From Yam Barns to Exam Halls: The Person and Persona of George Ndifon Abang

Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang

Ukorebi Esien | September 9, 2025

 New Yam Festivals across Africa and in central Cross River specifically in Bendeghe Ekeim is often a time for thanksgiving! A season where farmers appreciate the gods for rainfall and good weather that has led to bumper harvest. The New Yam Celebrations is usually a time of merriment, feasting, and cultural display.

In Etung Local Government Area this year's new yam celebration carried a new meaning in Bendeghe Ekeim! A meaning that stretched beyond the barns of harvested tubers. This new meaning came on the heels of families heaving a sigh of relief as Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang stepped in with educational succor , sponsoring WAEC registration forms and providing grants to indigent students through the Etung Students' Association Empowerment Programme.

For the beneficiaries, the gesture was more than financial support; it was a bridge between despair and possibility. "Without this support, I would have struggled to register for my WAEC examinations," one student said with gratitude. For parents already pressed by rising costs, Abang's intervention was a reprieve that reaffirmed their faith in community solidarity.

Abang did not choose a random moment to unveil his support. The New Yam Festival in Bendeghe Ekeim has long been a cultural rallying point, drawing together elders, chiefs, youths, and sons and daughters of the soil. By linking his philanthropy to this occasion, Abang revealed a philosophy he has consistently embodied, he showed that culture should not only preserve identity but also serve as a platform for growth and renewal.

In his visits to traditional chiefs and interactions with youth groups during the festivities, Abang demonstrated what many described as a rare balance: the ability to respect and celebrate tradition while at the same time responding to the pressing needs of today.

 

The Person: Scholar, Engineer, Farmer

Behind the public gestures is a man of impressive academic and professional standing. Abang holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics, a degree in Civil Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Business Management. His profile spans the boardroom, the classroom, and the farm, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of theory and practice.

Professionally, he has served as a civil engineer and infrastructure consultant, as well as a farmer and advocate for agricultural advancement. Within the engineering community, he has held leadership roles, including as a state executive of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE). His trajectory blends intellectual depth with grassroots connection, a combination that shapes his interventions in Etung and beyond.

 

The Persona: Philanthropist and Community Advocate

What distinguishes Abang, however, is not just his academic or professional laurels but the persona he has cultivated as a bridge-builder and advocate for youth empowerment. Through his Abon Abang Foundation, he has consistently provided scholarships, WAEC registration forms, and empowerment opportunities for young people across Etung.

Community elders hail him as a rare breed, someone who honours tradition while investing in the next generation. Youth leaders point to his ability to not only identify challenges but also provide practical solutions. "He is investing in the future of Etung as a whole," one said during the empowerment programme in Etomi.

 

A Template for Leadership

By aligning a cultural festival with an educational intervention, Abang has revealed a leadership template that speaks to both heritage and hope. The yam barns of Bendeghe Ekeim and the exam halls of Etomi are not disconnected symbols but linked expressions of a community in transition, anchored in tradition but reaching for transformation.

For many in Etung, the person of Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang is inseparable from the persona he projects: a scholar who remains a farmer, an engineer who remains a cultural son, and above all, a philanthropist who sees education as the true harvest of a people's future.

From Banking Halls to Policy Halls: The Inspiring Journey of Ajah Francis Ajah

September 7, 2025

CALABAR — In every generation, there are men and women who rise through the ranks not by shortcuts or sentiment, but through grit, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to service. Hon. Chief Ajah Francis Ajah, mni, stands tall in that category. His story is not just about personal success, but about the triumph of diligence, merit, and resilience in a system where conformity to rules often takes the back seat to patronage.

Born in Ebom, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Ajah's journey reflects the quintessential Nigerian dream, from humble beginnings, through the rigors of academia, the challenges of the banking sector, and into the demanding but noble service of government.

Banking Halls: Building the Foundation of Discipline

Before finding his permanent footing in the public sector, Ajah made his mark in Nigeria's banking industry. Rising from the ranks of Finance Control Officer to Branch Controller in First Interstate Bank and later Unity Bank, he mastered the fine art of financial prudence, risk management, and institutional discipline.

In a world where numbers tell the story, Ajah proved himself as a thoroughbred professional. He headed treasury management units, reconciled complex accounts, supervised interbank settlements, and reviewed risk assets. His tenure in banking was defined by transparency and accountability (qualities that would later become the cornerstone of his public service career).

Policy Halls: Shaping Cross River's Financial Landscape

Ajah's transition from banking to public service was seamless, thanks to his firm grounding in finance. When he joined the Cross River State civil service, he quickly distinguished himself as a man of ideas and action.

