By Joseph Abasi-Abasi, Calabar
The people of Ward 12 of Calabar South Local Government Area recently hosted a colourful thanksgiving and endorsement ceremony in honour of Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
The occasion also witnessed the applauding of his administration’s developmental strides and reaffirming the ward’s unwavering political support.
The event, held amid chants of solidarity and appreciation, featured the presentation of an Award of Visionary Leadership to the Governor and his wife, alongside multiple recognitions for individuals who have contributed to the growth and political mobilisation of the ward.
In his welcome address, the Councillor representing Ward 12, Hon. Moses Eyo, said the gathering was borne out of gratitude, stressing that thanksgiving was both a moral duty and a catalyst for greater achievements.
He described Ward 12 as one of the largest and most politically significant wards in the state, accounting for about 30 per cent of Calabar South’s voting strength, and noted that the ward had consistently demonstrated loyalty to Governor Otu.
Hon. Eyo highlighted the Governor’s personal visit to the community to inspect longstanding challenges, his intervention in addressing security concerns, and the provision of street lighting across the ward, which he said had significantly improved safety and quality of life.
The councillor also outlined his own grassroots interventions, particularly in education, revealing that he had quietly paid school fees and common entrance examination costs for indigent pupils across primary schools in the ward and adjoining areas.
He pledged to expand the initiative from supporting 40 pupils to 60 in the current year, noting that the effort was inspired by the Governor’s philosophy of selfless service.
According to him, several behind-the-scenes contributors to community development were also honoured at the event to encourage sustained commitment to the ward’s progress.
He announced the ward’s collective endorsement of “Season of Sweetness II,” with leaders and residents pledging to increase the ward’s voting contribution from 30 per cent to 40 per cent in subsequent elections.
In his remarks, the Secretary of Council, Calabar South, Mr. Nathaniel Ikpeme, recalled Ward 12’s decisive role in the 2023 elections, noting that the ward delivered the highest votes for Governor Otu in Calabar South and across the state.
He assured that the ward would surpass its previous performance in future elections, adding that residents could “sleep with both eyes closed” knowing the Governor would continue to deliver on his promises, including road rehabilitation projects earlier inspected by the Governor himself.
Receiving the awards on behalf of the Governor, SA to the governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill described the award as well deserved and symbolic of the administration’s people-centred leadership.
He commended Governor Otu’s prioritisation of security and infrastructure, noting that peace had returned to many communities across the state.
The event also featured the awarding of honors to several distinguished individuals, such as Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Mrs. Maria Nnena Adaigbo, and Engineer Ikpeme. Additionally, recognition awards were presented to all APC Ward Executives and Polling Unit Chairmen in Ward 12.
The event drew party leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, youths and other stakeholders, who described the occasion as both a thanksgiving and a renewed declaration of support for Governor Otu’s administration and its development agenda for Cross River State.
