By Kingsley Agim
The Executive Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Hon. (Prince) Effiom B. Effiong, has been honoured with a Certificate of Investiture as Advisor by the Cross River State Political Directors Forum, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to peace and security, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and the general welfare of the local government.
The honour was conferred on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by members of the forum to the chairman’s office at the Akpabuyo Local Government Headquarters, Ikot Nakanda, Akpabuyo.
Presenting the certificate, the Chairman of the forum, Hon. Jude Agaji, described Hon. Effiong as a visionary grassroots leader whose humility, exposure and commitment to service have translated into visible and impactful development across Akpabuyo.
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He traced his long-standing relationship with the chairman, noting that the bond predates his assumption of office, and described Hon. Effiong as a mentor whose leadership style continues to inspire younger political actors.
“There has been a tremendous and unprecedented change in this council. This is a result of his vision and the genuine desire to add value, not because he needed the office for personal gain,” Agaji said.
He stressed that the forum’s visit was not only to recognise projects and programmes executed by the council, but also to acknowledge the many lives positively touched by the chairman’s leadership, even beyond public view.
According to him, Akpabuyo has witnessed both visible and invisible transformations under Hon. Effiong’s watch, adding that the local government is fast becoming a model for purposeful grassroots governance.
The Forum commended the chairman for his dedication to service and expressed confidence that Akpabuyo Local Government would continue to record greater achievements under his leadership.
In his response, Hon. Effiom Effiong expressed gratitude to the Political Directors Forum for the honour, describing it as a motivation to do more for the people of Akpabuyo.
“This recognition means a lot to us. Whatever we do here is done with the understanding that public resources must be used responsibly. What we put in place should be such that whoever comes after us will not need to tamper with it,” he said.
The chairman explained that upon assumption of office, his administration prioritised restoring a conducive working environment for staff, especially after the council secretariat was badly affected during the #EndSARS protests of 2020. He also disclosed ongoing efforts to restore the Akpabuyo High Court, noting that discussions with the judiciary were yielding positive results.
Hon. Effiong further emphasised the importance of integrity in public office, stating that he values peace of mind above material accumulation.
“What belongs to the people must be given to the people. I prefer peace and contentment, and that is what guides our decisions in this administration,” he noted.
He also commended Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu for providing a people-centred development blueprint, describing the governor as a leader whose passion for the state inspires local government chairmen to perform.
Describing local government as the tier of government closest to the people, Hon. Effiong appealed for greater attention and support for councils, noting that grassroots leaders bear the direct burden of the daily challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
The Forum’s Executives present at the investiture included Engr. Obono Onen (Vice Chairman), Comrade Ita Ekeng (Public Relations Officer), Elder Chief Obono Ibiam (Publicity Secretary), Mrs. Josephine Akayel (Welfare Secretary), and Mr. Eastern Ekpenyong (Financial Secretary).
