Cross River Governor Bassey Otu was at the weekend conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, in recognition of what the institution described as his far-reaching contributions to governance, public service and humanitarian development across Nigeria.
The honour was conferred during its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies.
The conferment of the Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) followed the collective approval of the University Senate and Governing Council, a decision described by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, as “a unanimous academic salute to a life of service defined by integrity, inclusion and measurable societal impact.”
According to him: “This honour is reserved for leaders whose influence transcends office and geography, touching lives and strengthening institutions.”
Prof. Umar noted that Governor Otu’s public career exemplifies people-centred leadership and humane governance.
“His approach to power has been guided by compassion and conscience,” the Vice-Chancellor said. “Governor Otu has consistently demonstrated that governance is not merely about authority, but about responsibility to humanity.”
The University stated that the object of the award was to celebrate Governor Otu’s outstanding contributions to social development, national cohesion and humanitarian service, adding that his leadership philosophy resonates strongly with the core values of Modibbo Adama University. “He is a bridge-builder in public life,” Prof. Umar observed, “a leader whose governance prioritises inclusion, institutional strengthening and sustainable development.”
In his acceptance remarks, Otu described the award as “a profound affirmation that service to humanity is the highest credential any leader can earn.”
He added: “I receive this doctorate not as a personal trophy, but as a tribute to the collective efforts of all those who believe that governance must uplift the human spirit.”
Otu further reflected on the responsibility that accompanies such recognition. “An honorary doctorate is not a destination; it is a renewed call to duty,” he said.
“It challenges one to deepen the commitment to justice, equity and compassion in public life. Today, Modibbo Adama University has reminded me that leadership must always be accountable to the people it serves.”
Touching on education and national development, the Governor remarked that universities remain the soul of any progressive society. “Institutions like MAU are not just centres of learning; they are crucibles where the future of our nation is forged,” he noted. “I dedicate this honour to young Nigerians whose dreams depend on leadership that is purposeful and humane.”
He also paid tributes to the University for what he described as its “courage to celebrate values, not just titles.” According to him, “by honouring service, integrity and humanity, Modibbo Adama University has reinforced the moral compass of leadership in Nigeria.”
“I would be remiss if I departed this historic gathering without saluting my brother and friend, Professor Afolabi Ogufekun,” Governor Otu declared. “I made it a personal duty to be here today, no matter the circumstances, because he is a man I hold in the highest esteem—both for the depth of his intellect and the strength of his character.”
Reflecting on Professor Ogufekun’s impact, the Governor added, “I have followed with keen interest the remarkable work he has done here in Adamawa State. His contributions speak loudly and stand worthy of emulation. For some of us who are relatively new in leadership, these are the kind of exemplary footsteps we are eager to follow and carry forward.”
Otu also commended the Modibbo Adama University community for its academic vitality and discipline. “I must sincerely thank the entire university family,” he said, “from the security personnel I encountered today, to the impressive body of students whose performances clearly rise above average. What I have seen here reassures me that this institution is firmly on a path of growth and excellence.”
Expressing optimism about the future of the University, he noted, “With the calibre of leadership and commitment evident here, I am confident that Modibbo Adama University will continue to expand in stature, influence and scholarly relevance.”
The Governor concluded on a note of gratitude and fellowship, saying, “I deeply appreciate all those who journeyed with me to witness this memorable occasion. Your presence has added meaning to this honour, and I remain profoundly grateful for the solidarity and goodwill that surround this moment.”
The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate and staff, expressed gratitude for Governor Otu’s contributions to national development. “We are proud to be associated with a leader whose legacy speaks beyond politics,” Prof. Umar said, adding that the University “looks forward to sustained engagement with leaders who inspire hope and unity.”
The ceremony concluded on an atmosphere of academic splendour and civic pride, as Modibbo Adama University reaffirmed its tradition of recognising excellence in service. For Governor Bassey Edet Otu, today’s honour stood not only as a laurel of achievement, but as an enduring reminder that true leadership is measured by its impact on humanity.
