By Odey Ojeka

UGEP (CONVERSEER) – The Executive Chairman of Yakurr, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, one year in office of People-Centered Leadership in Yakurr. On November 4th, 2024, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang was inaugurated into office as the chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council. On his first day in office, he made a firm commitment that every council ward in Yakurr would feel the presence of his administration before he will take a bow from office.

In infrastructural development, he renovated the council Secretariat, which was in a dilapidated state when he assumed office, and he installed a solar-powered pipe-borne water system to the environment more functional and sustainable. He also made an emergency intervention at the Yakurr Peace Stadium Ugep, where he constructed a new pavilion to support sporting and communal activities. Other of his infrastructural achievements include: construction of culverts with drainage in Ikpakapit council ward, construction of double culverts in Ijom council ward, construction of culverts in Ajere council ward, construction of two culverts in Ntan council ward, drainage project in Nko market, culvert construction in Idomi council ward, renovation of the Chairman official Quarters in Ugep, and construction of a modern market in Afrekpe-Epenti council ward in Ekori.

Still under infrastructural development, projects approved by the chairman and set to commence soon include: construction of a modern pavilion in Mkpani playground, rehabilitation of Agoi Mbami market, construction of culvert in Biko Biko council ward in Ugep, construction of culvert in Usaja in Assiga New Town, construction of culvert in Agoi Ekpo, construction of culvert in Inyima, and construction of culvert in Abanamkpai council ward in Nko.

In youth empowerment, many Yakurr youths have benefited from the chairman’s empowerment programs, including the distribution of hair clippers, solar installation kits, sewing machines, and ICT tools. Now these tools are helping the beneficiaries to start new businesses or expand existing ones to make them self-reliant and productive members of society.

In the health sector, he had partnered with the people of Ijiman council ward to build a Model Primary Health Care Centre, and he is working closely with the Cross River State Government to ensure that the indigent residents of Yakurr are enrolled in the Health Insurance scheme.

Through the office of his wife, Dr (Mrs) Ntongha Yibala, on 1st October 2025, during Independence Day Celebration, they visited the Usene Health Centre in Ijom Ugep to see the newborn babies and their mothers, and presented gifts to them.

In the agricultural sector, through the office of his wife, Dr (Mrs) Ntongha Yibala, they have supported local farmers with farm chemicals and manual back-knapsack fumigation sprayers. This initiative has helped to boost crop yield, promote modern agricultural practices, and strengthen food production and income among small farmers in Yakurr.

In economic support, he has provided financial assistance totaling ten million to constituents to help them meet their urgent personal and family needs. In Education, he has approved bursaries for 100 Yakurr students in various Universities across the country.

In sports, the chairman accompanied the Yakurr Ex Professional FC to win the Prince Otu Veterans Super League 2025, which they defeated the Talent FC 2-0 at U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar. He has also strengthened the Yakurr United FC.

During his one year in office, he has received several awards and recognitions, firstly on behalf of Yakurr Local Government Council, he received the first position awards in the Cross River State cultural carnival. And he has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Obol Nkpeli of Ekori. In appreciation of his outstanding contributions to educational growth and staff welfare, he was awarded with the award of excellence by the Yakurr Local Government Council Department of Education.

For his exemplary services and accountability in leadership, a Certificate of Credence and Good Governance were presented to him, and an Award of Excellence in Leadership was conferred on him by the Umor Otutu Development Forum of River State in recognition of his visionary leadership and people-oriented governance.

In order to maintain peace and security in Yakurr, he has continued to promote dialogue, inclusiveness, and swift intervention in times of crisis. He is anchored on transparency, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve Yakurr.

On behalf of SagaciousNewsBlog, happy one year in office to the chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, who is also the ALGON chairman of Cross River State.