Negroid Haven (2025)

02/08/2025

ODIONG URGES BAKASSI STUDENTS TO EMBRACE EDUCATION AS A SOURCE OF PRIDE, PROGRESS

Efio-Ita Nyok

Ekpri Ikang, Bakassi LGA –Navy Commander Patrick Bassey Odiong (Retired), the Cross River State Security Adviser (South) to Governor Bassey Otu, has urged pupils in Bakassi to embrace education as a tool for pride, transformation, and societal advancement. He gave this charge during a student outreach at Government Secondary School, Ekpri Ikang, on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, as part of a state-backed three-day primary school intervention tagged “Back to School.”

Addressing the students in a mix of English and Efik, Commander Odiong emphasized the importance of formal learning, declaring that “if you seek education and get education, you will be a pride of your father, the pride of your mother, the pride of your children, and the pride of Bakassi.”

He recounted his personal journey, describing how he rose from obscurity to his current position in government, stating that Governor Bassey Otu found him “from the forest, from the swamp” and appointed him because of the value of education and personal discipline.

The intervention programme, organized by the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State in collaboration with the Office of the State Security Adviser (South), is designed to support students with donations of free textbooks, exercise books, school uniforms, sandals, and school bags, including a one-year scholarship to select pupils.

Also speaking, Comrade Ukeme Ekong, a resource person, cautioned students against negative peer influence, drug abuse, and early exposure to risky behavior. “You need to know who you are… and run away from bad influence. Don't allow anyone destroy your future,” she advised.

The Wednesday event was part of a series that kicked off on Tuesday at Ikang Primary School, and will climax on Thursday at Government Primary School, Akwa Obutong.

Special Guest of Honour, Effiong Okon, the Executive Chair of Bakassi LGA, is expected to headline the grand finale, while the intervention aligns with the state’s broader effort to improve educational access and child protection in vulnerable communities like Bakassi.

The programme which featured traditional Efik Eburutu dances has been widely welcomed by parents, teachers, and community stakeholders who view it as a timely investment in rebuilding Bakassi’s educational ecosystem post-displacement and underdevelopment.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/odiong-urges-bakassi-students-to-embrace-education-as-a-source-of-pride-progress/

31/07/2025

My attention has been drawn to the rising trend of unauthorized press statements, media interviews, and public commentaries issued by individuals and political appointees on sensitive matters relating to government policies and programmes.

Let me make this clear: no one is authorized to speak on behalf of the Government of Cross River State or the Office of the Governor, except the Commissioner for Information and my Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

This directive is not up for debate.
The unauthorised releases, official statements is not only intolerable, but also misleading, as it undermines the strategic communication framework of this administration.
We cannot allow such practices to continue.

From this moment forward, all official communications, be it press releases, interviews, or public statements, must be cleared and approved by the aforementioned authorities.

Any breach of this directive will be treated as a serious act of insubordination.

I urge all political appointees, especially those within the Information Cluster, to take this directive seriously and conduct themselves in line with the responsibilities and remits of their respective offices.

Let us ensure a structured and coordinated information management system so as to protect the integrity of this government and the confidence of the people we serve.

– Sen. Bassey Edet Otu
Governor, Cross River State

31/07/2025

Richard “Lefty” Edem: Iconic Ex-National Coach Returns for Table Tennis Glory

By George Effiong-Fuji

Fans and followers of table tennis in Calabar, the Cross River State capital have every reason to be excited at the prospect of seeing veterans and one of the game's most iconic figures, Richard “Lefty” Edem emerge from retirement to compete in the much anticipated Governor Prince Otu Veteran Sports Championship, slated to hold in the magnificent U.J. Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar from 2nd August, 2025.

Richard Edem, fondly referred to as ‘Coach’ or ‘Lefty’ by his admirers and fans is a talented sportsman who gained popularity as a footballer in the 70s and 80s, plying his trade as an attacking right winger for clubs such as Customs FC, Shell of Port Harcourt, and the defunct Goffi Babes of Calabar respectively. But, as a natural sports talent, he also shone in table tennis and represented Cross River State at various editions of National Sports Festivals in the 80s and won laurels for the state.

