Cross River State Commissioner celebrate additional year to her age.

Janet Ekpenyong birth celebration

For many first timers and newbies in Government, it takes months and possibly years to settle , identify themselves, develop and master their new service line no doubt, the traditional system of recycling old but \”worn-out\” leaders over the years to create perceived instant results in any administration.

Defiling all odds, some first timers and private professionals have proven doubting Thomases wrong providing and creating results that are not just mind blowing, but templates for many to smoothly ride on, although many on the contrary have justified reasons why young people should never be trusted with power.

First Appointed Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in late December 2019, Dr Janet Ekpenyong returned to the state with a basket full of ideas and experiences gathered in the diaspora and serving as consultants to multinational Government and non governmental organizations majoring in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

She had over the years felt hurtful to the increasing maternal and child mortality rate across the country and no doubt, among her first task in a role where one may refer to as a \”junior commissioner for Health\” and with support from her predecessor, Dr Betta Edu, was to eradicate polio and other childhood killer diseases from the shores of Cross River State.

With that task bottled up within months and accolades received from local and international bodies, came the outbreak of one of the world\’s most \”controversial\” and deadliest pandemic, Corona Virus, distorting and creating a pulse on world\’s events and development.

Dr Janet Ekpenyong was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating local prevention and infectious rates control , one could proudly say, this was the best alternative the state could provide as she \”authoritatively\” sent all her foot soldiers to the field, a move that graciously extenuated cross River State from the massive ingestions and deaths recorded globally.

Her legacies for all inclusiveness and zero discrimination in health facilities brought about the massive influx of pregnant women into various health facilities as this act almost took away \”meats\” from the local birth attendants who over the years had refused to partner with the state government in offering referral services to health facilities.

Instrumental to the setting up of the state Social Health Insurance scheme, Dr Janet Ekpenyong had seen to it\’s flag off, commencement and it\’s progress, bringing quality, assureable and all round health care to all Cross Riverians irrespective of financial status.

A detrabalized Cross Riverian with zero tolerance for religious bigotry, Dr Janet Ekpenyong had ferried, cruised , rode and walked to almost all communities in the state for sensitization, vaccination, immunization, project and staff inspection, outreaches and solidarities gaining her the love and admiration of many.

No doubt, her impact over three years as Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency advanced her chances of leading the Cross River State Health sector, and with confidence bestowed on her by the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade led to her appointment as Commissioner for Health in January 2023.

Recognized and celebrated locally, nationally and acknowledged globally for her role in helping to advance the Cross River State Health sector, one could only help but imagine what breed the young and dynamic Dr Janet Ekpenyong is made of.

Characterized with beauty and glamour, elegance and panash, she stands tall in any function that One could barely not notice her presence in the crowd due to her colourful display, resounding voice , quality contributions to arising state and national topics.

Recently inducted into the African Physicians Council in far away Cairo, Egypt, she had enjoyed a bountiful rain of awards , accolades and recognitions from student bodies, professional groups, Government and non governmental, faith based and Community championship awards.

Dr Janet Ekpenyong holds numerous masters degree and other certification from many Nigerian and international Schools in Asia and Europe and America earn marking her as a valuable prospect not just to the state but the nation at large.

She was recently listed among 100 most valuable women in Nigeria and among the young professionals to watch out for in the next decade.

She\’s highly respected and valued in her local community, no wonder she returned with 100% votes for her party the All Progressive Congress in the Gubernatorial, National and state House of Assembly elections and in extension, winning Odukpani Local Government Area.

A believer and family oriented woman, Dr Janet Ekpenyong remains a hope for young girls and young professionals who through hardwork and dedication is daily rising to the pinacle of her career and getting accolades and admiration from her contemporaries.

What else could one say but to say, this young , dynamic and purpose driven leader as the state could only be blessed to hold on to this talent and selfless leader , enjoying her expertise for many years to come.

Happy birthday phenomenal Health expert, Microsoft Excel and Office expert, Customer Service professional, Research and Strategic Planning genius, Healthcare Community Outreach specialist, Monitoring and evaluation strategist.

We wish you beyond words, love and expression that the future will remain bright and your success and wisdom with be enjoyed and celebrated locally, nationally and International