Baskadia

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O.

Cross River State is set to shine on the national stage as five of its finest are honoured at the Global Achievers Award (GAA) 2026, scheduled to hold on 1st August 2026 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, in a night that promises to celebrate excellence, service, and impact across governance, politics, and enterprise.

Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey PhD, leads the list of honourees, nominated for the Most Outstanding Deputy Governor of the Year Award. Known for his humility, loyalty and steady hand in governance and quiet but firm commitment to the development agenda of the state, Dr. Odey's nomination reflects the confidence reposed in his leadership beyond the corridors of Calabar.

Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has been nominated for the Iconic Legislator of the Decade Award, a recognition of his trailblazing voice in Nigeria's 10th Senate. His advocacy and consistent representation of his constituents have earned him a reputation as one of the most impactful lawmakers to emerge from the state in recent memory.

Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, will be honoured with the Chief of Staff of the Year Award. Widely regarded as the quiet engine room behind the scenes of government business, a core loyalist of the people’s first administration, his nomination is a nod to years of disciplined coordination and unwavering loyalty to public service.

Hon. Oden Ibiang Ewa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Cross River Central, will be presented with the Emerging Politician of the Year Award 2026. His rising political profile and growing appeal among the electorate have marked him out as one to watch in the state's evolving political landscape.

Rounding off the list of honourees is Evangelist Michael Asuquo, Managing Director/CEO of Faithplant Global International Services Limited, who will receive the Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award. His journey from ministry to enterprise, and his humanitarian footprint along the way, reflect a story of faith, resilience, and impact that resonates well beyond the business world.

Together, the five honourees tell a story of a state whose sons are making waves across government, the legislature, politics, and business, each carving a distinct path yet united by a common thread of service and impact.

The Global Achievers Award 2026, themed "Honouring Impact, Elevating the Future," is organised by Moj Entertainment Nig. Limited in conjunction with the Yala Achievers and Development Initiative (YADI).

The event, tagged "The Iconic Trophy for Change Makers, Golden Heart Achievers, Humanitarian Endeavors," is scheduled to hold at 6pm on Saturday, 1st August 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.