Negroid Haven (2025)

20/06/2025

Ayambem Urges Apolitical, People-First Approach to Health Insurance as C’River, Ebonyi Agencies Collaborate

By Efio-Ita Nyok

Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has called for a transformative, community-driven and apolitical approach to health insurance, emphasizing that the Cross River Health Insurance Scheme must prioritize citizens over politics NEGROIDHAVEN has learned.

Ayambem made the assertion on Wednesday during the opening of a two-day capacity building workshop for the governing boards and management staff of the Cross River and Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agencies (CRSHIA and ESHIA) held at Monty Suites, Calabar. The event, which ran from June 4 to 5, was aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and fostering inter-state collaboration in the health insurance sector.

Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, the Speaker charged stakeholders to build a system that outlives political cycles and is rooted in compassion, evidence, and measurable results.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Daring to Transform: Building a Health System that Puts People Before Politics”, Bisong outlined a six-pillar framework for sustainable health insurance in Cross River State: community ownership through grassroots engagement; fair and scalable financing with subsidies for the vulnerable; digital transformation using biometric smart cards; transparent leadership structures; continuous professional development; and rigorous performance monitoring.

“Let me say this clearly and without apology — a health insurance system must never be politicised,” Ayambem stressed. “Health is life, and life is sacred. The job of government is to protect that life, and we must build a system driven not by bureaucracy or political cycles, but by courage, compassion, and commitment to citizens.”

Drawing inspiration from international best practices, the Assembly Speaker cited Rwanda’s Community-Based Health Insurance, Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme, Indonesia’s Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional, and Taiwan’s single-payer model as successful examples of how nations with limited resources achieved near-universal health coverage through community engagement, vision, and political will.

Ayambem pledged legislative backing for reforms aimed at strengthening CRSHIA’s independence and funding mechanisms, stating, “We will continue to advocate for the kind of bold leadership and systems that ensure Cross River is a national model for health equity.”

Also speaking at the workshop, Director General of CRSHIA, Chief Godwin Iyala, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to innovation and accountability, noting that Cross River is emerging as a hub for cross-national health insurance exchange. He lauded Governor Bassey Otu’s unwavering support and vision of positioning the state as a benchmark for health coverage in Nigeria.

“This workshop provides a vital opportunity for our teams to learn from industry experts and from each other,” Iyala said. “It is our collective responsibility to translate this learning into better policies, stronger systems, and ultimately, healthier lives.”

On her part, Hon. Elizabeth Ogbaga, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, underscored the importance of inter-state collaboration, pointing out that both states face similar healthcare challenges, especially in maternal and child health. She emphasized that shared experiences can spark innovative solutions to reduce high mortality rates and improve outcomes.

“Cross River and Ebonyi have much in common,” Ogbaga noted. “By cross-fertilizing ideas and aligning strategies, we can drive significant improvements in our respective health insurance systems.”

The workshop featured sessions led by top health policy experts and explored topics such as digital enrolment systems, actuarial management, and stakeholder engagement. It concluded with a collective commitment by both agencies to deepen cooperation and scale up coverage, especially for vulnerable populations.

Participants described the event as a pivotal step toward building resilient, people-centred health systems that deliver not just access, but dignity and equity.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/ayambem-urges-apolitical-people-first-approach-to-health-insurance-as-criver-ebonyi-agencies-collaborate/

19/06/2025

CRSCF Inaugurates Elders Advisory Council Across Seven LGAs in Cross River South

Calabar, Nigeria –In an effort to deepen institutional maturity and provide seasoned guidance for its activities, the Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has constituted and formally inaugurated its Elders Advisory Council, made up of prominent statesmen and technocrats drawn from each of the seven local government areas in Cross River South Senatorial District.

The announcement was made on Monday following a high-level meeting of the Forum held in Calabar, where the Forum’s Chairman, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., described the move as “a turning point in consolidating collective leadership and wisdom in the pursuit of regional equity, good governance, and strategic development.”

