Alex Egbona: In Seven Years, Abi/Yakurr People Have Seen Projects They Didn't See in 20 Years

Across the country, members of the National Assembly will mark the anniversary of their inauguration this week. For Dr Alex Egbona, the member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency of Cross River State in the House of Representatives, he will be celebrating his seven years as a legislator. Currently the chairman of the House committee on specialty healthcare, Dr Egbona speaks on his activities as why he believes his re-election will be a walk on the park.

Excerpts:

Q: You have been in the House of Reps for seven years now and this week marks your third year in the National Assembly as a second term member. How has the journey been?

Egbona: I must appreciate you guys for finding time to sit with me at this time. Yes, this is my seventh year as member of the House. Yes, this week marks my third year after I was re-elected in 2023. If you have been following my activities in the last seven years, you would have observed the mixed grill that has characterised my journey into and in the House of Reps.

Note that I have not truly spent seven uninterrupted years on the seat. In 2019, I was distracted by court and rerun election matters respectively and these lasted for close to two years. let me also refresh your memory, that as at 2019, I was the only member of the APC who won an election in Cross River State. The legal battles came from all fronts: I was dragged to court by a fellow APC member who felt he was the proper candidate of the party. He lost and I won.

At that time, John Gaul, who, incidentally, is the current candidate of the APC, was my major challenger. I was in the APC while he was in the PDP, the ruling party in the state at the time. He had the support of the state government. At the tribunal, I lost and had to challenge the judgement in the court of appeal, where a rerun was ordered to be conducted in the two wards of Ekureku, where I come from.

I defeated him during the rerun. Mind you, while the case lasted at the tribunal and at the court of appeal, I was practically out of office. It was only after the rerun that I returned to my seat. During this period, I was not at my best as a legislator and my constituency suffered in some way, because I had lost focus as a result of the legal battle and the rerun election.

In 2023, a similar thing happened. I was also dragged before the election tribunal by my Labour Party opponent, John Ifere. Can I shock you? Today, John Ifere and I are under the same umbrella-the PDP- as we prepare for the 2027 election. He is contesting the senate seat for Cross River central, while I am seeking a fresh term to continue representing the people of Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. And, on the flip side, John Gaul is now in the APC, the party I helped to build, as their candidate. That is how wonderful the game of politics can be, sometimes.

So, as I was saying, John Ifere took me to the tribunal after I defeated him and that was where that phase of legal battle ended. The time and resources lost in 2023 and the distraction that followed was not as serious as it was in 2019. But in all, you will agree with me that I lost some grounds. But let me shock you again: despite the distractions during and after the first and second term elections, Abi/Yakurr people saw what they had not seen in terms of projects and empowerment programmes since the advent of this democracy in 1999.

Q: Really? But there are people who have said that you have not done anything for them since you got into office. There are people who have accused you of poor representation.

Egbona: Facts are sacred. I believe that is not a strange axiom for those of you in the media. The things I have done are everywhere. At the risk of sounding immodest, I can say that if you put together, everything my predecessors achieved in 20 years, you will discover that my seven years have been much more impactful. I can also beat my chest and tell you that my footprints are in all the council wards of Abi/Yakurr.

Don’t forget that within my first few weeks in the House of Reps, I had undertaken a tour of the entire federal constituency, where I interacted with the people directly and took note of what their immediate needs were. Those who needed access to portable water have got it. Those who wanted better learning environments for their children were given new classroom blocks, while classroom blocks that were in very bad shape were rehabilitated. Desks, chairs, exercise books etc were provided for the various schools. Those who had challenges with electricity received attention, as transformers were provided and the people linked to the public grid.

During this period under review, I have facilitated the employment of scores of constituents into various federal government agencies and parastatals, including the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, which establishment I played a very pivotal role.

The leather institute in Ekureku, a monotechnic, was attracted by me and many of our people are either employed or currently being trained in leather works under my scholarship. Many of our people are now in the police, the military, DSS and the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, courtesy of me. I do not want to even talk of the solar powered street lights which I attracted to all parts of the constituency.

I have empowered scores across the constituency. many were trained in various vocations and were also assisted with funds to start their businesses. A lot of them were empowered with bikes and keke. Others were assisted to acquire skills in the areas of hair dressing, fashion design, photography and videography etc. Today, we have many of my constituents who are doing well in their fishing businesses, after they were trained through me and the necessary working tools and start up capital given to them.