Due to Lefty's calm, jovial, friendly disposition, and interest in youths’ development through sports, he took up the challenge of inculcating his life-long Pin Pong skills in the youths. His foray into table tennis coaching yielded positive results as his female proteges of Offiong Edem, Cecilia Otu, Janet Udoka and others dominated Nigeria's and Africa's continental table tennis landscape by competing and winning more than one hundred medals for the state in the late 90s and 2000s. Noteworthy to state that this feat was accomplished with the multidimensional support and leadership of the then Chairman of Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Right Honorable Orok Otu Duke.

As a proverbial golden fish with no hiding place, Lefty's dedication to the game, and talent development was subsequently spotted and rewarded with a callup to the national table tennis camp in 2002 to help guide and further nurture his products, Offiong Edem, Cecilia Otu, and others in International games. It is on record that his long national coaching career made him travel around the world to compete in various table tennis competitions like World Youth Championships, World Table Tennis Championships, Africa Games, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, 2012 London Olympics, etc. Presently, one of his female proteges, Hope Udoka is representing Nigeria in the ongoing Pongfinity Cup Tournament in Helsinki, Finland.

In a brief chat with the iconic fair-complexioned retired 65 year old veteran ex-player and coach after his training at the impressive Canaan Table Tennis Club complex in Calabar stadium, I asked him about his chances of winning the upcoming veterans’ games, he said, “I'm optimistic about making it to at least the medal range. Because I've been training in recent days to be in good shape for the games”. There is no doubt that the forthcoming games is an avenue for Coach Lefty to exercise his aging muscles, display some tennis skills, and let off the much-needed steam that veterans’ health craves for. From 2nd August onwards, all eyes will be on the truly iconic veteran Coach Lefty as he and other table tennis veterans lockhorns for Ping pong supremacy in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/richard-lefty-edem-iconic-ex-national-coach-returns-for-table-tennis-glory/

30/07/2025

Bakassi Children Empowered Against Peer Pressure, Illiteracy at Grassroots Back-to-School Campaign

By Efio-Ita Nyok

Bakassi —In a renewed push to combat illiteracy, insecurity, and social vices among young people in Cross River’s coastal communities, the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State—through the Office of the State Security Adviser (South)—has launched a 3-day community outreach targeting children and adolescents in Bakassi Local Government Area.

The campaign, which commenced yesterday at Government Primary School, Ikang is themed around education, mentorship, and peer pressure awareness, with hundreds of school children in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Commander Patrick Bassey Odiong Rtd, the State Security Adviser (South) and convener of the initiative, said the programme was born out of a deeply personal conviction and the governor's vision of an inclusive and peaceful Cross River State.

“When I visited my community during Christmas and Easter, I was heartbroken. The road is bad, teachers pay their own transport, and children have no incentive to attend school,” Odiong said.

“In the next 15 years, if we don’t act now, we might not have any graduates from this community. This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. I grew up here. I understand what these children face. This outreach is about hope, access, and giving back.”

Odiong, who hails from the community, partnered with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, to distribute branded exercise books and educational materials to pupils. The programme will also feature health talks, mentorship sessions, and community engagement to curb child abuse, drug use, and other social ills.

In her goodwill message, the executive chair of Bakassi, Effiong Okon, represented by Hon. Maureen Effiom, Secretary of Council for Bakassi LGA, praised the initiative. “This event is a blessing. Commander Odiong has come back home to touch lives. You can see the joy on the children’s faces. We thank Her Excellency for this impactful outreach,” she said.

Also speaking, the Leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, charged the children—especially girls—to embrace education as the key to unlocking their futures.
“I am a product of resilience, learning, and service. When women and girls are given the chance to lead, communities thrive,” she said.

“To the girls here, education will open doors you never imagined. Believe in your greatness, nurture it, and stay focused.”

