The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ebebe Ayang, JP, has been honoured as one of Nigeria’s Best Performing Local Government Chairmen at the 2025 National Leadership Awards. 
The award ceremony, which took place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, attracted distinguished leaders and stakeholders from across the country.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Perry Opara, commended Chief Ayang for his style of leadership, describing his administration as a model of citizen-focused governance and grassroots development.
In his remarks of appreciation, Hon. Sunny Ayang dedicated the award to the people of Obanliku, whose trust he said continues to inspire his administration’s accountability and focus. He also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for providing him with the platform to serve his people.
“Our priority remains practical service that citizens can feel in transport, security, healthcare, and education. We will expand the Riders Scheme, deepen community policing through training and oversight, and complete more ward-level projects that ease daily burdens for families and small businesses,” he stated.
The Obanliku Chairman further acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, community volunteers, and his government team, noting that the recognition is an encouragement to sustain fairness, transparency, and results in governance.
Fondly known as “the Home Man for the Home Job,” Chief Ayang has rolled out people-driven initiatives since assuming office that have redefined governance in Obanliku. His flagship Obanliku Riders Transportation Scheme reduced travel costs between Obanliku, Obudu, and Calabar by nearly half, benefiting students, traders, and rural dwellers. He also pioneered a community policing program, the first of its kind in Cross River State, addressing security challenges along border communities.
Other milestones under his administration include the completion of the long-abandoned Education Authority Secretariat, the revival of the ALGON Clinic in Utanga, and the promotion of youth and gender inclusion with fair remuneration for appointees. This latest honour marks his twelfth merit award since taking office.
Chief Ayang was accompanied to the event by Barr. Ondale Akor and wife, Barr. Ben Amawu, Mr. Justine Eleshi, Mr. Dickson Unung (Sankara), Mr. Mark Umukpo (Chairman ODA Abuja), Jerry Abetang (Chairman Bahiri Development Association), Joseph Uyimse, Sunday Awase, Richard Abetang, and several others.