The newly elected Executive of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Cross River Chapter, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to Cross River Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, with assurances of deeper collaboration and renewed commitment to professionalism in public relations practice. Receiving the delegation with the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu in attendance, the Chief of Staff showered encomiums on the Institute for what he described as its “strong commitment to ethical practice and professional discipline,” noting that NIPR remains one of the professional bodies he has admired over the years. “NIPR is a body that stands tall on ethics and integrity, and that reputation informed my personal decision to join the Institute,” he said. He congratulated the newly inaugurated executive committee members on their emergence, charging them to see their election as a solemn responsibility rather than a privilege. “You must live up to your responsibilities and continue to protect the ethics and integrity of this noble profession,” he admonished.
On the forthcoming national convention, Ironbar assured the delegation of his intention to plan towards attending the NIPR Week 2026 in Kaduna. “If I am disposed, I will be there,” he said, pledging to support the chapter in ways that would enable members to attend the event in large numbers. He further pledged to be an active participant in both chapter and national activities of the Institute, stressing that effective public relations remains critical to good governance and public trust. “I see my membership as a call to active service, not a ceremonial one,” he noted. Reiterating his commitment to the growth of the Institute, the Chief of Staff promised to support the Cross River Chapter to rise as “a force to reckon with among notable chapters across the country,” adding that a strong chapter would enhance strategic communication in the state. He also disclosed his readiness to host the next chapter meeting, saying it would provide an avenue to formally celebrate his induction. “I look forward to hosting you all so we can celebrate this induction together,” he said. The Chapter Chairman, Dr. Austin Mboso, who led the team comprising Dr. Eric Ogri, Finance Secretary and Head of the Department of Public Relations, University of Calabar, explained that the visit was to formally present the newly inaugurated executive committee to the Chief of Staff and to congratulate him on his induction into the Institute as a chartered member.
“We are here to identify with you and formally present the leadership entrusted with the affairs of the chapter,” he said. The Chairman also invited the Chief of Staff to participate in the NIPR Week 2026, scheduled to hold in Kaduna State from April 19 to 25, 2026, while seeking his support to enable the chapter attend en masse through the provision of buses and financial assistance. He further invited him to the next monthly meeting of the chapter slated for Thursday, January 15, 2026, expressing optimism about sustained partnership.
Natives still use bush lanterns, charcoal pressing iron
Questions trail state government’s multi billion naira investments in rural electrification
New Ekuri, a rural community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State has remained in darkness in all its 87 years of existence.And that is despite successive government’s vow to provide electricity even in remote areas of the state. Numerous promises made,and billions of naira spent over the last 10 years by the administrations of the immediate past Governor Ben Ayade and the incumbent, Governor Bassey Otu,have been to no avail. New Ekuri is a victim of the failed promises and today wallows in ruins as joblessness, poverty and festering vices have become dominant features of the community. INNOCENT DURU reports.
Hilda Ayimor, a junior secondary school pupil in New Ekuri wouldn’t have known what electricity looks like but for neighbours who use generators and solar light. Her community hasn’t had power supply in its 87 years of existence. Not even a single power pole or cable passes the area to give the people a glimmer of hope that electricity supply would soon get to the community.
“Ours is a world of darkness,” Hilda said in a tone that wrenches the heart.
“We are always in darkness. Many of us, the young ones who have not gone outside this community before, wouldn’t have known what electricity is if not for neighbours who use I better pass my neighbour generators and those who use small solar light panels. I guess we are just a little better than our ancestors who lived during the stone age.”
Owning to the enormity of the chores she attends to at home after school hours, Hilda hardly has time to read during the day.
“It’s only at night I have the time to read. Unfortunately, power is a challenge. We use torch to read. We have only one torch in our house. We put the light in one place and come together to read around it,” she said.
