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Tag: Bassey Edet Otu

  • Otu’s Chief of Protocol gets, dedicates ‘Miracle’ son after 14 years

    Otu’s Chief of Protocol gets, dedicates ‘Miracle’ son after 14 years

    After what was an emotionally agonising 14 long years of patient waiting, silent tears and unbroken faith, joy finally dawned on the household of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Abang, the Chief of Protocol to Cross River Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, with the birth of a baby boy, an event the family describes as “a divine visitation and a triumph of faith.”

    In the words of Abang, what once seemed a distant hope has become a living reality, turning years of longing into laughter and thanksgiving.

    Speaking on the moment that changed their story, Abang said the arrival of the child reaffirmed his belief in divine timing.

    “This is God’s answer written in flesh and blood,” he said. “We waited, we prayed, and we trusted. Today, heaven has smiled on us, and our home is filled with joy beyond words.
    Our story stands as proof that faith, when held firmly, is always rewarded in God’s own time.”

    Mrs Abang, visibly moved, recalled the emotional journey that preceded the birth. “There were days of quiet prayers and nights of tears,” she said. “But we never lost faith. This child is our testimony that delay is not denial, and that God’s promises are sure.”

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    According to the family, the birth has drawn an outpouring of goodwill messages from friends, relatives and faith communities who followed their journey over the years. “The calls, prayers and tears of joy we have received show that this miracle belongs to many, not just us,” Mrs. Abang added.

    In gratitude for what they describe as an answered prayer, the Abangs on Sunday held a special thanksgiving and dedication ceremony at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, to formally present their miracle before God.

    “This is our way of saying thank you,” Mr. Abang explained. “We want to return the glory to God and publicly acknowledge His mercy.”

    Expressing their felicitations, religious leaders and close associates described the Abangs’ story as a powerful message to couples currently in seasons of waiting. One cleric noted, “Their testimony reminds us that God’s calendar is different from ours, but it is always perfect.”

    Close family members say the birth has also strengthened bonds of shared faith and collective joy. “This child has united people in thanksgiving,” a family friend remarked. “It is a reminder that perseverance and prayer still yield results.”

  • Hilliard Eta misfired by questioning Governor Otu’s ‘Season of Sweetness’

    Hilliard Eta misfired by questioning Governor Otu’s ‘Season of Sweetness’

    Ntufam Hilliard Eta, the appointed Chairman of the NYSC Federal Board awaiting inauguration, appears to be grappling with the perceived disconnect between the realities of Cross River State’s economy and the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu. Eta’s skepticism, particularly regarding the “Season of Sweetness” slogan—a term derived from Governor Otu’s long-held “Sweet Prince” nickname—reflects his concerns about the state’s economic trajectory. This nickname was embraced during Otu’s tenure in the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate and has been further adopted since his election as governor, alongside the administration’s “People First!” mantra.

    In recent remarks, Eta questioned the authenticity of the “Season of Sweetness,” asserting that he sees “no change in the narrative and trajectory of Cross River State.” He cited a “high level of wants, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities” in the state, along with a noticeable absence of entrepreneurial activities.

    Eta further claimed that Cross River State is currently at its “weakest” point, while acknowledging reports of increased internally generated revenue, albeit without concrete data. He called for accountability, suggesting that the Otu administration has received significantly more in federal allocations during its two and a half years than its predecessor did over eight years. He posed the critical question, “How can we cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs in Cross River State?”

    This response aims to clarify and address Eta’s concerns, focusing on how Governor Otu’s administration is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and how the governor is judiciously utilizing the increased revenue from federal allocations and internal generation efforts.

    Governor Otu’s administration is actively fostering entrepreneurship through transparent accountability and a focus on community development. Notably, the administration has developed a comprehensive 10-year development plan for 2024 to 2033, with quarterly budget reports available online. Under Governor Otu’s leadership, the Micro Enterprise Development Agency has been rebranded as the Cross River State Enterprise Development Center (CRSEDC), significantly enhancing its visibility and identity as a state-led hub for entrepreneurship. The center has trained over 2,500 participants across the 18 local government areas, improving business skills, financial literacy, and startup readiness at the grassroots level.

