Negroid Haven

09/10/2025

Reconciliation or Mere Rhetoric? Cross River PDP’s 90-Day Race to Heal Deep Wounds
..As new Caretaker Committee is inaugurated, party chairman admits to years of "disunity and exclusion,"
..but observers question if three months is enough to mend a fractured family.

CALABAR –The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River state officially turned a new page on Wednesday with the inauguration of an 18-member Caretaker Committee, a move aimed at rescuing the party from a prolonged crisis of internal strife and electoral failure NEGROIDHAVEN can inform.

In an inaugural address in Calabar the state capital metropolis, the newly appointed Chairman, Rt. Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa, did not shy away from the party’s troubles, painting a picture of a political giant brought to its knees by its own hand.

"For too long, our great party in this state has been divided by personal interests and narrow leadership styles," Ewa stated before a gathering of party leaders and stakeholders. "We cannot continue with a system where the opinion of a few people, even when wrong, is treated as law, while the majority are silenced."

The committee, constituted by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and composed of members from all 18 Local Government Areas, has a clear but daunting mandate: to reconcile aggrieved members, rebuild the party’s structures from the ground up, and position it to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) within a period not exceeding three months.

Ewa’s speech was a catalogue of past failures, acknowledging that the party had "lost members, lost elections, and most painfully, lost the trust of the grassroots" under the previous administration. He pledged a new era of "openness, justice, and collective decision-making," famously quipping that "two good heads are better than one."

A Mandate Fraught with Challenges

However, political analysts and insiders are questioning whether the 90-day timeline is a realistic runway for a mission of this magnitude.

"The diagnosis is perfect. The party has been haemorrhaging due to autocracy and exclusion," said Dr. Aniebet Ukpe, a Calabar-based political scientist. "But prescribing a three-month treatment for a four-year ailment seems optimistic, to say the least. The wounds are deep; the bitterness is real. You cannot simply declare ‘unity’ and expect everyone to fall in line. The real work involves delicate negotiations, confidence-building, and appeasing powerful figures who feel sidelined."

The committee’s primary task is reconciliation—to woo back high-profile members who have defected to other parties and to reinvigorate a disillusioned grassroots base. Ewa made a direct appeal, stating, "The PDP is your home. We may have had our differences, but the door is open for everyone to return."

Yet, the very need for such an appeal underscores the scale of the problem. The party’s internal crisis was starkly visible in the build-up to the recently suspended State Congresses, which prompted the NWC’s intervention.

The Ghost of Ambitions Future

Further complicating the reconciliation drive is the unspoken elephant in the room: the looming 2026 gubernatorial primaries. Political observers note that the current truce is fragile and likely to be tested when the committee’s term ends and the battle for the party’s ticket and executive positions begins in earnest.

"A caretaker committee can manage affairs, but it cannot extinguish the burning ambitions of various factions," noted a party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Everyone is being polite now, but what happens in three months when we have to elect new leaders? That is when we will know if this reconciliation is genuine or just a temporary ceasefire enforced by Abuja."

The committee has vowed to be driven by "service, not personal ambition." But the true test of its success will be whether it can create a transparent and inclusive process for the forthcoming congresses—a process that avoids the very pitfalls that necessitated its creation.

As the PDP in Cross River State embarks on this critical 90-day journey, the political landscape watches with keen interest. The party has correctly identified its maladies and has a prescribed course of treatment. The pressing question remains: is three months enough time for the patient to heal, or is this merely a pause before the next storm?

Recall that in the fourth week of September, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State elected a new 39-member State Executive Committee, led by Venatius Ikem as Chairman, in a congress that its leaders hailed as transparent and legitimate, even as it laid bare the deep fissures fracturing the party.

The election, which took place at the Venetian Arena in Calabar, saw Ikem reportedly secure a landslide 1,500 votes, a figure repeatedly announced by the Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Jones Chukwudi, who presided over the meticulous counting of votes for all 39 positions.

