The Cross River State Elders Forum and some prominent indigenes of the
state, including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, have reacted with excitement
to the nomination of the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade as Governor
of the Year by Vanguard Newspaper.
They said the governor was most deserving of the award which will be
conferred on him on Saturday.
Chairman of the elders forum, Col.Pam Ogar (Rtd) said the award was a
fitting recognition of the hard work and unsurpassable achievements
recorded by the governor.
According to him, “The governor’s achievements in the last 22 months as
governor of Cross River State are unmatched.
“Receiving a governor of the year award from a reputable newspaper like
vanguard has again shown that what he is doing in this part of the
country is being seen and appreciated by all.”
While urging the governor to see the award as an impetus to do much more
to advance the lot of the people, he offered prayers for the governor.
“As the umbrella of body elders from Cross River, we can only pray for
the governor and urge him to do more for the people of the State.
“We wish him greater achievement for the state and greater opportunity
for the people of Cross River. Our prayer is for him to continue to make
the dream of the founding fathers of the state come true while praying for
his good health.We will continue to support him. ”
On her part, Ita-Giwa views the award as “a clear indication of the
governor’s faithfulness and commitment to better the lot of Cross
Riverians. Ayade has shown he is ready to make the state a better place.
So l am not surprised with the award and recognition for all his
achievements.
She said the state under Ayade’s watch was “fast becoming an industrial
hub, our people have enjoyed massive employment from the governor in his
demonstration to ensure all Cross Riverians have opportunity to feed
themselves . This award is obviously an award for all Cross Riverians.”
Describing the governor as a man of the people, the former Special Adviser
on National Assembly Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo said: “You are
aware he recently celebrated his birthday with my people, the poor people
of Bakassi, where he is constructing 5000 units of housing units for the
internally displaced persons. The man of the Year Award is an affirmation
that this governor is on course and is doing things very well.
“We are very proud of him and will support and stand by him in his
determination to take the state to greater heights.”