The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made a courtesy call to the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, HRM, Oti Mathias Odey Abua, on Sunday, December 31, 2023. This visit was part of the Deputy Governor’s New Year activities in his Ogoja hometown.
The Deputy Governor who took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the Paramount Ruler’s support and leadership, presented some food items and cash to the Paramount Ruler as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity for the New Year celebration.
The Paramount Ruler, who in turn gave some fat yams to the Deputy Governor, expressed joy and gratitude for having the state’s second-in-command celebrate with him stating that he could have danced if not that such dances were forbidden for kings by tradition. He commended the Deputy Governor for his humility and service to the people of Cross River State while praying that God will protect him and grant success throughout Hon. Odey’s time in government.
In a separate event, the Deputy Governor celebrated the 90th birthday of Chief Julius Abua Abang, a respected community leader in Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area and the father of one time Attorney General of the State, Barr. Joe Oshie Abang. The Deputy Governor praised Chief Abang’s reputation and longevity, expressing joy at seeing the nonagenarian surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor stopped by a Catholic Parish in Odajie, Mbube, where he testified that the Rev. Fr Prof Jake Otonko who has served 35 years in the priesthood, was instrumental in his personal and professional growth. He said it was the priest who supported his post graduate studies at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. In recognition of this early assistance, the Deputy Governor gifted the priest a car and made a donation towards the church building.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied on the visit by his Head of Personal Staff, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, political appointees and some friends.