Independence Anniversary: Cross River Governor Highlights Significant Achievements 

The Governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu has outlined significant strides made by his administration over the past year. 

Governor Otu, who underscored the importance of political and economic stability at the national and state levels, called on citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s  Independence Day celebrations.

Otu urged Nigerians not to focus on the challenges posed by current economic reforms rather reflect on the long-term benefits of the present interventions, stressing the need for perseverance during this period of transition.

In Cross River State, Governor Otu proudly stated, “I have been intentional not to engage in any blame game of the previous administrations. Rather, I have evolved a consensus approach to priming the state for political harmony and economic prosperity.”

The governor, who further stated that Cross River was poised to be the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria, hinted of the investments made in mechanized agricultural production and food crops like rice, cassava, beans as well as cash crops such as palm oil, cashew, and rubber with a downward effect on cost of food items.

Otu said, “my administration is tackling hunger in the land through home-grown initiatives; which I am glad to state that food prices are beginning to come down in the State as the initial result of these initiatives.”

He further announced a ₦10 billion release for the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants, and the employment of 2,500 qualified Cross River citizens into the state’s civil service to end the 25-year embargo on employment.

Others, he stated, included rehabilitation of roads, groundbreaking of the 365km Calabar-Obudu railway project, and secured funding for the construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport as well as the procurement of additional aircraft to boost tourism and transportation.

On security, Otu also noted that the efforts to create an investment friendly environment had led to significant reduction in crimes, stressing announced a N1 billion (One billion naira) commitment as counterpart funding to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), an initiative aimed at boosting Cross River’s economy.

“We have also raised the wages of our workforce, paid fees for our children in schools. As a catalyst for increase in the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP), capital advances and equipment have been made available to our entrepreneurs through relevant State Government Agencies,” Otu emphasised.

He urged citizens to remain hopeful and resilience, pledging to continuously prioritize accountability, empathy, and selfless service to the people.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang urged the people of Cross River State to continue to embrace peace and support the People First agenda as well as the Renewed Hope agenda of the Nigerian President for greater prosperity.

The celebration, which featured a parade by the Nigeria Police and march past involving primary and secondary schools children, who defied heavy rains, climaxed with the cutting of anniversary cake at the U. J. Esuene stadium.

Confidence Okwuchi