Calabar South Names Streets After Imoke, Others
CALABAR, Nov 19, (THEWILL) - Calabar South Local Government Council has renamed some streets after Governor Liyel Imoke and others in recognition and acknowledgement of their contributions to the development of the area bringing it to prominence.
Engineer Andem Ekpo Bassey, Chairman Calabar South Local Government Council disclosed this to Governor Imoke during a working visit to Governor’s Office, Calabar, Thursday, saying that the renaming of some of the streets in the area became necessary as some were named after colonial masters and had long lost their meanings while some had no meaning or bearing whatsoever.
According to Bassey, an independent committee was set up by the council to look into renaming some streets in the area after Nigeria’s 50 years of independence as a sovereign state to honour those that have in various ways contributed to its development and upliftment.
He disclosed the longest street in the area which was hitherto known as Palm Street has been renamed Senator Liyel Imoke Drive while Abitu Street has been renamed Efiok Cobham Avenue to honour the Deputy Governor, and Target Street will now be known as Oyo Orok Oyo Road in honour late Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo who was popularly known as “Mr. Football”.
The Chairman further disclosed that in order to key into the tourism development programme of the state government, the council has commenced a uniform numbering system for houses in the area with new plate which carries “Destination Cross River” logo and he later presented a souvenir to Imoke “for his numerous contributions to the development of the state and improving the living standards of the people.
Responding, Governor Liyel Imoke expressed appreciation to the chairman and members of Calabar South Local Government Council for the honour done those who the streets have been renamed after, in recognition of their contribution towards the development of the state.
Imoke said though he earlier felt reluctant in accepting the change of names because there is need to retain the historical names of some of the streets in Calabar South but was encouraged by the reasons given by the council for engaging in such an exercise while thanking Bassey for recognizing those that have served the community, state and the country.
The Governor explained that the honour to those still in service will spur them to do more, disclosing that contract has been signed for street lighting in the area as a way of boosting its aesthetics and improving security.He further disclosed that the state will soon commence the completion of phase one of the Calabar South Urban Renewal Programme, stating that government is determined to ensure its tenure is a memorable one.