C"River State Govt. Partners NUJ on Calabar Carnival, Others

Our Reporter  |   September 23, 2025

CALABAR  —The Cross River State Government has declared its readiness to partner the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on boosting Calabar Carnival and other areas of interest.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar said this on Monday, September, 22 when the National President of the NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya and his team paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar.

Ironbar who stood in for the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, said "the government wants a partnership for the Calabar Carnival".

He acknowledged the fact that the media has been doing much to promote the media and other activities of the state government and the need for a partnership has come.

"I am happy with this visit. The media/NUJ is a reliable partner in good governance. The government in collaboration with NUJ will work out partnership for a Media tour.", he said.

On his part, the NUJ National President, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya, who was in the state to attend the just concluded,  "5th Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award 2025', on Saturday, September 20, lauded the developmental strides of Governor Otu".

He said just barely two years in office, the governor has been able to put the state back on track and urged him not to take his hands off the plough as there are more to be done.

The National President who was accompanied in the courtesy visit by the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, the Cross River State Council Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey and others, said the state government should should "foster programmes that will bring journalists to the state on a media tour to see the developmental strides".

Caption: L-R The Chairman of the 5th Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Award Committee, Comrade Anietie Akpan; National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar; the National President of NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya and NUJ CRS Council Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey during the courtesy call on Monday.

He thanked Governor Otu in supporting the Union for the successful hosting of the, "5th Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award 2025'  ceremony and promised an effective partnership in promoting the economic and tourism potentials of the state.The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar (left) and the National President of NUJ, Alhaji Al Hassan Yahaya in a handshake.

Owan Enoh MSME Support Program And The Vain Attempt To Taint A Good Deed

Since the unveiling of the Senator John Owan Enoh-JOE MSME Support Program by the Minister of State for Industries in Calabar, the Cross River State capital in August, there are some persons in the State who have been having sleepless nights and gasping for their breathe in utter disbelief.

It appears to me that the sheer sum of the grant (N500million), is mesmerizing the faculties of these persons who would truly wish the funds were expended on other routine frivolities which have not had any meaningful impact on the fortunes of struggling people in our State. The thought of having such huge funds funneled to the ordinary people in our State to grow their small businesses, by bypassing the regular corrupt channels who will embezzle all but little, is unimaginable in some quarters and the only response is to spew half truths in a bid to discredit a move that has no precedent in the State.

I don't know who Chief Enu C.O. is, but the person described himself as a 'concerned citizen of Cross River State', in an article he wrote to attempt to throw mud at the Owan Enoh MSME Support Grant. I have tasked myself with responding to him because I am leading the charge in screening and dispensing the grant to prospective beneficiaries.

1. Chief Enu C.O. in his article questioned: Is this initiative truly a federal government program, or is it a personalized project branded for political visibility? Does it align with Nigeria's national MSME policies, or is it a selective empowerment drive meant to project one man's image?

I want to State clearly that, to the best of my knowledge, the grant is not a Federal Government program as some persons including Chief Enu, have been trying hard to misconstrue. It is the personal initiative of the Minister to support small businesses in our State with a view to creating an alternative economy. It is a marked departure from the regular 'copy and paste' political empowerments that haven't yielded desired results vis-a-vis, changing the fortunes of our people. 

I also thought that Chief Enu will tell his readers what is Nigeria's national MSME policies before asking whether this intervention aligns with the policies or rather point out which of the policies the intervention contravenes. But it is typical with people who spew half truths to ask vague rhetorical questions to create doubts and confusion in the minds of their uninformed readers. 

And to lace his question with the contemplation that it is a 'selective empowerment' to project one man's image is the worst form of perfidy emanating from a pained heart that is clearly on a vested political errand. This intervention opened its doors for two weeks, to all Cross Riverians living in and out of the State and even non-Cross Riverians who live in Cross River State, to apply. Forms were also dispatched to rural areas in all the 18 LGAs of our State for the informal sector to apply for the grant. How do you describe that as selective if not that you are pained and deliberately trying to lie? 

