Your life has been so impactful especially of service to humanity. Fifty represents your golden years jubilee that you are celebrated and treasured. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that signifies a huge milestone in a your life.
Today we celebrate not just the milestones but we recall how far you have journeyed, it can only be God’s grace and blessings upon your life. Our prayers for you is to keep living these ideals and impacting lives.
Your administration as elected Council Chairman of Ogoja has further bolstered and demonstrated your humanitarian gestures, socioeconomic impact and infrastructural development of Ogoja.
Happy birthday to the people’s Chairman,
Hon. Chief Christopher Agbeh
The appointment of Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba as Chairman Governing Board of Rubber Research Institute, Benin, by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is a huge feather and will further bolster the sociopolitical dynamics of the state and open up a lot of vistas. Recall that the Cross River State governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and Deputy Chairman of South South Governors Forum have been instrumental in stabilizing the politics of the region.
With Prince Otu Cross River State has played pivotal roles in driving the political processes that saw the victory of the All Progressives Congress winning in Edo State and Imo States. Although strategically positioned in the region, but not adequately rewarded in the political bargaining. Before the appointment of Ntufam Prince Hilliard Eta, Chairman Governing Board of National Youth Service Corps and Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Chairman Governing Board of Rubber Research Institute, Benin, there was a yawning gap in Cross River State in appointments into Federal boards and parastatals in the Tinubu’s administration.
The commendation of Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba appointment by Amb. Kanjal Awam, Publisher/Editor in Chief of Inside Cross River News Magazine, is not just a nod on Eba’s competence, and verve but to curry the magnanimity of Mr President to ask for more dividends for Cross River State. His impressive journey in public life is coming at a time when the state is officially flagging off the construction of Special Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Cross River State by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and soon to commence the construction of the Cross River stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Highway.
As Cross River State APC Chairman he has united the party in the midst of fierce turbulence, a dogged stickler of the Renewed Hope mantra and a famous Political Evangelist, the appointment of Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba has further demonstrated President Tinubu’s knack for outsourcing excellence and a listener of the people’s yearnings and aspirations.
As Secretary of the Forum of State Chairmen who led a delegation of State Chairmen in 2024 to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to appeal for reward for Party stalwarts including States Chairmen of APC, the results has yielded dividends as the President kept to his promise with the appointment of all 36 States Chairmen of APC into various boards.
Interestingly, the state is in a new political threshold following the appointment of Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba by the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) into the Seven man Constitution Review Committee of the party. This has not only consummated Eba as a dogged party man but a figure to reckon with in the All Progressives Congress.
In a press release made available to Inside Cross River News Magazine on Monday 7th April, the family of late Hon. Justice Paul Mgbebe Kanjal has announced the burial arrangements for the late Jury whose demise occurred on the 17th March 2025.
He was aged 81 years, until his retirement the late Hon. Justice Paul Mgbebe Kanjal was a Judge with the Cross River State High Court whose sterling records have not been surmounted since he retired from service in the 1990s.
BURIAL OBSEQUIES:
Wednesday, 23rd April Prayer & Praise
6 Ibadan Street, Igoli, Ogoja LGA, Cross River State
Thursday, 24th April 2025
9 AM prompt: Valedictory Court Session In His Honour (1) Ogoja Council Hall, Ogoja LGA Secretariat
Valedictory Session in His Honour (II)
Ogoja Legislative Chambers, Ogoja LGA Secretariat
2-5 PM: Lying in State
6 Ibadan Street, Igoli, Ogoja LGA
6 PM: Vigil Night of Prayers & Praise
The Kanjal Family Estate, Abrumbede Ibil, Nkum Irede Ward, Ogoja LGA
Friday, 25th April 2025
10 AM: Service & Interment
The Kanjal Family Estate,
Abrumbede Ibil, Nkum Irede Ward
Ogoja LGA
The Cross River State Government has formally dissociated itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s reservations regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing its full support for the federal government’s decision to restore order amid escalating unrest.
In a press release issued on Thursday by Barr. Fred Abua, Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, the state clarified that Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive.
The forum, comprising governors from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.
The press release underscored Dr. Odey’s alignment with President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as “a necessary step taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.” It further stated, “Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitates decisive action, such measures must be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.”
The statement reiterated Cross River State’s commitment to constitutional governance and collaboration with the federal government to address security challenges. It emphasized that the forum’s position “does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government,” citing the lack of prior consultation as a critical factor.
