CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has announced a comprehensive sensitisation, mobilisation and assessment of all registered cooperative societies across its eighteen local government areas to strengthen ethical and legal compliance.
Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, in a statement on Monday, said the exercise aims to promote growth and development of cooperatives in line with international best standards and relevant regulations.
Ekpang disclosed that the exercise would commence on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Bakassi Local Government Area before moving to the remaining 17 councils. He urged all registered cooperatives to present themselves for the assessment.
“The government directs all cooperative societies to appear in their respective local government areas for the exercise,” Ekpang stated, emphasising that the operation will ensure societies operate within laws and maintain ethical standards.
He appealed to local government chairmen and paramount rulers to support the technical team and ensure smooth execution. “We anticipate maximum cooperation from all concerned,” he added.
Dr. Edem Ebong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperative Societies, said the sensitisation would create awareness on best practices and strengthen public trust. He assured that a detailed movement schedule would be communicated shortly.
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Chairman of the State Technical Committee on Cooperative Societies, Etubom Offiong Iyamba, urged societies to demonstrate transparency during the exercise, stressing that “cooperative ethics are fundamental for sustainable economic development.”
In a separate development, Governor Bassey Edet Otu appointed Mrs. Fidelia Okpo Ene as Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), reinforcing his administration’s commitment to ethical leadership and quality education.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Linus Obogo, confirmed the appointment in a press release on Monday. He said Mrs. Ene, a seasoned administrator and advocate of quality education, “brings a wealth of experience and unyielding commitment to strengthening learning for children.”
Obogo explained that the appointment, effective immediately, reflects the governor’s “People First agenda” and determination to reposition education as a foundation for human capital development.
Governor Otu urged the new SUBEB chair to uphold integrity and professionalism in elevating standards of basic education. He charged her to “bring expertise, vision and dedication to bear in delivering quality basic education across the state.”
The twin announcements underscore the administration’s emphasis on situational ethics, promoting accountability in cooperative societies while ensuring educational leadership remains anchored on transparency and public trust.
