In the spirit of the festive season, Senator Princess (Dame) Florence Ita-Giwa, the erstwhile Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, visited the Palace of the Obong of Calabar to celebrate Christmas and deliver a message of hope and unity.
During the visit, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa appealed to the people of Cross River State to exercise patience and continue to trust in the leadership of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
“Amasi, I am pleased that you received us, and even more pleased that at a time like this, we have one of ours as governor,” she said, addressing Etubom Okor Duke, Chairman of the Etubom Traditional Council of the Palace. She lauded the Governor for his achievements within his first year in office, describing his efforts as commendable and a source of pride for the Efik Kingdom and the state at large.
While acknowledging the progress made, she also noted that significant challenges remain. She urged the people to be patient and allow Governor Otu the time needed to implement solutions that would address the state’s developmental needs comprehensively.
As the Eka Iban Esien Efik Doup’eba (the highest female titleholder in the Efik Kingdom), Senator Ita-Giwa led a delegation of distinguished Efik sons and daughters to the palace. In keeping with tradition, she presented gifts, including a live cow, bags of rice, beans, and other essential items, as part of the festivities and in fulfillment of traditional rites.
Etubom Okor Duke, on behalf of the Obong and the Etubom Traditional Council, expressed profound gratitude for her thoughtful gesture. He prayed for continued grace upon her life, commending her love and steadfastness to the welfare of the Efik people and her dedication to preserving the kingdom’s culture and traditions.
