By Kingsley Agim and Jessica Ubi Preparations for the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) in Cross River State received a royal endorsement on Tuesday as the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, led a high-powered delegation of health sector stakeholders to the palace of His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar and Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom. The visit, held at the Obong’s Palace in Calabar, was both symbolic and strategic, bridging traditional authority with modern governance as the state intensifies efforts to host Nigeria’s highest decision-making body on health policy from November 17 to 21, 2025. Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ayuk explained that the delegation’s purpose was to formally inform and invite the revered monarch to the national meeting, as well as to seek his royal blessings ahead of the event. “We felt it was non-negotiable to personally visit and seek the blessings of the revered Obong of Calabar, not just as a matt...
The Cross River State Representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, on Saturday attended the wedding ceremony of the son of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Egerton, Calabar. The grand event, brought together notable dignitaries, family members, and friends to celebrate the union. Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Duke expressed his happiness and congratulations to the newlyweds. He emphasized the importance of the family unit to societal progress. "Marriage is a sacred institution and the bedrock of any successful society. I join Their Excellencies, Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his beloved wife in celebrating this beautiful union. "May their new home be a perpetual wellspring of joy, peace, and prosperity. We pray for God’s guidance as the couple embark on this exciting new chapter together," he stated. Chief Duke noted the subtle use of the four Rs by Governor Otu i...