Wednesday's development creates a parallel system in the PDP in Cross River.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/10/reconciliation-or-mere-rhetoric-cross-river-pdps-90-day-race-to-heal-deep-wounds/

09/10/2025

‘Two Hands Are Better Than One’: Obanliku Chiefs, Armed with New Allyship Strategies, Champion Partnership as Foundation for Male Feminism
..Centre L*D’s Dr. Vincent Dania Provides Framework for Effective Intervention as Traditional Leaders Pledge Action on Widows’ Rights and Domestic Equality.

Sankwala, Obanliku LGA – A groundbreaking dialogue on Male Feminism in Obanliku has culminated in a powerful consensus, with traditional leaders adopting the local proverb “two hands are better than one” as the bedrock for a new, practical model of gender partnership. The training, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre L*D) with funding from Ford Foundation, equipped attendees with tangible strategies for intervention, moving beyond theory into actionable change.

Dr. Vincent Dania, Programme Coordinator for the Male Feminists Network (MFN) at Centre L*D, set the stage by framing effective allyship. “The most effective male allies are not those who speak for women,” he stated, “but those who use their voice to amplify, not overshadow, women’s struggles.”

This philosophy was brought to life through compelling case studies presented by Dr. Dania, which contrasted the destructive results of rash, forceful intervention with the life-saving outcomes of wise, empathetic mediation. These lessons resonated deeply with the chiefs, providing a strategic playbook for their authority.

Facilitated by Dr. Elijah Terdoo Ikpanor, the session moved from global theory to local practice. Dr. Ikpanor framed Male Feminism not as a foreign concept but as the active pursuit of fairness. “It is about men standing for fairness, respect, and opportunity for all genders,” he stated, a perspective that aligned perfectly with the leaders' own values.

The Obanliku leaders then articulated their commitment in deeply cultural terms. “If you want to make a device to carry firewood, you have only one hand. You cannot do it,” stated one chief. “You need two hands… In suffering, two hands are better than one. That is why we need our female counterparts as partners.”

This philosophy was immediately translated into tangible pledges. One traditional ruler detailed a new, proactive approach to protecting widows’ rights, mirroring the wise, dialogue-based methods championed by Dr. Dania. “When somebody die in my community leaving the woman, I will call the family… and advise them that this woman has an equal right to the property,” he shared.

Another highlighted a seismic shift in accepting female inheritance. “Nowadays… they have started telling our people the importance of women inheriting… their father’s land. And we have seen it working,” he affirmed.

The dialogue turned personal when one attendee modeled the change within his own home. “This morning, before I left… I had to wash the plates… watch the kids… It doesn’t change your status as a man,” he said, embodying the consistent, daily commitment Dr. Dania described as the journey “from conviction to consistency.”
https://www.negroidhaven.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=147558&action=edit

09/10/2025

The Unflinching Hand: How Obanliku’s Leaders Are Learning to Build Peace, Not Fear

By Efio-Ita Nyok

SANKWALA, OBANLIKU LGA – In the quiet wisdom of an Obanliku chief, the entire thesis of effective male allyship was suddenly, brilliantly clear.

“A house built with shouting will crumble faster than a hut built with peace.”

He was quoting a proverb from a case study presented by Dr. Vincent Dania of Centre L*D. But in this council hall, facilitated by Dr. Elijah Terdoo Ikpanor, it was no longer just a story. It was a mirror held up to their own past failures and a blueprint for their future authority. The lesson from Dr. Dania’s presentation hung heavy in the air: A skilled male ally listens before acting, acknowledges the humanity of both sides, and uses his authority to build peace, not fear.

This was the profound shift occurring in Obanliku: traditional power was being re-forged into a tool of partnership, guided by the simple, unassailable truth of another local analogy. “If you have only one hand, you cannot do it,” a chief stated, explaining the practical need for two hands to tie a bundle of firewood. “So also it is with life… That is why we need our female counterparts as partners.”

From Conviction to Consistency: The Rulers’ New Playbook

Under the guidance of facilitator Dr. Dania, who articulated Male Feminism as a stand for “fairness, respect, and opportunity,” the session moved from abstract principle to enforceable social policy. The leaders were actively rejecting the model of acting "out of anger, not wisdom," and embracing strategic patience.

