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Tag: Governor Bassey Otu

  • Lawmaker hails Otu on Calabar carnival

    Lawmaker hails Otu on Calabar carnival

    Cross River State House of Assembly Chief Whip, Hilary Bisong, has attributed the economic relevance of Carnival Calabar to the vision of Governor Bassey Otu.

    He described the festival’s 20th anniversary as a turning point in state history.

    Bisong, who represents Boki II State Constituency, said last year’s carnival had moved beyond entertainment to delivering value for residents, small-scale enterprises (SMEs), and tourism.

    The Chief Whip, in a statement entitled “Celebrating Excellence: Governor Otu’s December of Culture, Unity, and Growth,” noted that last December indicated more confidence and purposeful governance in Cross River.

    The festival, the lawmaker continued, reflected a move by the Otu administration to reposition culture as a driver of enterprise and development, reinforcing the state’s status as Nigeria’s leading cultural and tourism destination.

    Bisong said visible infrastructure upgrades, enhanced security arrangements, and efficient coordination throughout the celebration were indicators of planning and leadership that prioritised both visitor experience and local participation.

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    He described the 32-day anniversary as historic, highlighting vibrant performances by carnival bands, expanded cultural showcases, and improved hospitality services that boosted economic activities across the state.

    The lawmaker praised Otu for inviting former governors to the carnival, saying this was a step in the right direction.

    “It is symbolic of continuity and shared ownership of the state’s flagship cultural event,” he added.

    Besides, Bisong said the financial impact of the carnival was clear, as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) recorded a boost in patronage.

    He noted that artisans gained visibility, hotels had high rates, while thousands of temporary and indirect jobs were created.

    He added that Carnival Calabar 2025 demonstrated the potential of culture to catalyze growth, empowerment, and social cohesion, adding that the festival has evolved into a great asset under Otu.

  • Otu’s strategic ties with presidency attracting federal projects in Cross River -Akiba

    Otu’s strategic ties with presidency attracting federal projects in Cross River -Akiba

    Special Adviser to Cross River Governor on General Duties, Dr. Ekpenyong Akiba, has hailed the Bassey Otu’s strategic relationship with the Presidency as the engine behind the growing catalogue of federal projects in Cross River State. 

    He described the Governor’s rapport with President Bola Tinubu as deliberate, robust, and immensely rewarding for the people of the state.

    Speaking in Calabar while reacting to the Federal Government’s newly unveiled National Policy on Maritime and Blue Economy, Akiba cited several high-impact projects including the Special Agriculture Processing Zone, the long-awaited dredging and modernization of the Calabar Port, and the recently flagged-off Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road as tangible dividends of this synergy. “All these would not have been possible without Governor Otu forging a deliberate and strategic relationship with the Presidency,” he declared.

    Akiba specifically lauded the federal commitment to completing the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the modernisation of Calabar Port, noting that these initiatives will be transformative for the region. 

    “The Governor’s rapport with Mr. President has been instrumental in securing Cross River’s rightful place in the national infrastructure development plan,” he added.

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    “As we all know, in two years, Cross River has benefitted immensely from federal government projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Special Agro Processing Zone, the Students Loan scheme, and numerous women empowerment programmes initiated by the First Lady. If he can achieve these in just two years, then at the end of his second term, Nigeria is definitely going to experience unprecedented and uncommon development,” Akiba stated.

    He described President Tinubu as a promise keeper whose passion for national transformation is gradually bearing fruit. Akiba urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the current administration, stressing that the President’s economic blueprint is on course to change the nation’s story for good.

    The Special Adviser emphasized the job creation potential of the ongoing projects, noting that “these developments will not only attract investment but will also create employment opportunities for our teeming youths and significantly boost the state’s economy.”

    While applauding the government’s efforts, Akiba urged the federal authorities to expedite action on critical infrastructure such as the Calabar–Itu and Calabar–Ikom highways, which he described as vital arteries for regional connectivity and economic logistics.

    He praised the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, saying that “economic indices already point to a steady national recovery.” According to him, the administration’s equitable spread of projects across the 36 states speaks volumes about its commitment to inclusive development.

    “The story continues to change as promised and as contained in the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. Governors, irrespective of party affiliations, now enjoy improved allocations. It is no wonder the opposition is increasingly gravitating toward the President and finding our party, the APC, more attractive—as evidenced in recent defections and endorsements for President Tinubu and our indefatigable Governor Otu ahead of 2027,” Akiba said.