“It’s always not easy for us to read in that manner but we have no choice. That is the condition we have found ourselves in New Ekuri.”
The pupils are not alone in this disgusting condition that the people of New Ekuri have found themselves.
Their teachers fare no better in preparing for classes.
“Absence of power supply is doing incalculable damage to education and everything you can think of in our community,” a teacher who gave his name as Nathaniel Okon said.
“It very sickening teaching without power supply. I use torch to read to prepare for class. At times, I read in the evening after school hours when there’s an opportunity to do so. There is a torch I tie on my head to read. But the challenge is that it causes headache for me after a while. I can’t even read online because we don’t have internet connection in the community.”
Once in a while Okon uses generator but he finds the cost of doing so prohibitive.
“I manage to spend about N10, 000 on fuel monthly from my meager salary of N20, 000,” he said.
“ I am sustained by what I get from my farm and small business. When there is no money to buy fuel, I go out to power my phone at a charging point. It costs N300 to do that.”
As a teacher who admonishes his pupils to maintain a high level of cleanliness, Okon does everything possible to make sure he doesn’t go to school with rumpled clothes. “I use pressing iron that uses charcoal to iron my clothes because there is no electricity. We do not buy charcoal because that is what we use to cook.”
Economic activities grounded
Socio-economic life in the community is almost zero. Hand work that young people could engage in to earn a living is non-existent. Only privileged members use generator to power their businesses. Incidentally, businesses hardly thrive in the community where poverty walks on all fours.
Gilbert Uyietta who runs a beer parlor business in the community said: “We rely on generators all year round. It affects my business. Seventy percent of the profit that I am supposed to have goes into buying fuel. A litre of fuel here is N1,500.
“Today, I have bought three litres of petrol that can serve me for about three to four hours. If you check that, it amounts to N4, 500 daily. It is not certain I will make enough sales that will give me that amount in a day, much more profit that I will need to attend to other personal and family needs.”
Sounding frustrated,he added: “if I have enough capital, I will leave the community and go to an urban area where there is electricity.”
A member of the community, Pastor Louis described New Ekuri as a very poor environment.
“Life is difficult in New Ekuri. The cost of living is very high because when our people travel to buy things, they factor the very high overhead costs and the profit they want to make into whatever item they want to sell.
“So, you are buying it at a very high price. When you don’t have power supply, your business will not flourish the way it should be,” he said, regretting that “people rely on their torch here. Some people use rechargeable light. That’s what people actually depend on. If not, they would have been going about with their bush lanterns and candles and all that.
“In fact, even now, some people still use bush lanterns in their houses. There are many who sleep in the dark. Another thing that actually helps people here is this Hausa light, known as after NEPA. So they buy battery, slot it in there and use it. When it runs down, they go back to buy another battery. When its life span expires, they will look for another one to buy.”
Reeling out other woes bedeviling the community, Pastor Louis said: “There are several people who cannot go to school because there are no means of doing so. You look at where people live and be sorry for them because they are poor. And sometimes when you see what our people eat, you will be moved to pity. It also speaks volumes for you to understand that if these people had good means of livelihood, things would have been better for them today.”
Pastor Louis also identified lack of roads as one of the challenges hindering the development of the community.
“Where will electricity come from? When we don’t have an access road, is it electricity we will have?” he asked rhetorically.
“The government has never done anything like that for us. Whatever we have is what we have done through communal efforts to see that we shouldn’t remain in the forest.”
Going down memory lane, he said: “ New Ekuri was created in 1938. Our people migrated from Old Ekuri which had been there before 1938. New Ekuri is almost 90 years old and for this length of years, we have never had power supply much more government presence of building a road for the community.
“Since we don’t have an access road, where will those poles pass through? That’s the challenge we face. We are in Nigeria and we vote during elections but we don’t have government’s attention. The government is aware of our predicament. We have been talking and talking without response.”