And why won't a person's image not be projected if he is doing good? When did projecting one's image by doing good become a crime, Chief Enu? It is a natural consequence of doing good for one's image to be projected. It is only those who try to discredit the good that others do, that have their images tainted. Those who do good will always have their  image projected because of the good they do and by the beneficiaries of the good they do.

2. Chief Enu also tried to mislead his readers by throwing another half truth into the mix. 'Nigeria's code of conduct for public office holders is unambiguous: no minister or elected officer should use state resources, platforms, or apparatus for personal glorification."

Oh really? So supporting your people with grants to build their small businesses is personal glorification? What dictionary is Chief Enu using? The Chief must really be in severe pains because 1000 beneficiaries have a chance to escape poverty and employ labor in our State. And if that is the new definition of personal glorification, then we should all begin to glorify ourselves in like manner beginning from Chief Enu. And by the way, this is not the first time the Minister is doing this. There are records of him doing this throughout his political career and I remember attending one of his programs in Ikom LGA, while he was representing Cross River Central as Senator, where N100million was given out to constituents as education intervention fund. I don't know where Chief Enu was then, or maybe he wasn't a Chief yet and couldn't comment.

3. The Chief also attempted to throw a jab at the media. "Equally concerning is the role of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Chapter, in amplifying the program without raising tough questions. The media is supposed to be the watchdog of democracy, holding leaders accountable, interrogating the source of funds, and demanding transparency in implementation."

Someone should tell Chief Enu that, it is a dangerous thing to say things you do not know. Everyone who was at the unveiling like I was, will attest to the fact that there was a question and answer session after the unveiling. The venue was packed full with press men and women and they were given ample time to ask all manner of questions that received adequate answers and clarifications. Maybe because the journalists were not on a political errand like you, their questions weren't as tough as you would want. And talking about interrogating the source of funds, it is not too late, you can approach the EFCC to help out with that. And for transparency of the process, wait till we are done and you will see that no other process has been more transparent.

4. In another paragraph, Chief Enu also quipped: "Nigeria already has multiple institutional frameworks designed to support MSMEs: the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry (BoI), and the Central Bank's intervention funds. The key problem has always been poor implementation, weak monitoring, and lack of access for ordinary citizens. If Owan Enoh's ₦500 million grant is not anchored within these existing structures, then its impact will be temporary and uneven."

This intervention, I repeat, is not a Nigeria program. It is not a Federal government program. It is a personal initiative of the Minister and does not fall into the crocodile concern of the Chief. Chief Enu himself alluded to poor implementation, weak monitoring and lack of access to ordinary citizens as factors that have been key problems in MSME dispensation. This personal initiative is actually fashioned to mitigate those factors and create direct access for ordinary people with a very robust monitoring program that has been designed, devoid of the usual bureaucracy and red-tapism.

It should also be made clear that, this personal intervention has not stopped nor detracted from the roles or responsibilities of statutory bodies ladened with the management of MSME support programs in Nigeria or Cross River State. Rather, it is being done under the guidance and active watch of these organs as was evident in the presence of some of their heads in the unveiling of the program in Calabar.

Out of the three interventionist agencies mentioned by Chief Enu, namely, SMEDAN, BOI and CBN, the first two are incidentally under the Minister's mandate as Minister in charge of Industries and initiating this intervention hasn't stopped him from pushing those agencies to continue executing programs to the benefit of all Nigerians, including Cross Riverians.This program doesn't replace their responsibility. In fact, the Minister has travelled to Cross River State more than once in company of heads of these agencies pushing for this, especially under the President's N200billion intervention for Manufacturers/MSMEs and NANO businesses.

Those who are struggling in vain to blur the benefits of this commendable initiative are actually the problem that needs to be solved and Cross Riverians should be mindful of their antics. If politics is to be played, it should be played to the benefit of the people like this program portends and not otherwise. Senator John Owan Enoh has made history by taking a bold step to support small businesses in our State with half a billion Naira, something that does not have a precedent, what he deserves is accolades and emulation.

