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CALABAR – History will be made on Thursday, October 2, 2025, as Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, fondly known as "Mama Bakassi," becomes the first female recipient of the Destiny Cross River Awards. She will be honoured with the " Destiny Matriarchal Defender Award" in the same category as Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON, an award reserved for statesmen and women whose patriotism, sacrifice, and uncommon service have shaped the destiny of Cross River State.
The Destiny Cross River Awards, conceived by the Archbishop of Calabar and Spiritual Leader of God's Heritage Global Mission, His Eminence Archbishop Josef Bassey, is designed as a prophetic platform to immortalise true patriots whose lives and legacies have been seeds for the advancement of the state's destiny.
Speaking ahead of the event, Archbishop Bassey explained that the awards are not "just another recognition ceremony," but "a covenant moment to honour those who have laid down their lives, resources, and talents as seeds for the advancement of the state's destiny." He stressed that at a time when selfishness and corruption often eclipse noble sacrifice, the Destiny Awards provide a rallying point for the people of Cross River to rediscover patriotism and service.
Senator Ita-Giwa's recognition reflects her decades-long commitment to justice, human rights, and advocacy, particularly for the people of Bakassi who were displaced following the ceding of the peninsula. Through her political career, legislative interventions, and humanitarian efforts, she has stood out as a voice for the voiceless and a champion of sacrifice, making her a fitting trailblazer as the first woman honoured in this category.
The 2025 edition of the Destiny Awards promises to be the grandest yet, with Governor Bassey Edet Otu billed to receive the Destiny Grand Commander Award, the highest honour of the evening, in recognition of his covenant leadership in rebuilding Cross River. Other honourees include Chief Anthony Ani (CON), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN, CON), and Prof. Kelvin Etta.
Dignitaries from government, business, academia, the church, and the diplomatic corps are expected at the Shettima Hall, State Library Complex, Calabar, for what organisers describe as "a prophetic roll call of destiny-shapers and a clarion call for Cross Riverians everywhere to rise, build, and bless the nations."
With Ita-Giwa's historic recognition, the Destiny Cross River Awards further underscore its mission, to immortalise sacrifice, celebrate patriotism, and inspire a new generation of leaders who see governance and service as a covenant with posterity.
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