The Executive Chamber of Akamkpa Local Government Council on Thursday, 3rd July, 2025, played host to the leadership of the Joint Ntufam’s Association of Annon Quarrying Communities, who paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, in a meeting imbued with goodwill, mutual respect, and renewed commitments to peace and security.
Addressing the delegation, Hon. Akposi praised the unity and resilience of the quarrying communities, describing them as the veritable backbone of Akamkpa and indeed Cross River State. “You have shown great strength,” the Chairman affirmed, “for your resources hold both the state and our local government together. I cannot forget your unceasing prayers and support in restoring peace between my community and Ojor. You have continually been a bedrock of peace as you meet, exchange ideas, and advance the frontiers of communal harmony.”
In a candid moment, the Chairman decried the negligence of security matters by some of the companies operating in the locality. “Truth be told, these companies have not been fair to us,” he remarked, assuring the visitors of his determination to strengthen security frameworks in collaboration with the quarrying communities. He further charged the royal fathers not to allow disputes with investors to degenerate, urging them rather to resolve issues amicably in order not to scare away investors.
“You are wonderful fathers,” the Chairman continued, “and I trust that the resources accruing to you are wisely deployed for the benefit of all. Please, do not sideline any unit in your domain be it the women or the youth for such exclusion breeds discord. I am gratified to note there have been no issues of resource control from your communities.”
Promising to address all residual concerns within the local government area, Hon. Akposi directed his Special Adviser on Peace and Security to visit identified communities and resolve any lingering challenges. He exhorted the group to remain steadfast in prayer, quoting, “Render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and to God the things that belong to God.” He concluded with a call for collective patience, assuring them of inclusive development and a future of shared prosperity.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Joint Ntufam’s Association, Ntufam Augustine Nyong Orok, expressed gratitude to Hon. Akposi for granting audience to the delegation despite the brevity of notice. “We are here born out of love,” he declared. “Take us as your own. Since you assumed the mantle of leadership, we have long wished to meet with you. Your father’s contributions to our association remain ever fresh in our memory. By the sacred duty of your office, you are eminently qualified to be our member.”
Speaking in furtherance of this sentiment, Dr. Valentine Ntui underscored the association’s loyalty to the local government and its leadership. He also tabled a tripartite request, highlighting the menace of insecurity in the quarrying communities, worsened by drug abuse, gangsterism, and other social vices, and called for urgent intervention to fortify the security architecture.
Dr. Ntui also intimated the Chairman of the association’s interest in joining a thank-you delegation to His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, in appreciation of the Oban–Nsan Road project, the appointment of Akamkpa indigenes to prominent positions in government, and the delivery of other laudable initiatives in the local government area.
A highpoint of the visit was the formal induction of Hon. Felix Akposi into the Joint Ntufam’s Association of Annon Quarrying Communities, which was crowned with the presentation of gifts and memorable photo sessions, sealing the event and the day as a remarkable day of solidarity, fellowship, and hope for a more harmonious Akamkpa.
Photo splash