One traditional ruler stood and detailed his new, deliberate protocol for justice, specifically for widows. “When somebody die in my community, leaving a woman, I will call the family of that woman and come together,” he declared. This was no longer a discussion; it was a decree from within the system, an application of dialogue over decree.

Another elder spoke of overturning patrilineal inheritance, a shift that once would have caused uproar but was now being managed through community engagement. “And we have seen it working,” he noted, the success a testament to the careful, respectful work of building that “hut with peace.”

The Bystander in His Own Home

Perhaps the most profound testimony came from a leader who described his personal journey into becoming an “active bystander” within his own home.

“This morning, before I left for this gathering… I had to wash the plates around the house. I had to stay back and watch the kids,” he shared. He was using the principle of distraction and delegation not at a wedding, but in his own kitchen, ensuring the peace of his household.

He addressed the silent question hanging in the room, the fear that such acts diminish a man. “It doesn’t change your status as a man,” he asserted, his voice firm. “It doesn’t matter who does what… Let us always partnership with our wives.”

This was the ultimate blend of philosophy and local action. Led by the strategic framework of Dr. Dania and the grounded facilitation of Dr. Ikpanor, the chiefs of Obanliku are proving that the strongest hand is not the one that strikes, but the one that reaches out, in partnership, to the other.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/10/the-unflinching-hand-how-obanlikus-leaders-are-learning-to-build-peace-not-fear/

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

Rewriting the Unwritten Rules: How Obanliku is Challenging the Social DNA of Gender-Based Violence

By Efio-Ita Nyok

Sankwala, Obanliku LGA –Dr. Vincent Dania's question hung in the air, simple yet revolutionary: "How many of you decided the s*x you would be born with?" The silence in the room was palpable as traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community elders considered the implication. None of them had chosen their gender at birth. So why, Dania pressed, should anyone use this biological accident as reason to oppress another?

This fundamental challenge to Obanliku's social fabric came during a recent gender justice training that represents something far more ambitious than just another anti-GBV workshop. Here, in the heart of Cross River state, community leaders are attempting something radical: rewriting the unwritten rules that have governed gender relations for generations.

The Architecture of Injustice

Dr. Dania, Programme Coordinator at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre L*D), laid bare the invisible framework that sustains gender-based violence. He distinguished between s*x - "the biological differences between males and females" - and gender, which he defined as "the socially constructed roles, behaviours, and attributes that a society considers appropriate."

This distinction is crucial to understanding what's happening in Obanliku. The community isn't fighting biology; it's confronting what Dania called "gender norms" - the unwritten social rules that dictate behaviour based on gender - and "gender roles" - the expected duties assigned by gender.

Hon. Glory Awowoh, Vice Chairman of Obanliku LGA, witnessed these unwritten rules in action daily. "A lot of persons carry out this act without knowing the implication of it," she observed. "They just feel that they are more powerful. So, with that, they victimize others, especially men to women, without even knowing how much effect it has."

The damage, she noted, accumulates over time, making women "unhappy, unproductive, and sometimes it ends in death" - a stark assessment of the human cost of these social conventions.

From Kitchen to Courtroom: Challenging Daily Norms

The training moved from theory to practice as participants began examining how these unwritten rules manifest in everyday life. Chief Magistrate I. I. Abam, who presides over Obanliku's courts, provided a legal perspective on the customs being questioned.

"You feel a woman must be the one, the woman her duty is to cook and a man cannot cook all those things," the Magistrate noted, describing deeply ingrained beliefs his court regularly encounters. "But what I've seen as a matter of civilization, as a matter of rights, human rights, as a matter of equality of gender... There is nothing wrong if a man cooks for the wife."

His words challenged one of the most fundamental gender divisions in household labour, reframing domestic responsibilities not as biological imperatives but as choices governed by principles of equality and mutual respect.

The Magistrate's court had become a battleground where written law confronted unwritten rules. Earlier that day, he had remanded a man for contempt in a domestic violence case, demonstrating the legal system's role in enforcing new standards of behaviour.

