A leading businessman and oil entrepreneur, Koko Dan, CEO of LUBX OIL, has praised the former Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, for what he described as “unprecedented human capital development” during his administration.
In a reflective piece that has sparked discussion across social and political circles in the state, Koko Dan, who emphasized his independence from political patronage, said his unbiased perspective allows him to give an honest assessment of Ayade’s tenure.
“As a proud Cross Riverian, I’ve never held a government position or benefited from any political appointment or contract. That’s why I speak from a place of truth,” he wrote. “From 2015 to 2023, Ayade changed the lives of young people. For the first time, appointments were given not out of favoritism but out of humanitarian concern.”
He recalled how Point of Sale (POS) operators sprang up in villages, offering new income avenues. Many of these operators, he noted, were beneficiaries of Ayade’s appointments and empowerment programs.
“New houses mushroomed across the state. A section of Calabar is now lined with modern homes owned by young men and women who served in the Ayade government,” he observed.
He also cited a dramatic rise in passport applications at the Calabar Immigration Office, increased migration opportunities, and a proliferation of modern cars in remote communities as signs of economic upliftment linked to Ayade’s administration.
“Some appointees moved from the village to the city. Some got visas and left the country. Weddings became frequent, burials were well-supported, and social groups were financially active. All that has changed today.”
The businessman attributed these changes to what he described as Ayade’s “rare and epic knowledge,” likening the former governor’s vision to the grandeur of Niagara Falls, which he says he is currently witnessing firsthand.
“This is not just about politics. It’s about gratitude,” Koko Dan added. “Every individual who rose during Ayade’s tenure owes him appreciation. He is not just a leader; he is a phenomenon.”
The open letter has reignited debate on Ayade’s legacy in Cross River State, with many agreeing that, despite criticisms, his administration brought tangible benefits to thousands of young people in the state.