    The CRSEDC has also strengthened MSME registration, tax onboarding, and compliance training for entrepreneurs, fostering institutional linkages between state-level enterprise support and federal agencies. Over 100 beneficiaries have reported that, after training in creative and digital economy partnerships, they received startup capital support. The administration has supported 5,000 nano businesses with N50,000 each, liquidated N200 million from the CRSG-BOA fund, and successfully profiled 500 beneficiaries who have received payments. Additionally, 2,315 MSMEs across the state have been awarded grants ranging from N100,000 for nano businesses to N400,000 for small enterprises. Furthermore, 500 retirees have been trained and equipped with starter packs.

    Under the Ministry of Wealth Creation, 8,168 nano businesses have been registered and trained. In the 196 wards of the state, more than 200 Cross Riverians have received POS machines and N150,000 each to launch micro-enterprises, directly contributing to rural economic activity. Additionally, over 200 youths have been trained in integrated agriculture, and a digital transformation initiative has been established in collaboration with NUGI Technologies and the State Bureau of Statistics, resulting in a digital data bank to support policy planning. The state has deployed desk officers to the 18 LGAs to manage and operationalize the data system, providing real-time insights into labor market conditions. Importantly, the state has inaugurated the first MSME Council, aligning Cross River State with the National MSME Council chaired by the Vice President, thereby solidifying its position among Nigeria’s leaders in MSME reform. A comprehensive five-year MSME Development Strategy for 2024-2028 is in place, encompassing training modules and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the productivity and reach of micro and small businesses statewide.

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    These initiatives represent just a portion of the government’s efforts to drive investment and entrepreneurship. Recent actions include the debt buyback of Tinapa Business Resort, the revitalization of agricultural estates such as the former Cross River Rubber Estate, now Uyanga Oil Palm Estate under Wilma Limited, and the Boki Nsadop Palm Estate, now managed by Presco Limited.

    Opportunities abound in the state, with agencies and institutions available to assist potential investors in sectors such as tourism, the digital economy, agriculture, the marine economy, real estate, oil and gas, and industrialization.

    Addressing Eta’s inquiry about how the governor has judiciously utilized the increased revenue from federal allocations and internal generation efforts is essential.

    It is important to acknowledge that achieving over a 150% increase in internally generated revenue requires a governor with fiscal discipline. The state IRS has generated a total of N90 billion in two years under Governor Otu, compared to N43 billion in the previous two years of the last administration, reflecting a growth of 109%. Average monthly collections increased from N1.7 billion to N4.5 billion as of May 2025, representing a growth of 165%.

    The removal of the petrol subsidy and economic re-engineering at the federal level have also contributed to increased federal allocations to states. While Governor Bassey Otu has a vision for state development, his blueprint includes rebuilding and restoring meaningful programs initiated by his predecessors.

    So far, the governor has focused on rebuilding the state civil service, lifting a ten-year employment embargo and hiring over 5,000 civil servants. The minimum wage has been increased from less than N20,000 to N70,000. Arrears of retirees’ gratuities dating back to 2012 have been addressed, with N10 billion approved to tackle the backlog for those from 2012 to 2015. Additionally, the governor has worked to reduce the state’s debt profile by over 50% in two years, as verified by the Federal Debt Management Office.

    With the increased revenue, the government has undertaken significant infrastructure development, including rural and urban roads, bridges, erosion control, and the refinancing of unfinished projects from previous administrations, such as Bakassi Deep Seaport and the Obudu passenger and cargo airport. These developments are evident to those who choose to view them objectively.

    In conclusion, the Governor Otu-led administration welcomes constructive criticism as a means of gauging public sentiment and making necessary adjustments. Much has been achieved through listening to objective feedback.

    Even when criticisms are subjective, the Governor Otu-led government remains open to them, discerning valuable insights from less credible claims. However, when criticisms are based on falsehoods, half-truths, and misinformation, they become a malicious attack on a governor committed to effective governance. Such actions are unjust.

    The path to greatness for Cross River State requires collaboration, unity, and truth, rather than division and unverifiable claims. Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is not merely promoting a slogan; it is executing a reform agenda focused on fiscal discipline, enterprise development, social protection, and long-term planning. While progress may not be instantaneous, it is measurable, intentional, and unfolding across various sectors. The real danger lies not in constructive criticism but in ignoring the facts that clearly demonstrate a state committed to rebuilding its economy, restoring public confidence, and laying the foundation for sustainable prosperity.

