The Commissioner representing Cross River State at the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Stella Odey Ekpo, has officially resumed office in Calabar, marking a significant moment for the Commission in the state.
Hon. Odey was warmly received by staff members and members of the State Executive Council (Excos) at the Commission’s office located within the Federal Secretariat, Calabar. Following a brief inspection and tour of the facility, the atmosphere was filled with appreciation and optimism as the leadership and staff welcomed the Commissioner to her new role.
State Coordinator Applauds Gender Inclusion
In her welcome address, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Comfort Ubi, expressed gratitude to the Commission’s leadership for promoting gender equality through the appointment of the first female Commissioner to represent Cross River State. She assured Hon. Odey of the total cooperation and support of the entire staff, emphasizing their readiness to work collaboratively to achieve the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
Commissioner Pledges Equity, Fairness, and Active Leadership
In her response, Hon. Stella Odey Ekpo appreciated the warm reception and commended the state management team for their dedication and adherence to constitutional provisions guiding equity, justice, and fairness—particularly in ensuring representation of all local government areas in staffing positions.
She emphasized that her administration would not be “business as usual,” noting that the Commission under the leadership of the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Hulayat Ayo, is committed to delivering on its mandate at the highest level. She further stated that all newly appointed Commissioners have been charged to uphold the Commission’s core values and serve as the conscience of the nation.
According to Hon. Odey, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has reminded Commissioners of their responsibility to safeguard fairness and balance in federal appointments and resource distribution across the country.
Key Mandates Highlighted
The Commissioner outlined two major priorities:
-
Equity in Employment:
Ensuring fairness and balanced representation in employment opportunities across federal and state institutions, with strict compliance to the principle of federal character. -
Infrastructure Balance:
Promoting equitable distribution of federal infrastructure projects across all regions of Nigeria. She stressed that development projects executed in one region, such as the North-East, should equally reflect in other regions, including the South-South.
Hon. Odey noted that Cross River State has experienced marginalization in the past and assured stakeholders that renewed efforts would be made to secure fair representation and developmental balance. She emphasized that the Federal Character Commission’s work extends beyond Abuja, reinforcing its presence and relevance in the states.
Appreciation to Governor
The Commissioner concluded by appreciating the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, for his leadership style and commitment to equity and inclusive governance in the state.
Staff Reaffirm Support
Other key officials who joined in welcoming the Commissioner included:
-
Senior Administrative Officer, Mr. Bassey Sunday
-
Representative of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr. Blessing Attah
-
Assistant Director of Information, Mr. Goodwill Egara
-
Assistant Director of Statistics, Mr. Peter Akpanke
They collectively pledged their loyalty, cooperation, and readiness to work with the Commissioner to advance the Commission’s objectives in Cross River State.
With this resumption, stakeholders express optimism that a new chapter of strengthened oversight, fairness, and inclusive development has begun for the Federal Character Commission in Cross River State.