“An Advisory Council in any serious organisation—be it corporate or civic—exists to offer tested insight, preserve institutional memory, and guide executive decisions with calm foresight,” Ekpo said.
“The CRSCF is embracing this model to ensure that our mission for equity, justice, and regional balance in Cross River State politics is anchored on deep consultation and intergenerational experience.”

The council, he noted, would act as a non-executive arm, providing guidance on critical political, economic, and developmental concerns affecting the Southern Senatorial District.

List of Council Members by Local Government

Akamkpa

1. Ntufam John Okon
2. Hon. Prince Patrick Orok Agbor
3. Prof. Patrick Asuquo
4. Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo
5. Rt. Hon. Itaya Asuquo Nyong

Akpabuyo
6. High Chief Edem Duke
7. Etubom Bassey Eyo Ndem
8. Prof. Franca Bassey
9. Rt. Hon. Dr. Patrick Ene Okon

Bakassi
10. AIG Ene Ene Okon (Rtd.)
11. Engr. Eyo Eyo Ndem
12. Hon. Patrick Antigha Ene
13. Rt. Hon. Barr. Dominic Aqua Edem
14. Sen. (Dame) Florence Ita-Giwa

Biase
15. Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu
16. Amb. (Mrs.) Kate Okon
17. Hon. Bishop Alex Ukam
18. Hon. Dr. Emil Inyang
19. Prof. Ajah Ekpeni Obia
20. Elder Ogban E. Ogban

Calabar Municipality
21. Ntufam Hilliard Eta
22. Ntufam Eyo Nsa Whiley
23. Ntufam Inok Edim

Calabar South
24. Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong
25. HRH Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon
26. Engr. Effiong Bassey
27. Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey
28. Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke

Odukpani
29. Etinyin Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong
30. Etinyin Dr. Asuquo Ekpenyong, MON
31. HE Amb. Etubom Nya Asuquo
32. Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita
33. Dr. Ekpenyong Nsa
34. Rt. Hon. Bassey Akiba
35. Sen. Ekpenyong Asuquo

Forum Leadership Commends the Step

The Secretary of the Forum, Hon. Charles Uno Atu, also emphasized the importance of anchoring the Forum’s advocacy in institutional processes that promote consultation, tradition, and wisdom, rather than reactionary politics.

The Chairman, Eyo Nsa Ekpo, further stated that the Elders Advisory Council will serve as a buffer of experience, acting as a moral compass and sounding board on emerging matters, including zoning, governance, and peacebuilding across the senatorial district.

“The South is rising—deliberately and strategically,” he said.

The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has been a vocal civic platform championing zoning justice, regional development equity, and transparency in governance decisions impacting the Southern Senatorial District. This latest development further formalizes its operations and is expected to shape the tone of political consultations ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/crscf-inaugurates-elders-advisory-council-across-seven-lgas-in-cross-river-south/

19/06/2025

Church, Family Must Rethink Male Responsibility to End Gender-Based Violence — Stakeholders Declare at GADA Forum in Calabar
..A GADA-Ford Foundation Initiative Spotlights the Role of the Church and Family in Reforming Harmful Social Norms

CALABAR– Faith leaders, youth representatives, gender advocates, and community stakeholders gathered in Calabar on Tuesday for a one-day summit organized by the Gender and Development Action (GADA), with support from the Ford Foundation, to address rising concerns around gender-based violence (GBV) by fostering male responsibility within the church and family.

Held at the Venetian Hall on Murtala Mohammed Highway, the summit themed “Male Responsibility for Transformation of Harmful Social Norms that Perpetuate Gender-Based Violence” brought together religious leaders, youth groups, and women leaders to explore how the church and family can nurture boys to become non-violent, empathetic men.

Reverend James Igwiro, Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Calabar Municipality, emphasized that true transformation starts at home. “The male child must be groomed with the fear of God,” he said. “If a male child must be a man and play his role in the actual sense, then that child must be well equipped. When a male child is well groomed, the issue of violence will go away.”

He warned against shifting parental responsibilities to religious institutions. “The first and very important part of the training is the family. When the family loses it, don’t transfer it to the church. The pastor is not a magician,” he said.

