Destiny Cross River Awards Honour Five Icons of Service and Sacrifice
By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The maiden edition of the Destiny Cross River Awards held on a cool October night at Shettima Hall, Calabar, has set a new moral benchmark for leadership in the state, celebrating five distinguished citizens whose lives exemplify sacrifice, integrity and enduring service.
The event, themed “When Destiny Calls, Sacrifice Answers”, brought together faith leaders, traditional rulers, public servants, and academics to honour five patriots: Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON, Prof. Kelvin Etta, Chief Anthony Ani, CON, and Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa.
Convener of the Awards, Archbishop Josef Bassey, framed the night’s message clearly: “Destiny is not fulfilled by chance; it is secured by sacrifice.”
Governor Otu: Rebuilding Through Quiet Leadership
Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, widely known as “Sweet Prince,” received the Destiny Cross River Grand Commander Award for Leadership and Governance.
Since assuming office, Otu has focused on institution-building rather than publicity, introducing a People-First philosophy that has revived moribund agencies, restored public confidence, and rekindled hope among workers and investors.
Archbishop Bassey described him as “a turnaround manager who chose results over rhetoric,” citing his focus on infrastructure, education, and governance as proof of deliberate leadership.
Chief Kanu Agabi: Defender of Law and Institutions
Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON, was honoured with the Destiny Patriarchal Laureate Award in Law, Integrity and National Service.
A two-time Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Agabi has been a central figure in Nigeria’s legal development, defending the rule of law and constitutional order with moral courage.
“This award is a tonic that will spur me to do more in the service of humanity,” he said in his acceptance speech.
For Cross Riverians, his recognition was a symbolic reminder that integrity remains a public virtue.
Prof. Kelvin Etta: The Unbending Academic Reformer
Prof. Kelvin Etta received the Destiny Patriarchal Defender Emeritus Award for Education, Institutional Reform and Mentorship.
As a former Vice Chancellor of both the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Etta’s leadership has shaped academic standards across generations.
“If there’s anyone I must have hurt or offended in the course of my public service… please find a place in your heart to forgive me,” he said tearfully. His humility underscored the personal cost of reform and the grace required to lead with conviction.
Chief Anthony Ani: Financial Stewardship for Posterity
Chief Anthony Ani, CON, was recognised with the Destiny Legends Protocol Award for Finance, Economic Management and National Policy.
As former Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom/Calabar Free Trade Zone Authority, Ani’s disciplined economic management helped stabilise Nigeria’s economy in turbulent times.
Award organisers described him as “a financial sage whose discipline sustained national growth and whose wisdom inspires generations.”
His recognition was both a tribute and a challenge to future leaders to embrace fiscal responsibility.
Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa: A Matriarch’s Compassion and Courage
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, fondly called “Mama Bakassi,” received the Destiny Matriarchal Defender Award for Humanitarian Service, Advocacy and Leadership.
Her decades of advocacy for Bakassi returnees and displaced persons have made her one of Nigeria’s most enduring humanitarian voices.
“This honour is for every woman who has had to fight to be heard. It shows that our labour is not in vain,” she declared to a long ovation.
Her selection as the first female recipient highlighted the power of compassion as a form of sacrifice.
A Covenant for Posterity
Archbishop Bassey, who convened the Awards, positioned the event as more than a ceremony. “When leaders do wrong, we must say so. But when they do right, we must also acknowledge it,” he said.
Governor Otu echoed the importance of celebrating patriots while alive, noting that honouring them now “strengthens the culture of sacrifice and inspires many more to follow their example.”
The night’s message was clear: public service is not about applause but posterity. Each honouree represents a pillar of the state’s destiny — governance, law, education, finance, and social courage.
By celebrating them, the Destiny Cross River Awards have offered a template for leadership — one rooted in courage, integrity, compassion and vision.
The Meaning Behind the Awards
Instituted by Archbishop Josef Bassey, the Destiny Cross River Awards aim to honour living patriots whose selfless service has shaped the state’s development.
The theme “When Destiny Calls, Sacrifice Answers” reflected the central idea that greatness demands giving up comfort for purpose. From politics to education, law to finance, and advocacy to governance, each awardee’s journey forms a mosaic of what true leadership means.
As Cross River State enters a new season of rebuilding, the legacy of these five icons stands as both an inspiration and a challenge to future generations.
