Month: December 2025

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, guided the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, together with other legislators and senior staff, through the Slave Trade Museum at the Marina Resort in Calabar.

The visit formed part of a four-day legislative retreat for the Gombe delegation, themed “Consolidating Democratic Governance Through Effective Lawmaking”, holding at Slessor Hall, Channel View, Calabar.

The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has inaugurated a four-day retreat for lawmakers and senior staff of the Gombe State House of Assembly in Calabar. The meeting is taking place at Slessor Hall, Channel View, under the theme “Consolidating Democratic Governance Through Effective Lawmaking.”

Represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, the Governor praised the Gombe Assembly for selecting Cross River State for the programme, noting that cooperation among states helps strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.

He described the retreat as a useful forum for lawmakers and administrative officers to broaden their knowledge of legislative procedure, budget scrutiny, oversight functions, and constituency relations. He added that steady training supports the development of strong and productive parliaments.

The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abubakar Mohammed, said the retreat comes at an important moment as the Assembly prepares for major budget and legislative duties. He noted that the discussions reflect their resolve to improve democratic outcomes through informed and community-focused lawmaking.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon Sadam Bello Sale, and the Majority Leader, Hon Yaerima Ladan Gaule, also spoke on the importance of upgrading legislative skills to ensure that new laws support economic progress, social order, and responsible governance in Gombe State.

The retreat will include technical sessions, expert presentations, peer learning, and practical workshops designed to strengthen the Assembly’s capacity. Over the four days, participants will work with governance experts, policy researchers, and legislative advisers.

Activities continue through the week as Gombe lawmakers examine new methods for producing effective legislation aligned with recognised international standards.

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Hon Chief (Dr) Sunny Ayang, JP, has received the Nigerian Local Government Development Award, which named him Outstanding Local Government Chairman in Nigeria.

The award ceremony which drew participants across the 774 LGAs of the country, was held at the BMO Event Center, Wuse II, Abuja, and organised by the Nigerian Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration in partnership with Global Gold Consults Ltd. The award plaque, marked with the national emblem and detailed craftsmanship, underscored the formal character of the ceremony.

According to the organisers, the selection followed a review of development efforts at the grassroots, administrative discipline, and the broader impact of public service across the country. Hon Ayang’s tenure in Obanliku, known for steady improvements in infrastructure, community welfare, and security, placed him ahead of his peers.

Hon Ayang, in his message of appreciation, dedicated the award to the people of Obanliku, noting that their trust continues to guide his administration’s work and sense of accountability. He also thanked the Governor of Cross River State, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for providing the opportunity to serve.

He stated that the focus of his administration remains practical service in transport, security, healthcare, and education. He added that the Riders Scheme has been expanded and would be sustained, security and community policing strengthened through training and oversight, student bursaries paid, and more ward-level projects completed to ease daily pressures on families and small businesses.

The Chairman also acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, community volunteers, and his government team, describing the recognition as an encouragement to maintain fairness, transparency, and measurable results.

Often referred to as “the Home Man for the Home Job,” Hon Ayang has introduced several people-focused initiatives that have reshaped governance in Obanliku. His flagship Riders Transportation Scheme reduced travel costs between Obanliku, Obudu, and Calabar by nearly half, helping students, traders, and rural communities. He also launched a community policing programme, the first of its kind in Cross River State, which has helped address security concerns in border areas.

Other achievements 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 improved remuneration for appointees which are among the highest in Cross River State.

The University of Calabar entered a new phase today as Prof Offiong E Offiong assumed office as the twelfth Vice Chancellor at a ceremony in the International Conference Centre. His remarks outlined an administration he described as firm, fair, and determined to strengthen the university’s standing.

Prof Offiong thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, and the Governor’s wife for creating conditions that support the work of the institution. He also recognised his family, friends, and supporters for their steady encouragement. He noted that the occasion was not about celebrating one person, but about advancing the institution.

He promised to build on the achievements of past Vice Chancellors and address long standing concerns. These include the condition of staff quarters, the reopening of access roads that were closed, and the improvement of the university’s demonstration secondary schools. He encouraged staff and students to aim for strong academic performance and to embrace innovation across their fields.

Prof Offiong said the university would work to harness its academic strength for the benefit of students and the wider community. He described the new administration as one that intends to pursue its goals with resolve and serve as a source of hope for young people seeking sound education.

He announced a twelve point vision to guide his tenure. The plan covers academic excellence, stronger research activity, improved student welfare through a Vice Chancellor’s scholarship, expansion of the work study programme, human capital development, revenue growth, transparent governance, and the strengthening of the ICT and quality assurance system.

He also introduced a new community outreach and engagement initiative to rebuild trust with the surrounding community. On a broader scale, he pledged to deepen the university’s international partnerships to widen opportunities for staff and students.

Environmental protection, he said, will receive special attention. Green areas will be preserved and improper disposal of waste will attract consequences. Security of lives and property remains a priority.

Prof Offiong pledged to lead with integrity and clarity. He stated that indiscipline would not be tolerated and described himself as a servant leader. He said the administration would confront problems such as admission racketeering and fraudulent NYSC mobilisation.

He encouraged students to make meaningful use of their time and said the university would provide an atmosphere that supports learning. He acknowledged that the institution has faced negative publicity in recent years and promised deliberate action to correct public perception.

He concluded by saying the work ahead is considerable and cannot be carried out by the management team alone. He invited individuals of goodwill who share a clear vision to join in moving the university forward.

The ceremony drew a wide audience. Present were the Chairman of the UNICAL Governing Council and members of the council, the immediate past Vice Chancellor Prof Florence Obi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Prof Francisca Bassey, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh, several former Vice Chancellors, and other distinguished guests.