The Cross River State Political Directors Forum has honoured the Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency (CR-SEA), Hon. Francis Ekpo, with an award of recognition for his outstanding contributions to rural and urban electrification across the state.
Presenting the award during a courtesy visit to the DG’s office on Monday in company of other executive committee members, the Chairman of the Forum, Prince Jude Agaji, described electricity as central to governance and quality of life, noting that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu deliberately placed priority on the sector by appointing a leader with vision and capacity.
Quoting the biblical phrase “Let there be light,” Prince Agaji said the appointment of Hon. Ekpo was a strategic decision by the Governor to ensure that the people truly felt the impact of governance at the grassroots.
According to him, access to electricity determines how citizens experience development, stressing that a season cannot be described as “sweet” when communities cannot power their homes, or use electricity to improve their livelihoods.
He commended the DG for his visible achievements within two years of assuming office, noting that electrification projects and interventions are now evident across communities in the state.
“What stands out is your leadership style; your timely response to emergencies and your hands-on approach. I have personally witnessed your prompt interventions and your strong working relationship with stakeholders, all driven by sincerity and commitment to delivering the people’s mandate,” Agaji said.
The Forum Chairman further praised Ekpo’s ability to translate government policies into measurable impact at the grassroots, adding that the award was meant to encourage excellence and inspire younger political actors.
“We are here on a Monday morning to say well done for justifying the confidence reposed in you by His Excellency and for making Cross Riverians proud,” he added.
Responding, Hon. Francis Ekpo expressed gratitude to the Forum, describing the award as both humbling and motivating. He emphasized that achievements recorded by the agency were the result of teamwork and institutional support, rather than individual effort.
“This recognition is very important to me. It shows that people are seeing and feeling the work we do. It also serves as an encouragement to do more,” Ekpo said.
He noted that meaningful progress in governance requires collaboration and engagement, encouraging the Forum to continue interfacing with government through constructive dialogue to present challenges and ideas.
The CR-SEA DG distinguished the award from what he described as “transactional recognitions,” stressing that it was based solely on performance and impact.
“These are the kinds of awards that matter; given not because someone paid for them, but because the work speaks for itself. I truly appreciate this gesture,” he said.
Ekpo reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the electrification mandate of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration, pledging continued dedication to expanding access to reliable power across Cross River State.
