Cross River government held valedictory service to honour late Elizabeth Adede
A solemn valedictory service was held at the temporary State Council of Chiefs Chambers in Calabar Friday to honor late Miss Elizabeth Adede, a former Commissioner of Finance and Permanent Secretary in Cross River State.
The diseased was celebrated for her dedication, honesty, and unwavering commitment to public service. Many speakers described her as a trailblazer who upheld integrity in government, ensuring financial accountability and due process in all her dealings.
In his remark, the Deputy Governor now Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, reflected on the inevitability of death, quoting religious texts and Shakespeare. He described Adede as a fearless, rule-abiding public servant deeply committed to the development of Cross River State.
“We respected her service as Commissioner, we respected her service as Permanent Secretary, and we will continue to honor her legacy,” Odey stated. He recalled her relentless work ethic and commitment to government transparency and further proposed that her name be immortalized in a befitting way. “She deserves to be remembered for her impact on Cross River,” he said.
Leading the tributes, a former Military Administrator of Niger State, Col. Lawan Gwadabe (Rtd), reflected on Adede’s time in governance and her synergy with the Executive Council. He praised her intelligence, resilience, and dedication to public service, acknowledging the challenges she faced due to her brilliance. Despite resistance, she remained committed to development, even accepting a lower position after serving as a commissioner. He described her as fearless and principled, expressing gratitude to those honoring her legacy.
A former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, highlighted Adede’s rare transition from political office to administrative leadership, serving as both Commissioner and Permanent Secretary. He commended her unwavering dedication to the state and urged her family to find solace in their faith and the Christian belief in resurrection.
Similarly, Senator Matthew Mbu praised her as a pioneer, being the first woman to serve as Cross River’s Commissioner for Finance before ascending to Permanent Secretary. He assured her loved ones that she had gone to a place “free from life’s struggles.”
Again, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Mike Anya, recalled her fearlessness in office, stressing her insistence on due process, even in the face of political pressure. “She was a woman of principle, someone who always followed the rules, no matter the circumstances,” he said.
Her brother, Senator Musa Adede expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming support shown at the ceremony. Reflecting on their shared values, he noted, “She didn’t take nonsense, and neither do I. We were both strict.”
Her sister, Monica Adede delivered an emotional tribute, remembering her as compassionate, prayerful, and generous. She recounted an instance where Adede ensured someone received long-overdue payments but refused any gifts in return. “She was a woman of integrity,” Monica said.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Abubakar Sani Bello, Col. PAM Ogar, former military administrator of Kwara State, Jani Ibrahim, First Deputy President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; and Col. Tony Nyiam, a retired military officer as well as Senator Mathew Mbu, and many serving members of the State executive cabinet.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
