Ogoja, a town known for its unity and community spirit, witnessed a remarkable display of solidarity today as its residents, along with members of neighboring communities, gathered for a peaceful protest. The cause behind this widespread demonstration was the relocation of the College of Nursing and Midwifery from Ogoja to Obudu, orchestrated by former Governor Ben Ayade.
Under the banner of “Bring Back Our College of Nursing and Midwifery Science Ogoja,” the protesters rallied to voice their concerns over the decision to downgrade Ogoja to a mere campus under Obudu. The atmosphere was charged with a shared sentiment: “OGOJA Cannot Be a Campus UNDER OBUDU BUT a stand-alone college.”
The focal point of the protest was the unjustified relocation of key institutions from Ogoja to Obudu, which the demonstrators saw as a disheartening blow to their community. With placards that bore messages like “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH” and “Restore Our Institutions,” the protesters implored for fairness and equitable distribution of educational resources.
Questions loomed large over the motives behind the decision, with one protester asking, “Where did we go wrong to deserve such maltreatment from Ex-Gov Ben Ayade?” The feeling of betrayal resonated among the crowd, who had not only voted for Ayade during his tenure as Governor of Cross River state but also supported him in his senatorial pursuits.
In addition to the relocation of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, the protesters raised another important issue—the restoration of the Mobile Police Base. These concerns were not only directed at the former governor but also at the National Board For Technical Education (NBTE), whom the protesters appealed to for intervention.
The demonstration, which united Ogoja indigenes, Yala, Bekwara, Igbo, Housa, and Yoruba community members, saw a temporary closure of businesses and establishments. As residents put aside their daily routines to stand united for their cause, the streets of Ogoja echoed with chants for justice and fairness.
In a time where divisions often dominate headlines, the peaceful protest in Ogoja serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of community cohesion. The town’s unity was on full display, as diverse voices came together to demand change, urging authorities to reconsider the decision and restore the dignity and identity of Ogoja as a distinct educational hub.