The cleric noted that what would have attracted the government’s attention to help New Ekuri is the “conservation we are embarking on. That project will be of benefit not just to the state but to the country and the world at large. But because government has no interest in that, they still support loggers to go into the forest. The government allows them to go in there and that has been a big fight for Ekuri people to see how they could sustain what they have actually decided to conserve all these years. So it’s a big fight for us.”
Politicians have kept making empty promises- Clan head
The Clan Head of Ekuri Clan and Village Head, New Ekuri, Chief Abel Egbe lamented that they are only remembered by politicians during political campaigns.
His words: “There is no politician that comes here to campaign that we have not told about our predicament. They always promise that they would do something but at the end of the day, they do nothing. It is always empty promises they make. What is it that you ask politicians that they will not promise to give you? They will promise you everything but will they fulfill it?”
Continuing, he said: “At times, when the politicians come, we ask them to put their promises into writing but immediately they win their elections, they will be nowhere to be found again. When they want to mount street lights, they will not remember us. They will put all that in their communities but they don’t deem it necessary to extend it to us.
“A member of the State House of Assembly mounted street lights and stopped it at Old Ekuri. He didn’t extend it to our side. My youth leader went there and pleaded that he should give us three or four but he didn’t give us even one.”
Bemoaning the level of joblessness among his people, he said: “here, people cannot acquire skills that require electricity. The jobs that could have been provided through that are not there. Anything that requires light for people to get engaged and earn a living is not available here.”
Rape, other vices thrive in the community
Criminal activities are on the rise in the community and the absence of electricity is believed to be the primary cause.
“Rape is very rampant because everywhere is very dark at night,” Okon said.
Continuing, he said: “all manner of nasty things happen here at night under the cover of darkness. Secret cult activities are also very rampant. It is very alarming and all this is getting out of hand because there is no power supply. You know that electricity is a form of security. Once there is power supply in any environment, that area will be safe a little.”
Also decrying the high level of criminality, a member of the community, Supol Godwin Akamo said: “There are vices going on because of the sordid darkness our people are living in. The women rose recently against the menace of rape.”
Community calls for help
Community leaders and residents appealed to the state government and their representatives in the state and National Assemblies to come to their aid.
Supol Akamo said: “we are in darkness. We are not different from primitive people. We are still living like stoneage people. We want people that can help us. We are suffering and dying in silence because we don’t have any representatives in government. Our cries are ignored by those in authority.”
Ayade’s unfulfilled promises
In April 2017, the immediate past governor of the state, Ben Ayade raised the hope of New Ekuri people and other rural communities in the state when he announced that the government had concluded plans to build a two-megawatt power plant in each of the 18 local councils of the state.
He said the project, which was billed for completion before 2019, would be executed in partnership with a South African firm, Industrial Project Services (IPS).
During the presentation in Calabar, Ayade said: “I have 18 local government areas and it is my commitment to ensure that every council and village has electricity under my watch.”
Admitting that the move was very ambitious, he, however, noted that the plants would incorporate renewable and non-renewable energy sources, adding that the state was “considering the option of using solar for the day and gas fire for the night.”
Ayade went on: “The radiation studies and baseline data for Nigeria cover copiously a spectrum of Cross River. Obviously the radiation that we see from literature studies shows clearly that we have a high level of it, thereby making the applicability of solar as an energy source in the northern and central parts of the state very viable.
“We are trying to have an industrial setting where we will actually be dealing with power supply and solar base systems to stranded communities, those that are disconnected from the national grid as well as some municipalities that are there.”
In March 2019, the Cross River State Electrification Agency, announced that Ayade had procured a total of 189 electricity distribution transformers, worth N650million, for the 18 local government areas of the state.
The then Director General of the agency, Dr. Jake Enyia, who lauded the efforts of the state governor in improving access to electricity in rural communities, said procurement processes were on-going for the provision of electricity in more than 400 communities across the State at the cost of N8.5billion.
He said this was in line with the Cross River State Executive Council’s approval of 100percent electricity coverage in the state.