In my constituency, there is no Primary Health Centre that is still in darkness. There is none that has also not been equipped with functional facilities. I took advantage of my position as chairman of the House committee on specialty healthcare to attract health related projects to my constituency. Thousands of the people have been enrolled in the health insurance scheme, making it possible for the them to have access to medical facilities and drugs in selected hospitals in Abuja, Calabar, Abi and Yakurr.

Should I still go ahead? Health officials in all the health centres have been trained to enable them do their work perfectly. I undertook a comprehensive free medical outreach for my people in the two local governments. Surgical operations were undertaken for those who needed such services. There was no segregation. You did not need to know anybody to be given attention. We spent days in the selected health centres across the constituency for this programme.

Please go and find out whether, in the history of this constituency, any legislator has commissioned projects; I mean people-oriented projects that the people are still enjoying till today. I am also the first legislator to have organized town hall meetings, where I interacted with the people to render the account of my stewardship. I am the first to have operated a functional liaison office. Please go and verify.

I do not even want to talk about the assistance I give to hundreds of people on a daily and weekly basis-for burials, school fees, food, house rent etc. Those who have not been enrolled in the health insurance still reach out to me for assistance to pay their medical bills.

Now, let me say this, that I have not neglected my core responsibilities as a lawmaker-lawmaking, oversight and representation. I have sponsored bills and moved motions on the floor of the House. A bill that I sponsored for the establishment of a federal medical centre at Itigidi has since been passed and awaiting the assent of Mr President. Time will fail me to read out all the bills and motions. But they are all captured in my report card. Copies will be given to you.

So, anybody who says they cannot see what I have done is either living in the moon for the past seven years, or is blind, or is just being petty. My works speak for me everywhere.

But let me use this opportunity to say this: the duty of the legislator is not to embark on projects. Legislators do not control votes. We don’t have executive powers over funds. We don’t have security votes. Governors control funds for their states. Local government chairmen control funds for their LGAs. But people expect legislators to do all the projects. This is a wrong mindset.

I come from Abi LGA. Look at what is happening in the local government system. In Abi for example, a whooping N5.57billion was received from the federation account in 2025. This year, between January and March, Abi LGA has received in excess of N1.5 billion. This is outside the IGR. What has been done with the money? Yet, everybody is looking at my direction, to provide water, electricity, build schools, do roads etc. What is the LG doing?  Regardless though, I am doing and will continue to do my best for my people.

Q: You said you were the one that built the APC in your state and you were even the only one that won an election under the APC. So, why did you leave for the PDP? And which faction of the PDP do you belong?

Egbona: Let me answer from the second leg of your question. There are no two factions of the PDP. INEC is the electoral umpire. What you should ask is, where does INEC stand? Or, was INEC present during the primary election where we emerged as the party’s candidates? The answer is yes. I think you should exercise a bit of patience to see those whose names will be published by the commission.

Now, why did I leave the APC? Many people have asked this question and the answer I have always given is that the events that led to my exit from the APC must have been allowed by God, otherwise I would have remained in the APC. It was a painful decision but I had to take that decision, especially when my people gave me the go ahead to quit. I belonged to a party that used to be one indivisible family but just about when we were preparing for the 2027 elections, I began to notice strange occurrence in the party. I noticed fragmentation in the party and I could not bear it. So, I had to quit.

Q: So, you are more comfortable in the PDP than you were in the APC?

Egbona: I have not seen toxicity in the current PDP. But I have seen a family that is welcoming. I have seen a political family that has the interest of my people at heart. Politics is all about the people. And a political party is that vehicle that takes you and your people to El Dorado. So, right now, my people are comfortable with the PDP because, like I said, there is no toxicity and there is peace.

Q: If you win in 2027, what new things would you be do for Abi/Yakurr?

Egbona: I will like to rephrase that question, partly. Let’s say it like this: when you win… I say so because I am certain that Abi/Yakurr people know that I have served them well, with all my heart, for the past seven years and so they will willingly give me their mandate for a fresh term. Like I have said in various fora, this will be my last term in the House of Reps. After 2031, I will vacate the seat for my Yakurr brothers or sisters to take over. By the time I return in 2027 therefore, I will, as usual, consult widely with the royal fathers, the women, the youths, political leaders and everybody in the constituency.