The highlight of the day was an interactive talk by Comrade Ukeme Ekong, who delivered a vibrant, relatable session on peer pressure, identity, and adolescent development. Speaking in a blend of motivational and humorous tones, he engaged the children on issues like drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and negative peer influence: “Know who you are and stand firm. If you don't define your identity, someone else will do it for you—likely the wrong way. Say no and mean it,” Ekong urged the pupils.

The outreach continues today and concludes tomorrow, with more resource persons expected and additional educational materials to be distributed. The program is seen as a model for community-based engagement in rural and riverine communities across Nigeria.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/bakassi-children-empowered-against-peer-pressure-illiteracy-at-grassroots-back-to-school-campaign/

27/07/2025

C'River State Forestry Commission marks 2025 Mangrove Day with Field Demonstration

By Christiana Ushang

Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) in collaboration with Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), UKPACT, and other environmental stakeholders celebrated the 2025 International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove ecosystems with a massive awareness campaign.

The Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, George O'Ben- Etchi led the train which included Members of the Creek Town Community to the Regeneration Area located in Mbarakom village in Creek Town, Odukpani Local Government area.

The Chairman who was represented by the Assistant Director, Regeneration Agro-Forestry, Non-Timber and Medicinal plants (RANM), Ikana Bassey, described the event as significant to the sustainability of Mangrove Ecosystems which is being heavily threatened in the State.

O'Ben- Etchi urged Cross Riverians to put all hands on deck to effectively checkmate economic activities capable of undermining the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystems.

While speaking at the event, a Director with the Integrated Mangrove Watch Association of Nigeria (IMWAM), Anthony Essien, gave a practical demonstration of the ecosystem planting techniques and advised the host community and other coastal communities to desist from illegal cutting of the mangrove as this he said "is one of the fastest ways of ending the life span of the mangrove.

Also speaking, the Head GIS and Forestry Monitoring Unit, Agala Ebiaga, highlighted the economic values of the critical role mangrove plays on maintaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, storm surge, combating climate change, as well as intersection of land and sea, providing essential services such as food security for sea animals, shoreline protection, and storage of carbon dioxide amongst many other benefits.

He however lamented that despite their immense value, mangrove is under severe threat due to human activities, urban expansion, pollution, and climate change.

The village Head of Mbarakom, Oku Essien Oku, who appreciated the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu for his timely support in the regeneration of the mangrove areas appealed to the Governor not to relent as there was more work to be done in preserving the mangrove at large.

The event which was regarded as successful by many in their goodwill messages described it as a milestone marking the beginning of a new area in the protection and preservation of the mangrove areas.

The people were visibly excited recognizing the fact that such plausible actions could revive the lost glory of the water and it's inhabitants.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/criver-state-forestry-commission-marks-2025-mangrove-day-with-field-demonstration/

24/07/2025

CROSS RIVER STATE APC CELEBRATES RT. HON. OROK OTU DUKE PhD ON THE OCCASION OF HIS BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY, TODAY.

The State Chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq. JP, and the State Executive Committee members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cross River State, extend their warmest congratulations to you, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke PhD.

As a distinguished son of Duke Town, Calabar, your life is a reflection of leadership, intellect, cultural advocacy, and service. From your early education at Hope Waddell Training Institute and St. Patrick’s College, to earning undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees at the University of Calabar, your academic journey has been exceptional.

Your public service portfolio is vast and impactful. As a three-term legislator in the Cross River State House of Assembly (1992–2011), where you served twice as Deputy Speaker, and as a delegate to the 2014 National Conference, you demonstrated rare legislative competence and patriotism. Your contributions as Special Adviser on Information and Culture and as Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission (2015–2019) reinforced your place as a visionary leader.

Your current role as Cross River State’s representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration shows your capacity across multiple positions. As Chairman of the CRSTTA and Canaan Table Tennis Club, you continue to empower the youth and nurture sporting excellence across the state.

