The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has been conferred with a Chieftaincy title, Lekwel E’Mbe1 (Pillar of Mbube) by the thirteen communities of Mbube Nation in Ogoja LGA, South South Nigeria.
As an astute Politician, seasoned administrator, and worthy son of Mbube Nation in the northern Senatorial District of the state Hon Odey, was recognized for his political achievements, contribution and dedication to the Ogoja people and Cross River State at large.
The event took place at the Lutheran Primary School Grounds, Ekumtak, Mbube, Ogoja.
“I am overwhelmed by the show of love, kindness and commitment by my people,” he said.This recognition means so much to him.
Odey while thanking the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, HRM, Oti Mathias Odey Abua, for finding him worthy of the conferment, he stated “Together, we will make Mbe nation proud.”
He said he cannot do it alone, he needs their wise counsel, support and love so that the nation can grow stronger and better.
Brig. Gen. Mannix Nyiam (Rtd), the President-General of LlLUOM E’MBE, heaped praises on the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, for his choice of their son as his running mate in the 2023 gubernatorial election.
According to him, “This non-partisan civic reception is held at the instance of the entire Mbube people, to congratulate and welcome home our beloved son Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.”
He said his political friendship, generosity, compassion, intelligence, resourcefulness, integrity and commitment to good causes make him an embodiment of the Mbube Spirit as well as a priceless asset.
In another development, Rt. Hon. Odey had commissioned a skill acquisition center built and donated by a retired staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) and founder of Rural Africa Industrial Skills and Empowerment (RAISE) Foundation, Chief (Engr) David Abang.
He said by what he has done “he has defeated all the politicians,”
Situated in Idum-Mbube, in C’River northern Senatorial District, the skill acquisition center will provide learning facilities for members of the community.
Odey who made a cash donation of N5 million to kick start the center, said the donor was giving back to the society.
The deputy governor called on the youths, women, and members of the community to protect the facilities and ensure it serves its purpose.
Dignitaries at the occasion were the Chief whip of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Odere, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, and the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Barr. Alphonsus Eba, who represented the Governor Sen Bassey Edet Otu.