I do not walk or work alone. I am one person who deliberately carries my constituents along in all that I do. So, they will make inputs at every point in time and what they need is what I would send to the national budget. But you can be sure that more people will gain employment through me, more people will have access to more good things of life. They will enjoy a higher level of representation and access to the government and offerings by the government.

Q: And what if you do not win?

Egbona: That question is just like saying ‘what if there is no sunlight when day breaks.’ I am so certain that I will win. It will not be by my might or by my power. I will win because I have served the people well for the past seven years. I will win because God is involved in this project. I will win because my people cannot cope with stinginess and an impactful representation. They would not want to be sent to Egypt after they have tasted life in paradise for the past seven years.

Please do your job as reporters-go and ask what my main challenger did when he was speaker in the state house of assembly. He was in the House for eight years. For four years, he was speaker. Please go to his village and ask. Start from there. Tell them to show you what he did as a legislator that was in the government and had access to the governor for a whole four years in his capacity as speaker. I mean the fourth most influential person in the state, after the governor, the deputy governor and the chief judge; and in fact, the head of the third arm of government at the time. I have told you a few of the things I have done in seven years. Please tell him to show you his score card. That is where the referendum will start from. The 2027 election in Abi/Yakurr will be a referendum on performance. Two of us have been in the legislature. I have used my seven years to touch lives and attract federal government projects to all parts of the federal constituency, including Adadama. Please meet my opponent and tell him to show you his score card. That is how you will know who is genuinely interested in service to the people. 

Women in Journalism: C'River governor's media aide, Imani gives insight after 10 years of practice

"Journalism is beyond the story, for me, Journalism is a passion. I have always loved to have the opportunity to speak the minds of people... I have been able to bring succour to the voiceless in my own little way through those stories. This alone is fulfilling."

"... I don't think I would have done well in any other field besides journalism. As a journalist, you may not really have the money to give out to people to help in solving their immediate needs, but you are able to identify a challenge, you are able to follow up through these challenges and draw up interventions. Because I ventured into journalism."

Those were the words of, Imani Odey, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade on Electronic Media says, who having spent a decade in journalism, narrates her experience as a female journalist. 

In this exclusive interview with Efio-Ita Nyok of Negroidhaven, mani bares her mind about the challenges, hazards and joys of the profession. She said she is more focused now, than ever to change the perception about women in journalism.

Excerpts:

Press: Good morning, Ma. Please may we get to know you.

Imani: My name is Imani Odey. I hail from Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State. I am graduate of the Department of theatre and performing arts of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Press: We are looking at your sojourn into journalism. Can you tell us what your experience has been so far?

Imani: I gained my first media exposure as a corp member. I was posted to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Sokoto Network Center, Sokoto State. That was where this whole journey started, and over these years I have been privileged to work with veterans in the profession.

"I have spent 10 years in practice as a journalist. This first decade has been one I will describe as a learning process for me. You know every veteran was once a novice and I still consider myself in that humble capacity irrespective of what credit people ascribe to me. I tell people that 'I am a moving train, trying to pick speed each and everyday.'

"I have been privileged to attend various trainings and workshops within and outside Cross River State. I have been mentored by some of the big shots in the industry as well as making conscious decisions to match my pals and contemporaries across the world.

"So, in the past ten years, I have tried to improve my writing skills to match various events and to develop my own style of writing because I know originality is key and it is the surest way of getting recognitions.

"I have attended over a thousand events in the last ten years but some are so dear to my heart. 

Imani working on a story

Press: Can you mention a few of those events dear to you?

Imani: Yes, they include; 

1. My amnesty experience while I was with the Nigerian Television Authority

2. Coverage of the money woman marriage in Becheve community of Obanliku Local Government Area 

3. The story of an Obudu community where men speak differently from women

4. Coverage of some Bakassi Strike Force activities, that is the ex militant group

5. The coverage of the Ikot Nkebre community erosion site which brought relief to them amongst others

6. The trade by barter practice in Akpabuyo

7. The story on people who lived in caves for many decades which was referred to as the stone age culture

8. The mentally challenged family that got rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society

9. The community where the first shot was fired that sparked the Nigerian Civil War 

10. The historic Lugard wall which demarcated the northern and southern protectorates and could have been an international boundary as well as 

11. A series of reportage on the condition of Bakassi returnees which has attracted more attention to them to mention a few.

Press: Amongst all these, which made you the most excited?