Beyond governance, you are a celebrated author and cultural custodian. With over a dozen published works, ranging from poetry to prose, theatre, and oral literature, you have immortalised the Calabar experience and preserved the heritage of the Efik people. Your memberships in literary and theatrical associations across Nigeria, the UK, and the US reflect global recognition of your literary acumen.

As Adaidaha ke Efik Eburutu, Adaidaha ke Ufok Duke, and Otuekong ke Atakpa Ikot Effiom, your chieftaincy titles affirm your standing as a respected community leader and adviser to the revered Obong of Calabar.

On this special day, we honour your legacy of courage, service, creativity, and vision. May the years ahead bring you the fulfilment of all your heart's desires.

Happy Birthday, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke PhD.

SIGNED:

Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang JP
State Publicity Secretary
APC Cross River State
24th July, 2025.

23/07/2025

C/River Gov’t Officials, Professionals Honoured at RGP-COHTECH Graduation Ceremony

By Efio-Ita Nyok

Calabar—A distinguished group of Cross River State Government officials and professionals were honoured on Thursday at the combined graduation and induction ceremony of the Research Gateway Professional Institute (RGP) and the College of Health Technology (COHTECH), Calabar. The event, which held at the EU Prime Hall in the college premises, recognised the awardees for their outstanding contributions to governance, youth development, public service, and educational advancement NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.

The recipients of the RGP Fellowship awards included:

* Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of General Staff to the governor of Cross River state
* Archibong Etim Bassey, Chairperson, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council.
* Dunamis Archibong Okpo, Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the state governor;
* Ayi Etim Effiong, Executive Secretary, Calabar Urban Development Authority;
* Hon. Bassey Mensah, Commissioner for Water Resources, Cross River State;
* Patrick Egobo Egbede;
* Mr. Raphael Murphy, Special Adviser on Project Monitoring and Evaluation;
* Archibong Emmanuel, Executive Secretary, Technical Education Board;
* Frank Umo, Special Adviser on Religious Matters;
* Grace Otu Effiong;
* Nkoyo Otu, Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs;
* Kelvin-Joseph Enyam, Special Assistant on Student Affairs;
* Boniface Okache, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor;
* Dr. Virginia Ironbar, Director of the Pre-Degree Programme, University of Calabar;
* Effiong Umoh, Director-General, Cross River State TRAMRA.

The fellowship awards, presented by the management of RGP in conjunction with COHTECH, were in recognition of the recipients' dedication to public service, educational reforms, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment in Cross River State.

Delivering the keynote, Rev. Dr. ThankGod Onda Arong, the President and CEO of Research Gateway Professional Institute, lauded the awardees for their roles in advancing the objectives of good governance and functional education. He noted that the Institute’s ongoing empowerment efforts are significantly enhanced by the goodwill and leadership of such individuals in government and civil society.

The event also featured the graduation of over 1,700 individuals who completed certified training programs in healthcare and vocational skills under the RGP-COHTECH collaboration. Many of the graduands benefitted from full scholarships under the RGP 1,000 Youth Empowerment Initiative launched in 2023.

Graduands were inducted into various health and professional fields and received certificates endorsed by G-12 African Private Universities and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). A major highlight of the event was the official launch of a Healthcare Professional Guide, aimed at strengthening ethical practices and skills among frontline health workers, especially in gender-based violence (GBV) response.

In his remarks, Dr. Ita Ikpeme, Provost of COHTECH, commended the RGP-COHTECH partnership for promoting community-based health and vocational education. He encouraged the new inductees to uphold professional excellence and integrity in their practice.

The valedictorian and graduand of Geriatric Care studies, SSA Dunamis Okpo, who was also one of the awardees delivered goodwill messages on behalf of the state government, reaffirming the Bassey Otu administration’s support for people-oriented programs.

On her part, Archibong Bassey the Chair of the NUJ in the state expressed pleasant surprise at the acknowledgement. While pledging to be of continued service to the public observed that “I had never thought that I would be celebrated in such magnitude and short notice”.

