By: Umah Aniashie Akpanke, PhD
Over the years, many narratives have been shared about Senator Professor Ben Ayade’s tenure in government, both as Senator representing Cross River North and as Governor of Cross River State. Regrettably, much of the discourse has focused on criticisms, often overlooking the significant, measurable, and enduring contributions he made across various sectors.
This piece aims to present a fact-based assessment of the transformational legacy of Ayade’s administration, underscoring the bold strides and visionary initiatives that have reshaped Cross River State for the better. It is important to note that:
Ayade ran his administration with the lowest allocation in the country.
It is important at this point to highlight the economic realities of the Ayade’s administration. The government came at a time where the the state received the lowest federal allocation . How his administration was able to navigate remains a mystery.
Ayade expanded the scope of Government with the highest appointment.
Despite the low allocation, Ayade expanded the scope of government by appointing many Cross Riverians due to his sensitivity to citizen hunger.
Regular payment of salary.
The Ayade’s administration was able to overcome the long syndrome where workers in the state worked for months without pay. Ayade’s administration did not only pay worker’s salary but did that promptly, despite the low allocation. Ayade is the first governor in Cross River to leave office without owing a penny on salary.
His management of the COVID 19 with almost near zero allocation all through the 2 years of Covid 19 pandemic
Ayade successfully paid pension to his people, to improve welfare and wellbeing.
His administration successfully managed the deadly COVID 19 pandemic for two years. It is important to note that he did not only manage it successfully, but it was done with almost near zero allocation for 2 years.
Debt Servicing of 240 Billion.
Ayade serviced loans of previous administration, with over 240 billion spent.
He did not Borrow
It is important to highlight that Ayade’s administration did not borrow any amount from any financial institution. When he took over leadership of the State, the state was in deep financial crisis that he could not even borrow.
Cally Air: A Trailblazer in State-Owned Aviation.
Ayade made history with the successful establishment of Cally Air, a state-owned airline that boosted the state’s aviation capacity and positioned Cross River as a hub for regional air connectivity. Cally Air continues to operate beyond his administration, a testament to its sound foundation and enduring value.
Obudu Cargo and Passenger Airport: Unlocking Regional Prosperity.
The Obudu Cargo and Passenger Airport was a bold infrastructural project aimed at integrating the northern part of the state with national and international trade and travel networks. Designed to reduce travel time between Obudu and Calabar and connect agrarian communities to export markets, this project reflects Ayade’s commitment to long-term regional development.
Obudu German Hospital: Elevating Rural Healthcare.
The Obudu German Hospital, fully equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, brought first-class healthcare to rural communities around Obudu. Under Ayade’s leadership, the hospital was established to reduce medical tourism, retain medical expertise within the state, and provide accessible, high-quality healthcare to underserved communities.
Scholarship Programs: Investing in Human Capital Development.
Ayade prioritized education through strategic local and international scholarship initiatives, particularly targeting youths from Cross River North and beyond. Many beneficiaries of these programs have graduated and now serve in critical roles both in Nigeria and abroad, a direct result of Ayade’s investment in the next generation of leaders.
The Ayade Food Bank: Combating Hunger with Vision.
The Ayade Food Bank provided consistent food relief to vulnerable families across Cross River North District. This initiative was a lifeline to thousands and exemplified responsible, people-centered governance.
Subsidized Transport Scheme: Affordable Mobility for All.
Through Ayade Motors, the administration launched a subsidized transport scheme, reducing transportation costs between rural areas and Calabar to as low as ₦1,000. This dramatically improved access to education, trade, and essential services for students, traders, and low-income families.
Rural Transformation: Reconnecting the Forgotten.
Ayade’s rural development drive resulted in the construction of several strategic roads, connecting long-neglected communities to commercial and administrative centers. Roads such as the Bishiri road, Calabar Lane, Bekpam access road and road linking Spk ‘s house with Upelwaga community in Obudu. Other road constructed by the Ayade’s adminstration include Kakum, selected roads in Ipong and beyond which significantly improved trade logistics and reduced post-harvest losses, directly impacting rural livelihoods.
Youth Inclusion in Governance: A New Generation of Leaders.
Ayade reshaped the political landscape by appointing hundreds of young men and women into government positions. To set the record straight, Ayade’s Administration had the highest number of state appointees in Nigeria. Remarkably, majority of the beneficiaries were young men and women. His decision to give young people a chance in politics gave young people the platform to contribute to governance, policymaking, and public administration at the highest levels.
Sankwala Junction to Bekwarra Dualization: Restoring Regional Mobility.
The dualization of Sankwala Junction to Bekwarra Road ended decades of neglect and opened up reliable transportation routes in the northern senatorial district. This project dramatically reduced travel time and enhanced movement of goods and people.
Odukpani Spaghetti Flyover: Ending Traffic Gridlock.
Ayade addressed Calabar’s notorious urban congestion through the construction of a flyover at Odukpani and the dualization of the road from Tinapa Junction. The result was seamless traffic flow, enhanced safety, and reduced commute times for thousands of residents and visitors.
Teachers’ Continuous Training Institute: Raising Educational Standards.
To strengthen the educational system, Ayade established the Teachers’ Continuous Training Institute, a first-of-its-kind institution dedicated to ongoing teacher development and capacity building. The initiative has had a measurable impact on the quality of education across public schools.
Strategic Federal Collaboration: Unlocking National Support.
Ayade’s strong collaboration with the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari unlocked major benefits for the state. These include the Rice Seedlings Factory, rehabilitation of federal roads, and the construction of the new Ikom Bridge, all of which reflect his ability to align state interests with national priorities.
Industrialization and Manufacturing: Laying the Foundation for Economic Diversification
Ayade made major strides in industrialization with several landmark projects:
Calabar Garment Factory which created jobs and positioned the state as a player in Nigeria’s textile market.
Groundnut Oil Factory in Bekwarra which promoted agro-processing and value addition.
Calachika Chicken Plant
This enhanced protein access and poultry industry development. Citizens of the State and those who did their businesses in the state got protein as low as 1,300 subsidized rate.
Noodles Factory in Calabar This was a major boost on local production, which created employment.
Other key industrial projects include:
Ultra-modern Rice Processing Factory in Ogoja
Poles and Pylon Factory in Akamkpa
Cocoa Processing Plant in Ikom
Cross River Pharmaceutical Factory in Calabar
Conclusion:
Senator Professor Ben Ayade’s administration delivered a transformative agenda that redefined governance in Cross River State. His achievements spanned aviation, healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, industrialization, youth empowerment, and financial management.
He:
Launched and sustained Cally Air, a functioning state-owned airline.
Built the Obudu German Hospital and multiple industrial plants.
Opened up rural communities through major road projects.
Created jobs through Garment, Rice, Groundnut Oil, Noodles, and Chicken Processing Factories.
Paid gratuities and salaries up to his last day in office.
Managed the COVID-19 pandemic with no federal allocation.
Serviced ₦240 billion in legacy debts while not borrowing a single naira.
Institutionalized youth inclusion, teacher training, and public-private sector partnerships.
Ayade’s legacy is one of bold vision, fiscal responsibility, and enduring development. His tenure undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for the state’s continued progress and serves as a model for innovative, principled leadership in Nigeria.