    •Nsa Gill is the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Governor of Cross River State

  • Otu flags off World Bank-backed maritime programme

    Otu flags off World Bank-backed maritime programme

    Cross River Governor Bassey Edet Otu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning the state as a major force in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy. 

    He spoke at the formal launch of a World Bank–supported upskilling programme designed to equip citizens with modern, globally relevant competencies for the maritime sector.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony at the State Library Complex in Calabar, Otu—represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey—described the programme as “a landmark opportunity for our young people to acquire the advanced technical skills needed to unlock the vast marine resources of Cross River State.” 

    He maintained that Cross River, blessed with one of Nigeria’s longest coastlines, remains uniquely positioned to benefit from the new national emphasis on the blue economy.

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    According to him: “this initiative reflects our administration’s unyielding commitment to transforming our water-based assets into engines of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development. The time has come for Cross River to take its rightful place in the maritime sector.”

    The Governor highlighted the impressive contributions of Nigeria’s maritime and marine economy to national prosperity, pointing out that the sector added ₦113.5 trillion to the country’s GDP in the third quarter of 2025.

     He referenced projections by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) estimating that the nation’s blue economy potential could exceed $296 billion. 

    “With figures like these,” he said, “we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. Cross River must lead from the front.”

    The Governor reaffirmed the government’s resolve to actualise major maritime infrastructure, especially the Bakassi Deep Seaport. 

    He disclosed that a $3.5 billion investment has already been secured for the project, adding that it is awaiting presidential approval for formal groundbreaking. 

    “We are ready,” he assured partners, “and we will continue to work closely with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure our waterways, ports, fisheries and logistics platforms deliver maximum economic impact.”

    The event which attracted representatives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the World Bank, the University of Calabar and stakeholders across the maritime value chain, underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative.

    Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, commended Cross River State for consistently supporting national efforts to develop a sustainable marine and blue economy. 

    “Cross River has always been a strategic leader,” he said. “Its rich biodiversity and coastal heritage place it at the heart of Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions.”

    Fakinlede stressed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priorities on food security, youth empowerment, economic diversification and responsible utilisation of marine resources. 

    With a touch of humour, he remarked that Cross River State “should be regarded as the fish basket of the nation,” citing its outstanding fisheries output among Nigeria’s coastal states.

    The World Bank Team Lead, Morales Yolanda, emphasised that developing the blue economy was essential to unlocking economic opportunities across coastal regions and the nation at large. 

    “The World Bank stands ready to collaborate closely with federal and state governments,” she said. “We will mobilise funding, technical expertise and strategic partnerships to ensure the success of this programme.”

    A special technical presentation by the Dean of the Faculty of Oceanography, University of Calabar, Prof. Francis Nwosu, entitled: “Unlocking the Potential of a Sustainable Blue Economy for Nigeria: Cross River State in Focus,” offered participants deeper insights into the state’s unique economic and ecological advantages.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Miss Melodie Lebo, explained that the programme will equip participants with 21st-century skills aligned with international standards. 

    She described the blue economy as “the sustainable use of our marine and water resources for the development of our people,” noting that it spans shipping, marine logistics, fisheries, port operations, climate change, aquaculture and coastal tourism.

    According to her, participants stand to benefit greatly from the training. “They will form the skilled workforce needed for the maritime sector,” she said. “The archaic way of doing things is gone; we are aligning with global standards. After the training, they will be fully equipped with modern competencies.”

    She added that the programme opens doors to job opportunities, internships and collaborations with the World Bank, stressing that this is only the first phase of a multi-stage intervention designed to deepen capacity across the state. 

    Lebo also disclosed that certificates issued at the end of the training will be internationally recognised. 

    “This is a globally benchmarked programme,” she said. “Our partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy guarantees that participants will receive credentials accepted anywhere in the world.”

    Lebo further underscored the strong involvement of the Federal Government, pointing to the presence of senior officials at the launch, including the SSA to the President on Marine and Blue Economy. “The Federal Government is fully involved,” she emphasised.

     “This programme signals the beginning of a more coordinated and transformative pathway for marine and blue economy development in Cross River State.”