According to him, “…procurement of 189 electricity distribution transformers at the cost of N650 million, …carried out a survey of the status of electricity infrastructure in the 18 local government areas of the state.
“The governor has also commissioned some abandoned electrification projects across the state.
“There is direct intervention to more than 30 communities in the provision of electricity materials worth N30million, enhanced relationship and constant monitoring of activities of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, in Cross River State, which has necessitated the radical improvement in power supply in the state.”
Otu’s promise
Ayade’s successor, Bassey Otu, in October 2024 launched an innovative solar power initiative aimed at electrifying 10,000 rural households across the state.
The state government, in February this year announced that it had taken delivery of 10,000 solar home systems to power remote communities across the state but none of that has been seen by New Ekuri people.
The solar systems—comprising solar panels, charging ports, radio systems, and fans—are designed to provide reliable electricity to areas beyond the reach of traditional grid infrastructure.
Receiving the shipment on behalf of the Governor, Francis Ekpo, Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency, described the development as a major milestone in the state’s push for rural electrification. He called the initiative a game-changer for rural development, particularly for communities in hard-to-reach areas.
“This is an exciting moment as we begin to implement one of His Excellency’s key visions—electrifying 10,000 homes. Today, we are offloading the solar home systems that will soon be distributed to communities in need,” Ekpo stated.
The pledges laced with admission of unfulfilled promises continued last week when the Cross River State Government and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) launched a renewed partnership to aggressively expand clean energy access across the state.
The renewed commitment emerged at a high-level strategic roundtable in Abuja, themed “Sustainable Impact, Beyond Policies: Powering Cross River State’s Blue & Green Economies Through Clean Energy Investments.”
Speaking at the event, Governor Otu , represented by Deputy Governor Peter Agbe Odey, said the state had reached a critical point where only three of Cross River’s 18 local council areas enjoy consistent electricity, a situation that leaves millions of residents and businesses dependent on generators and high fuel costs.
Otu, who painted a stark picture of the state’s energy crisis, said Ikom, the state’s commercial nerve centre, has had no public electricity for over six months.
According to the governor, Ogoja, another major local council area, has been battling frequent blackouts and low voltage for years, disrupting businesses, hospitals, and smallholder agro-processing operations.
While describing energy access as a critical enabler for the development of the state’s blue and green economies, Otu noted: “It is through enhanced clean energy infrastructure that we can unlock the vast potential of our natural resources while preserving our environment for future generations.”
State government promises into look into complaints
The state government has promised to look into the complaints of the people of New Ekuri.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Electricity, Engineer Emmanuel gave the assurance in a telephone interview with our correspondent. His words: “I will do a finding on the community and do a follow up on it.”
Engineer Emmanuel noted that the governor recently approved the rehabilitation of the Akamkpa axis of the state.
“Before this time they had a total collapse of their network that feeds the area and its environs. The rehabilitation is still on. We did a test run on some parts of Akamkpa, the whole length of Akamkpa is yet to to be captured because they are doing vegetation cleaning.
“The supply in that axis has been fluctuating. The power distributors have not been able to allocate sufficient power to that axis. We are on it already.”
Cross River Governor Bassey Otu has been conferred with the Champion of Made-in-Nigeria Products award by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in recognition of his administration’s commitment to the growth and patronage of indigenous products and services.
The award was presented at the 5th Adeola Odutola Lecture in Lagos, where captains of industry, policymakers, and development partners gathered to celebrate contributions to Nigeria’s industrial advancement.
Otu was represented by Deputy, Peter Odey, who received the plaque on his behalf.
Presenting the award, MAN President, Francis Meshioye commended Governor Otu’s administration for “walking the talk” on local content development through practical policies and procurement choices that have stimulated domestic manufacturing and created jobs.
“The Cross River example proves that leadership by example is the most powerful endorsement of the Made-in-Nigeria vision,” he stated.
