Stakeholders Adopt Eight Key Resolutions on Proposed Ogoja State, Name Mbok as Capital

Stakeholders Adopt Eight Key Resolutions on Proposed Ogoja State, Name Mbok as Capital

 

Stakeholders pushing for the creation of Ogoja State in Cross River have reached a major milestone, adopting eight key resolutions during a strategic meeting held at the office of Hon. Godwin Offiono.

 

Among the most notable outcomes was the unanimous decision to name Mbok as the capital of the proposed state.

 

The meeting brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives from the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts of Cross River State.

 

Discussions were centered on boundary alignments, local government structure, and ways to foster unity in the statehood campaign.

Below are the key resolutions reached:

1. Exclusion of Yakurr and Abi LGAs
   The meeting resolved that Yakurr and Abi Local Government Areas will no longer be part of the Ogoja State creation plan. Their removal aims to streamline the composition of the proposed state.
2. Adjustment of Local Government Proposals
   Stakeholders agreed that each of the two senatorial districts—Northern and Central—will propose a maximum of 18 Local Government Areas, bringing the total to 36 LGAs for the new state.
3. Central Senatorial District LGA Distribution
   A detailed breakdown of LGAs for the Central Senatorial District was approved as follows:

• Boki: 6 LGAs
• Ikom: 5 LGAs
• Etung: 3 LGAs
• Obubra: 4 LGAs

4. Designation of State Capital
   It was unanimously agreed that Mbok will serve as the capital of the proposed Ogoja State. The choice was seen as strategic and symbolic of unity.
5. Consultation on LGA Headquarters
   Leaders from various LGAs were encouraged to consult with their constituencies to finalize the locations of their respective local government headquarters.
6. Final Public Hearing Set for July 19
   The final public hearing on the creation of Ogoja State is scheduled to take place in Calabar on Friday, July 19, 2025. Stakeholders were urged to attend in unity and refrain from divisive rhetoric or actions.
7. Call for Unity and Commitment
   The meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment to achieving statehood. In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, several leaders offered public apologies for past disagreements. Stakeholders were urged to eschew acrimony and build trust to foster peace and development in the proposed state.

The group also extended heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Godwin Offiono, Esq, whose leadership was credited for convening the landmark meeting and helping unify various positions.

8. Closing and Symbolic Reconciliation
   The session concluded around 8:30 PM, with members embracing and participating in group photographs. The moment marked a renewed sense of solidarity and shared purpose among advocates of Ogoja State.

In a closing statement, participants declared, “On Ogoja State, we stand,” expressing hope that their efforts will be crowned with success by the Almighty.

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