Apostle Frank Umo, Special Adviser on Religious Matters to the Cross River State Governor, echoed the call for structured biblical teaching on male conduct. “Eighty percent of the crimes in our society—rape, robbery, Yahoo Yahoo—are championed by male youths,” he said. “The male child we train today is the armed robber we take out of the streets tomorrow.”

Apostle Umo encouraged pastors to develop dedicated programs for boys across all age groups in their churches. “We must teach our children obedience, cleanliness, and the value of work,” he added. “Let them know that to be a man, you don’t need to abuse or dominate anyone.”

CAN State Youth Leader, Pastor Obia Ikita, challenged male privilege and the cultural silence surrounding men's emotional burdens. “We are here to preach against victimization of mostly the women—and also the male child,” he said. “We grew up not being taught how to relate. We were told boys shouldn’t go to the kitchen. That’s wrong. We must reset that thinking.”

Pastor Ikita added, “There is no male spirit or female spirit. We are all one in Christ. The change must begin with fathers who create time to speak truthfully to their sons—not just discipline, but relationship.”

For Nkoyo Toyo, Founder of GADA and a leading voice in the Nigerian women’s rights movement, the event represents a pivot in gender advocacy. “The most endangered of us all are the men,” she said. “When young men are unable to meet life’s expectations due to joblessness and poor support systems, they carry pain into their relationships. We want to unburden that pain, and help them transform it.”

She explained that churches were specifically targeted for the intervention because of their structure and reach. “The church is a very organized institution. They have youth and women groups. We’re catalyzing them to go back and rework harmful gender norms,” she said.

Participants were shown a documentary titled Toxic Male Behaviour and took part in plenary discussions, experience-sharing panels, and breakout sessions. The forum concluded with a call to action, urging churches to adopt curricula that promote responsible masculinity and empathy, and to engage boys in discussions around consent, respect, and domestic roles.

As part of next steps, churches across Calabar and beyond are expected to organize community-based discussions, integrate GBV teachings into Sunday School lessons, and initiate safe spaces for male youths to speak freely.

“We want men to start crying,” Toyo remarked pointedly. “Because when they cry, we can finally hear them—and heal together.”

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/responsibility-to-end-gender-based-violence-stakeholders-declare-at-gada-forum-in-calabar/

18/06/2025

“One Day, NDDC Managing Directorship Will Come to C/River despite Oil Production Status” — Orok Duke
..NDDC Commissions State Office, 8.137KM Road Network, Agricultural Equipment in Calabar

Calabar—The representative of Cross River State on the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has declared that Cross River state will eventually produce the managing directorship of the Commission, regardless of its current oil production status.

Speaking at the recent commissioning of the NDDC’s ultra-modern state office and other projects in Calabar, Duke stated that managing directorship of the NDDC rotates among member states according to the Act and assured that Cross River’s turn would come.

“The NDDC Managing Director will rotate among the states of the Niger Delta, which means that after Bayelsa, we are going to have a turn. One day, it will come to Cross River whether we have zero production of oil or not,” Duke said, emphasizing the importance of local political organization in national representation.

He also urged citizens and political actors in Cross River to remain vigilant and engaged in the national political discourse, stressing that “politics is local” and representation matters.

In a display of federal presence and grassroots impact, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Friday commissioned a series of landmark projects in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of a multi-state project rollout commemorating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.

The projects include the commissioning of the ultra-modern NDDC Cross River State Office, the allegedly rehabilitated 8.137-kilometre network of roads across Calabar South and Calabar Municipality, and the flag-off of the first phase distribution of handheld tiller machines to farmers across the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the well-attended ceremony held at the new state office along Murtala Muhammed Highway, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the occasion as a “symbol of transformation” and a break from the commission’s checkered history of abandoned and transactional projects.

“This is no longer the era of transaction but of transformation,” said Dr. Ogbuku.
“What you see here is part of a deliberate strategy by the board and management to institutionalize the Commission in each of the nine Niger Delta states. The Calabar office is not a rented apartment—this is a permanent structure, owned by the Commission.”

