C’River Deputy Governor Peter Odey’s Northern Tour: Government Listens, Communities Benefit
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
A report by CrossRiverWatch has it that the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, PhD, recently concluded a highly impactful five-day official tour across the five Local Government Areas of Northern Cross River – Bekwarra, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, and Yala. The tour coincided with the 2025 New Yam Festivals, a much-celebrated cultural tradition in these agrarian communities.
Unlike a routine ceremonial visit, Dr. Odey’s tour combined celebration with empathy in action, ensuring that government policies and interventions were informed directly by the people’s needs. His consistent message during the tour resonated across all communities: “I have come to celebrate the new yam with you, and to listen, so the government can meet your actual needs.”
Tangible Investments and Immediate Interventions
While over NGN150 million was committed to support the cultural festivities across the five LGAs, the Deputy Governor delivered interventions exceeding NGN250 million, addressing core community needs. These included:
- Installation of ultramodern boreholes to provide clean and safe water.
- Distribution of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.
- Youth employment initiatives to reduce unemployment and stimulate local economies.
- Support for small-scale community development projects.
In Obudu, for instance, the women of Utukalu received ₦5 million for fertilizers and pesticides following a direct request, highlighting the administration’s commitment to timely and practical responses to community challenges.
Communities Express Appreciation
Everywhere he visited, Dr. Odey was warmly welcomed by traditional rulers, youth groups, women associations, and people living with disabilities. Stakeholders praised the visible impacts of the Senator Prince Bassey Otu-led administration, particularly in the areas of:
- Rural infrastructure development
- Electrification projects
- Agricultural support programs
- Provision of potable water
- Job creation initiatives
The general sentiment across the communities was clear: “We want more.” This was not seen as a complaint but as a sign of trust and confidence in a government that prioritises the welfare of its people.
Leadership with Depth and Vision
Dr. Peter Odey, often described as gentle yet deeply capable, brings a wealth of experience in law, sociology, international relations, and conflict management to his leadership role. His trajectory from grassroots development in the NGO sector to high-level public service demonstrates a lifelong commitment to uplifting communities and ensuring that governance is inclusive and responsive.
During the tour, he was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, signalling unity and shared vision in governance. Among the entourage were:
- Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke, Federal House of Representatives member representing Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku
- Council Chairmen from the Northern LGAs
- Alphonsus Eba Esq, State Party Chairman
- Serving and former members of the Cross River State House of Assembly
- Serving and former commissioners, special advisers, and directors-general
- High-ranking traditional leaders and critical stakeholders including High Chief Higgins Peters, Chief Peter Ojie, Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, and Signor Omang Idiege (Ada Bekwarra II)
Massive Community Engagement
Large turnouts at every venue reflected the deep appreciation of local communities for both the government and Deputy Governor Odey personally. Residents repeatedly affirmed that Cross River State has a government that listens and acts, with leadership that ensures cultural heritage, community development, and socio-economic advancement go hand in hand.
Observers noted that the tour not only celebrated cultural values but also served as a model for participatory governance, where listening precedes action and development interventions are both practical and impactful.
As Northern Cross River communities continue to benefit from these initiatives, stakeholders say the tour underscores a larger vision: a responsive government, empowered leadership, and communities that thrive through direct engagement and tangible support.
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