Traditional Authority Meets Gender Revolution

Perhaps most surprising was seeing traditional rulers, the traditional guardians of custom, leading the charge for change. His Royal Majesty, Amb. Dr Uchua Amos Uuyumulam Item JP, Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, acknowledged the need to reform rather than blindly follow tradition.

"We have more laws we are putting in place for the offenders who will not want to adhere to what we are doing," the monarch revealed. "There are fines that we instituted ranging from some material things like livestock and some drinks and kola nuts."

This represents a remarkable evolution - using traditional authority not to preserve harmful practices but to create new, more equitable social norms. The Paramount Ruler understands that changing deeply embedded behaviours requires more than just awareness; it requires consequences and alternative structures.

The Religious Conversion

The rewriting of social codes extended to religious institutions, often seen as bastions of traditional gender roles. Rev. Godfirst Akeribo, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Obanliku, committed to "swim into action, teaching and preaching against this act in our various churches."

Similarly, Chief Imam Aliyu Abubakar of Obanliku welcomed the training as "a very great thing" he had long been seeking. He pointed to tangible progress already happening within his community: "In those days, Fulani children, like a female, doesn't go to school. But today in Obanliku, you will discover the girls are even more than the boys who are even going to school."

The religious leaders recognized their pivotal role in either reinforcing or challenging the social DNA of gender inequality from their pulpits and prayer mats.

The 'Money Woman' Legacy and the Road Ahead

The shadow of the recently abolished "Money Woman" custom - where female children were used as objects for debt repayment - loomed over the discussions. Hon. Awowoh's vehement declaration that any attempt to revive the practice would be stopped "not under our watch" highlighted the fragility of social change.

The Vice Chairman acknowledged the work began by previous administrations and NGOs but emphasized that her government was "building on that," providing "second chance education" and empowerment to victims. This multi-generational approach recognizes that rewriting social DNA requires both preventing new harm and addressing historical injustice.

A New Social Contract

What's emerging in Obanliku is nothing less than a renegotiation of the social contract between genders. Dr. Dania's concepts of "gender equity" - fairness of treatment according to needs - and "social inclusion" - ensuring marginalized groups can participate fully in society - are becoming the new foundational principles.

As the training concluded, participants expressed commitment, symbolizing their pledge to champion these new norms. But the real work begins as they return to their communities to model new behaviours, challenge old assumptions, and use their influence to reshape Obanliku's social landscape.

The journey of rewriting centuries of social DNA is monumental. But in Obanliku, across traditional stools, religious pulpits, government offices, and courtrooms, a consensus is emerging: the unwritten rules that harm half the population deserve not preservation, but revision. And that revision begins with a simple, powerful realization that no one chooses their gender at birth - and no one should be limited because of it.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/10/rewriting-the-unwritten-rules-how-obanliku-is-challenging-the-social-dna-of-gender-based-violence/

08/10/2025

A Unified Front Against GBV: Obanliku Leaders, Judiciary Pledge Action After Landmark Training

Sankwala, Obanliku LGA–In a display of unity, the political, traditional, judicial, and religious leadership of Obanliku Local Government Area have forged a common front to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), following a landmark training organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre L*D) with funding support from Christian Aid in collaboration with Side-by-Side Movement Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Monday Osasah the Executive Director of Centre L*D highlighted the strategic importance of the gathering, stating, “Today's training meeting is particularly significant because we are not only coming together to strengthen the capacity of Faith and Traditional Leaders to address gender justice and human rights issues within their communities, but also to increase their knowledge on gender justice, resilience, and advocacy.” He emphasized that the meeting was designed to “empower and equip stakeholders to harness our collective expertise, engage with communities, and create sustainable solutions in the fight against GBV.”

The one-day training, which brought together Faith and Traditional Leaders, Women Rights Organizations, and Community Based Organizations, has catalyzed a multi-sectoral commitment to prevent, prohibit, and respond to all forms of GBV, with leaders pledging to leverage their unique authority to protect women and girls.