From serving as Head of State Financial Policy Management at the Ministry of Finance to coordinating critical World Bank and United Nations-assisted projects like the State Governance and Capacity Building Project (SGCBP) and the State and Local Governance Reform (SLOGOR), Ajah became a household name in reform-driven circles.

He played a pivotal role in drafting and passing key financial legislations such as the Public Finance Management Law (2011) and the Fiscal Responsibility Law (2011), both of which attracted multi-million-dollar World Bank grants to the state.

As Permanent Secretary in several ministries — Housing, Debt Management office, New Cities, and now Finance; his tenure has been marked by innovation. Notably, he grew the State Reserve Fund from ₦4 billion to over ₦11 billion, reconciled the state's debt structure to save more than ₦20 billion, and consistently prepared Debt Sustainability Reports that unlocked further international grants.

Scholar and Teacher: Nurturing the Next Generation

Ajah is not just a technocrat in government corridors; he is also a scholar committed to nurturing future leaders. As a part-time lecturer at Arthur Jarvis University, University of Cross River State, and even the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), he imparts knowledge to young minds eager to shape Nigeria's future.

Armed with an MBA, M.Sc., and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Accountancy, Ajah represents the rare blend of practitioner and academic. His research interests span corporate governance, fraud prevention, and dividend policy, critical issues for Nigeria's economic future.

The Prestige of NIPSS: A Feather in His Cap

In 2024, Ajah achieved what many civil servants only dream of,  he graduated from the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Senior Executive Course 46. With that, he joined the exclusive ranks of Nigerians entitled to the post-nominal title "mni" (Member of the National Institute).

For Abi Local Government, it was historic: Ajah became the first civil servant from the area and the second from the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency to ever accomplish this. For Cross River State, it further cemented his reputation as one of the brightest minds in the service.

Merit Above Sentiment

At a time when meritocracy is often sacrificed on the altar of favoritism, Ajah's story is a reminder that discipline and conformity to civil service rules matter. He diligently wrote the Compulsory Examination for Administrative/Professional Officers (COMPRO), a mandatory test many of his peers sidestepped. That single act reflects his faith in process and rules, positioning him as a civil servant who earned every promotion.

This is why many see him as the natural fit for higher responsibility. With the office of the Head of Service of Cross River State set to become vacant soon, Ajah's name is already being mentioned in hushed tones as one of the most qualified replacements, not because of lobbying, but because of a career steeped in merit, capacity, and vision.

A Life Beyond Service

Outside of work, Ajah is a man of community, faith, and family. He has served his people politically as a councillor and Deputy Leader in Abi Local Government, as well as in advisory roles at the state level. His hobbies; football, swimming, and reading  these all reveal a man who values balance.

But perhaps his greatest strength is his reputation: colleagues describe him as disciplined, approachable, and deeply loyal to Cross River State.

Conclusion: A Journey Still Unfolding

From the banking halls of Unity Bank to the policy halls of Cross River State's Ministry of Finance, Ajah Francis Ajah has built a career that embodies the values of merit, discipline, and patriotism. His life is proof that hard work, adherence to rules, and a commitment to service can still open doors in Nigeria.

For Cross River, his story is not just inspiring, it is a guidepost for what the future of its civil service can be.

Ukorebi Esien 

Writes from Calabar 

Succour for Etung Students as George Abang Reels Out Educational Grants

Dr. Ndifon Abang empower's Etumg Students with Educational Grants 

Ukorebi Esien | September 7, 2025

BENDEGHE EKIEM — The 2025 Etung New Yam Festival in Bendeghe Ekeim took on added significance as Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang provided educational relief to indigent students by sponsoring WAEC registration and financial support under the Etung Students' Association Empowerment Programme in Etomi.

The festivities, marked by thanksgiving, traditional rites, and community engagements, showcased the rich heritage of the Etung people. Dr. Abang, a civil engineer, farmer, and scholar, began the celebration with visits to traditional chiefs and youth groups.

Abang announced his philanthropic gesture at during the Etung Students' Association Empowerment Programme, where he sponsored WAEC registration forms students and also offered financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One beneficiary expressed relief at the support: "Without this, I would have struggled to register for my WAEC exams. Dr. Abang has given me hope to continue my education."

A youth leader at the event applauded the dual gesture: "He has gone beyond celebrating culture in Bendeghe Ekeim, he is investing in the future of Etung as a whole. This is the kind of leadership young people need."

Community elders also commended the effort, stressing that blending cultural preservation with educational empowerment sets a new standard for leadership. "It is not common to see someone honor tradition and at the same time reach out to support education across communities," a traditional leader observed.

