NEWS RELEASE

Senior lawyer and prominent advocate of the Think Cross River Initiative, Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe, has been appointed Senior Special Adviser on “Think Cross River” to Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu.

His new role comes amid the appointment of 106 aides by the State Governor.

The appointments were announced in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Linus Obogo. According to the statement, the appointments are in furtherance of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the machinery of government and advancing excellence, innovation, efficiency and sustainable development across the state.

Governor Otu congratulated all the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedication, professionalism, integrity, diligence and unwavering commitment to the service of Cross River State and its people.

The appointment of Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe has been widely applauded by stakeholders, particularly given his longstanding commitment to community development, advocacy and the promotion of Cross River State’s interests.

A lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Calabar, Papa Enamhe is a respected scholar whose research interests include Medical Social Work and Community Development. Beyond academia, he has built a reputation as a grassroots mobiliser, public advocate and community leader.

Hailing from Atibulum in Gakem, Bekwarra Local Government Area, Papa Enamhe has championed numerous causes aimed at improving the welfare and security of communities across Northern Cross River. As Convener of the Who Is Who Platform, he mobilised citizens in support of the rehabilitation and recovery of Belegete communities following attacks by Cameroonian Ambazonian separatists.

He also played a pivotal role in the successful repatriation of the remains of former Senate President, the late Dr Joseph Wayas, from the United Kingdom after years of delay. Working alongside leaders from Northern Cross River, he helped facilitate the return and eventual burial of the elder statesman in his homeland. The effort earned public commendation from Governor Otu, who had strongly supported the initiative.

Papa Enamhe has equally been involved in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts across the state. His interventions contributed significantly to the resolution of disputes between Ugaga and Igbekurikor communities in Yala Local Government Area, while his testimony was instrumental in fostering reconciliation during the crisis involving Ugboro and Ikaptan communities in Ogoja.

A passionate advocate for security and border protection, he has consistently called for the establishment of permanent military formations along vulnerable boundary corridors between Obudu and Tiv communities, Gakem and Tiv settlements, as well as Ukele and neighbouring communities in Ebonyi State.

Through storytelling, public engagement and policy advocacy, Papa Enamhe has continued to advance issues of public interest. He is currently among the leading voices advocating for the reclamation of Cross River State’s oil wells under the Think Cross River campaign, “Reclaim Our Wells.”

A respected traditional title holder, Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe bears several chieftaincy titles, including Papa Ukperi I of Basang Nation. He is also a member and fellow of several professional bodies.

He is married to Mrs Pamela Enamhe and they are blessed with four children.

His appointment as Senior Special Adviser on Think Cross River is widely seen as recognition of his years of selfless service, strategic advocacy and unwavering commitment to the development and advancement of Cross River State.