  Imani in a local community gathering her report 

Imani: That would be the coverage of the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex militants in the Niger Delta region. I was privileged to be the only NTA reporter for both local and Network news as at that time who did that.

"They were trained by the Foundation For Ethnic Harmony In Nigeria (FEHN) under the supervision of its then chairman, Barrister Allen Onyema at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation camp, Obubura.

"That was the first major event I covered as a staff of NTA. I also served as the Cross River State Government house correspondent for three years before seeking for a newer experience with Channels Television, shortly after resigning my appointment with NTA."

Press: How did that shape your ability to search for news?

Imani: In many ways than I ever imagined. As  a staff of Channels TV, I got posted to Government House Calabar, but my duties were not limited to government and its activities. I had the opportunity to take adventurous moves which grew my passion for community reporting and other forms of investigative journalism.

 

"My encounters with militants, 'the Bakassi Strike Force,' exposed their activities in the peak of militancy in the various creeks of Bakassi which later paved way for their denouncement and amnesty from the government.

"The experience is unforgettable, having left my six months baby at home to get that story out is a proof of my passion for the profession. I saw sophisticated weapons in their numbers for the first time ever, at first I regretted taking this adventurous move, I was scared to my bone marrow but I later summoned courage and let go of my fears.

"Asides that, I am also proud that, the Bakassi returnees can boast of decent accomodation today. It took me six years of constant reporting on their plight through thick and thin to achieve that.

"I am happy for the interventions by the Governor Ben Ayade-led government in which they are now enjoying.

"They had lived in classroom blocks through the previous years under harsh conditions with little or no hope to experience a new life outside what they were used to as returnees.

"I still recall a woman who died during child birth in one of the classrooms arising from pregnancy related complications. Many more had also lost their lives in other preventable circumstances. I am glad that, the narrative is gradually changing for them.

"On other infrastructural needs, several "Save Our Souls" reportage on the Calabar - Ikom - Katsina-Ala highway as well as the Calabar - Itu - Ikot-Ekpene drew the attention of the government. In fact, I remember the Biase axis of the Calabar - Ikom section had caved in, but there was prompt response. 

"Through these years, I also followed up on a story of a trending picture posted by one Progress Oberiko, who raised alarm about the condition of a mentally deranged family who had roamed various streets in the northern senatorial district of the state hoping on fate for survival. Their condition got me worried which led me to seek ways of reaching out to relevant agencies for intervention.

"With lots of follow-ups, the family as at my last check a little above a year ago are all mentally and psychologically balanced and now independent and enterprising."

With Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa

Press: Your report on the money woman marriage story was topical for weeks, shed more light on the experience.

Imani: The money woman marriage practice in Nigeria is a cultural practice that dates back to centuries ago where young girls are given to older men to offset debts owed by family members either in form of money or farm produce. In some cases, you find a toddler or a kid of 12 years given to a 60 year old man. Through the help of a missionary, Pastor Richards Akonam and a few colleagues, it was exposed through a thorough investigation by my report on Channels Television. Other media outlets followed suite.

"It was truly a heart wrenching experience for me that still hurts each time I think of it. The story is available on ChannelsTV website.

Press: The Bakassi returnees, your principal has relocated them, is there a sense of fulfillment in that? Especially being the one who told the story and is now involved in the resettlement as an aide?

Imani: I really want to commend the governor of Cross River State for what he did for the Bakassi returnees. This is a story I followed up selflessly for six years and I remember visiting them severally in their classroom blocks where they lived through these years. No matter how hardened you are, each time one visits that place, the truth is you will be moved to tears because of their predicaments.

"They cooked where they lived, about fifty of them clustered in each classrooms.  The men, women and children all co-habited there. These are people displaced for no fault of theirs. Shortly after the governor assumed office and paid a first visit to their temporary camp at Saint Mark's primary school, Akpabuyo, he was moved to tears and had promised to to relocate them from that place to a better location.

"Today the story is different. He has relocated them. I really want to commend my boss, Prof. Ben Ayade for what he did for the Bakassi people. It is something we should celebrate him for. We should celebrate the governor for bringing succour to these people.

"I recently visited them at their new apartment and they were excited to have moved in and trying to pick up the pieces of their lives back."

Press: Does this mean journalism for you is more about stories you are passionate about?

