By joshua 
Cross River: Okoyong community honours Governor Otu, Barrister Akiba, others
The Okoyong Traditional Council in Cross River State has organised a civic reception and chieftaincy coronation ceremony to honour Governor Bassey Edet Otu and some illustrious sons of the community including Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser on General Duties to the governor.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu used the occasion to reiterate his People-First administration’s dedication to peace-driven development and inclusive governance, promising the Okoyong community of continued infrastructural and socio-economic progress.
Delivering the goodwill message of the governor, Odey described Okoyong as a historic community with a legacy deeply embedded in Cross River State and Nigeria in general.
Explaining the value Otu places on the Okoyong people, Odey said even though the governor was attending an important meeting of the National Economic Council in Abuja he gave instruction that other engagements in the state be stepped down to ensure that he was duly represented at the ceremony.
He stated that major development projects were already in progress in the community, including the Adiabo Road construction, noting that the Federal Government’s Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway set to pass through the area is equally expected to bring increased economic opportunities. He declared that more development would reach the people of the community with peace being the key prerequisite.
The Deputy Governor was quoted as saying: “The Governor has asked me to tell you that development will continue to come to Okoyong. But he is also asking for one thing—that this community remains at peace with itself and with its neighbours. When there is peace, roads, electricity, and water will follow.”
He praised the recipients of award and chieftaincy titles at the occasion, especially Barrister Akiba, the SA on General Duties, describing him as a trusted ally and dependable aide of the governor, and a son of the soil who has carved a niche for himself, and consistently shown loyalty, service and integrity. He applauded Akiba and the other honourees like the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUBA), Elder Ayi Etim Effiong, for their contributions and efforts in driving community growth and urban revitalization.
The SA General Duties was full of gratitude to the Okoyong Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs for honouring his principal, Governor Otu. He was also appreciative of the chieftaincy title of ANTA DUNUO ANKIONG conferred on him as a distinguished son of the soil by the Okoyong Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.
Akiba in a Facebook post, said: “Thank you for honoring our Governor and blessing us. And thanks for sharing with us, our very Distinguished leaders, friends and family, most especially His Excellency, our amiable Deputy Governor who stood in for the people’s first Governor.”
Akiba, a grassroots politician, talented lawyer and long-time aide of Otu since his parliamentary days, has been instrumental in supporting the governor’s vision and implementing the People-First agenda. The legal pundit who has played a significantly prominent role in promoting the governor’s developmental plans and achievements, is known to have been involved in various community outreach programmes, providing financial assistance to community members and supporting local development.
Rejoicing with Akiba on the chieftaincy title bestowed on him, Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, in a facebook post, remarked: “Congratulations my dear big brother and leader of the new generation, Barr (Dr) Ekpenyong Akiba the ANTA DUNUO ANKIONG of the Okoyong People. Your service to humanity will continue to inspire many including us in the Community of Comrades and we are certainly sure that more are coming in the coming days. Continue to be a shining light to your generation and ours and may the good Lord protect and guide you always. We will continue to Thank His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu for providing opportunities for young eminent Cross Riverians to contribute to the development of communities at all level and to our Political grand General Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar (Chief of Staff to Governor Otu) for always standing by to deliver on the mandate under the season of sweetness. To our very delectable Deputy Governor Rt. Hon Peter Odey, you remain an inspiration to many young persons across the state.”