The event, held at Sangji Hotel in Busonfang on Tuesday, equipped participants with foundational knowledge on gender justice. Dr. Vincent Dania, the Programme Coordinator at Centre L*D, in his presentation, laid the philosophical groundwork, challenging attendees to reflect on the arbitrariness of gender-based discrimination.

“How many of you decided the s*x you would be born with? None of us did,” Dr. Dania stated, framing GBV as a violation of fundamental rights. He defined the core issues, explaining that harmful practices are often rooted in socially constructed "gender norms" and "gender roles," rather than biological fact.

Building on this, Pastor Offiong Enang, the Programme Coordinator for the Side by Side Project under Christian Aid, educated leaders on recognizing threats, defining Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as “violence directed against a person based on their gender or s*x,” which includes physical, mental, and s*xual harm. He underscored the critical need for vigilance, pointing out “Early warning signs of SGBV are signs that tell you that someone might soon be hurt or someone is already hurting another person,” and noted that these acts are fundamentally “rooted in power relations.”

This shared understanding spurred immediate and concrete commitments from the community’s power centers.

Political Will: "My Office is Always Open"

Speaking in an interview, the Vice Chairman of Obanliku LGA, Hon. Glory Awowoh, underscored the local government’s commitment. “I can assure you that in Obanliku, the chairman of council with myself and the entire team, we are giving to supporting people and fighting against these kind of situations,” she stated.

Emphasizing a victim-centered approach, Hon. Awowoh declared, “My office as the vice chairman of council is always open to listen to you and then to follow up to give you the help that you need.” She also issued a stern warning against any attempts to revive the abolished ‘Money Woman’ custom, vowing, “I bet you for a fact that that will not happen. It cannot happen. Not under our watch.”

Traditional Authority: Fines and Referral Systems

His Royal Majesty, Amb. Dr. Uchua Amos Uyumulam Item JP, the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, detailed the practical steps his council is taking to enforce the new norms. “We have more laws we are putting in place for the offenders… There are fines that we instituted ranging from some material things like livestock and some drinks and cola notes,” the Monarch revealed.

He further explained a structured escalation process, stating, “We also have agreed on the referral activities or services. Anything that is above us, we now make reference to the appropriate quarters and make sure that the law takes its course.”

Judicial Muscle: The Law Will Prevail

Adding the full weight of the formal justice system, Chief Magistrate I. I. Abam, who presides in Obanliku, affirmed the judiciary's role. In an illustration of the issues at hand, the Magistrate revealed he had just remanded a man for contempt and spousal violence, demonstrating the court's readiness to act.

Chief Magistrate Abam firmly stated that harmful customs would not be tolerated. “We look at it as being repugnant to natural equity and good conscience,” he said. “The law will always prevail.”

Religious Conviction: Preaching from the Pulpit

The religious leaders pledged to become evangelists of the anti-GBV message within their congregations. Rev. Godfirst Akeribo, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Obanliku, committed to “swim into action, teaching and preaching against this act in our various churches.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Chief Imam of Obanliku, Aliyu Abubakar, expressed his strong support for the initiative. “What happened today is a very great thing. It's what I was looking for,” he said, highlighting the progress already made in his community regarding girls' education.

The event culminated in participants pledging their commitment to the cause of SGBV, symbolizing a historic pact to transform Obanliku into a model for gender justice and community-led protection in Cross River state.

Centre L*D is the National Secretariat of the Side-by-Side Movement SBS, and Christian Aid CA,

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/10/a-unified-front-against-gbv-obanliku-leaders-judiciary-pledge-action-after-training/

07/10/2025

Bakassi LGA Chairman Assents to Landmark Gender-Based Violence Byelaw, Establishes Local Enforcement

Ikot Effiom, Bakassi –In a historic move for grassroots governance and human rights, the Executive Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Etim Okon, has formally assented to the Bakassi Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition, Prevention and Response) Byelaw, 2025.

The assent, which took place at the Chairman’s office on Monday, transforms the legislative byelaw proposal passed by the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly in August into enforceable law, marking an important step in the local fight against gender-based violence.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, and the Clerk of the Assembly, Jesam Odu, who presented the final document for executive approval. Photographs from the event captured the moment of the historic assent, symbolizing a unified front between the legislative and executive arms of the council in tackling the menace.

