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Yala APC Unity Rally And Matters Arising
By Ebriku John Friday
It is very imperative for any progressing society to uphold unity and harmony as bedrocks of brotherhood, egalitarianism and development.
The movement of our Governor, His Excellency, Prof Sen Ben Ayade, on May 20, 2021 to the All Progressives Congress, APC, was not under any form of duress but out of his pragmatic vision ahead for the overall interest of the good people of Cross River State, which has introduced the new trending socket to the center.
This historical move to join the ruling party at the Centre has no doubt set a new political order in Cross River State, and has taken the entire state to another level of politics and economic development. This has broken the jinx of god-fatherism in the polity that has stunted expected development of the state.
There is no doubt that a new vista has been opened in the politics and development of Cross River State by the leader of the APC in Cross River State, our digital Governor.
Expectedly, major stakeholders and their teeming supporters in Yala Local Government of Cross River State, one of the biggest Local Government Areas of the State and in Nigeria, has since moved along with our leader, the Executive Governor of Cross River State to the APC, as evidently seen in previous weeks across the 14 wards, publicly because they have seen the future which lies in the new political order he has instituted to change the way and manner politics is done in the State.
The coming grand event tagged Yala APC Unity Rally billed for July 10, 2021 in Okpoma, the administrative headquarters of Yala LGA will further resonate the resolve of the arrays of political stakeholders and their armies of supporters to the Ayade-led industrialisation administration, which has changed the narrative of governance in the state.
The courage and smart decision of the Governor, which has been highly commended by many has also been seen in many quarters as a bold step to cause a paradigm shift in the politics of Cross River State and the effect of his historic move is being witnessed in the avalanche of defections. Yala LGA is now in the fore front in rallying support for the governor and the party.
Yala LGA has not doubt benefited from the industrialisation administration of Governor Ben Ayade, through political appointments, project execution amongst others, like the ongoing 148km dual carriageway that terminates in Yala LGA.
It is imperative to state at this point that with this commitment of the Governor to Yala LGA, there is no reason why we will not give him the best of support and loyalty because one good turn deserves another.
Therefore, the necessity and sense of responsibility to abide and remain with the APC is very important, and it is all about commitment, transparency, loyalty, unity and one voice.
No one whether old or new members of the APC in Yala LGA should be made to feel intimidated or inferior to each other, but all difference should be put aside for all to come together for the betterment of our great party and the greater good Yala.
Stakeholders and their supporters across the various ward should understand that unity, love, forgiveness, tolerance and peace is the only way to make the ruling party great in Yala LGA and by extention the state, and it is expected that internal democracy and sense of belonging in the process, and also among the leadership and members are instituted and allowed to thrive. Then again there should engender selflessness, sacrifice and true submission for sustainable growth and expansion.
The Yala APC should be strengthened along parameters of mutual trust, sincerity, open-minded, justice, fairness and equity as they blend together along these lines of common and collective interest to engender that possibility of sustaining the party and winning in all elections based on the needed support and unity.
It is expected that the stakeholders of the new Yala APC will work together as one big family as envisioned in the Unity Rally devoid of negativity, debauchery and backstabbing to attract the much needed development, empowerment and other perks of good governance.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
