Chairman of Obubra LGA, Hon Kingsley Arikpo (left) and Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Hon. Felix Akposi .
By Anietie Akpan
In the spirit of Easter, the Chairmen of Obubra and Akamkpa Local Government Areas (LGAs) have charged both journalists and the people of Akamkpa to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ as they celebrate today.
In a separate message, the Executive Chairman of Obubra LGA, Hon Kingsley Arikpo aka Apollo, felicitated with all Members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, wishing them good tidings as “we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter”.
The Chairman, whose Easter message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekong Okpa, sent his greetings with particular regards to members of the Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) under the distinguished Chairmanship of Comrade Archibong Bassey, the First Female Chairman.
He extended his felicitation to members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Union, the esteemed College of Veterans, and all Chapels’ leadership of NUJ, describing the media in Cross River as “a true vehicle to democracy”.
He commended journalists as they always “thrive on truth in their balanced and unbiased reportage in very inflammable circumstances capable of blazing fire on our nacent grassroot democracy”.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Hon. Felix Akposi KSJI, called on the people of Akamkpa to embrace the true spirit of Easter as a season of salvific grace, sacrificial love, and renewed hope, saying the lessons of the resurrection should inspire greater synergy between leadership and the people.
In his 2025 Easter message, released to some journalists by his Chief Press Secretary , Daniel Agbor, the Chairman who is a Knight of Saint Joseph (KSJ) said, “Easter reminds us that sacrifice is not loss, but love in its highest expression. As Christ laid down His life for mankind, so too must leaders commit to selfless service and citizens embrace unity for the common good.”
Hon. Akposi noted that under his administration, Akamkpa has witnessed a responsive approach to the yearnings of the people through deliberate policies and people-oriented programmes.
“Hope is not just a feeling—it is a result of visible effort. We have shown that when leadership listens, and the people believe, transformation is inevitable,” he affirmed.
Touching on salvific grace, the Chairman emphasised that leadership is a divine privilege to effect change, saying , “Grace isn’t passive. It demands that those entrusted with power act with compassion, integrity, and purpose. In Akamkpa, we view public office as a sacred trust to uplift lives.”
He called for continued collaboration and trust between the government and the governed noting that “the journey to development requires that we walk hand in hand. We must sacrifice narrow interests for a greater future—just as Easter teaches us to trade despair for the victory of hope”..
While acknowledging the economic and social challenges facing the people, Hon. Akposi reiterated his commitment to ensuring that needs are not only recognised but attended to with urgency and empathy.
“We have not only heard the people—we have moved to act. From infrastructure to youth empowerment, our goal is clear: to leave Akamkpa better than we met it”, he said and urged the citizens to use the Easter period to reflect on the values of humility, love, and shared purpose, assuring them that his administration remains committed to inclusive growth and community development.