By Kelvin Ololo
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Cross River State, have called for broader inclusivity in governance while declaring support for Governor Bassey Otu’s efforts to secure the state’s 79 oil wells and the recently identified 239 additional wells.
The groups described the move by the state government as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the state’s economic foundation and restoring its oil-producing status.
The position was made public on Friday, 27 February 2026, during an awareness and advocacy march in Calabar to commemorate World NGO Day 2026.
The event was held under the theme, “Restoring Dignity Through Inclusion, Empowering Marginalized Communities and Fostering Equity.”
During an advocacy visit to the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs, the CSOs presented their demands to government officials. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Chairman, Leader Ben Usang, noted that marginalization extends beyond persons with disabilities, stressing that women and youths across many communities also face systemic exclusion.
He urged the Cross River State House of Assembly to enact a law establishing a Civil Society and NGO Affairs Commission. The coalition called for the appointment of a Special Adviser on Civil Society and NGO Affairs to strengthen collaboration between government and non-state actors.
The groups reaffirmed their support for the state government’s push to reclaim its oil-producing littoral status and advocated strategic development initiatives targeted at grassroots communities as a pathway to poverty reduction.
In a joint statement signed by the Chairman and Acting General Secretary, Jonah Okpa, the non-state actors outlined six key reasons for their endorsement of the administration’s oil recovery efforts. They encouraged the governor to remain steadfast and peaceful despite initial obstacles encountered in the process.
Responding, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, commended the United Nations for promoting World NGO Day and acknowledged the contributions of NGOs to development efforts in the state. She urged civil society actors to remain focused and professional in their operations.
“The era of recklessness should be over. If you want the government to respect you, also respect the government by following adequate procedures because you are doing the real job. Let us join the governor of the state in this fight; we must mobilize as foot soldiers behind him,” she said.
She encouraged CSOs to collaborate closely with relevant government agencies to achieve sustainable development outcomes.
In her keynote address, Abenmire Adi, founder of Orange Tables, emphasized the need for deliberate inclusion of persons with disabilities in planning and policy formulation.
“We should always have individuals with disabilities included in our plans, not isolating them,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr. Martin Ntino of Hope Ability Empowerment Initiative highlighted the universal vulnerability to disability.
“If disability hasn’t reached you, it hasn’t passed you. Disability can happen to anybody at any time; build inclusion and not exclusion,” he stated.
Representatives of other organizations who shared goodwill messages included Bassey John Anari of Lead Rise Power Foundation, Comrade Bernard Enyia of the Network of People with Diabetes, Clement Oko of Biodiversity Rescue Club, and Patience Iyang of the Girls’ Child Development Initiative (GCDI).
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialization. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
Leave feedback about this