New Month Message: Ita-Giwa Thanks Cross Riverians, Announces Mentoring Programme
Let me begin with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out with warm new month wishes, priceless prayers, and goodwill. Your love means so much to me, and I truly do not take it for granted. As we step into this new month, I pray for continuous unity, peace, and harmonious coexistence in Cross River State and in Nigeria at large.
I give all glory to God Almighty for His mercy and faithfulness upon my life. My years have been eventful and meaningful. My country has been good to me, and my state has been good to me, supporting a woman to contest and win four elections. I pray that, as long as it pleases God, He will continue to grant me strength, good health, continuous peace, and happiness.
I remain politically active, but I am not in contest or competition with anyone. I humbly appeal to everyone, in the spirit of love and understanding, to allow me to enjoy this phase of my life in peace, happiness, and fulfilment. I remain available to guide, mentor, and support the next generation, because leadership must continue, and the future must be strengthened. I also appeal for more leadership opportunities for the next generation of young female leaders.
As I prepare for my 80th birthday, which will be a great opportunity to thank God and also appreciate all of you who contributed to the emergence of Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, from my election to the House of Representatives, to my nomination as a member of the Constitutional Conference and the National Conference, to the opportunity to serve in the Devolution of Powers Committee; to winning elections into the Nigerian Senate twice, where I served as Deputy Senate Minority Leader; and for successfully serving two Nigerian Presidents as Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters. I will also be thanking God for my service as a Director at the Nigerian Ports Authority, and now as Chairman of the Governing Council of a fast-growing Nigerian Polytechnic.
I am also deeply grateful to have been part of the success of the “Back to South” actualisation and the seamless transition embraced by Cross Riverians, which has continued to strengthen peaceful coexistence and unity across our dear state. This milestone did not only restore balance, but brought our Governor, Our Sweet Prince, Gov. Bassey Otu who has brought renewed confidence, purpose, and a fresh atmosphere of sweetness, love, harmony, and progress in Cross River State.
I am equally proud of the success and sustainability of the biggest street party in Africa, the Calabar Carnival, which has remained a powerful symbol of our cultural pride. It is not just about dance and celebration, but a unique platform that interprets contemporary global issues through creative expression, music, colour, and costume, showcasing Cross River State to the world in an exceptional way.
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I have decided to postpone my 80th birthday celebration to the first week of April.
Meanwhile, from about the 19th of February, I plan to commence a Mentoring Programme for the next generation, and I will also be available for any group that may need my appearance or support. I strongly believe that the greatest legacy is not only what we achieve, but the people we raise to achieve even greater things.
The underlisted are members of my contact committee:
Hon. Eric Anderson — Chairman
Hon. Dr. Abigail Orok Duke — Co-Chairman
Mr. Edward N. Egbelo — Media Support/Secretary
Sir Bassey Oqua Bassey — Contact Religious Matters
Prince Edem Nsa
Dr. Emana-Duke Ambrose Amawhe
Barr. Emmanuel Cohbam
Once again, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and rewarding new month.
May God bless you all, may God bless Cross River State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sen. Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, OON
(Eka Iban ke Esien Efik Duop-Eba)
