Cross River: Peace, security top agenda as Akpabuyo residents chart new course

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Residents of Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State have reaffirmed their commitment to building a future centered on peace, safety, and economic progress.

This renewed dedication was evident as the community marked the 34th anniversary of the local government’s creation with vibrant cultural performances, shared celebrations, and a strong sense of unity.

During the event, held at the council headquarters, former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, expressed her delight at the return of peace in the region, noting that such an event would have been unthinkable in previous years due to insecurity.

“Since His Excellency, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace.

“Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said.

Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe emphasized Akpabuyo’s strategic geographic position, bordered by rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, and Bakassi, calling it a natural hub for maritime activity. She noted that ongoing state efforts in dredging, deep-sea port development, and marine conservation will transform the area into a major player in maritime commerce.

She added that such projects would directly benefit farmers and fishermen, opening new economic opportunities for them.

“With the pace of growth, Akpabuyo will contribute even more to the economic advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria. More jobs will mean more stability for our people,” she added.

A standout feature of the celebration was the reopening of the area’s unique barter market, once the only one of its kind in West Africa, which had been shut down for years due to insecurity.

She described the revival of traditional trading practices—like exchanging fish for garri and palm oil—as a powerful symbol of cultural endurance and renewed local economy. It also reflects positively on the APC-led administration at both the state and national levels.

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Dr. Emana also spotlighted the important role women play in the region’s agricultural and commercial sectors, calling them the “backbone of agriculture and trade.” She praised ongoing empowerment efforts aimed at helping women succeed in these areas.

Akpabuyo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, expressed pride in hosting the council’s first official anniversary celebration, calling it a significant milestone in the community’s history.

“We are celebrating the birthday of Akpabuyo, and it happened during my time as chairman. The turnout shows how happy our people are. By next year, it will be even bigger,” he said.

He credited the prevailing peace for the success of the event, to Governor Bassey Otu, noting that only minimal security presence was required.

“The place is calm and safe. We have Marine Police, the Navy, the Army, the Airforce, and our local vigilantes. Investors from China and other countries are already showing interest; some have even acquired land to build a university and industries,” he revealed.

Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong revealed that the local government has plans to upgrade the historic barter market into a modern commercial center capable of attracting significant investment.

According to him, the market is already seeing increased activity, with cross-border traders from Cameroon and other neighboring areas contributing to the local economy.

The council chairman also called on the youth of Akpabuyo to reconnect with their cultural identity, especially by preserving the Efik language, which he warned is fading among the younger population.

“We value our culture and tradition. We encourage our youths in higher institutions to learn our mother tongue because our children no longer speak our language,” he appealed.

Agriculture was another focal point of the anniversary celebration.

Effiong highlighted that Akpabuyo, being largely an agricultural area, is starting to benefit from Governor Otu’s mechanized farming programs. These initiatives are generating employment, enhancing food security, and improving access in rural parts of the local government.

Looking back at the establishment of Akpabuyo from the former Odukpani Local Government in 1991, participants emphasized that the 34th anniversary celebration went beyond cultural expression—it was a reaffirmation of community progress and shared vision for the future.

“It was a showcase of Akpabuyo’s resilience, its growing economic importance, and its potential role in shaping Nigeria’s maritime and agricultural future,” Effiong concluded.

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