CROSSFILM Extends Warmest Christmas Greetings to Governor Bassey Otu and Esteemed Wife.

By Pst. Imoke Etorti, Ph.D

CROSSFILM, a distinguished subsidiary of CRBC, renowned for its impactful cinematic productions, insightful documentaries, and thought-provoking publications, stands as a promoter of the rich cultural heritage of Cross River State. Our mission to promote the vibrant traditions and timeless stories of our beloved state resonates locally and globally, bringing the soul of Cross River to the world stage.

As the joyous bells of Christmas ring across our beautiful state, CROSSFILM joins countless voices from near and far in celebrating the exceptional leadership of His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, and his cherished wife, Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu. Together, they stand as pillars of hope, inspiration, and progress, guiding the state toward greater heights with fervent commitment and vision.

Governor Otu, a master architect of stability and progress, continues to steer Cross River with the wisdom of a seasoned statesman and the heart of a compassionate father. His leadership, characterized by strategic foresight and an unflinching dedication to development, is transforming Cross River into a centre of opportunity and growth. His blueprint is not merely about infrastructure, but about creating a legacy of hope for generations to come.

In equal measure, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu shines as a woman of profound grace and remarkable strength. A trailblazer in her own right, a tireless mobilizer, an epitome of Christian virtues, and a steadfast supporter of the people. Her compassion and commitment to unity, progress, and the welfare of every Cross Riverian have woven a tapestry of harmony, dignity, and shared prosperity that binds us all together.

As we celebrate this season of sweetness and goodwill, may the spirit of Christmas infuse your hearts with peace, renew your energies with joy, and fortify your resolve for the path ahead. May the love of your people be a constant source of strength, and may the promise of a brighter tomorrow illuminate your journey. With each passing day, may the grace that guides your leadership continue to inspire, uplift, and empower not just you, but all of Cross River State.

Merry Christmas, Your Excellencies, and may the New Year usher in even greater triumphs and fulfillments for you both, as well as for our beloved Cross River.

With deepest respect, admiration, and fervent prayers for continued success,

Pst. Imoke Etorti, Ph.D
Secretary, CROSSFILM

Hon. Egbala Bassey Inaugurates New Supervisors, Unveils Portfolios for ABI Local Government Area.

On Friday, December 6, 2024, the air in ABI Local Government Area crackled with anticipation, charged with hope for the future. Within the hallowed walls of the Legislative Chambers, a moment of profound significance unfolded as Hon. Egbala Bassey, the Executive Chairman, stood ready to mark the beginning of a new chapter in leadership and public service.

The event began with an introduction by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Mr. Enya Ideba, who warmly welcomed an assembly of key political figures. Among them were Mrs. Akei Ani, the ABI HOLGA; Hon. John Iteh, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government Affairs; Hon. Victor Ewa, Leader 8th ABI Legislative Council; Hon. Sylvester Mboto, Deputy Leader; Hon. Tebe Enya Isong, Majority Leader; Hon. Olivia Bassey, Deputy Majority Leader; Hon. Tete Christopher, Chief Whip; Hon. Fortune Paul, Deputy Chief Whip, alongside other distinguished Councillors, including Hon. Agbong Nchewi of Imabana I, Hon. Seta Bassey of Usumutong/Abeugo, Hon. Micheal Eko of Ebom/Ebijakara, and Hon. Richard Eja of Ekureku II. Dignitaries and well-wishers filled the room, eagerly awaiting the unfolding of this important moment.

As the chamber fell into a hushed silence, Hon. Egbala Bassey took the podium. His voice, firm yet compassionate, resounded with the weight of responsibility, echoing the promise of progress. He began by acknowledging the swift cooperation of the 8th ABI Legislative Council, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their prompt and efficient screening of the appointees.

In his address to the newly appointed Supervisors, Hon. Egbala reminded them that their appointments were not mere honors but a solemn call to serve the people of ABI. He emphasized that their success would be defined by their dedication to the common good, urging them to rise above personal gain and instead work with integrity, diligence, and resourcefulness. He further underscored that the strength of his administration depended on their ability to fulfill the trust placed in them, to build a future grounded in hard work and quality service.