The MD emphasized that similar state offices were being commissioned in Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo States, while assuring that Cross River would continue to benefit from the Commission’s development agenda as long as peace is maintained and communities remain receptive to federal policies.

Roads, Agriculture, and the Renewed Hope Agenda...

Also speaking, Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, described the commissioning as a testament to President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” mantra, with the NDDC serving as a vehicle for infrastructure and agricultural transformation in the region.

“We are not just giving farmers tillers; we are equipping them to fight poverty and increase productivity. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy,” Antai said.

He lauded the Commission’s collaboration with stakeholders and local communities and praised the state government for providing a peaceful environment for project implementation.

Cross River Government Applauds Initiative...

In a show of state-level collaboration, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo, who conveyed the administration’s appreciation for the Commission’s support.

“The NDDC remains a key partner in our development efforts. We welcome this investment and hope it fosters more synergy,” he noted.

Cultural Display and Community Involvement...

The event also featured traditional performances from the Cross River State Cultural Troupe, notably the Abang Ekombi Dance, adding local flavour to the ceremony. Community representatives, including youth leaders and traditional chiefs from the Ikot Ansa and Nyaghasang Qua Clans, were present to show support and gratitude for the interventions.

Projects Commissioned

The key projects commissioned during the ceremony include:

*NDDC Cross River State Secretariat (permanent site)
*Alleged 8.137 KM network of roads in Calabar South and Municipality
*First phase distribution of handheld tiller machines to farmers.

In respect of the alleged 8.137 KM of road, there was a brief row between the NDDC and the Calabar Municipality as well as Calabar South Local Councils authorities as the executive chair of the municipal area, James Anam, argued that NDDC did not rehabilitate the said road network, according to him, the construction at Nyaghasang is a state government initiative.

Looking Ahead...

The NDDC stated that the Calabar event is the kickoff for a broader project commissioning tour across the Niger Delta, with upcoming stops in Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.

“We are not competing with state governments—we are complementing them,” Dr. Ogbuku emphasized.

The Commission reiterated its readiness to partner with governors, local councils, and development stakeholders across the region to improve infrastructure, agriculture, and human capacity.

Present at the event were the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, members of the 10th National Assembly’s committees for Niger Delta, members of the NDDC board, management and staff, traditional rulers and the general public.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/one-day-nddc-chairmanship-will-come-to-c-river-despite-oil-production-status-orok-duke/

17/06/2025

Bishop Otu Launches 7th Free Medical Outreach, Targets 5,000+ Beneficiaries in Cross River

Calabar– The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has flagged off the 7th edition of her Free Medical Outreach and 1st International Medical Outreach at the General Hospital, Calabar. The initiative, organized through her NGO, Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, in partnership with FaithCare Outreach International, will run from June 16 to 21, attracting beneficiaries from across Nigeria and parts of Africa.

Statewide Impact & Milestones...
Speaking at the event, Bishop Otu revealed that the outreach had already covered all three senatorial districts of Cross River, with the latest phase marking its second visit to the Northern Senatorial District.

"Through this initiative, we’ve brought smiles—and even tears of joy—to thousands. So far, we’ve conducted 705 free surgeries, 2,138 eye care services, 807 dental procedures, 898 lab tests, and over 5,000 general consultations," she announced.

She credited her husband, Governor Bassey Otu, for his unwavering support, stating, "His people-first leadership is the foundation of this intervention. We’re committed to a healthier Cross River."

Partners & New Health Initiatives
-Dr. Egbe Ayuk, Commissioner for Health, praised Bishop Otu’s consistency in delivering free healthcare, calling her efforts "a testament to genuine compassion."
- Prof. Peter Schnatz, Team Lead of FaithCare International (USA), pledged full commitment to aiding underserved communities.

Expanded Healthcare Access...
The First Lady also:
1. Launched the Cross River Health Insurance Scheme for citizens aged 65+, enrolling as its first ambassador.
2. Initiated an advocacy campaign for Measles and Rubella Vaccination.

