NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved the appointment of five members into the Cross River State Sports Commission, according to a government statement released on Monday.
The announcement, signed by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, said the appointments take immediate effect as part of efforts to strengthen sports administration in the state.
According to the statement, Etta Lawrence Itanya will serve as chairman, while Queen Gladys Festus, Hon. Njarani Gabriel Ushie, Sunny Ndep Ebam and Ekpenyong Effiom Okon were named members of the commission.
Prof. Enoh explained that the new appointments reflect the government’s commitment to developing sports, adding that Governor Otu expects the commission to “promote excellence and provide strategic leadership” across various sporting activities.
He noted that the administration prioritises youth engagement and talent development, stressing that a functional sports commission would help harness sporting potential across the state’s communities.
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The SSG said the appointees were selected based on experience and capacity, and urged them to uphold professionalism, transparency and accountability in delivering their mandate.
He added that the commission is expected to collaborate with sports associations, local councils and private partners to expand access to facilities and revive grassroots competitions.
According to the statement, the state government believes that revitalising sports will create opportunities for young people and strengthen social cohesion, particularly in urban and rural areas.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a stable institutional framework that supports sports infrastructure, athlete development and long-term planning for competitions.
Prof. Enoh encouraged the new members to justify the confidence of the administration, emphasising that the state “will monitor performance and ensure full compliance with ethical standards.”