Yours sincerely, 

Citizen Agba Jalingo.

WPD 2025: Ikom LG Boss Sue For Peace Between Alesi/Ochon

The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war." - Hon. Pst. [Mrs] Mercy Nsor

IKOM —The Executive Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Hon. Pst. [Mrs] Mercy Nsor has called for Peace between the warring communities of Alesi in Ikom local government area and Ochon in Obubra Local government area.

 This appeal was made in a statement marking the 2025 International Day for Peace also called World Peace Day,(WPD). Her call aligns with the global theme of the day, "Act Now For A Peaceful World,"  emphasizing the importance of collective action in promoting Peace and Unity.

The statement signed by her press secretary , Ntem Chris, reads in parts; Today, as the World joins hands to observe the International Day of Peace, Ikom Local Government Area stands at a critical moment in its history. Our beloved communities have recently been tested by violence, from cult-related clashes to the painful conflict between Alesi in Ikom LGA and Ochon in Obubra LGA. These incidents have left scars on families, disrupted livelihoods, and threatened the Peace we all cherish.

As Chairman of Ikom LGA, I deeply regret every life lost and every home shattered by these conflicts. I mourn with the families who grieve, and I stand in solidarity with the Youths, Women, Men, and Children who have borne the heaviest burden of violence. Every life is important and none is worth taking!

On this International Day of Peace, I reaffirm my sincerest and deepest commitment, and that of my administration, to ensuring that Peace is not just an aspiration but a reality for all communities in Ikom LGA. We are working tirelessly with security agencies, Ward Councillors, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and the government of Cross River State ably led by His Excellency Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu to:

Strengthen dialogue and reconciliation between disputing communities and ensure that they abide by the final decision of the State Government especially my people who have been badly hurt and brutalized.

Tackle cultism through youth engagement, youth sensitization, education, and empowerment initiatives for my people.

Establish local Peace structures to detect and resolve disputes before they escalate.

Promote tolerance, inclusion, and the values of brotherhood among our people.

I therefore call on the good people of Ikom, particularly our vibrant youths to reject violence in all its forms. Let us remember that no community wins in war; we all lose. But in Peace, we all prosper.

As a government, God bear me witness, we've not left any stone unturned as far as this matter is concerned. I've in every 24 hours of the day, been in touch with the security agencies, the Councillors representing these Wards, the traditional rulers of these communities, the Youths, and even the Women. Relief materials have been sent repeatedly to those communities as well as financial support/assistance.

I've at all times been on the phone with the Commanding Officer of the 245 Recce Battalion Affi, Col. Ajibade Bello. I've also been in touch with the Area Commander of Okuni, ACP Vincent Adelekun, and the Divisional Police Officer [DPO] of Ikom, CSP Abdulrahman. I've visited the good people of Alesi/Ekukunela with my Special Adviser on Peace and Security, and other of my Appointees, several times to let them know that we're all in this together. There's never a time that I've heard any form of threat on my people that I've not called the security agencies to mount security on my people. 

As a government certain details and update cannot be put in the public domain for security reasons, but my beloved Ikom people, I'm a mother and I understand the pains of losing a child, a husband, a wife, a brother and even a sister, trust me, I'm not sleeping as even the Deputy Governor would bear me witness that I've not allowed him rest for a second. The lives of my people are more important than anything on earth!

Lastly, I had a security meeting with all the security agencies yesterday, and I've mandated them to secure my people, and I want to reassure you that Peace is not even close, but peace is here.

I want to thank the State Governor, His Excellency, Apostle Sen. [Prince] Bassey Edet Otu, his amiable Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, Speaker of the CRSHA, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, member representing the good people of Ikom 1, Hon. Neji Abang, Senator Eteng Jones, Hon. Victor Abang, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, and a host of others for their outstanding and tremendous support from the inception of this crisis to date. To all the Stakeholders and political leaders of Ikom LGA who have stood firm in support of our people, I say thank you and God bless you abundantly. 