At the Clerk’s call, the appointed Supervisors stepped forward, each swearing an oath to execute their duties impartially and faithfully, in service to the people of ABI. With solemn conviction, they pledged to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria, the State Constitution, and the guiding principles of ABI Local Government. They promised to serve with transparency, integrity, and dedication, ensuring their decisions were always in the best interest of the community. They vowed to work collaboratively with their fellow Councillors and the Executive Chairman, fostering sustainable development, peace, and unity within ABI while ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all citizens.

Shortly after the moment of the oath-taking, the Executive Chairman allocated portfolios to the newly appointed Supervisors. From where; Hon. Wilfred Inah Nkanu was named Supervisor for Education, Hon. Enang Aboli Azogor for Due Process, Mr. Ivara Moses Ejah for Works, Ms. Blessing Enya Edwin for Health, Mr. Stanley Emmanuel Ekpe for Environment, Mrs. Joy Soniwa Ekom for Finance, and Mr. Bassey Evans Igiri for Agriculture. Other appointees sworn in included Dr. Jeremiah Ani, Secretary of Council; Barr. Eni Victor Bassey, Legal Adviser; and Hon. Friday Ernest Okpa, Special Adviser on Peace and Security.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Jeremiah Ani, the newly appointed Secretary of Council, expressed deep gratitude to Hon. Egbala Bassey for the trust placed in them and for entrusting them with their respective mandates. He also thanked all those who had taken time out of their busy schedules to attend, and offered thanks to God for making the event a reality. He concluded with heartfelt wishes for a safe journey home for all in attendance.

The inauguration of the new Supervisors injected ABI’s political landscape with a fresh sense of vigor and possibility.

As the event drew to a close, the sound of handshakes and congratulatory exchanges filled the room, but beneath the noise, a shared understanding lingered in the air: the journey had only just begun. In that revered chamber, Hon. Egbala Bassey had not merely inaugurated a team but had sparked a collective spirit of renewed hope and zealous dedication to the people of ABI Local Government Area.

See More Photos Below;

Video Of The Event Coming Shortly;

Written by Imoke Etorti.

Hon. Egbala Bassey Meets with Top Stakeholders at Abuja’s 2024 Local Government Economic Summit.

Hon. Chief Egbala Bassey, Executive Chairman of Abi Local Government Area, alongside his colleagues from the Forum of Local Government Chairmen of Cross River State, actively participated in the prestigious Local Government Economic Summit (LGES) 2024. The summit, which took place on December 3-4, 2024, at the Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, brought together pivotal figures in the local government sector.

The Local Government Economic Summit (LGES) is a collective of key local government stakeholders across Nigeria, focused on research and advocacy to address the challenges and underdevelopment within the nation’s local government systems. This year’s summit, themed “25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy: The Role of Local Government in Rural Development and Food Security,” served as a critical platform for robust discussions on governance, economic progress, and strategies to uplift rural communities.

The summit’s discussions emphasized essential issues such as good governance, accountability, economic development, national orientation, agricultural advancement, and their collective impact on food security. Explored in relation to their significance for the rural economy and the well-being of the rural poor.

During the opening ceremony, Engr. Bello Lawal, President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), highlighted the commitment of local government chairmen across Nigeria to collaborate with state and multilateral institutions. This partnership aims to accelerate grassroots development, especially in light of the financial autonomy recently granted to local governments. Engr. Lawal also shared his ongoing efforts with key institutions such as the Infrastructure Bank PLC, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), and the Bank of Industry (BOI) to create a comprehensive framework that will attract vital funding for local government initiatives nationwide.

In the same vein, Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata, Chairman of the Board of Governance for the LGES, reiterated that the summit serves as a convergence point for local government stakeholders to candidly address the myriad challenges facing local governance in Nigeria. The summit aims to create lasting solutions to the systemic issues affecting governance at the grassroots level.

This momentous gathering brought together Local Government Chairmen from across the country, to foster meaningful dialogues on policy reforms and strategic collaborations for sustainable development.

For Hon. Egbala Bassey, the insights gained and the connections garnered at the summit will undoubtedly enhance governance in Abi Local Government Area, contributing to improved policy implementation, economic advancement, and strengthened partnerships for grassroots development. Without loss of generality, Hon. Egbala’s participation in LGES promises to have far-reaching benefits for ABI in areas of governance, collaboration, and policy influence, ensuring a brighter future for the remarkable people of ABI.

News update written by Imoke Etorti.