National Assembly Forum Confer Diamond Award of Excellence To Emmanuel Ironbar
By Eaga Dassom – Calabar
In a ceremony marked by grandeur, the National Assembly Senators and Honourable Members of the Federal House of Representatives 1st-4th Republic Forum, conferred the prestigious Diamond Award of Excellence to the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuela Ironbar, in recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities and significant achievements in public service.
Award Ceremony
Held on 28th May, 2024, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, the event brought together an assembly of past and present lawmakers, government officials, traditional rulers, and members of the civil society, aimed at honouring individuals who have demonstrated examplary service and contributed meaningfully to the nation’s developments
Hon. Ironbar, represented at the occasion by the Special Adviser Asset Management & Recovery, Barr Gilbert Agbor, has been a pivotal figure and his role as Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, has been marked by strategic leadership, innovative policies, and a commitment to the welfare of the state’s citizens.
In her opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, welcomed the guests and assured them of a fruitful and beneficial experience.
Speaking at the event, a former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), Senator Ameh Ebute, called on past and present parliamentarians to join the debate on the current situation in the country, emphasizing that democracy has come to stay.
Chief Justice Akon Ikpeme of Cross River State
In her presentation, the State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, represented by the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barr. Nsikak Ikpeme, described Calabar as clean and green, with a new look, including the State Library Complex.
She lamented the current situation in the country where one arm of government is gradually overshadowing the others, resulting in a “rubber stamp” legislature, contrary to the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Delivering a lecture on the theme “Food Security: The Imperative, Sanctity of Welfare and Security of Nigerians in the 21st Century,” Prof. Augustine Ogogo asserted that food security directly impacts economic growth and national security.
He listed challenges to food security in Nigeria, including policy inconsistency between administrations, insecurity, poor agricultural extension services, corruption, diversion of agricultural resources by corrupt government officials, and poor budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector.
The event was attended by the Special Guest of Honour and Governor of Cross River State, H.E. Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu (represented by the Commissioner of Information, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang), who is also an awardee, H.E. Senator Barr. Ameh Ebute, former Senate President, Barr. Chief Tony Mike Akpan, National Coordinator of the Forum.
Others include, Prof. Augustine Ogogo and Prof. Ajah Obia, Guest Lecturers, State Chief Judge Justice Akon Ikpeme, Ndidem of the Quas & Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality: His Royal Majesty Eta Bassey Eteta Ita III, former Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), Rt. Hon. Gabriel Ojie, former reps member: Hon. Chris Eta, former Council Chairman-Etung: Hon. Okoma Inyang, Hon. Peter Egba: former Commissioner for Trade & Industries, among others.