agabi echoed the sentiment, stressing that the training would equip lawmakers with the expertise needed to legislate on critical issues of environmental protection, maritime security, and sustainable resource use.

The Chinese government has in recent years expanded its cooperation with Nigeria through programmes in infrastructure, education, and environmental management. For Cross River State, which boasts a vast coastline and unique ecological resources, partnerships on ocean governance are expected to provide technical support for both conservation and economic growth.

The Assembly leadership expressed gratitude to the Chinese Consulate for the recognition and pledged to ensure that the knowledge gained through the training would be translated into effective legislation and policies that benefit the people of Cross River State.

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Martin Orim, on Saturday chaired the wedding ceremony of one of his loyalists, Mr. Unche Joseph, and his wife Mrs Patience Unche, at House on the Rock, Obudu Local Government Area.

While delivering his remarks, the Hon. Martin Orim congratulated the couple and advised them to build their union on tolerance and understanding.

He noted that while love is important, it is understanding that sustains marriages. He prayed for their happiness and a fruitful marital journey

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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 been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Postgraduate Students’ Government of the University of Calabar for his contributions to education, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development.

Presenting the award in his Calabar residence, PGSG Secretary General Mrs. Agodichi Ginika commended Hon Martin Orim’s philanthropy and impact on the educational sector. Other group members, including Senator Akwaji Thomas Akwaji, Comrade Adigeb Emmanuel, Comrade Jonathan Abeh, and Comrade Agatha Ugbadu, described him as a role model and change-maker whose influence extends beyond the state.

Hon. Orim while receiving the award, expressed gratitude, stating that true wealth lies in the lives positively impacted. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding skills acquisition programs with internationally recognised certifications.

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The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Chief (Dr) Martin Orim, on Monday, paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jr., at his official residence in Calabar.

The cordial meeting was graced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem further stressed the spirit of unity among the political leaders.

Other dignitaries present included Dr. Davies Etta, Deputy Leader and Member representing Abi State Constituency; Hon. Okon Owuna, Member representing Akamkpa State Constituency; Mr. Emmanuel Bepeh; Mr. Fidelis Aben; Hon. Augustin Anoh (Super); and Mr. Sunny Martin.

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In a bid to strengthen grassroots security and deepen community engagement, the Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. Chief (Dr) Sunny Ayang, JP, today met with successful applicants of the Community Policing Programme ahead of their forthcoming paramilitary training.

Held at the Chairman’s office, the orientation brought together newly selected recruits from all ten wards of the LGA who had recently passed the rigorous selection process into the community security scheme.

Congratulating the applicants, Hon. Ayang charged them to maintain discipline and stay committed as they prepare for camp, which begins Thursday, 14th August, 2025. He urged them to gather all necessary kits and approach the exercise with a sense of duty.

“This isn’t just about uniforms and drills, it’s about becoming a trusted bridge between your communities and the security architecture that serves them,” he said.

The upcoming training, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, will focus on equipping recruits with core paramilitary skills, alongside modules on human rights, civil engagement, and professional conduct.

The Community Policing Programme forms a key part of the Chairman’s broader security vision—one rooted in citizen participation, trust-building, and proactive collaboration with law enforcement institutions.

In a notable demonstration of inter-communal solidarity, the Local Government Areas of Obanliku (Cross River State) and Kwande (Benue State) convened a Peace Reaffirmation Meeting today at the Civic Centre in Obanliku. The meeting culminated in the signing of a joint peace communiqué, reaffirming the commitment of both LGAs to sustained cooperation, conflict prevention, and peaceful coexistence.

The event brought together an array of stakeholders including traditional rulers, security officials, youth leaders, political appointees, and community representatives, amid heightened focus on locally driven peace-building initiatives in Nigeria’s border communities.

Presiding over the session were the Executive Chairmen of the two LGAs, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang JP of Obanliku and Hon. Neji Vitalis Terlule of Kwande, who reiterated their shared vision for peaceful relations and mutual development.

“We share not only a boundary but also a common history, cultural heritage, and bloodlines,” said Dr. Ayang. “Our commitment today is to preserve peace and foster unity. This is why I have appointed Hon. Lazarus Aza from Kwande as Special Adviser on Peace and Inter-Boundary Matters.”

His counterpart, Hon. Terlule, described the meeting as timely and symbolic:

“This gathering represents a united front against division and conflict. Our doors remain open for continued dialogue and mutual understanding.”

In a show of cultural unity and spiritual backing, the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Amb. (Dr.) Amos Uyimulam Item JP, and the Ter Kwande, HRH Engr. Timothy Tavershima Ahile, offered prayers and royal blessings. They urged both elders and youth to remain committed to peace, emphasizing the need for dialogue over dispute and restraint in the face of provocation.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Amb. Glory Awowoh, Vice Chairman of Obanliku; Chief Supol Linus Afen, Chief Regulatory Officer of Obanliku; Divisional Police Officers from both LGAs; and representatives of youth and women groups.

The signing of the peace pact was followed by the symbolic exchange of peace tokens, including kolanuts and a communal meal, traditional gestures reflecting mutual respect, reconciliation, and the shared will to sustain unity.

The Peace Reaffirmation Meeting is widely viewed as a strategic and proactive effort by local authorities and traditional institutions to safeguard regional stability and foster long-term development, particularly in border communities that have previously experienced tension.