UKONGIKWEN ADIE
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, yesterday, 2nd November, 2023, welcomed Mr. Agbor Joseph Ejini, popularly known as ‘Joe Sweet’, in his office with a cash gift of N1m.
Rt. Hon. Odey celebrated Mr. Ejini for the great feat of walking from Obudu to Calabar as a show of solidarity and celebration of the emergence of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Rt. Hon. Peter Odey as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively.
The native of Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area of the State, who is a musician and skitmaker, had composed songs used in the gubernatorial campaign and promised that he would walk from Obudu to Calabar if His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu and Rt. Hon Peter Odey emerged as winners.
Speaking after his meeting with the Deputy Governor, Mr. Ejini said “I have never been so happy in my life. I thank the Deputy Governor for acknowledging what I have done and for gifting me the sum of One Million Naira. I pray that God will bless him and give him wisdom”. He added that he would use the cash gift to upgrade his musical career and create opportunities for youths in his locality.
It would be recalled that the artist who embarked on a seven-day journey on foot from Obudu to Calabar from Wednesday, 18th October, arrived Calabar on Tuesday 24th October, 2023. Joe Sweet, the passionate supporter of the new administration was received by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, on behalf of the Governor, Send. Prince Bassey Otu.
The artist, on arrival in Calabar, presented both the Governor and his Deputy with portraits as well as a victory song he recorded in their honor.