Arong announced upcoming programs, including a free Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Level 1 Training scheduled for August 2025, and plans to train 5,000 youths annually through expanded partnerships. He also appealed for public and private sector support in addressing key challenges faced by the institute—such as the need for a permanent site, ICT equipment, mobility support, and vocational training tools.
https://www.negroidhaven.com/?p=147139&preview=true

23/07/2025

Stakeholders Raise Enforcement Concerns as Bakassi LGA Holds Public Hearing on Gender-Based Violence Byelaw
..Traditional leaders, CSOs, and citizens decry police inaction
..Demand stronger enforcement framework in proposed GBV legislation

By Efio-Ita Nyok

Bakassi LGA | At a public hearing held Tuesday in Ikot Effiom, headquarters of Bakassi Local Government Area (LGA), key stakeholders from across the community expressed concern over the enforceability of a proposed Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition, Prevention & Response) Byelaw, 2025. While the initiative was broadly welcomed, participants, including traditional leaders, clergy, civil society organizations (CSOs), and citizens, called out the persistent uncooperative attitude of the police and stressed the need for a robust, actionable enforcement strategy.

The byelaw, sponsored by Hon. Prince Bassey Mkpeit of Ward 6 and supported by colleagues in the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, seeks to provide a legal framework to prevent, prohibit, and respond to gender-based violence in the LGA. The hearing aimed to harvest community input to fine-tune the proposed legislation.

GBV remains a pervasive issue in Cross River State, with anecdotal evidence pointing to rising incidents, especially in impoverished communities like Ikang. The byelaw is part of a broader effort supported by civil society, including the Gender and Development Action (GADA), to localize GBV response mechanisms.

Stakeholder Contributions & Debate Highlights

HRH Antigha Antigha Okon, the Village Head of Ikang community, voiced a major concern shared by many: “There is Gender-Based Violence in Bakassi, especially in Ikang. Women are vulnerable because of poverty. But what makes it worse is that the police are not helping matters—they are not cooperating.”

This sentiment was echoed by several others who lamented the lack of responsiveness from security agencies. “Enacting a law is simple,” HRH Okon added, “but enforcing it—that’s the real issue.”

Leader Grace Bassey responded, assuring the public that the proposal has an implementation and monitoring framework attached to the draft circulated at the hearing. She stressed that enforcement structures such as Community Crisis Management Teams (CCMTs) were embedded in the framework.

A representative of GADA, namely, Roseline Unimuke, proposed key amendments, including an expanded definition of r**e to cover pe*******on of the va**na, a**s, or mouth by any object. The group also called for life imprisonment as the maximum penalty for convicted rapists.

Another participant, Edem Antigha Edet, questioned the absence of provisions addressing violence perpetrated by women against men. “If we want justice to be fair, it must be gender-neutral,” he said. Edet’s sentiment found acceptance amongst the majority of the participants who simultaneously chorused support for his opinion

A member of the clergy, namely, Pst. David Owo, urged the inclusion of surveillance measures for child abuse, citing children loitering during school hours as a red flag. Maurice, another participant, pushed for the inclusion of female ge***al mutilation (FGM) as a harmful traditional practice. “This is an abuse we overlook too often,” he remarked.

Many attendees agreed that traditional practices should not be exempt from scrutiny under the proposed byelaw.

Hon. Mkpeit reaffirmed his commitment: “This byelaw is a commitment to safeguarding women, children, and vulnerable groups in Bakassi. We will take these recommendations seriously.”

Maurice Eyo, the state Governor's aide on community relations warned, “If the police remain indifferent and no budget is allocated for implementation, this byelaw will not go beyond paper.”

Another advocate stressed the need for offender's register, a dedicated legal team to facilitate justice in the face of police lackadaisical attitude and survivor-centered services in local communities.

The 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly is expected to revise the draft based on stakeholder feedback and table the final version for a vote in the coming weeks. Implementation will depend on coordinated efforts between the LGA, police, traditional authorities, and civil society partners.