  • Archbishop Bassey hails Gov Otu for restoration of Cross River

    Archbishop Bassey hails Gov Otu for restoration of Cross River

    The Archbishop of Calabar and President of the Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Josef Bassey, has described Governor Bassey Otu’s administration as “a divine project of restoration, quietly rewriting the story of a battered state.”

    In a statement on Monday, Bassey noted that Cross River State, once known for its excellence and beauty, had experienced years of desolation and moral decline. 

    However, he declared that the tide has turned dramatically under Governor Otu’s administration.

    “Two years ago, Cross River stood at the edge of despair. But today, under a leader who walks with God and works with vision, we are witnessing recovery, renewal, and a clear return to our prophetic path,” he said.

    Highlighting key achievements, the Archbishop commended Governor Otu’s silent but profound transformation of the state’s infrastructure, agricultural revival, educational reforms, security improvement,  and healthcare development.

    He praised the administration for carrying out critical road projects, attracting agricultural investment, and declaring free tuition in all public primary and secondary schools.

    The Governor’s commitment to moral and spiritual revival also received glowing acknowledgment. Archbishop Bassey said Governor Otu’s decision to rededicate the state to God and embrace its prophetic destiny is “one of the most important things any leader can do for a generation.”

     “He is not just rebuilding structures; he is restoring the soul of the state. Cross River is once again on God’s altar,” the Archbishop affirmed.

    Referring to the Governor as a “noiseless, compassionate achiever,” the cleric noted that while many expected loud announcements, Governor Otu chose deliberate action, delivering results without fanfare.

    “He met a state in ruins and has, through divine guidance and personal discipline, realigned it with purpose. His leadership is a miracle in motion,” he added.

    Looking ahead, Archbishop Bassey assured the governor of the continued prayers and intercessions of the Church while offering a fatherly charge for the journey ahead. He advised Governor Otu to approach the second half of his tenure with even greater urgency and unwavering focus on delivering legacy-defining results.

    > “This is not the time to slow down or be distracted by the politics of the next election cycle. Rather, it is the moment for a bold halftime re-evaluation—a time to take stock, refocus, and, if necessary, cleanse the ranks of non-performing team members,” he counseled.

    Read Also: Gov Otu, Shettima, Adesina ignite Cross River’s agro-industrial future

    He encouraged the Governor to deepen his commitment to excellence, embrace visionary innovation, and pursue landmark developmental strides that will not only transform Cross River State but place her as a reference point in the comity of Nigerian states.

     “The foundation has been laid. Now, the next two years must be marked by strategic boldness and landmark achievements. The glory days we prophesy are not in the distance—they are here, waiting to be birthed,” the Archbishop stated.

    Archbishop Bassey called on all Cross Riverians to unite in prayer and support for the governor as he continues to steer the state into her “greater glory days.”

    The statement concluded with a spiritual charge: “We rejoice today, not only because roads are being built and farms are producing, but because righteousness is being restored in our land. Truly, this is the Lord’s doing.”

    Governor Otu’s second anniversary celebration is expected to highlight both achievements and his vision for the future, with stakeholders across sectors commending his calm yet impactful style of governance.

  • Otu slashes prices of LGA nomination forms ahead of November 1st council polls

    Otu slashes prices of LGA nomination forms ahead of November 1st council polls

    After meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) leadership in the State in preparation for the upcoming local government elections, Governor Bassey Otu has in line with Cross River State Independent National Electoral Commission (CROSIEC)’s regulation  slashed the  Council Polls fees to N1 million for Chairmanship candidates and N200,000 for Councillors candidates.

    The move became necessary as the governor acceded to IPAC’s request for a revision in the fees for Chairmanship and Councillorship forms as stipulated in the amended State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) law; according to the New CROSIEC law, Chairmanship candidates are required to pay up to N5 million for the form, while Councillorship candidates are to pay up to N1 million.

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    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Nsa Gill in a statement acknowledged the Governor’s decision and assured that the Chief Executive, “pledged to cover the balance of the payments of the candidates fees to CROSIEC and ensure compliance with the law.”

    The governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, people-centered policies, and a fair electoral process for the local government elections; this both IPAC, CROSIEC and the State Government resolved that the cost of nomination fee be reduce from N5,000,000.00 to N1,000,000.00 for Chairmanship and from N1,000,000.00 to N200,000.00  for Councillorship in line with the appeal made by IPAC to the Governor.