"I Feel Like a Fish That Has Returned to Water" — Cross River Commissioner Cobham Speaks After Redeployment

The newly appointed Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has described his redeployment to the Ministry of Information as a homecoming, saying he feels completely at ease in his new role because of his background in the media.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the Ministry of Information and Orientation in Calabar, Cobham said:

> "I feel like a fish that has returned to water. This is a familiar terrain for me because I have always been involved in information management and communication." 

The commissioner said he was excited to return to a sector where he has years of experience, adding that he is ready to introduce fresh ideas that will improve the way government communicates with the people of Cross River State.

Cobham, who previously served as Commissioner for Transportation, promised to revolutionize the information sector through innovation, digital communication and stronger engagement with residents across the state. He said government information should be timely, accurate and easily accessible to the public.

According to him, the Ministry of Information will adopt modern communication strategies that will ensure government policies, programmes and achievements are properly communicated to citizens while also providing channels for feedback from the public. 

He called on directors and members of staff of the ministry to work together as one family, stressing that teamwork would be essential in achieving the ministry's objectives.

Cobham assured workers that he would operate an open-door policy and encouraged them to contribute ideas that would help move the ministry forward.

He also reminded staff that the success of the ministry would benefit the entire state, saying, "If Cross River works, we all succeed. If it fails, we all fail." 

The outgoing Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, thanked Governor Bassey Otu for the opportunity to serve in the ministry. He appreciated members of staff for their support during his tenure and urged them to extend the same cooperation to his successor.

Ekpang expressed confidence that Pastor Cobham would build on the achievements recorded by the ministry and further strengthen government communication across the state. 

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Anthony Asuquo Okon, also welcomed the new commissioner and assured him of the loyalty and support of the ministry's workforce as he begins his assignment.