The press release concluded with a call for unity: “Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”
Acting Governor Odey receiving a handshake from health partners
The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare partnerships to enhance the well-being of residents across the state.
He made this statement when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State chapter, led by its chairman, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, at his temporary office in the Government House, Calabar.
Governor Odey commended members of the association for their dedication, expertise, and contributions to the state’s healthcare sector. He acknowledged the crucial role medical professionals play in improving public health and assured them of his administration’s unwavering support.
“As a government we appreciate the invaluable efforts of medical professionals in ensuring quality healthcare delivery in our state. This renewed partnership and synergy, will improve the health status of the state and her residents,” Odey stated.
He expressed concern over the increasing rate of quackery in the medical profession, which poses serious risks to the lives of Cross Riverians. The governor reassured the NMA delegation that the government is taking decisive steps to eliminate quackery and protect citizens from unqualified practitioners.
Addressing the issue of declining manpower in the health sector, Governor Odey revealed that the state government is making significant investments in health education and improving the welfare of medical personnel. He highlighted plans to establish a School of Medicine at the state-owned University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) as part of a long-term strategy to produce more qualified healthcare professionals.
“We are committed to addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the state. As part of our strategy, we are investing in health education and prioritizing the welfare of our healthcare workers. The establishment of a School of Medicine at UNICROSS will help train more doctors and medical personnel to serve our people effectively,” he noted.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Ezoke Epoke, commended the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration for prioritizing the health sector and the well-being of citizens. He praised the government’s efforts in upgrading health facilities, increasing immunization coverage, and raising the health budget to over 10%.
Dr. Epoke appealed to the state government to further improve the welfare of medical personnel by increasing the retirement age and enhancing salary packages.
He also stressed the importance of continuous collaboration between the government and the NMA to strengthen healthcare services and ensure that Cross Riverians receive quality medical care.
The event had in attendance the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Commissioner for Health, Dr Ayuk Egbe and other government officials as well as other exco members of NMA’s affiliate bodies.
Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt Hon Peter Odey PhD exchanging pleasantries with UNICEF
In view of a joint commitment towards the realization of the 2025-2027 work plan for the rights of children and women in Cross River State, the UNICEF Enugu Chief of Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, led an advocacy team to Calabar, today,12th March, 2025, on a working visit to the Office of the Acting Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Peter Odey (Ph.D).
Speaking during the visit, Juliet Chiluwe paid the highest compliments to the State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for his sterling leadership as a great advocate for the welfare of women and children in the State.
She noted that the State’s commitment is a sign of anticipated progress in working with UNICEF towards the improvement in child health indices in Cross River State. The key intervention actions for the 2025-2027 work plan are: Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, Social Policy and WASH.
The Commissioner for lnternational Donor Co-ordination, Dr. Hipolatus Lukpata, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Anthony Effiom, and the Director of Administration to the advocacy expressed confidence that the 2025-2027 work plan will strengthen all that have been achieved previously so as to ensure that the women and children in Cross River State are educated, healthy and protected.
The Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, lauded UNICEF for their collaboration with the State towards improving the lives of children and women. Odey informed the team that His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has since the inception of the administration addressed issues of counterpart funding without delay because of his belief in his ‘PEOPLE FIRST’ mantra.
He assured UNICEF of the Government’s unwavering commitment to working with them in all areas of intervention and actions for the holistic development of mother and child.
The high point of the visit was the signing of the 2025-2027 UNICEF/ Government Of Cross River State Work Plan.
As part of his ongoing World-wide Healing and Deliverance Crusade, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis lnternational Gospel Centre, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche, and wife, Dr. Mrs Becky Enenche, paid a courtesy call on the Governor and held special prayers for the entire State Executive Council in Calabar, today,11th March, 2025.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche gave thanks to God for the privilege and opportunity to come to Cross River State again. He particularly acknowledged the warm reception and goodwill accorded him and his team made up of the Leadership of Dunamis Church in Cross River State by the Government and the Pastor Trinity Ogar-led Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Coss River State. Pastor Enenche described the reception as overwhelming.
Pastor Enenche declared that
“Our great responsibility here, is to release the blessings of God upon the Land. One of the things that happens when God visits a land is that the potential of the land and the people come alive”.
He further charged the Governor and leaders of the state to lead with the fear of God, lead with the welfare of the people at heart and rule in such a way that they will leave a mark in the sands of time. He advised them to remember that posterity will always be superior to prosperity.
The Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who received Pastor Paul Enenche and his team on behalf of the State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, described their visit as divine.