The byelaw, now designated BLC/BYE-LAW NO. 1, 2025, establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to prevent, prohibit, and respond to all forms of gender-based violence, including physical, s*xual, psychological, and economic abuse.

It introduces stringent penalties for offenders, with r**e carrying a minimum sentence of 12 years and up to life imprisonment without the option of a fine. Other offences such as harmful traditional practices, economic abuse, and witchcraft branding also attract substantial custodial sentences and fines.

A key innovation of the legislation is the creation of community-level enforcement mechanisms, notably the Area Council Anti-GBV Committee and Community Crisis Management Teams (CCMTs). These bodies are tasked with first response, ensuring survivor safety, and referring cases to the police within 24 hours. They will also lead public enlightenment campaigns to shift harmful social norms.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Chairman Okon hailed the law as a testament to the council’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. "Today, we send a clear and unequivocal message that Bakassi is no longer a safe haven for perpetrators of gender-based violence. This law provides the tools to protect our women and girls and ensure justice for survivors," he stated.

Rt. Hon. Bassey, who championed the passage in the assembly, appreciated the Chairman for his swift assent. "This is a bold statement against impunity. We have now provided a robust legal framework tailored to our local context. Our work now shifts to ensuring effective implementation across all 10 wards in Bakassi," she said.

The byelaw aligns with existing federal and state legislations, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Cross River State VAPP Law, while specifically addressing the unique socio-cultural dynamics of the Bakassi area.

Leader further explained that with the Chairman's assent, the legislation is now in effect, and the accompanying Implementation & Monitoring Framework is set to guide its rollout.
https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/10/breaking-bakassi-lga-chairman-assents-to-landmark-gender-based-violence-byelaw-establishes-local-enforcement/

07/10/2025

When Destiny Calls, Sacrifice Answers
.How five Cross River patriots answered the call — and what their stories tell us about service, courage and the state’s future



CALABAR, October 2, 2025 — On a cool October night at Shettima Hall, the Destiny Cross River Awards declared, in no uncertain terms, that the highest calling for a public life in Cross River is sacrifice. The maiden edition brought together faith leaders, public servants, academics and traditional rulers to honour five people whose lives have been marked by uncommon service: Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON, Prof. Kelvin Etta, Chief Anthony Ani, CON, and Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa.

Under the pulpit voice of Archbishop Josef Bassey, convener of the Awards, the evening framed their stories not as personal triumphs but as building blocks of a collective destiny. a destiny that, the Archbishop said, “is not fulfilled by chance; it is secured by sacrifice.” Below are fuller, human portraits of each awardee, the paths they took, the burdens they bore, and why the Destiny Awards chose to celebrate them while they still walk among us.

Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu – The Turnaround Manager of a New Cross River

Award: Destiny Cross River Grand Commander Award
Category: Leadership and Governance

When history remembers this era, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu (Sweet Prince), will be remembered as the man who restored confidence, order, and direction to Cross River State.

From the moment he assumed office as Governor, Otu demonstrated quiet but firm leadership, focusing on rebuilding institutions rather than making noise. His administration’s People-First philosophy has reconnected government to the common man, revived moribund agencies, and rekindled hope among civil servants and investors alike.

Archbishop Josef Bassey, convener of the Destiny Awards, described him as “a turnaround manager who chose results over rhetoric.” The cleric noted that while others complain, Otu works: “We have all the data, memos, and reports of the past administration, yet you have chosen silence and service over blame.”

The Destiny Cross River Grand Commander Award was therefore conferred on Governor Otu for his intentional developmental strides, restorative leadership, and uncompromising focus on the collective destiny of Cross Riverians. His quiet transformation across infrastructure, education, and governance has repositioned the state — not with fanfare, but with faith and results.

Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON – The Legal Sage and Defender of Institutions

Award: Destiny Patriarchal Laureate Award

Category: Law, Integrity and National Service

Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON, occupies a distinguished place in Nigeria’s history as a jurist, public intellectual, and conscience of the legal profession. A two-time Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Agabi has spent decades at the heart of Nigeria’s legal evolution, where the defense of truth often demands courage greater than ambition.

