Political office holders are the persons mostly entrusted with resolving societal issues. Influential politicians are very powerful because, asides from being constitutionally empowered to handle issues of the state, they exhibit practical skills that distinguish them from laymen or other administrators when it comes to the art of governing, and they are perpetually suited to practical politics.
The outgoing Ayade-led-administration has been fortunate to have appointees who have distinguished themselves as leaders and made an impact on swaying public opinion or perception about various issues one way or another, thereby gaining the respect of the populace.
Since the start of the Ayade-led-administration, the state has witnessed a new dispensation of young and vibrant political officeholders coming from all parts of the state. This piece, therefore, looks at political office holders in the outgoing government in Cross River State that have been influential and committed to their services to the public, who are listed below in no particular order.
Hon. Signor Omang Idiege
Hon. Signor Omang Idiege is the Cross River State Commissioner for youths and skills acquisitions. He is widely respected for his love for the youth, and his role in the Ayade administration has been focused on economic development and poverty alleviation, especially for youths across the state. Recently, over 100 youths graduated from the Construction and Fabrication of West Africa, giving them skills and opportunities to thrive as entrepreneurs. The Commissioner who is also Ada Bekwarra II has been described by many Cross Riverians as a grass root mobilizer.
Dr. Betta Edu
Dr. Betta Edu who is the first Director General, of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, the immediate past Commissioner for health in the state, and currently the National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains one of the public office holders in the Ayade Government that will not be forgotten in a hurry. When she was the Commissioner for Health, she emerged as the National Chairman of the Commissioner for Health forum in Nigeria. The health sector witnessed tremendous development that gave her several awards and recommendations as commissioner.
Dr. Inyang Asibong
Dr. Inyang Asibong is the Commissioner for International Development Corporation. She was the commissioner for health in the first four years of Ayade's administration before her recent appointment. She has always distinguished herself as a silent achiever, whose track record of indelible achievements has gained her several recognition. She has through her ministry collaborated with International organizations, and relevant authorities to leverage the fight to eradicate HIV/Aids. She also partnered with the European Union Wildlife Conservation Society to promote a healthy climate for both wildlife and other endangered species in the state forests.
Dr. Janet Ekpenyong
Dr. Janet Ekpenyong is the immediate past Director General, of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, currently the Commissioner for Health. It was her massive performance as Director General that elevated her to the position of commissioner. She has been committed to achieving a strong and resilient healthcare system that guarantees improved access to quality healthcare services across all levels of healthcare delivery in the health sector. She is one of those appointees that have made the outgoing government proud.
Asuquo Ekpenyong
Asuquo Asuquo is the former Commissioner for Finance in the state, currently the Senator-elect representing Cross River South. He is skilled in business planning, business strategy, financial modeling, and corporate finance with versatility and years of experience. He is currently the youngest senator-elect going into the 10th National Assembly. During his tenure as the commissioner for finance, the Cross River State government received a $20.4 million grant under the World Bank-supported states fiscal transparency, accountability, and sustainability (SFTAS) program. Through his office, Cross River strengthened its public debt management and fiscal responsibility framework, improved debt sustainability, and instituted a more transparent budgeting process over the fiscal year.
Imani Odey
Mrs. Imani Odey is the Special Adviser on Electronic Media to Governor Ayade. She was recently elevated from the Senior Special Assistant on Electronic Media to Special Adviser on Electronic Media. She remains one of the most hard-working media aides to the governor. The majority of the videos about the activities of the governor sent out for public consumption are edited and produced by her. She has varied experience in developing effective communication strategies, managing media relations, managing and monitoring communications budgets, and managing healthy stakeholder relationships within advertising agencies, media, and clients.
Kijuo Julius
Kijuo Julius is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Works. Through his office, he attracted public works and intervention grants to some vulnerable Cross Riverians under the Federal Government Social Intervention Scheme. He is one of those appointees of Governor Ayade that given the less privilege to enjoy government presence.
Eugene Upah
Eugene Upah is the Senior Special Assistant To The Governor On Public Communications. Eugene Upah is known for his great innovation in the media industry and for creating amazing content for the governor. He consistently creates awareness and engagement on issues bordering the state across social media platforms. Despite being attacked by many for his unalloyed support to the governor, Eugene has remained unshaken and committed to the activities that will continually make the governor visible in the media space.
Richie Romanus
Richie Romanus is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media. Apart from serving as an appointee in Ayade's government, Richie's goal has always been to increase youth participation in politics, and also to change the way politics is conducted in the state. He has been at the forefront of helping the youth in his community grow through projects that help them get ahead financially.
Andrea Ekeng
Mr. Andrea Ekeng Inyang is the Special Assistant on Strategic Communication to Governor Ayade. He has always deployed his expertise and deep understanding of political issues across the state, particularly in shoring up the activities of the media team.
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