The State Government has not left any stone unturned as far as this matter is concerned. We'll continue to work closely as I'll not relent until my people can return to their homes and sleep with both eyes closed.

In line with the People First Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, we are committed to making Ikom LGA not just the economic heartbeat of Cross River, but also a shining model of Peaceful coexistence and development.

On this International Day of Peace, let us recommit ourselves: to dialogue over destruction, to unity over division, and to peace over violence.

May Peace reign in Ikom, may peace reign in Cross River State, and may Peace reign in Nigeria."

The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, serves as a reminder of the need for nations, communities, and individuals to work together towards a more Peaceful World. Hon. Mercy Nsor's initiative is particularly significant given the history of communal conflicts in the region.

Prince 7 Calls for Non-Politicization of Peace Efforts, Advocates Youth Inclusion on International Day of Peace

Ukorebi Esien– September 21, 2025

CALABAR –Prince Godswill Edward Osim, popularly known as Prince 7, has called for the strengthening of traditional institutions and the depoliticization of peace processes as a means of addressing the recurring communal and security challenges in Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

In a statement marking the 2025 International Day of Peace, Prince Edward, whose father, HRH Asodor Edward Osim, is the Paramount Ruler of Abi LGA and Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, reflected on the devastating impact of conflicts on local communities. He recounted how his father's palace was once bombed during a violent crisis and later rebuilt—an experience that deepened his personal commitment to peace and reconciliation.

According to him, many of the crises that have plagued Abi and other parts of Cross River are sustained by the over-politicization of peace processes. He emphasized that politicians must resist the temptation to exploit conflicts for political gain.

"We must give peace a chance. We must intentionally look into our traditional structures to ensure that the mediators of peace are restored in our communities, and the process is not politicized," Prince Edward said.

He lamented that young people often bear the brunt of violence, both as active participants and as casualties.

"Most times, it is the youth who fight these wars, spill blood, and in turn suffer the most—losing lives, education, and opportunities. This is not the right approach. Our future cannot continue to be mortgaged on the altar of avoidable violence," he added.

Prince Edward also raised concerns over the proliferation of light arms and weapons in Nigeria, warning that weapons purchased during communal conflicts often end up being misused for armed robbery and other crimes long after hostilities end. He called for tighter regulation and coordinated action to address the circulation of illicit arms.

Highlighting Bahumono community in Abi as an example of reconciliation, he noted that peace was restored there after deliberate sacrifices were made and the people chose to put community interest above personal grudges.

He therefore urged continuous advocacy, peace education, and grassroots engagements such as town hall meetings as effective mechanisms for resolving communal disputes without resorting to violence.

"We must keep advocating, keep preaching peace, and keep talking to one another. Dialogue and mediation, not war, should guide us in addressing our communal problems," Prince Edward stressed.

The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations, is observed annually on September 21 to strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among nations and peoples. This year's theme is "Act Now, for a Peaceful World".

Prince Edward, who is widely known for his youth empowerment initiatives and peace advocacy under the Prince 7 Movement, said the observance of the Peace Day should serve as a reminder that Cross River State and Nigeria can only thrive when dialogue, justice, and inclusion replace violence, marginalization, and division.

Enough Is Enough: Cross River Youth Commissioner Calls for End to Violence, Champions Peace on International Day of Peace

Ukorebi Esien | September 21, 2025 

CALABAR – The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth Development and Skill Acquisition, Barr. Odum-Ijom Ukam, has made a passionate call for peace in the state, declaring that "enough is enough" as he urged young people to shun violence and embrace dialogue on the occasion of the 2025 International Day of Peace.

Speaking in a statement issued in Calabar on Sunday, the Commissioner said this year's United Nations theme, "Partnerships for Peace: Dignity for All," aligns with the government's commitment to promote inclusion, tolerance, and cooperation as pillars of sustainable development.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Youth Development and Skill Acquisition, I reaffirm the unwavering commitment of Cross River State to fostering a culture of peace and non-violence, especially among our young people who are the heartbeat of our society," Ukam stated.

