The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, was at the weekend conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Lekwel E'Mbe1 meaning the “Pillar of Mbube”, by the thirteen communities of Mbube Nation in recognition of his political achievements, dedication and contributions to the growth and development of Ogoja people and Cross River State at large.
The conferment which took place at the Lutheran Primary School Grounds, Ekumtak, Mbube, Ogoja, weekend saw cacophony of colours, rhythm and celebration as dignitaries including government officials, traditional rulers, and well-wishers came from far and near to show their solidarity.
Speaking at the ceremony,the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, thanked the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, His Royal Majesty, Oti Mathias Odey Abua, the Chiefs, sons and daughters of Mbube nation for finding him worthy of the conferment.
"I am overwhelmed by the show of love, kindness and commitment by my people. This recognition means so much to me and I cannot thank you all enough.
Together, we will make Mbube nation proud. I cannot do it alone, l need your wise counsel, support and love so that our nation can grow stronger and better,” Odey added
In his opening remark, the President-General of llluom E'mbe, Brig. Gen. Mannix Nyiam (Rtd), used the occasion to thank the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, for his choice of their son as his running mate in the 2023 gubernatorial election and wished them a successful tenure.
General Nyiam disclosed that, "This non-partisan civic reception is held at the instance of the entire Mbube people, to congratulate and welcome home our beloved son, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, whose political rise is both a source of pride and an inspiration to us as a people.
“His political friendship, generosity, compassion, intelligence, resourcefulness, integrity and commitment to good courses all come together to make Rt. Hon. Odey an embodiment of the Mbube Spirit as well as a priceless asset,
Earlier at the commissioning of a Skill Acquisition center donated by Chief (Engr) David Abang, a retired staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) and founder of Rural Africa Industrial Skills and Empowerment (RAISE) Foundation, Rt. Hon. Odey, lauded the facilitator for his foresight to establish the Centre, saying that it was the best thing that has happened to the community.
According to him, the Skill Acquisition Center, which is situated in Idum-Mbube, will provide learning facilities for members of the community and make them self reliant.
He commended the donor, for giving back to the society and admonished youths, women, and members of the community to protect the facilities and ensure that it serves its purpose and later made a cash donation of five million naira to kick start the center.
“Engr David Abang is not a politician but he has defeated all the politicians by what he has done,” the Deputy Governor lauded.
The State Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC),Barr. Alphonsus Eba, represented Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu at the occasion which was also attended by the Chief whip of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Odere, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, and a host of other government functionaries, opinion molders and political leaders.