Event Highlights...
- Registration of beneficiaries for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
- Tour of medical stations offering surgeries, eye care, and diagnostics.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/bishop-otu-launches-7th-free-medical-outreach-targets-5000-beneficiaries-in-cross-river/

15/06/2025

2nd Year Anniversary: 10th CRSHA passes 30 bills, 83 resolutions, multiple capital, oversight initiatives
.. Cross River Assembly Marks Legislative Milestones

Calabar–The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has highlighted the legislative accomplishments of the 10th Assembly as it concludes its second legislative year, citing the passage of over 30 bills, 83 resolutions, and multiple capital and oversight initiatives.

Speaking during a plenary session at the Assembly Complex in Calabar on Thursday, Ayambem reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of making laws for peace, order, and good governance of the state.

“I make bold to say that we have lived up to our constitutional responsibility by making laws for the peace, order, and good governance of our dear state,” he said.

According to the Speaker, the House successfully passed 30 bills in the legislative year under review—many of which have received prompt assent from the Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu. These include the Cross River State Security Trust Fund Bill, Climate Change Bill, Presumptive Tax Law, Diaspora Commission Bill, Firefighting and Rescue Service Law, and the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2024, among others.

Several other bills are currently at various stages of legislative consideration, including the Cross River State Electricity Bill, 2025, Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Bill, and the Audit Service Commission Bill.

The House also adopted 83 resolutions, many arising from motions and matters of urgent public importance. Ayambem noted that the Executive has complied with a majority of these resolutions, a development he attributed to the synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government.

“It is commendable that His Excellency, the Governor, places premium on most of our resolutions, which are always implemented,” the Speaker said.

Capital Projects and Oversight

In terms of infrastructure, the Assembly completed major renovations across its complex, including the administrative block, committee block, speaker and deputy speaker’s lodges, and installation of new audio control equipment in the chamber. The Assembly also completed the reconstruction of the parliamentary quarters’ entrance gate.

On oversight, Ayambem reported that the House’s standing and special committees conducted quarterly monitoring of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), helping to curb misuse of public funds and ensuring project ex*****on aligned with budgetary provisions.

Staff Welfare and Institutional Growth

Speaker Ayambem acknowledged the legislative staff for their dedication and pledged to push for the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), citing its adoption in other South-South states.

He also announced the recruitment of 100 new staff, following the governor’s approval, to address manpower shortages. Training and capacity-building efforts were intensified, including workshops in Lagos, Abuja, and e-governance training in partnership with the Korean Government and University of Calabar.

Importantly, he revealed that the Assembly has been reinstated into the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) after years of delisting due to outstanding dues.

“This reinstatement will allow us to participate in CPA conferences and deepen our legislative knowledge by sharing experiences with other Commonwealth countries,” Ayambem noted.

Looking Ahead

The Speaker assured that in the coming legislative year, the House will focus more on effective lawmaking, rigorous oversight, and constituent-centered monitoring in line with the state’s “People First” governance mantra.

“The welfare of Honourable Members and staff will continue to be a top priority. I solicit the continued cooperation of all Honourable Members and staff to sustain a viable House that is counted among the comity of states where order and peace are binding,” Ayambem concluded.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/2nd-year-anniversary-10th-crsha-passes-30-bills-83-resolutions-multiple-capital-oversight-initiatives/

15/06/2025

June 12 as Democracy Day: Tracing the Roots to Orok Duke’s 2014 National Conference Campaign

In 2018, Nigeria made a historic shift when President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29, which had been observed since 1999 to mark the return to civilian rule. This change was more than symbolic; it was a recognition of the pivotal role the June 12, 1993, presidential election played in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. At the heart of this transition was the advocacy of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, a delegate from Cross River State at the 2014 National Conference, whose impassioned call for honoring the victims of the June 12 crisis and recognizing Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola’s sacrifice helped reignite national discourse on the significance of that date. Duke’s contributions during the conference were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the eventual adoption of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

The 2014 National Conference, convened by President Goodluck Jonathan, was a platform to address Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges through dialogue. With 492 delegates representing diverse groups, the conference aimed to propose solutions to issues like insecurity, corruption, and governance structures. Orok Duke, a seasoned politician and opinion leader from Cross River State, emerged as a strong advocate for democratic ideals, drawing from his deep-rooted commitment to building an egalitarian society. His advocacy at the conference was not merely rhetorical but a strategic push to reframe Nigeria’s democratic narrative around the June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