Odey described the recognition as “a validation of Governor Otu’s deliberate and consistent policies to reawaken Nigeria’s productive capacity.”
He noted that the administration’s focus was not merely on consumption but on creating a strong ecosystem where local manufacturers thrive.
“We have shown preference for locally made goods not out of sentiment, but conviction that Nigeria’s future lies in what we produce,” Odey said.
Highlighting tangible examples of this commitment, Odey informed the Cross River State Government had within two years, procured about 80 vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), the Anambra-based automobile giant, with 130 pieces already pre ordered
“This singular action reflects our belief that Nigerian ingenuity deserves the highest level of state patronage,” he affirmed.
Governor further revealed that the State had also purchased over one hundred tractors from an indigenous manufacturing company based in Kwara State with an additional 220 yet to be delivered to the state government.
“Our agricultural mechanization drive is proudly supported by Nigerian-made equipment, showing that local manufacturers can compete on quality and reliability,” he added.
Odey said that the administration’s local content drive extends beyond procurement.
“Several of the roads we have completed—and those ongoing—are being executed by indigenous contractors,” he said, stressing that such empowerment strengthens local capacity, creates employment, and retains capital within Nigeria’s economy.
He reiterated the government’s readiness to sustain an enabling environment for industry to flourish, noting that tax policies have been reviewed to incentivize local producers.
“We are building a Cross River where industry, innovation, and investment can thrive. Our bias for homegrown solutions is unwavering,” the Deputy Governor said.
Odey invited MAN to host its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Calabar. “Cross River offers not just hospitality but a growing industrial base that reflects the spirit of the Nigerian manufacturer,” he said, assuring MAN of the state’s full support in advancing the nation’s industrial renaissance.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, has called for a paradigm shift in the state’s economic landscape, urging citizens to embrace entrepreneurship and reduce dependency on civil service.
He made this call during the graduation ceremony of 1,500 participants from the Enterprise Development Center (EDC) and the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), programs organized by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) through the Cross River State Enterprise Development Center (CRSEDC).
Represented by the State Secretary General, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, Governor Otu articulated the government’s mission to transform the state’s economy from one heavily reliant on civil service to a vibrant hub of thriving businesses.
“Today’s occasion is a fulfillment of a dream to transform the state from one that is overly dependent on government for livelihood, what is often called a civil servant state, to one where every man and woman, young and old, will think outside the box, leveraging their knowledge, exposure, and networks to build a bubbling, business-driven economy,” he stated.
He further announced that a one billion Naira facility is being prepared by the state government for disbursement through the bank to support small business owners who have completed the EDC program.
“Retirement is no longer about sitting and waiting for death,” he added while acknowledging the efforts of the retirees.
“After retirement comes life, hope, and the self-belief that what you couldn’t do while in active service, you can achieve after retirement,” he said.
The Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI) aligns with government efforts to tackle post-retirement poverty, including the recent signing of the Senior Citizen Bill into law.
Cross River State has also become the first state in the country to send structural design specifications for approval to the relevant national agency, demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of its senior citizens.
The state’s dedication to this entrepreneurial shift is further underscored by the establishment of the University of Entrepreneurship, aiming to transform graduates from job seekers into employers of labor.
The graduation ceremony saw the attendance of several top government functionaries, including Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters (Office of the Vice President); Dr. Abigail Duke, Commissioner for Commerce (represented by Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Glory Odu Orji); Paddy Egede, Commissioner for Wealth Creation; Dr. Glory Effiong, Accountant General; and Dr. Bong Duke, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission.
Other notable attendees included Essesien Edem, Chairman of the MEDA Board; Great Ogban, Director-General of MEDA; Kijuo Julius, Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development; and Lawrence Ekpezu, EDC Center Manager.
As part of efforts to reposition the annual Carnival Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has appointed a 13-member review committee to assess and improve the annual festival.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nsa Gill said to improve concepts and policies of goverment, the governor has approved the committee to review and provide a postmortem on Carnival Calabar and the annual festival concept after 20 years of hosting. The review is aimed at improving and refreshing the product in line with global trends in tourism product development and repackaging.