He emphasized that the future of Cross River cannot continue to be undermined by recurring clashes that disproportionately affect young people. According to him, youths are too often caught in the center of communal violence across Abi, Biase, Obubra, Boki, Yala, Obudu, and boundary communities.

"They are sometimes drawn into these conflicts as fighters, yet more painfully, they suffer the greatest losses: lost lives, disrupted education, displacement, and shattered dreams," the Commissioner lamented.

Declaring an end to the cycle of violence, Ukam said: "As Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, I stand today to say: enough is enough. The future of our dear state cannot continue to be mortgaged on the altar of avoidable violence."

The Commissioner outlined the state's strategy to build peace through youth engagement, which includes civic education, digital literacy, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and support for Peace Clubs in schools and communities.

"Our Ministry is committed to engaging young people as peacebuilders, not perpetrators of violence, through civic education, skills development, and dialogue platforms," he explained. "We will expand youth empowerment programmes so that poverty and unemployment no longer become weapons in the hands of conflict entrepreneurs."

Ukam also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders to discourage violence and instead safeguard the future of young people.

"Every time we encourage violence, it is our sons and daughters and our youths who pay the highest price. Let us therefore protect their future by investing in peace today," he appealed.

In line with the People First Agenda of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Ukam assured that the Ministry will continue to prioritize youth development as a cornerstone of peace and sustainable growth.

He concluded with a strong message to the youth: "On this International Day of Peace, I call on our young people: choose peace, choose dialogue, choose development. Your voices matter. Your energy is powerful. Use it to build the Cross River of our dreams."

The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations in 1981, is marked globally every September 21 to strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among nations.

Ex-Lawmaker, NUJ to Establish Beatrice Bassey Ita Memorial Foundation and Tourist Media Centre in Calabar

Our Reporter  | September 20, 2025

CALABAR —The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in partnership with Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, has concluded plans to officially establish the Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation in Calabar, in honour of the late veteran journalist, broadcaster, and media icon, Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita.

The initiative is designed to immortalize Mrs. Ita's invaluable contributions to journalism, broadcasting, and public service, while also creating a vibrant hub for research, mentorship, tourism, and professional development for journalists, students, researchers, and media enthusiasts.

Announcing the vision for the project in Calabar, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, said the centre will stand as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and cultural heritage.

He was accompanied by the Vice President of Zone F, Comrade Dokubo Opaka; NAWOJ National President, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim; Chairman of NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey and her Exco members, as well as the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Public Affairs, Comrade Gill Nsa, during a courtesy visit to Senator Ita-Giwa at her Calabar residence.

According to Yahaya:"The Beatrice Bassey Ita Tourist Media Centre and Memorial Foundation will provide access to books, archives, multimedia resources, tourism experiences, and training opportunities, all aimed at inspiring the next generation of communicators and storytellers. 

Through this project, NUJ seeks to preserve the legacy of Beatrice Bassey Ita as a trailblazer who dedicated her life to journalism and the empowerment of women in the media."

The NUJ President further noted that his visit coincides with the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Journalists Award, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, an annual award instituted to celebrate excellence in journalism and honour the memory of the late media icon.

In her remarks, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa described the NUJ President's presence in Calabar as both historic and a homecoming, noting that the project is a befitting tribute to her late mother.

She recalled her mother as a woman of rare character, discipline, and foresight who combined firmness with love, and whose passion for education, community service, and moral uprightness greatly influenced her family and society at large.

Senator Ita-Giwa added:"My mother used her pen and profession to build bridges,she believed deeply in truth, justice, and fairness,values that continue to guide her children and all who came in contact with her. 

"The establishment of this centre will serve as a place of learning, tourism, and reflection, where young people, journalists, and researchers can draw inspiration from her legacy of integrity, resilience, and service to humanity."

