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Unveiling The Ordained “Chartered Orator” Of APC
On the 15th day of March, 2024, the Forum of APC State Chairmen were at the Presidential Villa Abuja to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Although it was reported to be the first meeting of the No. 1 citizen with State chairmen but the meeting was well attended by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Sen Kashim Shettima GCON, The National chairman and National Secretary of APC, the Chief of staff to the President, Minister of Information and other senior government officials and distinguished appointees of Government.
The mood of the day before villa watchers was one of anxiety because it was believed that the party leaders may have come to off load their anger and frustration over the 10 months neglect by the Asiwaju led Government and the worsening internal wranglings being experienced in most states by states chairmen and Governors they helped to bring to power on one hand and states chairmen against the Appointees of Government at the Federal and state level who are now the new sheriff’s wielding influence, power, authority and command with impunity but this was not so, their mission was altruistic. The states chairmen arrived the Presidential villa at about 11 30am with beaming smiles, looking well fed and well kept.
Government officials who were at the villa in the almost two hours meeting expressed deep satisfaction with organized and united way the chairmen coordinated themselves under the leadership of their Acting Chairman / APC chairman Lagos State Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi. Some Villa observers described as matured and statesmanly, the manner of presentation of National issues and speaking truth to power on the issues of insecurity, economy and strategies to strengthen the APC as a ruling party in Government.
The convivial atmosphere at the meeting flowing from the suggestions made by the States Chairmen and the response from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was one of a reunion between a father and his children whom he has not seen since after the political war. The happiness of Mr President with his Captains (States Chairmen) was evidently lavish. The hot weather of the day did not discomfort baba Tinubu and his Vice even in their babariga and the grimming smiles on their faces and that of his appointees after the meeting and even the enthusiasm of the press men in the villa in the ensuing press conference granted after the meeting by the Chairmen Forum through the Secretary of the Forum / Chairman of APC Cross River State chapter, the self acclaimed Political Evangelist, Mr Alphonsus Ogar Eba esq, JP was on one of applaud for his comportment and articulate remarks on behalf of his colleagues at the Presidential chambers. Barr. Eba’s eloquence, intelligent marshalling of points extemporaneously including the sound presentation and coherent response to the press revealed not only a picture of an articulate public speaker with full grasp of issues but it was an opportunity to discover the newest political firebrand with rich command of grammar with the right mien and ability to deliver it with sweet flavor of elocution. As an indigene of Akwa Ibom state and State chairman of the party, my day was made to see my fellow brother display such intellectual dexterity. Truly, truly, truly, my colleague and worthy brother made my day and that of all our colleagues as we had no regret when we all took the decision to make him the Chief Scribe of our Forum.
That was the day our elated President described and unveiled the Cross River State APC chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba esq, JP as a CHARTERED ORATOR.
The 15th day March became a day for Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba as the deluge of encomiums that was poured on him by both the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Vice President, The National chairman of APC, the National Secretary of APC, the Chief of staff to the President, all our colleagues chairmen including the Press men and women at the Presidential villa because of his eloquence, mellifluous voice, intelligent and bold presentation extempore, transmogrified the world’s first political evangelist into a collosus of sort as the elated President of the Federal Republic captured and nicknamed him a Chartered Orator.
For the ebulluent APC Chairman who in the last few months was a subject of ridicule, mockery and was sufficiently bathed with muds, brimstones and acidic venom’s by some interest groups in Cross River state APC who even demanded his resignation and were bent on using every illegal means to achieve their nefarious objectives, this visit and the outstanding performance of Barr. EBA which the President has handsomely applauded may have catapulted him to another level of recognition in National politics. If President Bola Tinubu that is known for harvesting sound minds reflects again or is reminded about the person of Barr. Eba , then I can foresee and comfortably say that Cross River State APC chairman will soon be on his way to Abuja because like a big and golden fish, he cannot be hidden inside a small pond in calabar, by last week ‘s visit to Mr President and through his superlative delivery, he has been discovered and unveiled at the highest level of National politics in the Presidential Villa Abuja where he will most likely spread his dorsal fins to swim in the sea of Presidential power.
By Obong Stephen Leo Ntukekpo
APC chairman Akwa Ibom State
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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.
