By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Prof. Stephen Odey, Esq., has called on the Omgbotuche Ayi Yala Welfare Initiative to sustain its efforts in promoting peace and unity in Yalaland.
Odey made the call on Thursday, in Calabar, while receiving members of the initiative who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
The leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Ogar Freeman, commended the commissioner for his consistent “accessibility, opening his doors wide for his people and the warm reception” accorded to the people of Yala nation.
He applauded Odey for not despising the Yala people, despite the strides he has made in public service.
He formally invited him to the forthcoming 2026 Festival of Unity/Yala Unity Walk as Special Guest of Honour.
Responding, Senator Odey praised the group for its commitment to fostering peace, unity and development among the Yala people, noting that their programmes promote togetherness and brotherliness.
He urged them to remain steadfast, stressing that peace, unity and harmony are “essential for the progress of Yala and Cross River State as a whole.”