She further assured that she would make available all her mother's works, artefacts, and memorabilia to enrich the new centre.

The NUJ delegation, led by its President, later visited the tomb of the late Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita, at Mcdonald Street area Calabar South Local Government, where prayers were offered in her memory.

NUJ Set to Host Beatrice Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award in Calabar

Ukorebi Esien | September 19, 2025

CALABAR — The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, in collaboration with Distinguished Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, OON, has concluded plans to host the 5th edition of the Late Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award in Calabar.

The prestigious award, instituted in memory of the late prolific journalist Beatrice Bassey Ita, popularly known by her sobriquet "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword", is sustained annually by her daughter, Senator Ita-Giwa, to promote excellence in investigative reporting and celebrate media practitioners who embody courage, truth, and integrity in journalism.

According to the organizers, this year's edition will hold on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the August Royal Hotel, State Housing Estate, Calabar, by 5:00 p.m.

The event has lined up an array of dignitaries from across the country. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku Obi, will serve as Chairman of the occasion, while Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, will deliver the keynote lecture.

The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Otu, will grace the ceremony as Special Guest of Honour, while the Obong of Calabar and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, will be honoured as Father of the Day.

In a show of solidarity with the journalism profession, the National Presidents of the NUJ and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) are also expected to be in attendance.

Speaking ahead of the event, Senator Ita-Giwa said the award is not just a memorial to her late mother but a platform to inspire journalists to uphold the values of investigative journalism in nation-building.

"My mother, Beatrice Ita, believed strongly in journalism as a force for accountability and social justice. Through this award, we are sustaining her legacy and encouraging young reporters to remain fearless, ethical, and committed to truth," she stated.

The Beatrice Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award has, since inception, become a benchmark of professional recognition in Nigeria's media space, honouring journalists who have made outstanding contributions to investigative reporting.

This year's edition promises to be another milestone celebration of integrity, professionalism, and the enduring power of the pen.

C'River’s Prince Edward to be Honored at Abuja Platinum Lions Club Investiture Ceremony

Prince Godswill Edward Osim. 

Ukorebi Esien  | September 19, 2025

ABUJA — Prince Godswill Edward Osim, popularly known as Prince 7, is set to be honored by the Abuja Platinum Lions Club for his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment, community development, and nation-building.

The recognition will be conferred during the 2025/2026 Fifty Million Naira Fundraising and Investiture Ceremony of Lion Chika Nwagwu as the club's 3rd President. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Nafil Arcade and Water Parks,  Abuja, by 3PM prompt.

The dynamic leader and dedicated public servant, has consistently demonstrated commitment to public service. As Special Adviser on Sports and Cinematography to former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, he championed sports development and cultural growth. Later, as Special Adviser on Youth Development, he expanded his reach by promoting leadership and nurturing young talents across the state.

Key Policy Focus Areas

Rural Transformation: Bridging the urban-rural divide through targeted development initiatives.

Industrialization: Promoting industrial growth to stimulate economic development and job creation.

Generational Shift in Leadership: Championing youth involvement and merit-based governance for a more inclusive leadership structure.

PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES

Through his Prince 7 Youth Development Initiative, Edward has launched groundbreaking programs such as:

Give Them Balls, Not Guns: Engaging young people in rural communities through sports and education.

Pad the Girl Child: Supporting girls' education and empowerment.

Skill the Boy and Girl Child: Providing vital skills training.

Ladies Lead Directors (LLDs): Empowering women for leadership roles.

Youth Create: Promoting creativity and innovation.

Students Union Leadership Summit: Building leadership capacity among students.

Educate Africa: Advocating for education and continental development.

Project RREP: Rehabilitation, Reorientation, Empowerment, and Positioning of vulnerable groups.

OTHER POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

Edward has also ventured into frontline politics:

He contested for the Federal House of Representatives in 2019, to represent Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency.

He served in the Presidential Campaign Council under the Trade and Economic Directorate of the APC.

