… Why I accepted to be Commissioner – Senator Odey
It was a highly exhilarating moment as the good people of Yache Nation in Yala LGA of Cross River State, Saturday (March 30, 2024), held a grand reception in honour of one of their illustrious sons, Distinguished Senator Stephen Odey Ph D on his appointment as Commissioner for Education by the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu.
The colourful occasion, which held at St Francis Primary School, Alifokpa-Yache attracted dignitaries across the length and breadth of the nation, including top Government Functionaries, led by the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem. Also, Traditional Rulers, the Clergy, Youth and Women groups, entertainers, friends and well wishers of the chief celebrant also graced the event in their numbers.
The fun filled carnival-like event which was full of melodious renditions provided a good platform for Senator Odey to explain to the people why he accepted the post of Commissioner despite having served as Senator. He stated that he accepted the position in other to bring his wealth of experiences for the service of the State in order to move Cross River State to greater heights, adding that most importantly he needed to consolidate on the developmental strides in Yache Nation by being in the State Executive Council to lend their voices to their agitations. He urged other members of the State Executive Council to vote in support of Yache development when brought for consideration, having seen the bad road and the bridge themselves. He thanked the good people of Yache for the honour of the celebration and wished them well.
In his turn, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker assured that Yache Nation will no longer work like elephant but eat like ant. He acknowledged the truck of votes coming from Yache Nation, courtesy of Commissioner Odey and other team players in Yache land, promising that Yache would be rewarded accordingly. Extolling the good virtues of Senator Odey, the speaker described him as a humble man whose kindness to others and determination for growth and development of the State knows no bound. On the other hand, he said that Senator Odey should indeed be grateful to Yache Nation for always acknowledging and celebrating him for all he has done for them.
Other speakers who spoke in the event, including the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ankpo Pius, were full of encomium for the highly revered gentleman. They explored his humanistic and altruistic dispositions and encouraged Yache Nation to support him always while promising to complete the Okpokwu bridge and construct the road.
The occasion was spiced up by performances from revered entertainment Icons like Gordons and Ajaba, a Cross River born musician.
Senator Dr. Stephen Odey appreciates very specially all his friends, associates, supporters and well wishers for finding time to join the good people of Yache Nation to celebrate with him yesterday.