Imani: Journalism is a passion. I have always loved to have the opportunity to speak the minds of people. Besides, I don't think I would have done well in any other field besides journalism. As a journalist, you may not really have the money to give out to people to help in solving their immediate needs, but you are able to identify a challenge, you are able to follow up through these challenges and draw up interventions. Because I ventured into journalism, I have been able to bring succour to the voiceless in my own little way.

Press: Asides having to leave your child behind, what other challenges have you faced?

Imani: Every job comes with its level of challenges and especially a high and tasking job like the media job. Every day we face new challenges but the mind is what determines growth or downfall, so I have tried to turn challenges into opportunities.

"First as a young professional, I wasn't accepted and welcomed into the industry the way I wanted. I felt I was going to be celebrated and encouraged by everyone I meet. But, unfortunately, they had some assignments where they never logged me into, and others where they felt I won't perform well but by God's grace, I gave in my best and got results. Many also  felt I was too young and for being a woman but these are not new huddles, they were there before I came, and will be there when I retire. These challenges will still be there.

"Another challenge is the fact that,every interested party wants your story to speak their minds and if you try to balance the story up, you will be tagged biased.

"I remember working on elections duties while I was heavily pregnant, I was attacked by some law enforcement agents without them minding my condition.

"I remember also being tracked by security personnel during the peak of militancy in Bakassi. It was demoralising and pathetic but all the same, I did not give up, I had to step up and show pictorial evidence to events.

"Very recently, I was summoned to the electoral tribunal to stand as a witness against the report I made during the elections, I would have felt pained but I saw it as another challenge and obstacle I needed to jump over.

"Most people feel it is a male dominated profession forgetting the fact that women are gradually taking over now. In the course of doing my job, I have traveled by sea in turbulent weather conditions, I have traveled by land to hard to reach communities. I have risked my life severally in getting out most of these stories. Most men won't even want to dare that and when they watch these demanding reports, they are forced to believe that what a man can do, a woman can even do it better.

"Most women want to see other women succeed but some men who are supposed to support you as a woman feel threatened because of the acceptance one is gaining in the society. 

"I want to use this medium to appreciate some male veterans and colleagues who have stood by me, giving me priceless advices and defending me when the need arises in my journey so far in the media practice."

Press: You are now an aide to the Governor of Cross River State, how did the transition feel like? 

Imani: I did not see the appointment coming, my mind wasn't fixed on getting any appointment as at when it came. I got to know about the appointment few hours before it was announced. When it was first announced in 2019, shortly after my principal's inauguration for a second term in office, many people tried to speak me out of it, I had to go on consultations with some of my senior colleagues, mentors as well as those who play fatherly roles in my life; I told them my plans and how professional I was going to be of which today many have seen it.

"Upon acceptance of the appointment, I gave myself sometime to study the environment and later came up with my own strategy of making a difference and immediately I got inspired to start up something that wasn't in existence in the State. I began making short videos of the Governor's activities to amplify his achievements. 

"The videos are usually circulated to different online platforms and are watched across the globe. We have been consistent in this regard and most people are gradually adapting same. I am glad that I set the pace using my office (Smiles).

"Prior to accepting this appointment, I had spoken with my boss, the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade on my plans and the approach to my job, which he approved of.

"So, it's not totally different from working with a media firm and working for government. Both assignments are targeted at the same course.

"Again, rather than looking out for all angles of a story, my main target now is my principal and how to give him the best PR. I am concerned about what my principal does and how it affects the lives of people especially those in the grassroots.

Community Reporting 

Press: What is your position on the debate about who manages the image of a public office holder, A PR Expert or a Journalist?

Imani: I think if you hire one with experience you tend to achieve better results. I remember when I just got appointed into government, some of the first persons who called to congratulate me were my superiors at Channels TV, other professional colleagues with experiences in government, Mr. Anietie Akpan of Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Bassey Inyang of This Day Newspaper, Mudiaga Affe of Punch Newspaper, Nicolas Kalu of Nation Newspaper, George Odok of NAN, Eyo Charles of Daily Trust Newspaper, Eme Offiong of Voice of Nigeria, Umo Bassey-Edet, the then acting HOD of the news and current affairs department, NTA Calabar,

Rasheed Olanrewaju of AIT, Sunny Inah of CRBC and others all called to felicitate with me.

At different intervals, "They told me that this was one appointment the governor really got right. One told me, 'Imani, you have the experience and we believe that, you will deliver on the mandate.'

"So, if you hire someone with experience you are able to deliver on the mandate and leave foot prints in the sands of time."