In 2023, he declared interest in the Cross River State governorship race, focusing on tourism, rural transformation, and industrialization.

Through his multifaceted initiatives, Prince Edward continues to inspire and uplift communities, embodying leadership, resilience, and service to humanity.

Speaking on the forthcoming ceremony, Lion Chika Nwagwu, the incoming President of Abuja Platinum Lions Club, said the club is committed to recognizing individuals like Prince Edward, whose work reflects the spirit of service and community development that Lionism represents.

With the theme "In Lionism, We Serve!", the Abuja Platinum Lions Club reaffirms its mission of driving positive change through service, leadership, and philanthropy.

Fubara Returns to Port Harcourt, Addresses Rivers People

Ukorebi Esien |  September 19, 2025

PORT HARCOURT — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday made a triumphant return to Port Harcourt following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March.

Fubara, who arrived at Port Harcourt International Airport at 12:19 p.m., was received by a massive crowd of jubilant supporters who sang solidarity songs and waved placards in his honour.

Addressing the people shortly after his return, the governor said:

"I am deeply touched by the overwhelming show of love from Rivers people. This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to all of you who stood firm in faith and resilience. Together, we will rebuild our dear state."

From the airport, Fubara proceeded in a motorcade to Government House, Port Harcourt, where he assured residents that he would deliver a state broadcast at 6:00 p.m.

"In my broadcast, I will outline our next line of action for peace and progress. I will also recognise every person and institution that stood by us in this struggle for normalcy. Rivers deserves stability, and by God's grace, we will not fail," he declared.

Recall that President Tinubu had declared emergency rule on March 18, 2025, following a protracted political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The crisis spiralled into violent clashes and impeachment threats, forcing the President to appoint retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.

Fubara's return comes days after reports of a truce between him and Wike, which paved the way for the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.

Many residents have welcome the governor's return with optimism.

One supporter, speaking on phone with our reporter said.

"We waited for this day. The governor's return gives us hope that Rivers will be peaceful again."

Another resident added:

"All we want is good governance and unity. We believe Governor Fubara has learned from this crisis and will focus on development."

With his state broadcast set for this evening, Rivers people are keenly awaiting the governor's message of reconciliation and the roadmap for governance after months of political turbulence.

Duke Pays Tribute to Late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng, Describes Him as a Grassroots Pillar

Ukorebi Esien  | September 20, 2025:

CALABAR —The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, has paid glowing tribute to the late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem, popularly known as Wakilo, who passed away on June 20, 2025, at the age of 60.

Speaking shortly after the funeral held in Calabar South, Rt. Hon. Duke described the deceased as "a true grassroots mobilizer, a pillar of Ward 4 politics in Calabar South, and a loyal ally whose contributions remain etched in the political history of Calabar South and Cross River State at large."

Late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem, until his demise, was a former Councillor for Ward 4 in Calabar South and served as Supervisory Councillor for Budget and Planning between 2003 and 2007. He also held several political positions, including Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Board Member of Forestry, and Coordinator of "YES AYADE" Political Movement. He later became the Director-General of the People Liberation Alliance (PLA), a political platform that gave voice to the grassroots.

Rt. Hon. Duke, recalling their political partnership, said:

"He was the APC Ward 4 Elections Coordinator, while I served as the Calabar South Local Government Coordinator, and together we delivered the highest votes in the 2023 elections. He was a dependable partner, disciplined leader, and a community man to the core. His loss is a painful one, not only to his family but to all of us who worked closely with him."

The NDDC Commissioner further pledged to stand by the family of the deceased, assuring them of continued support in the education and welfare of the underaged children he left behind.

The funeral was attended by political leaders, family members, friends, and associates, all of whom described Wakilo as a man of many parts — a sportsman, politician, family man, and problem solver, whose humility and service to humanity will be deeply missed.

Late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem is survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Asuquo Ekeng, two sons, a stepson, brothers, sisters, cousins, and extended family members.