By Ashemiriogwa Emmanuel
The Governor of Cross River State, Mr Ben Ayade, has appointed popular Nigerian singer, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, fondly called Iyanya, as his Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment.
The new political appointment was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita.
The music star, who hails from Cross River State, was appointed alongside 25 others chosen by the Governor, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Iyanya also took to his Instagram page to appreciate Mr Ayade for finding him worthy to handle such a position, promising to do his best to carry out his duties diligently.
“It’s forward ever and backwards never. I have been appointed the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment to the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade.
“I thank God who made this possible and also my Governor for finding me worthy to handle this position,” he said.
The Kukere crooner became prominent in the Nigerian entertainment industry after winning the first season of the now-rested Project Fame West Africa.
He co-founded Made Men Music Group (MMMG) record label with his former manager, Mr Ubi Franklin, in 2011, after which he released his debut studio album My Story in 2011.
Iyanya is now among the other Cross-River-born celebrities such as reality TV star, Mr Gedoni Ekpata, and music mogul, Mr Ubi Franklin who have joined the governor’s cabinet.
Meanwhile, the Governor had also approved the engagement of 500 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
In the statement by Mr Ita, it was declared that “the State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has approved the immediate engagement of the under-listed persons in fulfilment of his promise to engage 500 members of the APC.
“They are to proceed to their respective local governments of origin for documentation.”
