By Ushang Ewa/Ikwen Atuaka
Cross Riverians yesterday joined millions of other Nigerians to celebrate the 55th independence anniversary of the country with several events holding across the state to mark the occasion.
In the capital city of Calabar, schools from the two local government areas that originally make up the metropolis (Calabar South and Municipal), schools converged at the U. J. Esuene stadium where the governor, Senator Benedict Ayade addressed the state in what will be his first independence broadcast in office as governor of the state.
As earlier reported by CrossRiverWatch, he expectedly highlighted the challenges and gains of his administration, lamented the pace of economic growth after independence and solicited support for his administration.
Several paramilitary agencies as well as Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools then engaged in a mini parade, marching past the governor with each trying to outwit the others with calisthenics displays crowning the activities.
Reports from Obudu local government area in the northern senatorial district of the state say schools also gathered to compete at the council headquarters with the Chairman, Emmanuel Ugbe represented by his Security Adviser, Patrick Agogo heading the occasion.
Gifts were presented to the best performing schools in an event which was described as peaceful.
Similar events occurred in other local government areas with the state government crowning the celebrations with a banquet hosted by the governor at the state lodge, popularly referred to as the Peregrino lodge.
