Emmanuel Ironbar, the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, has felicitated former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Essien Ekpenyong Ayi, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing the milestone as “a glorious celebration of a life defined by public service, political resilience and enduring commitment to the people.”
Ironbar, in a goodwill message, to the former federal lawmaker’s decades of involvement in the political and developmental affairs of Cross River State, noted that his journey through public office reflects a long-standing engagement with the aspirations of his constituents.
The Chief of Staff described Ayi as “a distinguished elder and an illustrious son of Cross River State whose political odyssey has traversed several important chapters in our democratic experience.” He noted that the celebrant’s years in public office, spanning local government administration, legislative representation and sports development, constitute a significant part of his public-service record. According to him, “At 70, we celebrate not merely the passage of time, but the wealth of experience, political endurance and public responsibility that have characterised your journey.”
Ironbar particularly acknowledged Ayi’s seven-year tenure as Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, from 1995 to 2002, describing the period as an important chapter in his administrative career.
He observed that local government leadership places public officials in direct contact with the everyday concerns of citizens and the practical demands of grassroots administration.
“Your years at the helm of Calabar South brought you into close engagement with the needs, expectations and aspirations of the people. That experience remains an important foundation of your long involvement in public affairs,” he said.
The Chief of Staff also commended Ayi’s twenty-year representation of Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, from 2003 to 2023. He described the length of the former lawmaker’s tenure as evidence of his sustained participation in Nigeria’s democratic process and his longstanding relationship with the constituency.
“Twenty years in the National Assembly represents a considerable chapter in a public career. It provided you with a platform to participate in national legislative affairs while carrying the concerns of your constituents into the broader conversation about Nigeria’s development,” Ironbar stated.
Beyond elective office, Ironbar
recognised Ayi’s service as Secretary of the Cross River South Development Authority, noting that regional development institutions provide an important framework for addressing community needs and advancing development priorities.
He said Ayi’s involvement in the authority reflected his engagement with development beyond the immediate responsibilities of elected office. “Your journey reminds us that public service extends beyond political titles; it encompasses the continuing responsibility to contribute experience, ideas and institutional knowledge to the progress of our communities,” he added.
Ironbar further highlighted Ayi’s involvement in sports administration, including his association with Rovers Football Club, Calabar, and his leadership roles in the Cross River State Football Association and the Cross River State Sports Commission.
According to him, these responsibilities demonstrate the celebrant’s varied interests in public administration and community development.
“Sports remain a powerful instrument for youth engagement, talent discovery, social cohesion and the promotion of a positive state identity. Your involvement in this sector adds another dimension to your years of service,” he said, while acknowledging the importance of sustained investment in sporting institutions and young talent.
Reflecting on the significance of the septuagenarian milestone, the Chief of Staff said Ayi’s experience offers an opportunity to appreciate the value of continuity, institutional memory and intergenerational mentorship in public life.
He added that the former lawmaker’s decades of political participation provide a basis for younger leaders to reflect on the responsibilities associated with leadership and representation.
“At this stage of life, your experience is a valuable resource. The lessons accumulated over decades of public engagement can continue to enrich conversations about leadership, democratic practice and the future of Cross River State,” Ironbar remarked.
Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
