The Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, on Thursday, January 9, 2026, kicked off the new year with a series of wide-ranging stakeholders’ engagements, setting a reflective yet forward-looking tone for governance in 2026.
The engagements, held in four phases, brought together elders of Akamkpa, chapter executives, ward leaders and APC stalwarts across the ten political wards, the Christian Association of Nigeria, People Living With Disabilities and appointees of the local government council. The Chairman disclosed that arrangements had equally been concluded to engage traditional rulers and heads of security formations within the local government area.
Marked by deep emotions, the meetings represented Akposi’s first official engagement for the year. A solemn one-minute silence was observed in honour of the late Hon. (Dr) Sylvester Edim and Dr. George Akor, whose passing in December cast a pall over the council, the entire local government area and the state. Prayers were also offered for the peaceful repose of their souls and for the safe return of Hon. Ndifon and his partner.
The moment stirred fond memories and a profound sense of responsibility, as stakeholders were reminded of the transient nature of life and the need for compassion, prayers and collective support for affected families and the entire local government area.
Explaining the purpose of the engagement, Akposi stated plainly that unity remains the cornerstone of development. “The growth of Akamkpa Local Government revolves around unity. When we are united, development comes faster and stays longer,” he said.
The Chairman used the occasion to appreciate the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen. Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and the First Lady for what he described as purposeful leadership. “First of all, let us thank the Governor of our dear state and his dear wife for the vision and the wonderful jobs they are doing to rebuild Cross River State,” Akposi noted.
He drew attention to key state-led interventions in Akamkpa, describing the elevation of the College of Education to a full-fledged university as historic. “Chief among the projects is the transformation of our College of Education into a university, with our son as the first Vice Chancellor. The Oban–Nsan Road is ongoing, and more roads will be added and constructed,” he said.
Speaking on the council’s performance, Akposi stressed that his administration had remained active and focused. “As a local government council, we have not been resting. We have completed and ongoing projects numbering fourteen, and when you add bursary payments, that makes fifteen projects for 2025,” he stated.
He, however, cautioned against complacency. “This is not a call to relax. It is a call to do more. In 2026, by the help of God, we will better our lots as captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill,” he assured, adding that priority would be given to elders, youths, women, education, health and agriculture.
On agricultural empowerment, the Chairman announced, “This year, 15,000 oil palm seedlings will be distributed to farmers across the ten wards of our local government. We are also making arrangements to bring in more.”
Acknowledging the political climate of the year, Akposi reminded stakeholders that 2026 marks the beginning of an electioneering season. “This year comes with great expectations. We must work as a team, in unity, if we are to attract growth and development to our communities,” he said, while describing the restoration of electricity to Akamkpa as a major turning point. “Light finally came to Akamkpa last year. We plan to extend it to other parts of the LGA, and it is only through unity that we can speak with one voice and attract more development.”
Addressing public criticism, the Chairman adopted a calm and reflective tone. “Criticism is within the rights of the people, and I am not contesting that,” he said. “But I also know that in a few years, comparisons will be made between me and my successor. That is the nature of leadership.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the state’s leadership, noting, “I follow my God and the Governor, and I will continue to work with him to execute his plans for our state and our local government. I therefore call on everyone, including those with opinionated differences, to put them aside for the common good of Akamkpa.”
Akposi also urged party members to take advantage of the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, wishing all stakeholders a peaceful and productive new year.
In their responses, elders, faith-based leaders, party stakeholders, persons living with disabilities and political appointees expressed appreciation for the consultative approach of the Chairman. They pledged unity of purpose, sustained cooperation and total support for the reelection of Governor Bassey Otu and the success of the APC in 2027.
The engagements ended with a strong show of logistical support of 11millions Naira, to cater for the participation needs of stakeholders, reinforcing the shared commitment to the Akamkpa project and a collective resolve to move forward together.