  • Gov Otu hails return of Tinapa, says it marks economic rebirth

    Gov Otu hails return of Tinapa, says it marks economic rebirth

    Cross River state governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has described the formal return of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort to the state government as “a battle fought and won for all Cross Riverians,” marking what he called a new dawn for the state’s economy.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony in Calabar, the weekend, Otu said the recovery of Tinapa symbolised not just the reclaiming of a major asset but the revival of a vision that once placed Cross River on the global economic map.

    “The return of Tinapa is not merely an event; it is a rebirth, the triumph of faith, patience, and resilience,” he said.

    Recalling its conception under former Governor Donald Duke, Otu said Tinapa once showcased the state’s capacity for bold, investment-driven development.

    He assured that his administration, under the People First Agenda, would reposition the Free Zone as a hub for trade, tourism, and creative enterprise.

    “We are breathing new life into Tinapa, not as a relic of abandoned ambition but as a living symbol of Cross River’s resilience,” he stated.

    The Governor disclosed that the state is already engaging credible investors and partners to transform the facility into a vibrant centre of commerce and job creation, operating under a transparent and accountable management structure.

    “This moment is a collective victory — for our past leaders whose dreams gave it birth, for the government that fought to reclaim it, and for the future generations who will inherit its promise. Together, we shall turn this symbol of struggle into a testament of triumph,” Governor Otu said.

    He also extended appreciation to the Federal Government and relevant agencies for their cooperation in the transition process, commending all stakeholders who worked behind the scenes to make the return possible.

    Governor Otu concluded with a note of hope and determination, reaffirming that the rebirth of Tinapa would mark the beginning of a new economic dawn for Cross River State.

    “We are a people of faith and courage. Tinapa is once again ours — and under our watch, it shall flourish. Let the world know that Cross River has reclaimed her pride, and from this soil, we shall build the future we have always dreamed of.”

    Governor Otu recalled that before the establishment of Tinapa in 2007, Cross River State had little by way of landmark projects that drew national and international attention.

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    He noted that the conception of Tinapa by former Governor Donald Duke marked a turning point in the state’s developmental trajectory, earning it global recognition as a forward-looking and investment-friendly destination.

    “Then, like a dream that triumphed over doubt and circumstance, Tinapa emerged — radiant, ambitious, visionary, and became the spark that changed the narrative of our state forever,” he said. “By its conception, Tinapa redefined how the world saw us, lifting Cross River from the shadows into the global spotlight.”

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mike Odere, said the handover represents a revival of what many thought was lost forever.

    “It means pride, it means reawakening, it means renewed hope,” Odere said, adding that with full ownership now restored, the government would be free to attract investors and reposition the facility for maximum economic impact.

    In his remarks, the Executive Director of AMCON, Mr. Shola Lamide, said the corporation acquired the Tinapa asset in 2011 but struggled to attract private investors to revive the project. He expressed satisfaction that the facility has now been fully handed back to Cross River State, describing the resolution as “a win for both AMCON and the people of Cross River.”

  • Former Reps aspirant Agba lauds Otu on projects

    Former Reps aspirant Agba lauds Otu on projects

    A former House of Representatives aspirant in Cross River State, Dr. Martha Agba, has praised the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, on his infrastructure and development drive following the inauguration of two major projects in Calabar.

    The projects are the Cross River State Library, which was renovated and equipped with world-class, modern facilities, and the expansion of the state’s aviation sector through the acquisition of two new Cally Air aircraft.

    Both were inaugurated on Tuesday by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

    Dr. Agba described the developments as “testaments to Governor Otu’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the progress of Cross River State.”

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    She lauded the governor for prioritising critical sectors such as education and transportation, saying both projects would deliver long-term benefits to the state’s residents and economy.

    “Your Excellency, in just two years, you have demonstrated a rare blend of purpose, foresight, and action,” Agba noted. 

    “These milestones will be remembered for generations to come.”

    The upgraded state library is expected to serve as a hub for knowledge and innovation, while the additional Cally Air aircraft are projected to boost the state’s economic competitiveness and tourism appeal.

    Dr. Agba’s commendation adds to growing public recognition of the Otu administration’s strides in transforming Cross River State through strategic investments and infrastructure development.