The members of the committee include Amb. Ikechi Uko, Sen. Florence Ita Giwa, Prof Esekong Andrew Essien, and Prof A. Owan-Eno, who will serve as the committee’s secretary. Others are Sen. Gershom Bassey, Hon. Chris Agibe, Dr. Lyam Ugot, Barr Onari Duke, Hon. Eric Anderson, Sir Gabe Onah, PhD, Barr Ededem Ani (AG), and Pastor Johnnie Akpanke.
Former Minister of Culture, High Chief Edem Duke, will chair the the committee, whose key objectives include; reviewing the past: analysing the highlights and low points of the past 20 years to identify success factors and areas for improvement ; restructuring the bands; reforming the creative entities to better align with the state’s cultural expression, among others.
Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Emmanuel Ironbar, has been conferred with the National Leadership Awards.
Ironbar was recognised as the Best Chief of Staff in Nigeria by the People’s Parliament Nigeria, organizers of National Leadership Award.
According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Perry Opara, the Selection Committee had identified Ironbar for his significant contributions to the success of Governor Otu’s administration and the broader development of the state.
“The Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to improving the machinery of state, and by extension, Cross River State,” he said.
The awards ceremony, held last Thursday in Abuja at the National Merit Award Building was attended by a host of distinguished Cross Riverians, including members of the National Assembly.
The National Leadership Awards, now in its 22nd year, is known for celebrating individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the growth of society across various sectors.
Opara said the awards would encourage and inspire other Nigerians in leadership positions to be selfless and dedicate themselves to public service. He urged the recipients to remain dedicated to development of their state and the nation.
Speaking on behalf of other awardees from Cross River State, Ironbar who dedicated the award to Governor Otu and the entire Cross Riverians, expressed gratitude for the recognition, just as he lauded the governor’s visionary leadership for the success of the team.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to feed the people and Nigeria as agricultural schemes in the state are yielding results. He said food security is critical on the administration’s agenda, adding for any sub-national or country to be independent, it must be able to feed its people.
Otu, who spoke with journalists in Calabar at the Calabar Carnival, said until exploration of oil in Nigeria, agriculture was a thriving sector. He said as the biggest employer of labour, agriculture is receiving serious attention in the state, noting ‘today, we are reaping the fruits of our labour.’
“Food security is one of the most serious points on our agenda. It’s one of the thematic areas we try to make sure we bring on board. For any sub-national or any country, to be independent, you must be able to feed your people.
“And if you look at the momentum of agriculture, it was going well until exploration of oil. After that, agriculture went down. So, we gave it serious attention. And today, we are reaping the fruits of our labour.
“We are ready as a government to buy all their products. If they want, there is freedom. If they don’t want, they don’t have problem. But, we don’t want farmers to be stranded with whatever they have been able to produce or plant. We are ready to collect it, store it in a farm, and then sell it to people who want to buy.
“And if we check, the prices of food here are coming down because the availability is now almost sustainable. Our vision in that area is to feed Nigeria, not only Cross River State. But soon, we’ll be able to feed ourselves,” he added.
He noted that the special agro-programmes in the state were to ensure the state does well in agriculture, particularly in production of cassava, cocoa, maize and oil palm.
“We set up planning schemes to look at these. In cassava, we do have a 5,000 hectare cassava farm, which for now is a pilot scheme that will provide seeds and stems, which we are going to use.
‘‘And the next one we are moving to is 50,000 hectares. For the oil palm, we have got about 3.5 million oil palm seeds from NIFOR, and then we collaborated with oil palm growers which are in numbers to set up the most recent pilots.
“And in cocoa, we are trying to revamp the farms as we are into a public-private partnership to revamp all our cocoa farms. We have some of the biggest cocoa farms even though the cocoa produces are taken from here to stamp elsewhere, which of course is going to change soon,” he said.
