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Ayade’s Progressive Trajectory From Food On The Table To Hands On The Plough By Kenneth Ere
It is common knowledge that Governor Ayade’s first term in office was largely characterized by an unprecedented expansion of government with the sole aim to douse social tension and unrest.
This deliberate and well fashioned out policy direction was also intended to ensure that a peaceful and enabling environment was/is created for foreign investors to further stimulate the state’s economy. It is Ayade’s assertion that crime and social unrest is usually a result of unemployment, poverty and suffering; believing that with “food on the table” one’s propensity for crime is reduced to its barest minimum.
With the Governor’s first term “Food on the table” mantra, Prof Ayade was able to reconcile Keynes and Adam Smith theories, with the mathematical theorem that places the constant “K” representing the people; A theory known today as the Ayadesian theory. It is a form of social capitalism that places the people at the apex of the food chain, where everything is channeled towards improving their welfare and catering for the vulnerable in society including tax waivers for low income earners, regular and prompt payment of salaries, appointments for large number of people not necessarily with capacity, but potentials.
Alongside Government mediated private sector intervention in the form of SPVs, to create a market/corresponding balance. A case where one man’s spending improves another’s business or his earnings. A notable example is the increased patronage by salary earners and appointees for local businesses and government private sector mediation projects like the garment factory, cocoa processing plant and the ultra modern rice seed and seedlings factory SPVs
The large number of appointees and state government assisted SPVs was able to reconcile Keynes and Adam Smith’s theory by keeping the money in circulation, sustaining a high level of economic activities and ultimately fostering prosperity.
It is this well thought out and implemented policy of governor Ayade that led to the recent Global multi-dimensional poverty index (MPI) that saw the state’s poverty index reduced drastically from its previous 30.1% in 2014 to 10% in 2018.
In his second term in office, Ayade has expanded on the mantra to “food on the table, hands on the plough”. A progression of his first time mantra of just “food on the table” where people without the necessary capacity and required skills were given jobs just to keep the peace.
His second term goal is largely geared toward full utilization of the SPVs created by government, and projects undertaken by investors who’s inducement to invest was encouraged by the peace, cleanliness and ambience that Cross River State is now known for. A direct benefit of the lack of social tension and unrest.
Primary and secondary school students have directly benefitted from the garment factory, with half a million uniforms donated to schools across the state. An ultra modern rice mill has been set up in ogoja, rice farmers have been retrained, and given high yielding rice seedlings with improved resistance to diseases from the ultra modern rice seed and seedlings factory.
Cocoa farmers have been boosted with the ultra modern and sophisticated cocoa processing plant in Ikom. The Governor, due to his sheer diligence and keen eye for details has been able to identify most of his previous appointees areas of strength/expertise and plans to utilize them where they ultimately thrive the most.
The calabar noodles factory is 100% ready, with an estimated production rate of 50,000 metric tons annually. An initiative set to tap into the federal government’s school feeding program is also expected to get patronage locally and internationally, especially from neighboring countries like Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, and has already sent out circulars for employment for qualified candidates of Cross River State descent.
Also ready to commence full operation is the cocoa processing plant, maize farm, banana plantation, the ultra modern rice seed and seedlings factory, calachika, toothpick factory, piles,pylons and poles factory, calabar pharmaceutical company (CALAPHARM) to mention but a few. The progression is so rapid and extensive, it doesn’t matter what category of work and skill set you possess; white, blue, pink or gold collar. There is ultimately something for everyone who is willing to be an active member of the Ayade’s Cross River State industrialization drive.
It is indeed truly remarkable, yet not surprising, that Cross River State, with one of the lowest federal allocation, even after paying down in excess of N85billion to service pre-existing loans was able to reduce its poverty index by over 20% in four years, even without the Spvs and industries operating at full capacity.
It can only take a genius like Sen.Prof Ben Ayade at the helm of affairs, a leadership that radiates honesty, integrity, accountability, creativity, innovation, tenacity, empathy, decision-making capabilities, as well as commitment and passion.
It is also an exciting prospect to imagine what we can achieve in another four years, with the industries and numerous SPVs operating at full capacity and our “hands on the plough”.
It is indeed clear that Cross River State, via its rapid industrialization drive is headed for ultimate self-sufficiency as it equally turns into an industrial hub of Nigeria and Africa.
END
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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.
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