24/05/2025
Etung Local Government Area: Life, Guts, Glory, and Economic Potential
Etung Local Government Area (LGA), nestled in the lush greenery of Cross River State, Nigeria, may be geographically modest, but its vibrancy, resilience, and political relevance are anything but small. Positioned near the border with Cameroon, Etung serves as a vital agricultural and cultural hub in the state. The people of Etung are known for their strength of character, communal unity, and a deep connection to their ancestral heritage, as well as their contributions to regional and national development.
The People: Life, Guts, and Glory
Etung is home to a diverse group of communities, each with a distinct dialect and cultural practice, yet bound by a common identity rooted in pride and perseverance. The people are industrious, with a lifestyle deeply intertwined with farming and traditional trade. From early morning farm work to active market participation, the average Etung man or woman is guided by a spirit of hard work and community service.
This region has produced men and women of guts—people who rise above challenges to make a mark. Their stories are those of survival, innovation, and moral fortitude. The Etung man is not only a farmer but a warrior of integrity, a guardian of values, and a loyal contributor to his society. This deep-rooted courage and sense of identity fuel their glory, evident in their successes across politics, academia, and public service.
Comparative Advantage: Agriculture as the Bedrock
Etung's fertile lands provide it with a significant comparative advantage in agriculture. The LGA is known widely for the cultivation of cocoa, which has earned it a place among Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing areas. Cocoa farming does not only support local livelihoods but also contributes meaningfully to the state's internally generated revenue. The value chain from cocoa production to export underscores Etung’s economic strength.
Additionally, palm trees are cultivated extensively, providing palm oil, a staple product in Nigerian homes and industries. Cocoyam and plantain are also grown in abundance, forming a major part of the region’s subsistence and commercial farming. Not to be overlooked is ogbono (wild mango), which grows naturally in the forests of Etung and is harvested for its highly nutritious seeds, used in soups across West Africa. These crops not only reflect the area's agro-economic potential but also open opportunities for agro-processing industries and export businesses.
Political Relevance and Human Capital
Despite its size, Etung plays an active and influential role in Cross River State politics. The LGA is a political hotbed that has produced key political figures who have served the state and the nation with distinction. Among them is Senator John Owan Enoh, a seasoned legislator and administrator; Senator Sandy Onor, a passionate public servant known for his oratory and impeccable coinage of gramma. Prince Ebuta Ojong Ayuk Aka(The Solomon of our time) and Hon. Kingsley Ntui the current state house member whom have contributed to local governance and public service.
Another notable figure is Hon Chris Njar Mbu Ogar, a respected leader with a legacy of community empowerment. In this constellation of leaders shines Osonabiji Greatsunjongs, a man distinguished not just by his name but by his values. Osonabiji is widely regarded as a man who does not projected bad governance. His integrity, vision, and commitment to transparency and people-centered leadership have made him a beacon of hope and a model for young politicians and administrators in the region. His side hustle in the real estate subsector has given him the character of the go to person when it comes to living space business.
At the end of the day,
Etung Local Government Area is a testament to how size does not define influence. Through its hardworking people, agricultural wealth, and vibrant political participation, Etung continues to write its name in gold. Its guts are seen in its resilience, its glory in its achievers, and its life in the richness of its land and culture. As Cross River State continues to grow, Etung remains a jewel in its crown—a small but mighty land with a big heart and a brighter future.