Abang, who is also the initiator of the Abon Abang Foundation, has been consistent in promoting education, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development. His latest intervention reinforces his reputation as a unifying figure bridging the gap between tradition and modern aspirations in Etung.

By celebrating the new yam in Bendeghe Ekeim while extending succour to students in Etomi, Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang has shown that culture and development can go hand in hand in shaping a progressive community.

Succour for Etung Students as Emerging Philanthropist, George Abang Reels Out Educational Grants

Ukorebi Esien | September 7, 2025

BENDEGHE EKIEM — The 2025 Etung New Yam Festival in Bendeghe Ekeim took on added significance as Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang provided educational relief to indigent students by sponsoring WAEC registration and financial support under the Etung Students' Association Empowerment Programme in Etomi.

The festivities, marked by thanksgiving, traditional rites, and community engagements, showcased the rich heritage of the Etung people. Dr. Abang, a civil engineer, farmer, and scholar, began the celebration with visits to traditional chiefs and youth groups.

Abang announced his philanthropic gesture at during the Etung Students' Association Empowerment Programme, where he sponsored WAEC registration forms students and also offered financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One beneficiary expressed relief at the support: "Without this, I would have struggled to register for my WAEC exams. Dr. Abang has given me hope to continue my education."

A youth leader at the event applauded the dual gesture: "He has gone beyond celebrating culture in Bendeghe Ekeim, he is investing in the future of Etung as a whole. This is the kind of leadership young people need."

Community elders also commended the effort, stressing that blending cultural preservation with educational empowerment sets a new standard for leadership. "It is not common to see someone honor tradition and at the same time reach out to support education across communities," a traditional leader observed.

Abang, who is also the initiator of the Abon Abang Foundation, has been consistent in promoting education, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development. His latest intervention reinforces his reputation as a unifying figure bridging the gap between tradition and modern aspirations in Etung.

By celebrating the new yam in Bendeghe Ekeim while extending succour to students in Etomi, Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang has shown that culture and development can go hand in hand in shaping a progressive community.

Owan Enoh MSME Support Program - How The Beneficiaries Will Be Selected

Entries for the Owan Enoh MSME Support Program have swelled over 12,000. This demonstrates not just acceptance but also exposes the yawning desire for a helping hand by Cross Riverians.

I am also sure that many Cross Riverians are already wondering how exactly will beneficiaries be selected from such a massive pool. Many who think some privileged assessors will grab their pens to tick as many names off and plant their favored winners, have been calling, chatting and texting to lobby, to no avail. But I want to give you an idea of the painstaking work that is ongoing behind the scenes by the team that is assessing the entries.

Stage One: CATEGORIZATION 

The entries are all being categorized into 14 different sectors, namely: Agriculture, Construction, Creative Arts, Education, Energy, Fashion Designing, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, ICT, Transportation, and Others. All these fourteen sectors have their drop down sub-sectors.

Stage Two: ELIGIBILITY SCREENING 

This involves a general assessment using simple Yes/No responses. Any application that receives five (5) or more "No" responses will be automatically disqualified.

Applications with more "Yes" responses will advance to the next stage.

Some of the queries include:

1. Residency / Location: Is the applicant or business based in Cross River State?

☐ Yes ☐ No

2. MSME Definition:

Does the business qualify as a micro, small, or medium enterprise (not a large enterprise)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

3. Sector Fit:

Does the business fall within target sectors (trade, industry, services, artisanship, agriculture, etc.)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

4. Business Status:

Is the business operational or is the business idea viable?

☐ Yes ☐ No

5. Documentation:

Has the applicant provided at least one proof of business (CAC registration, tax ID, cooperative membership, trade association ID, or any verifiable evidence)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

6. Application Completeness:

Is the application form properly completed (all required fields answered, supporting documents attached)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

7. Previous Support:

Has the applicant declared that they are not currently benefitting from another government MSME grant/loan that would make them ineligible for this fund?

☐ Yes ☐ No

This stage is expected to reduce the number of entries to a manageable size of 3000-4000.

Stage Three: APPRAISAL TEMPLATE 

This is the stage that involves the detailed scoring of each application. Applications are evaluated using the full scoring template. A 75% score serves as the cut-off mark for consideration.

Each panel member independently scores the applications assigned to them and to ensure fairness and transparency, 15%–20% of each panelist's assessment is randomly reassigned to another panelist for re-evaluation.

This process helps us maintain integrity, fairness, and objectivity, ultimately leading to a near-perfect selection outcome.

Some of the appraisal queries include:

Business viability and feasibility, assess operations, sustainability

(0-20).

