By Beatrice Akpala Media
With only two days remaining, anticipation is building ahead of the Cross River Political Advocacy Summit 2026, as the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Content Development and Archiving intensifies preparations for what is expected to be a landmark gathering focused on deepening democratic participation, inclusive governance and citizen engagement.
The summit, scheduled for Friday, 24 July 2026, will take place at the Pearl Ball Room, Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Centred on the theme, “The Role of the People in the People’s Government: Institutionalising the Feedback Mechanism,” the summit seeks to promote meaningful dialogue between government, policymakers, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media, youth groups and citizens, with the objective of strengthening participatory governance and improving accountability in public service.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour and Chief Host, underscoring the state’s commitment to building a governance structure that encourages public participation and responsive leadership.
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Delivering the keynote address will be Colonel Pam Ogar (Rtd.), former Military Administrator of Kwara State. Other distinguished speakers include the State Accountant General, Dr (Mrs) Glory Tony Effiong; Commissioner for Education, Sen. Prof. Stephen Odey; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Prof. Francisca Bassey; Chairman of the Cross River Economic and Intelligence Team, Rt. Hon. John Gual Lebo; and Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Committee, Dr Bong Duke.
The summit will also feature a high-level panel discussion with the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Christopher Eta; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar; and Chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Prince Edwin Okon.
Host of the event and Special Adviser to the Governor on Content Development and Archiving, Beatrice Akpala, said the summit is designed to strengthen the relationship between government and the governed by creating a sustainable platform through which citizens can contribute meaningfully to policy formulation, implementation and governance.
As the countdown enters its final two days, organisers have called on political office holders, public servants, community leaders, civil society organisations, professional bodies, students, media practitioners and members of the public to seize the opportunity to participate in what promises to be one of the state’s most significant civic engagement events.
The summit is expected to produce practical recommendations aimed at institutionalising effective feedback mechanisms, strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a more inclusive, transparent and prosperous Cross River State.
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