The list of Commissioners nominees in Cross River State which was recently released by HE, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu and subsequently sent to the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem was heralded by great jubilation and excitement from well-meaning Cross Riverians, with the nomination of Dr (Mrs.) Beatrice Igwe.
Those who know Dr. (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe and what she stands for could not hold their joy on sighting her name on the list as they considered this a good omen for the state. This is not unconnected with the unprecedented good works of Dr. (Mrs.) Igwe, which has endeared her to people of diverse socio cultural and political divide.
It is believed, in many quarters, especially among the Yala youths that no single Yala man or woman has empowered Yala people more than this adorable queen of Yala Nation. Although given out in marriage to her heartthrob across the state, her love for her biological homeland of Yala, nay Coss River State remains indisputable.
Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ocheke Igwe remains a true daughter of her father, the Late sage, renowned business guru, philanthropist and community leader, Late Chief Moses Ogbu Onah , Like her father, she believes that the essence of leadership is not for self angradisement or for the acquisition of unmerited wealth, rather as a God given opportunity to contribute towards a better society and the upliftment of the downtrodden. This explains her undying passion and tireless involvement in community services.
She is often quitely involved in awards of scholarships to indigent students, facilitation of gainful employment for jobless youths, generous financial support towards developmental projects in Yala LGA and elsewhere.
This Chartered Accountant and bridge builder, has, over the years courted countless awards from international organisations, corporate bodies, youth organisations, women groups etc. Her good works as Bursar of the University of Calabar did not go unnoticed as she was variously appreciated by staff unions, students bodies, etc.
She is among the few prominent Nigerians honoured with the prestigious Honorary Doctorate degree of Science (D.Sc) in Financial Management and Corporate Governance by the European-American University (EAU), Commonwealth of Dominica, for the efficient application of accounting principles, procedures and practice in the University of Calabar.
This quintessential, angelic amazon backed the Yala Achievers Award 2021, in recognition of her laudable and commendable humanitarian gestures, philanthropy, grassroots empowerment and selfless services to the people of Yala.
It is a rare occurrence for Accountants to survive public scrutiny, but when Dr.(Mrs) Beatrice Igwe’s tenure as Bursar in the University of Calabar came under floodlight search by the University Governing Council, she came out untainted and rather than being sacked as some detractors had desired, her unprecedented financial integrity earned her a fresh appointment from the University Management as Director. Wow!!!
Dr. Igwe’s appointment as Commissioner offers yet another golden opportunity for this unassuming, innovative, generous, peace loving and progressive go-getter to support HE, the Governor of Cross River State to hastily achieve his lofty dreams of transforming the entire landscape of Cross River State into the true Paradise of our dream.
All men and women of goodwill have continued to applaud His Excellency for his wisdom and sagacity in identifying and appointing this God fearing, diligent professional Accountant, with proven integrity, transparent honesty and unalloyed accountability.
This is a step in the right direction and we are all optimistic that Dr. (Mrs) Igwe will deploy her robust experience in public financial, human/material resources management to bear in the operations of government business, for the rapid transformation of Cross River State. The season of sweetness is truly here.
- By Augustine Ochelebe