Commenting on the state of the economy and government’s decision to float the naira, Otu said the pains Nigerians go through are necessary sacrifice for a better tomorrow.
“The pain we are going through now is to see if we can carry all our people on board. But, for sacrifice, there must be that sacrifice. If not so, we cannot make progress. But it is left for managers of economy and government to be serious about it,” he said.
According to him, the nation’s economy has suffered because there were too many briefcase billionaires not adding value to the economy by way of investment.
“Most of these nations enjoying today passed through the same situation we are passing through today.
‘‘If the measures we took now were carried out when we didn’t have COVID or when things were okay, the pains would not have been this much. It’s just that ours is coming at a terrible time when the world is passing through some difficult transitions. But, we believe at the darkest end of the tunnel, what we are beginning to see is, even though the inflation is resisting, all other indices are showing that something positive is happening in the economy,” he added.
The governor also said plans were underway to upgrade tourism sites to meet international standards. This, he said, is to attract local and international tourists to the state.
He said the state would create the infrastructure to boost tourism in transportation and accommodation, etc.
“We are training personnel in the state and outside the country to upgrade our tourism sites. We are partnering investors to bring some of them to 21st-century standards.
“We are trying to ensure our roads are taken care of. We are not waiting on Federal Government because it has become clear priorities are too many, so we have to help ourselves.
“We want to ensure people access those tourism sites with little difficulty and we are looking at stabilising our product pricing by making sure transportation is improved. We will explore gas, electricity and trains. We are going to improve aviation …” he said.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has said that the yearly Calabar Carnival has continued to attract added values each year while building on the founding fathers’ vision of the street party.
He stated that partners and sponsors of the carnival have increased over the last two decades hoping that next year edition will be bigger and better with possible participation from the diaspora.
Governor Otu, who spoke while declaring open the carnival’s street party on Saturday in Calabar, assured revellers of a spectacular outing.
The 2024 Calabar Carnival, which began in November, will run till Dec. 31 has its theme as “Our Shared Heritage.”
This year’s street party featured seven competitive bands and seven non-competitive bands that performed along Eleven Eleven junction through De Choice junction via Mary Slessor Avenue to the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Participants are expected to the scores by adjudicators at some points before the final one at the Stadium.
Earlier in October, the carnival witnessed three editions of dry run to test run how the carnival would be.
Governor Otu who was accompanied to the ceremony by his Kogi and Kwara State counterparts and the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari said: “Today is a great day in the calendar history of Calabar. We are indeed very, very humbled that we are celebrating about two spectacular decades of this particular event. And I know that we’ve been building and adding value daily.
“The buyers have increased. And we know even next year, because the diaspora is pressing very, very hard, we might be able to add the diaspora band that will come on full strength.
“But as Cross Riverians, we want to thank all those who have come, and we say come and live and share with us. I declare this open in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.”
While appreciating the dignitaries and tourists at the event, he urged them to take out time to explore the tourism assets in Calabar.
He also commended the efforts of previous governors of the state for sustaining the carnival over the years.
“For those that are coming for the first time, please don’t go very quick, try and stay back and enjoy the full hospitality of our people.
“Let me salute our forefathers. His Excellency Governor Duke, His Excellency Governor Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for building on what was started by Governor Duke until it got here,” he said.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the constitution of a Joint Public Service Negotiating and Implementation Committee on N70,000 new National Minimum Wage in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr NSA Gil, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Friday in Calabar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on May 1, during the Workers Day celebration, Otu had announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for workers of the state, an amount which was criticised by many of the workers.
Gil noted that the committee was expected to commence sitting anytime from Nov. 1 subject to its convenience and round-up on time to enable compliance by the state.
The committee which has 16 members is to be headed by the state Head of Service, Dr Innocent Eteng.
Other members include Mr Gregory Olayi, state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Mr Monday Ogbodun, state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