The general mood at the public hearing was of the opinion that the byelaw proposal signaled a bold step in Bakassi’s campaign against gender-based violence, but it also revealed deep-seated frustrations with law enforcement and implementation capacity. The participants noted that if improved upon as suggested, passed and properly enforced, the byelaw could serve as a model for other LGAs in Cross River State confronting similar social challenges.
https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/stakeholders-raise-enforcement-concerns-as-bakassi-lga-holds-public-hearing-on-gender-based-violence-byelaw/

23/07/2025

UNICAL VC Leads Delegation to MDCN in Abuja to Resolve Dentistry Over-Admission Crisis

By Efio-Ita Effiom Nyok
..University secures FG's ₦4.75bn intervention
..Awaits Budget Office clearance to recruit faculty, procure dental chairs

CALABAR — In a decisive move to resolve the ongoing over-admission crisis in the Dentistry programme of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has led a high-level delegation to the headquarters of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in Abuja.

The delegation, which included the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences and the Dean of Dentistry, engaged in a strategic meeting with the Registrar and senior officials of the MDCN to discuss pathways to secure the graduation and induction of the university’s current 4th, 5th, and 6th-year dentistry students.

At the meeting, the MDCN reiterated its position that some students would need to be transferred to other universities offering Dentistry as part of an ongoing effort to regularize enrolment numbers and ensure quality assurance. The regulatory body also assured of its continued partnership with the university to facilitate the transfer process and the eventual induction of eligible graduates.

Prof. Obi explained that the visit was driven by the university’s strong commitment to its students’ academic future. "We are leaving no stone unturned. These students must graduate and be licensed. That’s our top priority,” she said.

She emphasized that contrary to rumours, the university has not lost its accreditation, and no instruction was ever issued to students to abandon the programme or seek trades.

“Our concern is how to work with MDCN to meet all requirements so that our students’ careers do not suffer. That’s why we are here,” the Vice-Chancellor stressed.

₦4.75 Billion Special Presidential Intervention Boosts Confidence

In a related development, Prof. Obi disclosed that UNICAL has been listed among beneficiaries of a ₦4.75 billion Special Presidential Intervention for medical colleges nationwide. The intervention, she said, would significantly boost infrastructural development and support the university's effort to meet MDCN’s resource requirements.

Through this funding, the university has already procured four new dental chairs, bringing the total to 26. An additional 16 chairs, along with other essential facilities, are expected in the coming months to enhance the institution’s capacity for pre-clinical and clinical training in Dentistry.

Faculty Recruitment to Begin After Budget Office Clearance

The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the Federal Government has granted the university a waiver to recruit new academic staff for the Dentistry programme. However, the process is currently awaiting final clearance from the Budget Office of the Federation.

Once the clearance is received, Prof. Obi assured that the university will proceed immediately with the recruitment exercise, aimed at strengthening its academic manpower base.

“We are focused on both infrastructure and human capital. With the new dental chairs and additional lecturers, we will be ready for MDCN’s reassessment and revalidation,” she noted.

UNICAL’s management has pledged continuous engagement with the MDCN and other stakeholders, including parents and students, to ensure a transparent and successful resolution of the crisis.

Background

The Dentistry programme at UNICAL was established during the 2013/2014 academic session and received full accreditation from MDCN in 2022. However, the institution admitted far above the MDCN-approved quota of 10 students annually — an issue that predates the current administration.

The MDCN has since directed the university to halt new admissions into the programme until a revalidation of facilities and staff strength is concluded.

Meanwhile, the university continues to provide updates to all stakeholders and has reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that no student is left behind.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/unical-vc-leads-delegation-to-mdcn-in-abuja-to-resolve-dentistry-over-admission-crisis

22/07/2025

APPROVED TIME OF REFUSE DISPOSAL IN CROSS RIVER

Do not dump on the floor, use the dumpsters and waste baskets between 6pm and 10pm.

Let's keep Calabar clean, please.