Born in Cross River State, Agabi’s journey through public life has been defined by an unyielding devotion to principle. From his early days as a brilliant lawyer to his years shaping national legal discourse, he has stood firmly for the sanctity of the rule of law, constitutional order, and institutional integrity.

The Destiny Cross River Awards described him as “a man whose quiet intellect and moral courage have become pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.” His selection for the Destiny Patriarchal Laureate Award was not merely for longevity in service, but for his unwavering belief that justice is the soul of governance.

While receiving his honour, Chief Agabi, in his characteristic humility, said:

“This award is a tonic that will spur me to do more in the service of humanity.”

That statement summed up the heart of his legacy — service renewed, never retired. Even in an era of politicised law, Agabi has remained a defender of institutions, reminding Nigerians that the legal profession must not serve power, but balance it.

For Cross Riverians, his recognition was deeply symbolic: it affirmed that integrity is still a public virtue. His name now stands in the roll of honour as a man who, through intellect, humility, and courage, ensured that Nigeria’s democracy has a conscience and Cross River State, a model of moral service.



Prof. Kelvin Etta – The Unbending Reformer and Academic Visionary

Award: Destiny Patriarchal Defender Emeritus Award

Category: Education, Institutional Reform and Mentorship

If institutions are the memory of society, then Prof. Kelvin Etta has helped Cross River remember what discipline, integrity, and excellence look like. As former Vice Chancellor of both the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), his name has become synonymous with reform and courage.

Throughout his career, Prof. Etta has been a builder, sometimes gentle, often firm: but always focused on leaving behind systems that outlive individuals. His approach to leadership blended high standards with deep humanity, producing not just graduates but generations of leaders.

During his emotional acceptance speech at the Destiny Cross River Awards, he said:

“If there’s anyone I must have hurt or offended in the course of my public service and in the pursuit of success with a determination to leave behind beautiful footprints in the sands of life, please find a place in your heart to forgive me. It wasn’t intentional, but out of our passion to serve and succeed.”

That heartfelt plea captured a truth often buried in leadership, that reform is rarely painless. His humility to seek forgiveness, even while being celebrated, demonstrated the soul of a man who understands that greatness demands grace.

For the Destiny Awards, Prof. Etta’s selection carried profound symbolism. He personifies the educational backbone of Cross River’s destiny, a state that thrives when learning and discipline coexist. His award, the Destiny Patriarchal Defender Emeritus, honoured his resilience, tenacity, and lifelong defence of academic excellence.

Prof. Etta’s story is a masterclass in sacrificial leadership. His reforms, though sometimes uncomfortable, were driven by a passion to build strong institutions. His legacy is written not only in policies or buildings but in minds transformed and standards restored. In every sense, he stands as the conscience of education in Cross River, proof that when destiny calls, conviction must answer.



Chief Anthony Ani, CON – The Financial Sage and Nation Builder

Award: Destiny Legends Protocol Award

Category: Finance, Economic Management and National Policy

To those who study Nigeria’s fiscal history, Chief Anthony Ani, CON, is more than a public servant, he is an institution. A former Minister of Finance and one-time Chairman of the Akwa Ibom/Calabar Free Trade Zone Authority, Ani’s name commands respect across business and government circles for his unflinching commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and long-term vision.



At a time when Nigeria’s economy faced daunting uncertainty, Chief Ani stood out as a voice of reason and prudence. His leadership in economic management was marked by tough decisions taken not for applause, but for posterity. His stewardship helped to set parameters for responsible financial governance in a nation often distracted by politics.

The Destiny Cross River Awards described him as “a financial sage whose discipline sustained national growth and whose wisdom inspires generations.” His recognition under the Legends Protocol Category reflected the organisers’ desire to honour a lifetime of sacrifice in service to national prosperity.

