A new dawn: NAB Cross River state finds its voice again

By Eja Manifest Eji

The Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB), Cross River State Chapter, witnessed a new beginning on November 1, 2025, when members gathered at the Special Education Centre, Ikom, to elect a new leadership. The day marked the end of months of uncertainty and ushered in a renewed sense of unity, inclusion, and hope.

From Postponement to Progress

The election had first been scheduled for July 26, 2025, under the state Electoral Committee. But after the state government failed to release funds to support the exercise, the process was suspended indefinitely. That delay, along with disagreement over venue, triggered petitions from members who felt sidelined.

Responding to the outcry, the National Body of NAB dissolved both the State Executive and the Electoral Committee, appointing a Caretaker (Ketika) Committee headed by Mr. Nkemakolam Ofili, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Association. His task was simple but delicate: restore order and conduct a credible election that everyone could trust.

“We came not to divide but to rebuild,” Mr. Ofili told delegates before the polls. “Our duty was to return power to the members and ensure the process reflects transparency, fairness, and unity.”

Election Day in Ikom

By dawn on November 1, delegates from Ogoja, Bekwarra, Boki, Calabar, and beyond arrived at the Special Education Centre. For many, it was their first state-wide gathering in years marked by optimism instead of rancour.

Accreditation began early, and in keeping with the association’s constitution, the voting was done by open ballot — a raise of hands. Aspirants presented their plans, and each position was decided clearly and openly, without dispute.

Cheers erupted when Mr. Innocent Charles Enang was declared the new Chairman. Smiling and visibly moved, he thanked members for their confidence.

“This victory belongs to every member who stood for truth and unity,” Enang said in his acceptance speech. “We will serve with humility, transparency, and accountability. Our goal is to make NAB Cross River a model of inclusion and progress.”

The new Secretary, Mr. Akobi Anthony, pledged to run an efficient secretariat built on openness and communication.

“Members deserve to know what their leaders are doing,” he said. “We’ll ensure timely information and proper documentation at all times.”

Mr. Eja Manifest, elected Youth Leader, spoke with passion about youth empowerment.

“Our youths have ideas, energy, and creativity,” he said. “We’ll focus on training, mentorship, and participation so that the next generation of leaders will emerge from within our ranks.”

For Mrs. Ushuta Charity, the new Women Leader, the election meant renewed opportunity.

“Women with visual impairment often face double challenges,” she said. “This administration will stand for empowerment, education, and support for every woman to reach her potential.”

Delegates React

Across the gathering, there was a shared sense of relief and pride.
Mr. James Unyi from Ogoja, later elected as the Northern Coordinator, described it simply:

“This was the fairest and most peaceful election we’ve ever had. Everyone had a voice. We voted openly, we saw the outcome, and we left satisfied.”

Pastor Alphonsus Brown, who emerged as the Central Coordinator, called it a “victory for unity.”

“This is the kind of process that brings people together,” he said. “It showed that transparency is possible when leaders put the members first.”

From Bekwarra LGA, Mr. Orgacha Clement applauded the decision to hold the election in Ikom.

“The venue made a huge difference,” he noted. “It allowed everyone — north, central, and south — to attend freely. It truly united the association.”

In Boki LGA, Mr. Harry Omah and Mrs. Comfort John shared the same excitement.

“It felt like a celebration of democracy,” Omah said. “For the first time, we saw joy instead of division,” Comfort added. “The whole place was filled with songs of gratitude.”

A Fresh Start

As evening fell, members lingered outside the hall, shaking hands and sharing laughter. The long months of confusion had ended in harmony and renewed hope.

In his closing message, Mr. Nkemakolam Ofili commended the delegates and urged them to keep the spirit alive:

“This success is a shared one,” he said. “It proves that when we listen, when we respect each other, and when we work together, NAB Cross River will always move forward.”

With a new executive in place and unity restored, the Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of the Blind looks to the future — determined, inclusive, and ready to serve.