Press: From your experience as a journalist and then a public officer, what do you think are the major needs of an average Nigerian?

Imani: Nigerians don't really require much from government if you ask me. We just need the basics. Power, water, quality and affordable health services, infrastructure and security because we are resilient and keep thriving no matter the odds.

Press: When you look at the gender balance, is the woman at an advantage or disadvantaged?

Imani: The woman is disadvantaged but with lots of sensitization and breakthroughs by other successful women over the years, more women are clamouring to make positive changes in the society.

"The female body is easily adaptable to any condition, be it stress or pain,we try and adapt.

"Some people see us as the weaker gender, but deep down, every goal driven woman would want to make an impact and stand independently in making her name and leaving legacies.

"Some people feel that women in journalism are loose, that they are easily cajoled and people always take advantaged of. But, trust me, it is not true. Yes, there may be a few individuals, but, it is unfair to hastily generalize what a few may do without any research conducted.

"In fact, many women have stood their grounds and made better investigative jobs the same way most men have. You remember the BBC reporter who exposed the sex for grade scandal in some public universities?

"We work in various hard terrains and war regions, I have been opportuned to speak with someone who has been in the front line reporting about the Boko Haram incident in Maiduguri, and she is doing better than some of her male colleagues."

Press: What is your advice for upcoming Nigerian journalists on the do's and don'ts in order to get their foot in the industry.

Imani: They need to be driven by passion because if you don't have passion for the job, you won't be able to leave legacies behind.

"Don't put money in front of you, don't try to be popular by being controversial, be professional in your reports. Write and talk with evidence, be thorough, don't rush into conclusions without making findings. The money will come, recognitions will come as well as recommendations.

"The truth is, I still see myself as a novice in the profession. 10 years is not enough to rate myself in the league of veterans. So, upcoming professionals should not think they have arrived when they have not. Let your work announce you to the world. You don't need to keep blowing your trumpet at every given time. The men should try to encourage women in the profession."

Press: What do you think mainstream journalists need to improve their career and the practice of journalism in Nigeria?

Imani: First, we should make conscious efforts towards self development by investing in one's capacity.

"Professional bodies should organise in-house trainings to develop the skills of their members.

"Government should from time to time subsidize tuition fees for journalists to encourage them attend seasonal trainings on professional courses both within and outside the country.

"We need support from various organizations. Channels TV has been at the front burner in this regard so far."

Press: You have shared your experience, but do you think journalism has impacted positively on Nigeria and Nigerians in the past ten years?

Imani: Absolutely yes and you can put that in capital letters.

"Most of the human angle stories I had done got interventions as earlier highlighted.

"You heard of the sex for grades scandals in universities across the country. A female reporter from the BBC carried out that investigation and you will agree with me that since that time after the news broke, most lecturers are now being careful of their relationship with female students. 

"That is what journalism does. It changes the perception of people in a positive light.

"I still believe in the journalism profession. Well, the issue now is most people are not factual in their reports. Most people are quick to criticizing without evidence. And that's what makes people want to lose faith in journalism. 

"The media will be appreciated more if journalists criticize constructively and carry out investigations before publications."

Imani with a colleague from NAN

Press: Have you received any commendation in the form of an award so far?

Imani: Yes, I have received a couple of awards but I will speak on one of the most recent which came from the National Association Of Women Journalists at the 30th anniversary of the body (smiles).

"Recently, I was awarded by the national women body in recognition of a scary story I did at the peak of militancy in Bakassi.

"Many people who watched the report while it trended commended my guts for getting that story out through the help of Channels TV."

NegroidHaven: Reflecting on your journey so far, there must be some people you want to thank right?

Imani: My first decade of journalism practice, I must confess has really been worthwhile.

"I am thankful to God almighty for the gift of life, wisdom, preservation and provision. 

"I am grateful to my boss, the Governor of Cross River State for believing in my capabilities.

"I am grateful to the NTA family for nurturing my journalism dream and to the management and staff of Channels Television for keeping the dream alive.

"I appreciate my supporters for their prayers, advices and believing in my style of journalism.

Umo Bassey-Edet has solidly stood by me through these years in ensuring that, I become a global brand someday soon.

"For my family, their support has been endless. I can't thank them enough for the constant pat on the back.

"As for my dearest daddy, his legacies will forever live on (sobs). May he continue to rest in peace."

Press: Thank you very much for your time.

Imani: You are welcome.