He informed Pastor Paul Enenche and his team that from the day Governor Otu was sworn in, he handed Cross River State into the hands of God, declaring that
” ‘Governor Jesus’ is the Governor of Cross River State”.
Odey added that this, coupled with the quarterly prayers for the State held by the Governor, has had a great impact on Cross River State in terms of improved security, increased internally generated revenue (IGR), better infrastructure and so much more. He called on Pastor Enenche to continue to pray for the Governor and the leaders and people of Cross River State.
This special courtesy call had in attendance, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Members of the State Executive Council, Senior Special Advisers, Special Advisers, Chairmen of Boards, Commissions and Agencies.
C’River Gov. launches new security outfits, distribute over 100 Vehicles.
Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Otu today unveiled a new security outfit coded-name ‘Operation Okwok’
When translated properly, ‘Okwok’ simply means “Honeybee”. Consequently, this initiative underscores the governor’s administration’s commitment to addressing security challenges and fostering a conducive environment for development.
The establishment of ‘Okwok’ is a strategic and critical response to all forms of criminality by providing a robust framework for maintaining peace and order.
Prioritizing the safety of lives and property, Governor Otu’s administration is laying the foundation for economic growth, social cohesion, and improved quality of life for its citizens.
Governor Otu has severally emphasized that security is a top priority for his administration, recognizing that stability is essential for meaningful and sustainable development.
The launch event in Governor’s office complex Calabar was attended by several prominent figures who endorsed the initiative, reflecting broad support across different sectors.
An array of dignitaries has applauded the initiative, indicating that the outfit is a pacesetter.
For Mr Morphy Adoga, the Special Adviser, Projects/Programs Monitoring and Evaluation, “This is a great achievement for this administration and commitment in the area of security in the State, it is commendable, kudos to the Governor for such a giant stride.”
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reassured the people of Ukelle that the government remains committed to resolving the longstanding boundary dispute between Cross River and Ebonyi States.
Rt. Hon. Odey gave this assurance while receiving a delegation of Ukelle leaders at his temporary office in Government House, Calabar on Monday.
In his address, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed the Bassey Otu-led administration’s dedication to ensuring peaceful coexistence and security for all citizens. He revealed that discussions were ongoing with the Ebonyi State Government, the National Boundary Commission (NBC), and other relevant authorities to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
“We recognize the challenges our people in Ukelle have faced due to this dispute. Be assured that under the leadership of Apostle Senator (Prince) Governor Bassey Otu, we are working tirelessly to ensure that no part of Ukelle land in Yala LGA or any other area of the state is ceded,” he stated.
Lamenting past instances where previous administrations ceded parts of the state to neighboring states or countries, Odey commended the Ukelle leaders for their dedication to peaceful dialogue. He assured them that the government would continue to engage with all stakeholders to prevent further conflicts.
The Deputy Governor also urged community leaders in Ukelle and other affected areas to prioritize peace and avoid any form of violence while the government pursues a long-term resolution.
Speaking on behalf of the Ukelle delegation, Hon. Dr. Martins Achadu, member representing Yala II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, appreciated the government’s intervention, particularly in infrastructure development across the state. He specifically noted the ongoing facelift of the Ukelle road.
Hon. Achadu highlighted concerns over the forceful annexation of Ipollo villages in Ukelle to Izzi, citing the reorganization and renaming of the areas under Ebonyi State’s administrative structure. He urged the Cross River State Government to engage with the NBC and Ebonyi State Government to retrace and reinstall boundary beacons that had been deliberately removed. He also emphasized the need for the government to reclaim institutions in the disputed areas by providing essential social amenities, which would help curb provocations and prevent future crises.
In her vote of thanks, Chief (Mrs) Martina Odom commended the Cross River State Government for its unwavering efforts in resolving boundary disputes across the affected LGAs and neighboring states. She called for sustained commitment to ensuring a lasting peace between the two states.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Dr Hippolatus Lukpata, former House of Assembly members, and other key stakeholders from Ukelle, Yala Local Government Area.
Also present was the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong and other political appointees in the deputy governor’s office.
In a press release made available to Inside Cross River News Magazine on Monday 7th April, the family of late Hon. Justice Paul Mgbebe Kanjal has announced the burial arrangements for the late Jury whose demise occurred on the 17th March 2025.
The Cross River State Government has formally dissociated itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s reservations regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing its full support for the federal government’s decision to restore order amid escalating unrest.
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