Clarity of concept, defined problem, feasibility, job creation and employment potential (0-15).

Current and future staff, realistic market potential and growth prospects (0-15).

Actual market performance, market research, identified customers, demand validation, financial management and sustainability (0-15).

Cost structure, revenue model, funding strategy, social impact and inclusiveness (0-10).

Intended or actual community/social benefits, innovation and creativity (0-10).

Stronger emphasis for new business ideas: novelty, originality, problem-solving approach alignment with Owan Enoh MSME Fund objectives (0-10).

CAC, Tax, NAFDAC, proposed business name readiness. Documentation and compliance (0-5)

Total score, out of 100, will determine the final recommendation.

Assessors have been duly briefed on prioritizing gender inclusion and urban-rural balance in the final selection to ensure fair spread between Calabar, other urban centers, and rural LGAs.

Note again that no beneficiary in the formal sector will be given any cash. Whatever the applicants stated as the needs of their business will be procured and supplied to them. The same applies to the informal sector unless successful applicants who deal on perishable wares.

Yours sincerely,

Citizen Agba Jalingo.

Olayi Hails Youth Minister’s Call for Alignment with Presidential Agenda for Youths

Ukorebi Esien | September 6, 2025

CALABAR —The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has applauded the Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, for urging youth leaders across the country to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for young people.

Comrade Olayi, who was among the 37 state chairmen of the NYCN that paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja on Friday, described the engagement as "timely and inspiring." He said the Minister's charge to youth leaders to embrace innovation, assertiveness, and boldness while moving away from tokenism reflects a renewed commitment to reposition the NYCN as the umbrella body for all Nigerian youths.

"The Minister's words have reawakened our resolve to take ownership of our mandate as true advocates of Nigerian youths. Our responsibility is not just to seek token representation but to be bold, strategic, and impactful in driving development for our people," Olayi stated.

He further commended Hon. Olawande's assurance of continuous support and his recognition of the outstanding contributions of some state chapters, noting that it demonstrated the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening youth leadership at both national and sub-national levels.

At the close of the meeting, the Forum of NYCN State Chairmen presented the Minister with a symbolic gift of appreciation in recognition of his relentless efforts toward youth development since assuming office.

Reiterating the determination of the Cross River State NYCN to plug into the federal youth agenda, Olayi assured that the state chapter would continue to work in harmony with other state councils and the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure that Nigerian youths take their rightful place as catalysts of national growth.

C'River Youths Tasked on Productive Use of Internet, Digital Platforms

Ukorebi Esien | September 4, 2025.

CALABAR — Young people in Cross River State have been urged to channel the power of the internet and digital platforms toward promoting innovation, showcasing local opportunities, and contributing to the state's development, rather than limiting online spaces to personal promotion or unhealthy rivalries.

The charge was given by the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, during the completion of the council's youth tour of the northern senatorial district, which culminated in an interactive session with the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and youth leaders from across the five LGAs.

Young people expressing themselves during the event

Olayi stressed that education, skill acquisition, and digital responsibility remain crucial to youth empowerment, urging young people to stay informed and assertive in order not to be misled.

"The internet should be a tool to market our zone and showcase what we do in Cross River, not just a place for self-promotion. If you're not informed, you'll be deformed, and that is why we must stay focused and use technology productively," he charged.

The session also reinforced ongoing commendations to the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration for its "People First" agenda. Youth leaders acknowledged visible progress in infrastructure, employment, and social welfare across the state, while advocating for greater gender inclusion and accountability in government programs.

Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who addressed the youth delegation, reiterated the administration's determination to provide platforms for vocational training, job creation, and direct youth engagement.

"Governor Bassey Otu is intentional about empowering our youth. From training to employment, the government is putting structures in place to ensure young people are not just seen, but heard and included in decision-making," he said.

He further urged young people to embrace unity and collaboration, warning against infighting that undermines their collective progress.

"Young people must stop fighting against themselves and instead start fighting for themselves," Odey emphasized.

The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede; and the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, among others.

By the end of the session, youth leaders resolved to support the Otu administration's youth-centered policies while taking personal responsibility to foster peace, digital innovation, and accountability across Cross River State.

Stop Fighting Against Yourselves, Start Fighting for Yourselves” – Deputy Governor Charges C'River Youths

Ukorebi Esien | September 4, 2025

CALABAR —The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has called on young people in the state to embrace unity and collaboration, stressing that their strength lies in working together for shared progress rather than internal divisions.

Speaking during an interactive session with youth and student leaders from the five northern LGAs at the close of his tour around the Senatorial District, Odey urged the younger generation to channel their energy into self-development and collective advancement.

