Gabu Community Chiefs, elders, and key stakeholders on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, received Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., Cross River State Commissioner for Education and the highest traditional title holder of the community, Odubor 1 of Gabu, in celebration of the New Year.
The New Year celebration, held in Gabu, witnessed a warm reception for Professor Odey and his entourage by the Gabu Community leadership, comprising chiefs-in-council, elders, and key community stakeholders. The leadership formally welcomed their revered son and traditional title holder, expressing appreciation for his consistent support and commitment to the development of the community.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the chiefs and elders commended Odubor 1 for his remarkable and unprecedented contributions to Gabu, particularly the construction of classroom blocks in primary schools across the community. They described the intervention as a landmark achievement and a historic milestone in the development of Gabu Community.
Hon. Elder Godwin Odama, Vice Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, alongside Hon. Mathias Oko, former Secretary of Yala Local Government Council, conveyed the community’s profound gratitude to Odubor 1 for his outstanding investments in human capital and infrastructure development.
Hon. Mathias Oko, who spoke as the community spokesperson, further presented the humble requests of the people, appealing for the sustenance of development initiatives in Gabu. The requests included the provision of motorcycles to ease the mobility of traditional rulers, empowerment opportunities and appointments for deserving sons and daughters of Gabu, as well as additional infrastructural projects.
In his response, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., Odubor 1 of Gabu, expressed deep appreciation for the unity, peace, and collective commitment to development demonstrated by the Gabu people. He charged the community leadership to continue supporting the administration of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, whose determination and commitment to transforming Cross River State are evident in ongoing and completed projects across the state. He cited projects such as the ongoing construction of the Yache–Alifokpa Road, the Akreha–Okpoku Bridge, the Ukelle Road, among several others.
Senator Odey assured the community that their requests would be formally presented to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, Odubor 1 immediately approved the donation of three motorcycles—two for the traditional council to enhance mobility and one for the youth leadership to facilitate community engagements. He further advised the community to maintain bloc support for Governor Otu in the forthcoming election year to attract increased development to Gabu and its environs.
The Gabu chiefs offered prayers for divine blessings, protection, promotion, and continued success for Odubor 1. The celebration was further marked by the presentation of cash gifts to chiefs, elders, and stakeholders, as well as the provision of assorted drinks to add colour to the New Year festivities, alongside the three motorcycles for to the community.
Professor Odey – Odubor 1 was accompanied to Gabu by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Dr. Fred Okem, Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area; Hon. Mike Usibe, former Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area; Hon. Idiku David, former Secretary of Yala Local Government Council; Engr. Cosmos Oloko, Stakeholder, Okpoma Ward; Surveyor Phillip Ibe, Stakeholder, Yache Ward; Hon. Christopher Mohie, Councillor representing Yache Ward; and several other party leaders and stakeholders. Hon. Monday Akpa, Councillor representing Gabu Ward, also joined his people in expressing appreciation to Senator Professor Stephen Odey, as the community showed overwhelming gratitude to their highest traditional title holder.