  • From feeding bottle to self-reliance: Otu’s strategic divestment from carnival Calabar

    From feeding bottle to self-reliance: Otu’s strategic divestment from carnival Calabar

    • By Linus Obogo

      This has been long in coming and in fact, long overdue- bring the 20-years of feeding bottle approach to an end and adopt a more sustainable, self-reliant strategic divestment policy to the management of the biggest street event on the continent.

      But in a moment that shall shimmer through the annals of Cross River’s cultural renaissance, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has once again etched his name in gold as a leader not only attuned to the rhythm of his people’s desires but also courageously anchored in the winds of transformational governance. With sublime grace and piercing foresight, Governor Otu, in the hallowed hall of the state executive council chamber, before the conclave of his 32-member council, declared that the 2025 edition of the iconic Christmas Festival — lyrically themed “Traces of Time” — shall be the last to receive full sponsorship from the state. Thus, like a river flowing into an ocean of new possibilities, the carnival is now being released from the gentle grip of government into the wider embrace of strategic partnership and inspired enterprise.

      For over two decades, the Christmas Festival and Carnival Calabar have been the shimmering soul of Cross River — a euphoric expression of its plural cultures, a celestial mingling of sound, spectacle, and story. But while the streets throbbed with joy and pageantry, the machinery behind the scenes was oiled, year after year, by substantial state funds. In pivoting from this model, Governor Otu is not drawing a curtain, but lifting a veil — unveiling a future where culture is not merely performed but owned, invested in, and allowed to bloom into a self-sustaining heritage economy.

      This move is no mere fiscal maneuver. It is a philosophical awakening. It reveals a governor thinking far beyond his time, one who understands that the truest gifts a leader can bestow are not endless provisions, but enabling environments; not dependency, but dignity. To wean the carnival off public subvention is to invite the spirit of shared responsibility — where every business, every brand, every culture-bearer, and indeed every citizen, becomes a custodian of this glowing treasure.

      Indeed, this decision gleams with poetic symmetry. Just as “Traces of Time” evokes the footprints of history and the call of posterity, so too does Governor Otu’s divestment signal the passing of the torch — from government to the people, from administration to collaboration, from obligation to opportunity. It is a declaration that our cultural expressions must now be buttressed by creative entrepreneurship, and that the economic soul of tourism must be awakened not by endless government spending, but by the alchemy of innovation, patronage, and purpose.

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      It takes extraordinary wisdom to know when to let go, and even greater courage to do so with elegance and poise. Governor Otu, in his signature calm and golden style, has shown both. He is not merely tightening the fiscal belt; he is expanding the spiritual waistline of our cultural ecosystem. In this bold gesture, he has proclaimed: let those who benefit, invest; let those who dance, also build the stage; let those who cheer, also help bear the cost. This is the true meaning of participatory culture — where the people do not wait for culture to be served, but become co-chefs in the banquet of heritage.

      And what a banquet it will be. Freed from the constraints of bureaucratic budgeting, Carnival Calabar now has the chance to soar — to become not just Africa’s biggest street party, but its most innovative cultural platform. Corporate Nigeria, the Diaspora, multinationals, artists, artisans, dreamers and doers — all are summoned to the table. Governor Otu is in essence telling the world: Cross River is no longer offering culture as consumption, but as capital.

      This profound policy shift also weaves seamlessly into the broader tapestry of Governor Otu’s developmental vision — a People First agenda that reimagines tourism not as seasonal delight, but as year-round economic strategy. It reflects his administration’s commitment to reducing the weight of recurrent expenditures while reengineering government as an enabler of enterprise. Here is a leader who sees in every masquerade not just beauty, but business; in every cultural troupe not just talent, but trade.

      As the final state-sponsored edition of the Christmas Festival approaches, the air in Calabar is already pregnant with nostalgia and anticipation. Yet beneath the pageantry, a powerful idea is taking root — that culture is not a burden to be carried, but a bridge to be built. Governor Bassey Edet Otu has not just announced a change in policy; he has lit a fire in the soul of a people, bidding them to rise, to own, and to inherit the legacy of the carnival. In this act of visionary release, he has written a new verse in the poetry of leadership — and history, surely, shall sing his praise.

