Being a memorable day, it is of utmost importance for a brief of history to be told to resonate with whatever feeling we intend to share amidst the 35th anniversary celebration of the creation of Abi Local Government Area — whether good or bad.
What is today referred to as Abi Local Government Area was first conceived and birthed by the short-lived Alhaji Shehu Shagari's administration in 1983. However, the local government area was abolished when the military forcibly took power from the civilian led government.
Later in 1991, September 23rd, the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida created Abi Local Government Area from the defunct Ugep Local Government Area of Central Cross River.
Historical evidence holds that the local government was established through the amalgamation of the Agbo, Bahumono and Imabana communities, and consequently, coined its name from the initial letter of the name of these three major communities. Hence, giving birth to “ABI” as we have till date.
Proudly, Abi through its stretch from Ekureku in the Agbo nation through Afafanyi in Bahumono and Ilike in Imabana has produced prominent people we can count on from all works of life. Notably among these figures is His Royal Highness the late Eval Samuel Eyegbe Akpan Nkanu, the Eval Kpokor VI of Igbo Imabana, Paramount Ruler of Abi, old Obubra and Yakurr, and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council of Cross River State. A revered first class monarch and custodian of the traditional ancestral stool and customs of the Ba–Kwanike royal family of Igbo Imabana.
The likes of Senator Liyel Imoke, Elder Bolaji Anani, HRM Ovai Usa Elder Edward Osim, JP the Paramount Ruler of Abi and incumbent chairman of Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, Prof. James Epoke, Chief Alex Egbona, Dr Betta Edu, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie(by marriage to Dr Ivara Esege), Hon. Justice Ignatius Igwe Agube(JCA, Rtd), and numerous others not mentioned make the list of the renown class of the local government.
Rhetorically, I am tempted to query the achievements of the past 35 years of our existence but that will be misinterpreted as escalating the ignorance and hatred those who do not benefit from government hold against the occupants of public offices and their accomplices. As right as they may seem to reason, posterity will leave a hard knock on my foregoing if the very necessary questions needed for the prosperity of our society is sidelined for the fear of victimisation.
As extracted from the submission of Justin Trudeau the former Prime Minister of Canada, he asserted "Let us not forget that diversity is a strength, but inclusion is a choice. Investing in people is always the smartest investment we can make."
The statement above captures the genesis of our underlying challenges as well as a possible solution. Foremost, as a local government area with diverse people, tongue and cultural values, our differences if not properly managed will hinder us from tapping into the wealth collective efforts brings. Considerably, this points to one truth: the right amount of investment in human capacity is tantamount to the results we get.
INSIGHTS:
Our existence is interwoven in our diversity and this has to be built on to strengthen our bargaining power and developmental trajectory during political/socioeconomic negotiations — not a one-sided and self projecting negotiation: a situation where only the “A” has it all, or the “B” is considered bigger and the “I” an appendage of the first instance, derail completely from the principle of fairness and equity.
For too long, all facts points to leadership failure and weak responses from watchdog institutions as the basis for our ineffective and regressive development. This gave birth to a 35-year old cycle plagued with lack of human capacity development, no functional industry to drive youth employment and economic growth, a rise in the number of active political praise singers who have refused to take the cries of the ordinary citizens to their allies in power, and a society where personal political ambition overrides the collective bargain of the larger population.
For these three decades plus, different election cycles presented to us the opportunity to choose our leaders rightly. Sometimes, the will of the people prevailed. Other times, the government in power ‘did it’ their way. However, irrespective of the way with which a political leadership emerges, the people whose trust is held would often demand accountability, integrity and stewardship. These trio are the core pillars of public service.
Separating politics from governance creates room for varying perspectives from advisors and critics alike to be scrutinized, compared, tried and utilised.
Unaccounted allocations, lack of government support, projects and programs, invisible economic growth and poor state of medical/road infrastructure forms the basis for political apathy. We must put an end to “rice empowerment” and gear our thoughts toward goals whose impacts lives in the hearts of many forever.
DELINEATED TRAJECTORY:
Considering the geographical location of Abi which is shares border with Ebonyi and Abia states; two commercial states within the southern territory of the country, the decision to invest heavily in agribusiness to ensure food security while providing jobs for thousands of people must not be taken with laxity.
With notable increase in our population, investing in the education and training of our young population is a seed that will yield bountiful results in the nearest years ahead, placing us at a vantage position to compete locally and globally.
Powerful voices like Hope Francis Etta of Malabor, who championed the course for women and girls participation in student union leadership at the University of Calabar, Marvellous Imoke of Central Senatorial Students Assembly who through his leadership distributed thousands of educational materials to students and pupils in public secondary and primary schools across the six local government areas of Central Cross River State, and many more emerging young leaders ought to be brought onboard as youth ambassadors, and be given the necessary support to train more young people on purposeful leadership.
The politics laced with certain unrealistic biases must be annihilated to give equal room for all parties to compete and participate fully. At 35, Abi Local Government Area should have a clearly stated development agenda, functional factories, industries, fixed social amenities and an improved economy rather than the consistent political fights by certain actors.
Political leaders are reminded of the transient nature of power and are enjoined to make good use of the opportunity they have to get things working well. In fact, if it makes sense to everyone then you should be excited doing it. Needless to say, doing it differently requires selflessness and the right team players.
Youth groups, traditional and religious institutions, men and women of good consciences, must arise to lend their voice in seeking an ABI that is prone to progress.
Conclusively, I close with this charge by an Indian Economist and Philosopher Amartya Sen, he said: “Poverty is not just a lack of money, it is not having the capability to realize one’s full potential as a human being.”
As our local government area marks 35 years of creation today, let us be reminded of our shared responsibilities and commit to its advancement.
Long live Abi Local Government Area!
Long live Cross River State!!
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Happy 35th anniversary to all sons and daughters of ABI.
Emmanuel Richard Ike is a former student leader, a public relations practitioner, and a staunch community development advocate.
He hails from the Ike Ideba's dynasty of Ba-Ikake in Ebor Clan, Igbo Imabana.
September 23rd, 2026.
All rights reserved.
Comments
Post a Comment