Hon. Egbala Bassey Emerges LOGMA Award Winner 2025, Sets New Standard for Grassroots Leadership

By Genesis Ogiri

Abuja, Nigeria — In a remarkable affirmation of excellence, integrity, and visionary leadership, Hon. Chief Egbala Bassey Egbala, the Executive Chairman of Abi Local Government Area in Cross River State, has been crowned the 2025 Nigerian Local Government Merit Award (LOGMA) recipient. The accolade, reserved for Nigeria’s most impactful and results-driven local government leaders, recognizes individuals whose governance transcends politics to deliver sustainable social, economic, and infrastructural transformation.

The momentous ceremony unfolded at the illustrious National Merit Award House, Metama, Abuja, drawing top-tier government functionaries, seasoned politicians, and local government chairmen from all 774 local government areas across the federation. Amidst a gathering of esteemed dignitaries, the spotlight shone brightly on Egbala Bassey Egbala, a leader whose tenure has consistently reflected innovation, accountability, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

The LOGMA award is more than a personal accolade—it is an affirmation of Hon. Egbala Bassey Egbala’s unwavering commitment to principled, transformative, and results-oriented leadership. His tenure in Abi LGA demonstrates that strategic political leadership, when grounded in service and accountability, can catalyze lasting change and set new benchmarks for governance across Nigeria.

Political associates, friends, and well-wishers poured in encomiums in the days following the announcement, celebrating Hon. Egbala Bassey Egbala’s outstanding achievements, visionary leadership, and well-deserved recognition. The widespread admiration underscores his reputation as a leader who combines political astuteness with service-oriented governance

While speaking with Newsway Reporters, Hon. Egbala Bassey Egbala hailed the Executive Governor, His Excellency Prince Otu Bassey, describing his leadership as visionary and transformational. He remarked: 

"I am profoundly honored to receive the 2025 LOGMA Award. This recognition is not mine alone—it belongs to every resident of Abi LGA who has placed their trust in our administration and supported our vision for inclusive and sustainable development. I also wish to commend His Excellency Prince Otu Bassey for his unwavering guidance and commitment to empowering local governments across Cross River State. Our administration remains anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and service to the people.

" I pledge to continue implementing impactful initiatives in healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, and environmental protection. Leadership is not merely a title—it is a sacred responsibility, and I remain steadfast in serving my people with integrity, dedication, and a resolute commitment to progress."

A Governance Model Defined by Service and Impact

Since his decisive victory in the November 2024 local government elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Egbala Bassey Egbala has redefined public service in Abi LGA. Garnering 26,265 votes, representing nearly 86% of valid ballots, his resounding mandate reflects broad public trust and endorsement of his vision for inclusive, people-centered governance.

Under his stewardship, Abi LGA has witnessed a series of high-impact initiatives that have transformed the social and developmental landscape of the region:

Healthcare Excellence: The launch of free medical outreach programs at Agbara and Ngarabe Health Centres has expanded healthcare access to marginalized communities, showcasing a governance ethos that prioritizes citizen well-being.

Empowering Women and Youth: Through robust skill acquisition programs, vocational training, and financial empowerment schemes, Egbala Bassey Egbala has created avenues for economic independence and social mobility, reinforcing his commitment to gender inclusion and youth development.

Environmental and Security Leadership: Proactive measures against illegal mining and environmental degradation underscore his dedication to sustainable development, while his hands-on approach to community security highlights a leader attuned to the safety and prosperity of his people.

Recognition and Honors

Egbala Bassey Egbala’s transformational leadership has earned national acclaim. In May 2025, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (CCSON) conferred upon him a Certificate of Credence for UN Leadership and Good Governance, acknowledging his exemplary adherence to transparency, accountability, and ethical public service. In addition, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Abi Branch, recognized his contributions to education and community development with an Award of Excellence in Governance—a testament to his far-reaching impact across critical sectors.

Strategic Political Influence and Collaborative Governance

Beyond his local achievements, Egbala Bassey Egbala serves as Publicity Secretary of the Forum of Local Government Chairmen in Cross River State, positioning him at the nexus of inter-governmental collaboration and policy advocacy. His leadership style—defined by accessibility, inclusivity, and strategic engagement—bridges traditional institutions, youth networks, civil society, and governmental structures, cultivating an environment where ideas, innovation, and civic responsibility thrive.

As Abi LGA continues to flourish under his stewardship, the LOGMA award stands not merely as a personal accolade but as a national symbol of what transformative leadership can achieve at the grassroots. Egbala Bassey Egbala’s tenure exemplifies a model of governance where vision meets action, leadership is synonymous with service, and the impact of public office resonates in the lives of ordinary citizens.

In celebrating his accomplishments, political observers note that his administration sets a gold standard for leadership across Nigeria—proving that dedication, integrity, and strategic foresight remain the most potent tools for societal transformation.

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