21/07/2025

Calabar South Makes Bold Push for Restructuring, Seeks Creation of Two New LGAs
..Chairman Inaugurates Strategic Committee

In a move aimed at amplifying the voice of Calabar South in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review process, Executive Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Patrick Archibong, has inaugurated a strategic committee and formally advocated for the creation of two additional local government areas from the existing council. The development marks a significant political step toward regional restructuring and grassroots development NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.

Demonstrating statesmanship and a clear understanding of the heartbeat of the people, the Chairman constituted a 14-man Communique Drafting Committee, chaired by the revered Pst. Patrick Asikpo Okon, with the singular mandate to articulate and present a persuasive communique at the South-South Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Transport Hotels, Calabar.

The task was monumental, but the mission was clear—advocate for the creation of two additional local government areas from Calabar South to enhance grassroots development, deepen governance, and correct years of structural imbalance.

The committee, comprising a distinguished team of political leaders, legal minds, clergymen, technocrats, and cultural voices, worked assiduously and harmoniously to draft a communique rich in facts, laced with wisdom, and burning with the aspirations of the people. The esteemed members included:

Pst. Patrick Asikpo Okon (Chairman)
Rt. Hon. Okon Ephraim (Alternate Chairman)

Barr. Dan Edet ( Secretary)

Barr. Ewa Aye Henshaw - Member

Dr. Carol Edem - Member

Bishop Dr. Princess Henrietta Henshaw - Member

Mr. Ubong Sam - Member

Dr. Edem Ebong - Member

Chief Dr. Koko Henshaw - Member

Barr. Ugoji Nwabueze - Member

Hon. Peter Nya - Member

Mr. Ani Oku Ita - Member

Apostle Mrs. Queen Eton - Member

Shepherd Victor Ebong - Member

Their efforts came to glorious light at the public hearing as the Communique was formally registered. In a show of unity and purpose, the Executive Chairman, alongside committee members, appeared at the session to give full moral support. The event reached a crescendo when the State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gave a concise and compelling summary of the communique before presenting it to Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu , Chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Review & Minority Leader and his distinguished team.

Of striking political and developmental importance was the call for the creation of two new Local Government Areas out of the present Calabar South each strategically crafted to reflect its unique cultural, commercial, and community identity with an intelligent restructuring of wards to ensure fairness, balance, and administrative efficiency.

Atakpa Local Government Area
The Cultural and Historic Nerve Center
Proposed with 10 wards and headquarters at Nsidung, this new LGA carves out its identity from Wards 1–6 with targeted expansion:

Ward 1: Split into 2 wards

Ward 2: Split into 2 wards

Wards 3 & 4: Remain unchanged

Ward 5: Expanded into 3 wards

Ward 6: Expanded into 3 wards
This design preserves history while amplifying grassroots representation.

Calabar Central Local Government Area
The Commercial and Residential Hub
Also comprising 10 wards with its headquarters at Ekondo, this proposed LGA draws strength from Wards 7–10 with a smart distribution:

Ward 7: Remains unchanged

Wards 8, 9 & 10: Each expanded into 3 wards
The commercial heart of the city now gets the administrative reach it deserves.

Calabar South Local Government Area (Retained)
The Agrarian and Educational Heartland
To continue with 12 wards and headquarters at Anantigha, this area—rich in learning and agriculture—reconfigures Wards 11 and 12 as follows:

Ward 11: Grows to 6 wards

Ward 12: Grows to 6 wards
A powerful reimagination that brings governance even closer to the farthest farmstead and the smallest school.

This strategic advocacy signals a new dawn for Calabar South one rooted in equitable governance, inclusivity, and the urgent need to bring governance closer to the people.

The bold political vision of Pst. Hon. Patrick Archibong is fast becoming a reference point in effective leadership, foresight, and genuine commitment to restructuring Nigeria from the grassroots up. With this move, Calabar South has not only spoken—IT HAS ROARED

Nkese Eneyo,
Chief Press Secretary
Calabar South LGA

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/calabar-south-makes-bold-push-for-restructuring-seeks-creation-of-two-new-lgas/

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