By joshua 
When Presidency honoured Governor Otu’s Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar
Last week, the Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State¸ Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Presidency through the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Hon. Gift Johnbull.
The prestigious award was bestowed on Hon Ironbar, at the Second Edition of “Road to South-South: The National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda”, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event which assembled major stakeholders and leaders from across the country, was meant to promote unity, enhance collaboration, and highlight South-South’s growing influence, economic prowess, and tourism opportunities, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development plan, the renewed Hope Agenda.
The SSA to the President on community engagement, South-South, Ms Johnbull, remarked that the award was in due recognition of Hon Ironbar’s dedication to duty as Chief of Staff to Governor Otu, service to humanity and commitment to nation building.
She was quoted as saying that “This award is due to the dexterity, hard work, tenacity and honesty in his handling of the day-to-day activities around the governor.” She further noted that “the award is in honour of Ironbar’s dedication to building the ‘Nigeria of our dreams’ in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through his role in Governor Otu’s administration.”
In an interaction with newsmen, Ironbar dedicated the award to God, Governor Otu and the good people of Cross State. In his words, “This could never have been possible without the help of God, the opportunity given to me by my principal, the governor and of course the support of Cross Riverians. So, this is an important award to them.”
Ironbar has received commendations from many who have described the recognition as a well-deserved honour for a man believed to be a major contributor to the huge success that Governor Otu’s People-First administration has recorded since it came on board in Cross River State. It was a great moment of excitement for Ironbar’s numerous admirers and supporters of Otu’s government, who strongly believed that the award was well-earned, considering the significant role the Chief of Staff has played in providing purposeful leadership and ensuring proper coordination of the affairs of governance around the governor.
Thanking the Presidency for the merited honour bestowed on Ironbar, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Darlington Edem, said it was a confirmation of the Chief of Staff’s relentless and persistent efforts to guarantee effective governance in Cross River State for the good and benefit of Cross Riveriians.
Edem was quoted in a report by Pillar Today as saying: “Dr ironbar’s honor stands as a testament to the high regard the Presidency holds for dedicated service within the state executive arm of government.
“The event brought together key stakeholders and leaders from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with the aim of fostering national unity, strengthening collaboration, and showcasing the South-South region’s economic strength, tourism potential, and cultural excellence, while aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s core development blueprint, the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
According to the Pillar Today’s report, “It was further gathered that the second edition of the national convergence builds on the success of its maiden event, solidifying the platform’s role in promoting inclusive governance and sustainable development across the nation.”
In a congratulatory message to the Chief of Staff, published by CalabarGist, the Biase Rescue Movement (BRM), hailed Ironbar’s excellent leadership qualities.
The message signed by Andy Owai, Grand Patron of BRM, reads: “On behalf of Biase Rescue Movement we extend our warmest congratulations to you on receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award! This prestigious recognition is a testament to your tireless efforts and dedication to excellence.
“Your exceptional leadership skills, integrity, and commitment to the People’s First Administration have made a significant impact on Cross River State. Your ability to provide clarity and direction has inspired confidence and strengthened governance in our state.
”As a group, we are proud to celebrate this achievement with you, sir. May God continue to grant you wisdom, strength, and grace to achieve even greater milestones!
”Congratulations once again, Chief (Dr.) Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar!”
Prior to the Presidency award for outstanding leadership, the Chief of Staff has been severally honoured by different groups and organisations for his wonderful role in the efficient management of the governor’s activities for the smooth-running of the affairs of governance.
As the principal aide and chief advisor to Otu, the most senior appointee in the Office of the Governor, Hon Ironbar is equally believed to have shown efficiency in the supervision of the governor’s personal staff and general operations in the Office of the Governor.
Noted for significantly influencing and coordinating governance and implementation efforts across state ministries and departments, he has also played key role in driving the governor’s reforms, supporting social services, strengthening institutional structures, ensuring efficient project execution, fostering development, translating government resources into improved living conditions, and promoting harmonious relationships among various arms of government.
Ironbar, who holds an honorary doctorate degree in public policy and administration, was in January this year conferred with the prestigious National Leadership Award by the People’s Parliament Nigeria, which recognised him as the Best Chief of Staff in Nigeria, highlighting his effectiveness in coordinating the “People First” agenda of Governor Otu’s administration. He was said to have been identified for the award on account of his significant contributions to the success of Otu’s administration as well as the broader development of the state.
Seen as a true pillar of compassionate leadership and great source of inspiration to many, Ironbar, in August, was bestowed with the revered traditional title of Otu Kinwang I of Boki Nation by the Paramount Ruler, HRM Otu Fridalin Akando, during a colourful civic reception held as part of this year’s Boki New Yam Festival, a significant honour from the Boki people recognizing his service and leadership.
The chieftaincy title acknowledged Ironbar’s commitment to public service and the People-First agenda of Apostle Bassey Otu who is currently adjudged as one of the top performing governors in the country.