C’River Deputy Governor Peter Odey’s Northern Tour: When government listens
By Fred Abua
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, PhD, has just concluded a five-day official tour across the five Local Government Areas of Northern Cross River- Bekwarra, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja, and Yala. The tour, held in commemoration of their 2025 New Yam Festivals, a cherished tradition in these agrarian Local Government Areas, wasn’t just a cultural visit, but it was empathy in action, a government willing to listen before acting.
With a consistent message, “I have come to celebrate the new yam with you, and to listen, so government can meet your actual needs,” Dr. Odey moved from community to community, palace to palace, playground to play ground, not with empty promises, but with real interventions and tangible impacts.
While over #150 million was committed to support cultural celebrations across the five LGAs, the Deputy Governor brought more than just goodwill. He delivered life-changing interventions worth over #250 million, addressing core community needs – ultramodern boreholes for clean water, agricultural inputs, youth employment opportunities, and local development projects.
In Obudu, for example, he responded immediately to a request from the women of Utukalu by donating ₦5 million for fertilizers and pesticides. It was a practical and timely response to a pressing agricultural need.
Everywhere he visited, traditional rulers, critical stakeholders, youth groups, women, and people living with disabilities welcomed him warmly, expressing gratitude not just for the immediate support, but for the visible impact of the Senator Prince Bassey Otu-led administration—notably in rural infrastructure, electrification, agriculture, potable water, and job creation.
Yet, the consistent refrain was: “We want more.” But this was not a complaint. It was a sign of trust, a belief that government is truly, ‘People First’ and capable of delivering beyond their expectations.
Often underestimated because of his gentle demeanor, Dr. Peter Odey is a man of deep capacity, thoroughly prepared for leadership. With a background in law, sociology, international relations, and conflict management, he brings depth and intellect to leadership. His journey, from grassroots development work in the NGO sector to high-level public service-has been guided by a singular mission: uplifting his people.
And during this tour, he was never alone. He was accompanied by a delegation of political leaders and stakeholders Northern Cross River, a strong signal of continued unity, respect, and shared vision.
Among his entourage were LGAs was member representing Obudu Bekwarra and Obanliku in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke, LGAs Council Chairmen, State Chairman of the Party, Alphonsus Eba, serving and former members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, serving and former commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General, and other top government officials.
Others were High Chief Higgins Peters, Chief Peter Ojie, Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Signor Omang Idiege (Ada Bekwarra II), and critical stakeholders from the north.
The love was massive, as evident in the large turnouts of community people at the various venues. Their message was unmistakable: Cross River State has a government that listens, and a Deputy Governor who delivers.