"Young people must stop fighting against themselves and instead start fighting for themselves," the deputy governor said. "Governor Bassey Otu is intentional about empowering our youth. From training to employment, the government is putting structures in place to ensure young people are not just seen, but heard and included in decision-making."

The session also provided an opportunity for youths to commend the Otu-led administration for its "People First" agenda, particularly projects and programs already visible in the North. Youth leaders cited road infrastructure, civil service employment, and welfare interventions as evidence of government's people-centered approach.

Cross section of youth leaders in the event 

NYCN State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, reaffirmed the council's commitment to working with government for peace and development. He urged youths to take education and skills acquisition seriously, stay assertive, and make responsible use of digital platforms to market opportunities in the state.

"If you are not informed, you will be deformed. Our youths must focus on education, skills, and the productive use of the internet—not just for self-promotion but as a tool to showcase Cross River positively," Olayi stressed.

HE Rt. Hon. Peter Odey addressing the youth leaders 

Speaker of the Cross River State Youth Parliament, Comrade Comfort Ngeh, added a call for greater gender inclusion, applauding the administration for actively supporting young women but urging deeper representation in leadership.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede; and Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor.

The youth leaders expressed readiness to support government programs while also vowing to hold accountable those engaged in practices such as job racketeering.

C’River Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Forestry Activities, Publishes Approved Revenue Subheads

Ukorebi Esien | September 3, 2025 

CALABAR — In a bid to sanitised the forestry sector, the Cross River State Government has intensified its reforms in the sector cracking down on illegal activities, while making public officially approved revenue subheads.

This was contained in two separate memos circulated from the forestry commission earlier today. The memos informed that all unauthorized evacuation passes previously in circulation have been withdrawn while a list of approved  collections were published.

 

In one of the memos signed by the  Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Bassey Onoyom Bassey, it's states that field staff have been sternly warned against issuing unapproved passes, stressing that violators will face severe consequences. She noted that the move is part of efforts to restore normalcy, end revenue leakages, and curb illegal logging across the state.

Furthering the reforms, the Chairman/CEO of the Forestry Commission, Ntufam (Dr.) George O'Ben-Etchi, disclosed that the government has approved the automation of evacuation passes as well as the streamlining of all revenue collections under the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS).

He listed the recognized revenue subheads as follows: 

1. Fines and fees

2. Hammering fees

3. Industrial development levy on timber 

4. Joint Tax Board levy

5. Road infrastructure levy

6. Timber market charges

7. Chain saw levies

8. Sawmill charges

9.  Timber shade levies

10. Non-timber forest product levies

11. Levies from quarries and farms operating in forest reserves.

Dr. O'Ben-Etchi warned that any individual or group found engaging in unauthorized collections or operating outside the approved framework will be sanctioned. He emphasized that the reforms are designed to ensure transparency, block illegal collections, and increase the state's internally generated revenue (IGR) for development projects.

"We Are Just Getting Started" – Ekpenyong Vows to Consolidate on Cultural Gains

Ukorebi Esien | September 2, 2025

CALABAR – Special Adviser on Events Management to the Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the Carnival Calabar and Festival Committee, Effiong Ekpenyong, has assured Cross Riverians that the state's cultural and tourism assets will continue to receive renewed energy, innovation, and global attention under his stewardship.

Speaking on Monday to mark his second anniversary in office, Ekpenyong described his two-year journey as both "challenging and rewarding," stressing that his focus moving forward will be on consolidating achievements and deepening the cultural and economic impact of events management in the state.

"We are just getting started. The task ahead is to consolidate on the gains already made, innovate in the face of global trends, and deepen the role of events and festivals in fostering unity, economic empowerment, and community development," he said.

Ekpenyong praised the visionary leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, under whom the Carnival Calabar has continued to thrive as "Africa's biggest street party and a rallying point for cultural diplomacy." He also expressed appreciation to the First Lady, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Itam Bassey Otu, for what he described as "unwavering encouragement and motherly support."

The Special Adviser noted that the Carnival has remained a unifying platform that promotes the state's rich heritage while attracting tourism, investment, and international recognition. He credited the successes of the past two years to the dedication of his team, the creative industry, stakeholders, and the people of Cross River.

"Our people's warmth, creativity, and resilience remain the backbone of this global brand. Together, we have moved from vision to impact, but the journey ahead is even greater," Ekpenyong added.

As he sets his sights on the future, Ekpenyong reaffirmed his commitment to serve with "passion, creativity, and integrity," promising that Cross River will remain at the forefront of cultural excellence and tourism in Nigeria and beyond.