      • Obogo is Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
    • A golden dawn for tourism: Gov Otu’s N18bn vision of splendour, soul, sustainable glory

      A golden dawn for tourism: Gov Otu’s N18bn vision of splendour, soul, sustainable glory

      By Linus Obogo 

      The much awaited rebirth in the tourism sector in Cross River could not have found a more resonant expression as Governor Bassey Edet Otu, in a flourish of visionary leadership and statesmanlike poise, last week unfurled a breathtaking new chapter in the state’s story. It is indeed, a tale delicately embroidered with promise, prosperity, and purpose. 

      With the approval of a staggering N18 billion for the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of the state’s most cherished tourism treasures, the Governor has lit the torch of renaissance across the hills and waterscapes of a once-slumbering paradise. This bold intervention is not merely financial—it is philosophical. It is a declaration of intent, a clarion call to awaken the spirit of heritage and hospitality that defines the Cross River soul.

      At the heart of this monumental reawakening lies the rebirth of legendary tourism assets: the iconic Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, the soul-soothing Marina Resort, the breathtaking Obudu Mountain Resort, and the cascading majesty of Kwa Falls. Long silent and subdued by time and neglect, these hallowed grounds are being summoned back to life in a symphony of steel, stone, and sunlight. The “Season of Sweetness,” Governor Otu’s poetic signature for this era, now finds its most evocative expression in this renaissance of destination and identity—a celebration of memory, magnificence, and the magic that once made Cross River the beating heart of Nigeria’s tourism dream.

      More than just a restoration of bricks and timber, this masterstroke includes the inspired remodeling of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa—structures that once stood as shimmering testaments to ambition but now await renewal under the golden gaze of purposeful governance. In a flourish of architectural intent, the blueprint also includes the construction of a modern pier harbor—an ode to the aquatic grace of Calabar’s riverfront, and a bold invitation to the world to rediscover the charm of Cross River by boat, breeze, and breathtaking vistas.

      But what is a destination without a stage? With majestic foresight, Governor Otu has unveiled the Axari Towers project, a towering symbol of aspiration to serve as the grand vestibule for visitors during the 20th anniversary of the world-acclaimed Calabar Carnival in December 2025. As this edifice rises into the tropical skyline, it will do more than lodge weary travelers; it will cradle the dreams of a state reborn in confidence. It shall echo with the laughter of cultures colliding joyfully, of pageantry in its purest form, and of a hospitality industry reaching ever skyward.

      Yet, beyond the physical grandeur lies the deeper pulse of the governor’s intention—to return tourism to the hands and hearts of the people. The proposed “Experience Calabar” campaign, coupled with the establishment of a Heritage Market, will not only rekindle cultural memory but carve out sacred spaces for artisans, drummers, weavers, dancers, storytellers, and custodians of our collective identity. It is a celebration of Cross River’s soul—a soul as ancient as the hills of Obudu and as fluid as the tides that kiss Marina’s shores.

      This sweeping renaissance will also carry with it a transformation of tourism’s underbelly—transportation, accommodation, and infrastructure—all reimagined with the elegance of vision and the efficiency of modernity. No longer shall tourists arrive to faded grandeur and weary systems. Instead, they shall be embraced by a state humming with readiness and radiance, guided by a governor who understands that true development is not just measured in cement and columns, but in the experience it offers and the dignity it restores.

      As this dream materialises, the cascading effects shall reach every corner of the state. Jobs will bloom where weeds once grew; investments will trickle into communities like the gentle rains of April; and every child who dances in the Carnival will know they are part of something sacred, something shared, something sublime. This is not mere governance—it is an art form. It is stewardship with soul. It is legacy with light.

      In approving this N18 billion vision, Governor Bassey Otu has not only redeemed once-glorious monuments but has etched his name in the eternal scroll of Cross River’s most illustrious dreamers. He has turned nostalgia into strategy, and memory into momentum. With the stroke of this bold initiative, he has flung wide the doors of the future—where Cross River once again becomes not just a place on the map, but a destination of the heart.

