The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, has commended Governor Bassey Otu for his health policy thrusts, describing them as impactful and people-centered.
Agbor gave the commendation during a thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Etomi, to mark the second anniversary of Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk as Commissioner for Health. He said the Governor’s approval of various health interventions, including the recent outreach in Etomi, underscores his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access in rural communities.
The thanksgiving service was preceded by a two-day medical outreach, held on August 15 and 16, during which nearly 300 residents of Etomi and neighboring communities benefited from surgeries, consultations, eye care, and other medical services. The programme was hailed as one of the most far-reaching health interventions in the area in recent years.
“From the just-concluded medical outreach, we can see how beneficial primary healthcare is to all of us,” Agbor noted. “I thank the Governor and the Honourable Commissioner for choosing Etomi, my community, for this exercise. The impact on the locals and even those from neighboring communities cannot be overemphasized.”
While praising the initiative, the Governor’s aide used the occasion to warn against land grabbing and encroachment on public assets, particularly those allocated for health facilities.
“The reason for the Primary Health Centre landmass is for future expansion. Let it be on record that if one inch of that land is encroached upon, in my capacity as Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery, I will see to the recovery of every portion. Charity will begin at home,” he cautioned.
Agbor further disclosed that he has often been called upon by the Health Commissioner to recover government lands belonging to health facilities across the state, assuring that his office would not relent in protecting state assets from theft or misuse.
He expressed optimism that continued support for Governor Otu’s administration by Etomi community and Etung Local Government Area would attract more health programmes and other development initiatives to the people.
Also present at the event were the Leader of Etung politics, Prince Ebuta Ojong Ayuk, elder statesman and former commissioner, Ntufam Gabe Odu Oji, Chairman of Etung Local Government Council, Hon. Henry Njar Anom, Director General of State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, Leader of Etung legislative council, Hon. ThankGod Ekubnse Ojong and his legislators, Secretary of Council - Etung, Hon. Emmanuel Ndum, former Chairmen of Council, Hon. (Dr.) Kuti Inok and Hon. John Oru Etta, Director in the Cross River Road Maintenance Agency, Mr. Nji Nji, Supervisor for Agriculture - Etung, Asu Collins Bassey (Osama), his counterparts in Due Process, Mr. Bitty Obibia, Environment, Mr. Amba Obaji (King of Boys), and Transport, Mr. Bright Ntui, among others.
