By the closing days of 2025, the festive air across Obubra and Etung Local Government Areas carried more than Christmas cheer. It carried conversations about unity, development, service and the future, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, whose yuletide tour of the constituency blended celebration with purposeful engagement.
On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Dr. Ayuk embarked on a series of visits that accentuates his philosophy of leadership: governance must be human, inclusive and rooted in the grassroots.
The tour commenced in Obubra, at the residence of Dr. Kyrian Mfam, former Executive Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area and a respected statesman. Before an audience of supporters, elders and political associates, Dr. Ayuk spoke candidly about public service and the meaning of mandate.
“My mandate is quite different from what others are doing,” he said. “As a moving Commissioner and as a human being, it is important that we address our mandates collectively. I have come because of my mandate, that we must all work together.”
The moment set the tone for a tour that was less ceremonial and more conversational, driven by listening, reflection and shared purpose.
From Obubra, the Commissioner proceeded to Etung, where a broad-based stakeholders’ engagement. His liaison officer, Hon. (Dr.) Asu Ebam Ndep, addressing the gathering, noted that the people of Etung had eagerly anticipated the visit, describing it as an opportunity to reaffirm the bond between the Commissioner and the grassroots.
“The presence of Dr. Ayuk today confirms that Etung remains close to his heart,” he said.
In his address, Dr. Ayuk reassured leaders and residents that Etung occupies a strategic place in the development vision of Governor Bassey Otu.
“Governor Bassey Otu remains deeply interested in the progress of the Etung people,” the Commissioner stated, disclosing that plans were already underway to upgrade health facilities across the area, with some projects already ongoing.
Looking ahead, he projected renewed investment and attention to the constituency, noting that before 2027, Etung would attract more resources than it has ever experienced.
The gathering reflected Etung’s diversity and cohesion, drawing political, traditional and social leaders. Among those present were the Vice Chairman of Etung Council, Hon. Assam Amba; Leader of the Etung Legislature, Hon. Ekubnse ThankGod; APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Eric Ndifon, and members of the legislative council.
Traditional authority was strongly represented by His Royal Majesty, the Paramount Ruler of Etung, His Majesty, Ntui-Atui Anthony Ntui-Etta, alongside clan and village heads, Elders in Council, the Etung Youth Council, Etung Women in Politics and the Etung Women Network, all lending their voices to a shared vision of peace and development.
True to the spirit of the season, Dr. Ayuk complemented dialogue with tangible support. He distributed substantial welfare packages and food supplies, stressing that the gesture was meant for the entire constituency.
To ensure fairness, he directed that distribution be done equitably across wards. In Bendeghe Ekiem Ward, the sharing of three cows symbolised inclusion — one designated for traditional chiefs, another for women, and the third for party members, reinforcing balance between culture, gender and politics.
The Commissioner’s engagements extended beyond meetings. He attended Ochimabiji Etomi 2026, a vibrant cultural carnival in Etung featuring age-grade competitions, peace advocacy and community bonding. The event also witnessed the commissioning of staff quarters at St. Peter’s Primary School, Etomi, a development hailed as a milestone by locals.
“This community is worth celebrating,” Dr. Ayuk remarked, acknowledging Etomi’s commitment to harmony and growth.
As the calendar turned to January 1, 2026, Dr. Ayuk hosted a New Year get-together at his country home in Bendeghe Ekiem, welcoming elders, youths, party members and friends. The informal gathering, marked by shared meals and open conversations, reinforced solidarity and accessibility; hallmarks of his leadership style.
He later received APC women from Bendeghe Ekiem Ward at his Ikom residence, led by Mrs. Adada Mgbe, where discussions centred on unity, community strength and collective support for Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.
From Obubra to Etung, from cultural grounds to quiet homesteads, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk’s festive engagements reflected a leadership model grounded in presence, empathy and continuity.
As plaudits pour in from political leaders, traditional institutions, women and youth groups, one message resonates clearly across the constituency: governance, when carried home to the people, builds trust, strengthens unity and inspires confidence for greater service to Cross River State and beyond.
Kingsley Agim and Jessica Ubi
