IOHRDE Honours Cross River First Lady, 20 Others for Exceptional Humanitarian Service
By Hannah Arikpo
The Cross River State chapter of the International Organisation for Human Rights Development and Environment (IOHRDE) has honoured 21 distinguished Nigerians for their exceptional contributions to humanity, social justice, and human rights advocacy.
Topping the list of honorees at the prestigious award ceremony was the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu. Others recognized include the Muri Munene of Efut and Paramount Ruler of the Efut Nation, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam; Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi; and Chairman of the Cross River State Taskforce on Illegal Mining, Prince Paul Effiong, among several others.
Pastor Undie Ashibekong John, the South-South Zonal Director for Prevention and Awareness of Human Rights Violations and State Coordinator of IOHRDE, presented the awards on behalf of the Global President and Chairman of IOHRDE, Comrade Akinyemi Ojo Adebayo. He described the awards as a symbolic recognition of the far-reaching impact the awardees have made through their humanitarian engagements.
He particularly praised the Governor’s wife for her compassion-driven programs, which have significantly improved the lives of vulnerable people across the state since the inception of the current administration. Her unwavering support for human rights causes in Cross River, he noted, remains unmatched.
“This physical award may not match the value of your contributions in monetary terms, but it is a heartfelt acknowledgement of your outstanding humanitarian service and steadfast commitment to social justice,” Pastor Ashibekong stated.
Dr. Mrs. Comfort Oko, who represented the Governor’s wife at the event, described Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as a transformative force in tackling societal challenges. As founder and president of the Humanity Without Borders initiative, the First Lady has impacted countless lives through skills acquisition, STEM advocacy, social welfare, free healthcare programs, and the Back-to-School Initiative carried out across various local government areas.
She also highlighted the recent international recognition of the First Lady with the symbolic “Key to the City” of New York by Mayor Eric Adams, describing it as global validation of her far-reaching humanitarian efforts.
“This award from IOHRDE is a great encouragement to us. We promise to continue doing even more,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, Paramount Ruler of the Efut Nation, lauded IOHRDE’s efforts in defending the rights of the voiceless and pledged his unflinching support.
“Human rights begin with caring for our neighbor. The doors of the Efut Nation remain open to you,” the monarch assured.
Responding on behalf of other awardees, Prince Paul Effiong, Chairman of the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce, commended the organisation for recognizing those who go beyond rhetoric to take a stand for human rights.
“This organisation isn’t just fighting for human rights; it’s also spotlighting champions of that cause. We will always stand with you. I also thank our ‘People First’ Governor for the opportunity to serve and confront the menace of illegal mining,” he remarked.
Delivering a keynote lecture titled, “The True Measure of Leadership: Human Rights, Social Impact, and the Legacy We Leave Behind”, Mr. Remi Ajuga, a prominent human rights advocate in Cross River, stressed that true leadership is defined by responsibility and compassion.
He praised the First Lady’s renovation of a block at the Afokang Correctional Centre, describing it as proof of her commitment to rehabilitating the most vulnerable in society.
“She has shown herself to be a people-centered First Lady. We urge her to continue these humanitarian efforts and, if possible, help relocate market women to safer and more dignified spaces to support their livelihoods,” he appealed.
The ceremony drew praise from guests and participants who described it as a timely encouragement for leaders and advocates shaping a more just and compassionate society.
