President, the Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on Thursday felicitated Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River State, as he marks his 54^th birthday, saying that the governor has led the state with courage and commitment to its people.

This is contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja.

The president said: “Governor Ayade has piloted the affairs of the state with courage and commitment to its success in all his years in office, including this difficult period of the pandemic.

‘‘May God bless him with more strength and good health as he takes the state to newer heights.” –

-NAN