For Cross River, his award is a reminder that financial integrity is foundational to the state’s destiny. His life teaches that good governance is not about slogans, but systems — and that wealth, when wisely managed, can be a pathway to collective progress. The Destiny Legends Protocol Award thus stands as both a tribute and a challenge: that future leaders must serve with the same courage, restraint, and foresight that defined Chief Ani’s decades of public service.



Senator Florence Ita-Giwa – The Destiny Matriarch and Voice of the Voiceless

Award: Destiny Matriarchal Defender Award

Category: Humanitarian Service, Advocacy and Leadership

Few names evoke compassion and courage in Nigeria’s public space like Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, affectionately known as Mama Bakassi. Her life story reads like a chapter of Nigeria’s conscience, decades of advocacy for the displaced, the voiceless, and especially the people of Bakassi whose plight she has championed for years.

A trailblazer in politics and social advocacy, Ita-Giwa’s service has cut across the legislature, humanitarian causes, and women’s empowerment. As a senator, she became a formidable voice for equity, and as a humanitarian, she has dedicated her life to rebuilding lives uprooted by conflict and displacement.

Receiving the Destiny Matriarchal Defender Award, she stood not just as an individual honouree but as a symbol of every woman who has fought to be heard. In her acceptance speech, she said:

“This honour is for every woman who has had to fight to be heard. It shows that our labour is not in vain.”

The words drew a long ovation, not just for their sincerity, but for what they represented: the triumph of resilience over silence. Ita-Giwa’s recognition as the first female recipient of the Destiny Awards sent a clear message, that leadership is not defined by gender, but by courage, compassion, and commitment to others.

Her decades of unrelenting advocacy for the Bakassi returnees have given hope to thousands and positioned her as one of Nigeria’s most enduring voices for justice. The award organisers aptly described her as “the Destiny Matriarch , a mother to causes larger than herself.”

Her selection is an acknowledgement that compassion too is sacrifice. Her life is a portrait of selfless service, proving that when destiny calls, love and humanity must answer.

The Convener: Archbishop Josef Bassey — Prophet and Catalyst

No account of the night would be complete without the convener himself. Archbishop Josef Bassey fashioned the Awards as a covenant: not merely ceremony, but a prophetic nudge toward a state that recognises, models and multiplies sacrificial service. His lines — “When leaders do wrong, we must say so. But when they do right, we must also acknowledge it” — are a shortcut to the Awards’ thesis: praise is corrective; praise is generative.

Why these awards matter

The Destiny Cross River Awards did more than hand plaques. It staged a moral argument: that public life must be about posterity, not just present advantage; that leadership is measured by what it leaves behind. Each awardee represents an element of that argument, institutional repair (Otu), rule of law (Agabi), educational resilience (Etta), financial stewardship (Ani), and social courage (Ita-Giwa).

The ceremony also modelled a public culture: honour today, not after the grave. Archbishop Bassey and Governor Otu both underscored the point. Otu’s borrowed voice insisted that celebration of living patriots “strengthens the culture of sacrifice and inspires many more to follow their example.” The Archbishop, for his part, framed the awards as a prophetic covenant to secure Cross River’s destiny.

A simple covenant, a hard task

Destiny is not a slogan; it is a work plan. The people honoured on that night were chosen because their lives show how long and lonely that work can be. They remind us that when destiny calls, sacrifice answers, sometimes quietly, sometimes painfully, but always with an eye on what will outlast us.

As Cross River enters this season of rebuilding and hope, the Destiny Awards have given the state a readable template: celebrate courage, build institutions, forgive honestly, and keep faith with posterity. If those principles stick, the night at Shettima Hall will be remembered not only for the speeches and the applause, but for planting a culture that future leaders will be compelled to emulate.

The Meaning Behind the Awards

The Destiny Cross River Awards were conceived by Archbishop Josef Bassey to honour living patriots — men and women who have shaped the state through selfless service, integrity, and sacrifice. The theme of the night, “When Destiny Calls, Sacrifice Answers,” captured the heart of the event: to remind Cross Riverians that greatness demands giving up comfort for purpose.

Each awardee’s journey, from politics to education, law to finance, and advocacy to governance, forms a mosaic of what true leadership looks like: sacrifice with vision.
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