      Obogo is Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media And Publicity to Governor Bassey Edet Otu — linusobogo@gmail.com

    • From forgotten roads to remembered elders: Otu rewriting Cross River’s future

      From forgotten roads to remembered elders: Otu rewriting Cross River’s future

      By Linus Obogo 

      In the annals of Cross River State’s political journey, few moments shimmer as brightly as this present season, a renaissance steered by the indomitable will and visionary grace of Senator Bassey Edet Otu. With the solemnity of a statesman and the soul of a servant-leader, Governor Otu is scripting a golden chapter in the tapestry of governance, where policies are not merely passed but are imbued with compassion, foresight, and the unshakable determination to uplift every Cross Riverian. In his wake is a trail of reforms, radiant with promise and echoing the anthem of a people finally reawakening to hope.

      At the heart of this transformative symphony are three epoch-making laws recently signed into existence — the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, and the Senior Citizens Centre Law, all of 2025. These are not mere bureaucratic instruments; they are philosophical declarations of a governor who governs not from a throne but from the very soul of his people. Each law, crafted with poetic precision and strategic depth, speaks to a cornerstone of his “People First” creed — a doctrine that places the citizen not at the periphery but at the glowing center of governance.

      The amended Road Maintenance Agency Law, with its ingenious funding structure drawn from the pulse of the local government treasuries, is a masterstroke in sustainable infrastructure. No longer will the arteries of Cross River’s commerce be left to erode under the weight of neglect. Instead, from the bustling markets of Ikom to the tranquil hinterlands of Ogoja, roads shall now breathe with continuity and care. This is not merely construction; it is the reconnection of communities, the revitalization of movement, and the resurrection of trust between the governed and the government.

      Even more tender and ennobling is the Senior Citizens Centre Law — a legislative blossom in the garden of Governor Otu’s welfarist philosophy. In a nation where the elderly are too often cloaked in the invisibility of abandonment, Cross River now rises as a sanctuary of reverence. With plans to establish wellness centers in all senatorial districts, cascading down to every local government, Governor Otu is gently restoring dignity to the twilight years of our heroes past. It is a hymn of gratitude rendered in bricks and mortar, a sanctuary where wisdom finds rest, and where the aged, once forgotten, are now embraced.

      In the gaming and lotteries sector, the governor once again displays his rare alchemy of intellect and intuition. The newly minted Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is an economic awakening, a bold realignment of state sovereignty with fiscal ingenuity. Comprising twelve robust parts, 102 meticulously crafted sections, and two detailed schedules, the law transforms what was once an unregulated grey zone into a crystalline avenue of revenue, innovation, and job creation. It is a legislation sculpted with clarity and enforced with integrity — a testament to a leader unafraid to confront disorder and channel it into opportunity.

      Yet, perhaps the most exhilarating jewel in this crown of reforms is the complete digitalization of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) issuance process. What was once a bureaucratic labyrinth of despair has now become a streamlined corridor of light. With deadlines of 21 days for government lands and 42 days for private holdings, Governor Otu has demolished the walls of delay and doubt. He has, with a stroke of genius, transformed land into collateral, dreams into documentation, and uncertainty into empowerment. This is not administration — this is emancipation.

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      Indeed, the echoes of gratitude have begun to resound across the land. Landlords and business owners, once caught in the cruel clutch of red tape, now stand tall with verifiable, tamper-proof titles in their hands. With QR-coded security features and a fully digital interface, Cross River is no longer playing catch-up with modernity — it is leading the charge. Institutions, investors, and individuals now gaze upon the state with new eyes, eyes that see a haven of clarity, security, and boundless promise.

      What Governor Otu has accomplished in mere months is not merely governance — it is a soulful dance between destiny and delivery. He has become the bridge between Cross River’s glorious past and its dazzling future, melding the integrity of tradition with the fire of innovation. His reforms are not loud proclamations; they are quiet revolutions. They do not just reach the headlines; they touch the heartlines. In him, Cross River has found not just a governor, but a visionary, a pathfinder, a gentle architect of renewal.

      And so, as the sun rises over the emerald hills and cobalt rivers of this blessed land, it bathes a state reborn in the warmth of visionary leadership. With every signed law, every paved road, every elderly hand uplifted, and every C-of-O issued, Senator Bassey Otu is declaring — not in speeches, but in actions — that the time of Cross River’s ascension is now. The people rejoice, not out of obligation, but from the wellspring of awe. For they are living in a time of greatness — and they know it.

      Obogo is Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Media and Publicity