On June 12, 1993, Nigerians voted overwhelmingly for MKO Abiola, a businessman and philanthropist, in an election that transcended ethnic and religious divides. However, the military regime under General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, plunging Nigeria into a decade-long crisis marked by civil protests, violence, and the deaths of pro-democracy activists, including Abiola himself in 1998. Until 2018, Democracy Day was celebrated on May 29, commemorating the 1999 transition to civilian rule under President Olusegun Obasanjo. However, many Nigerians, particularly in the South-West, felt this date overlooked the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle, which was a broader movement for democratic restoration.

During the 2014 National Conference, Orok Duke seized a critical moment to address this historical oversight. On June 12, 2014, invoking Order 7 Rule 5 under matters of urgent national importance, Duke moved a motion calling for a minute of silence to honor the victims of the June 12 crisis. He argued that June 12 was a “watershed in the history of Nigeria” and that the conference should recommend a monument to honor Abiola and others who paid the ultimate price for democracy. Duke’s motion was not just a call for remembrance but a challenge to the delegates to acknowledge June 12 as the true foundation of Nigeria’s democratic journey. He stated, “June 12 is a preamble as to why we are here today. It is a continuation of unfinished business of 1993.”

Duke’s advocacy resonated with key figures at the conference, notably elder statesman Edwin Clark of blessed memory, who reinforced Duke’s position by asserting that June 12, not May 29, should be Democracy Day. Clark criticized the “small-mindedness” of those who prioritized May 29, emphasizing that Abiola’s struggle symbolized the collective fight for democratic governance. The conference observed a minute of silence, a symbolic gesture that amplified the call for June 12’s recognition. This moment, sparked by Duke’s motion, rekindled national conversations about the annulled election and its significance, setting the stage for future policy changes.

The impact of Duke’s advocacy extended beyond the conference floor. By raising the issue at a nationally televised event, he ensured that the June 12 narrative reached a broader audience, including policymakers and civil society groups. His motion aligned with the conference’s broader goal of addressing historical injustices and fostering national unity through a new constitutional framework. The 2014 National Conference produced recommendations for electoral reforms, devolution of power, and socio-economic rights, but Duke’s focus on June 12 highlighted the need to anchor Nigeria’s democracy in its most defining struggle. His call for a monument and official recognition of Abiola’s contributions planted a seed that resonated with pro-democracy activists and political leaders.

The eventual adoption of June 12 as Democracy Day in 2018 was a direct outcome of years of advocacy, with Duke’s intervention at the 2014 conference serving as a catalyst. President Buhari’s decision to honor Abiola with a posthumous Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) award and declare June 12 as Democracy Day was framed as a rectification of historical wrongs. Buhari acknowledged the “fierce commitment” of Nigerians who opposed the annulment, a sentiment Duke had articulated four years earlier. The policy shift validated the view that June 12 was the “seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle” for democracy, as Buhari noted in his 2023 Democracy Day address.

Duke’s advocacy was rooted in his broader commitment to social cohesion and justice, evident in his community initiatives like Tinkoriko, a platform to unite youths across divides in Cross River State. His ability to connect local activism with national discourse made his intervention at the conference particularly impactful. By framing June 12 as a unifying moment in Nigeria’s history, Duke challenged the narrative that it was merely a South-Western issue, emphasizing its national significance.

In conclusion, Orok Duke’s advocacy at the 2014 National Conference was a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day. His motion to honor the victims of the June 12 crisis and recognize MKO Abiola’s sacrifice sparked a renewed focus on the election’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democracy. Supported by influential voices like Edwin Clark, Duke’s intervention laid the intellectual and emotional groundwork for the 2018 policy change. By bridging historical memory with contemporary governance challenges, Duke ensured that the sacrifices of June 12 were not forgotten, cementing his legacy as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/june-12-as-democracy-day-tracing-the-roots-to-orok-dukes-2014-national-conference-campaign/

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