Pillar Today

  • Akwa Ibom Govt Ends Exco Retreat, Approves Ibom City Bus Project, Revamp of Ibom Hotel, Others

    Akwa Ibom Govt Ends Exco Retreat, Approves Ibom City Bus Project, Revamp of Ibom Hotel, Others

    State Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah (centre), Commissioner for  Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem (left) and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh during the briefing.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The four day retreat organized for members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council and some critical stakeholders has ended at the Eko Hotel, Lagos.

    Themed “Delivering the ARISE Agenda,” the retreat provided a high-level platform for evaluating the government’s performance and setting clear delivery strategies for ongoing and future initiatives.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah who briefed the press Thursday evening, disclosed that during the retreat, far reaching decisions were also reached at an emergency exco meeting presided over by the Governor on Wednesday.

    Umanah, flanked by the State Commissioner for  Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, said the State Executive Council approved the engagement of Alpha Diaz Ltd as contractor for the Ibom City Bus Project, covering both construction and post-implementation management to enhance public transportation in the capital city and beyond.

    “Council ratified the award of the contract for the complete remodeling of the Ibom International Hotel to Ratcon Construction Company Ltd, with a 12-month completion timeline.

    “Council conducted a comprehensive review of the current status of all state-owned enterprises and investments and approved regularization of board structures across state entities and strategic divestment of government interests in select ventures in line with global best practices to ensure long-term viability and efficiency”.

    Following a review of the progress of the One Project per Local Government Initiative (Phases One and Two), alongside the status of 47 other projects that have either been flagged off or are scheduled for commencement before May 29, 2025, Council directed the Direct Labour Committee to urgently schedule the commissioning of all completed projects for public use.

    Over 20 key projects were also considered and scheduled for commissioning and flag-off activities to commemorate the second anniversary of the administration in May 2025.

    Umanah further announced that the State Executive Council approved the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Task Force on Primary Healthcare (PHC) to strengthen PHC services across the State’s 31 LGAs.

    “The Task Force team headed by the Deputy Governor, comprises top government officials, local government leaders, traditional and religious leaders, medical professionals, and development partners including WHO, UNICEF, and NPHCDA”.

    He listed the terms of Reference to include, Coordinating PHC and immunization efforts across the state, reviewing and implementing a 12-month PHC action plan, Monitoring campaign quality and performance by LGAs, advocating for resource allocation and accountability and reporting progress to the Governor via quarterly updates from the Ministry of Health.

    The retreat, according to the Commissioner, also served as a strategic session to review progress made under the ARISE Agenda in nearly two years of governance, strengthen inter-agency coordination and performance accountability as well as, outline delivery frameworks and timelines for critical projects and policies.

    All the participants witnessed 28 expert-led sessions on leadership, governance, communication, project delivery, economic expansion, and public service reforms, he added.

  • UN, AKSG Collaborate Towards Economy Diversification as State is Prepared For Future Without Oil

    UN, AKSG Collaborate Towards Economy Diversification as State is Prepared For Future Without Oil

    Gov. Umo Eno (2nd from R), his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi (1st from R), the UN Assistant Secretary- General, (UNDP),  Ahunna Eziakonwa (3rd from R) and her colleague at the on going retreat in Lagos.

    By Anietie Akpan

    With the current challenges rocking oil production globally, the United Nations and Akwa Ibom State Government are collaborating on programmes to help diversify the State’s economy through tourism and deployment of technology in various sectors.

    This formed the focus of discussions at the meeting between Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno and United Nations Assistant Secretary- General, (UNDP),  Ahunna Eziakonwa on the flanks of the ongoing Exco retreat in Lagos.

    The UN Envoy in a release from the Media Unit of the Governor, commended the state of developments in the State, noting, “Akwa Ibom State remains the favourite for many. You are leading well, especially in putting the resources of the State in investments that generate income.

    “I came to Lagos on Ibom Air. They are doing well and their services are good.”

    She spoke of the global price fluctuations in the petroleum industry, maintaining that the situation warrants a new mindset on how to diversify the economy and look beyond oil, noting that her organization is committed to assisting the state through accelerated development models, especially for those at the bottom.

    This, she said, was in the area of technology, digitization and technology adoption to conquer the low standards of education, food security and more.

    “There is a technology that deploys drones for irrigation and other technologies to support farmers, the private sector cannot do it by itself hence the need for government to invest in technology infrastructure”, she said.

    In his response, Governor Eno congratulated her for being the first Nigerian to attain the position of the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (UNDP) and thanked her for the emerging partnership and collaboration between her organization and the State.

    Governor Eno said, the meeting was an indication that the earlier visit to the State by Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria, was yielding positive results.

    Excited that the UNDP is now focusing on sub-nationals in its quest for economic development, he informed her that his economic blueprint, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda, “aims to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), globally- driven and supported by the UN.

    “For Akwa Ibom State, the SDGs can only be attained in a sustainable and durable manner through the diversification of the local economy. We welcome the food security technology to enable us feed our people well”.

    Akwa Ibom is well positioned by virtue of its rich natural resources, peaceful nature, and a viable airline to take advantage of UNDP’s collaboration, the Governor said.

    Governor Eno welcomed UNDP’s decision to support the State in tourism, economic transformation and other technical assistance which would ultimately lead to the socio-economic upliftment of the people, adding that, the State is organizing tourism, power and corporate submits later in the year to fine-tune ways of harnessing the potentials that abound.

    “We are prepared for a future without oil, that’s why we are investing in real estate business. We are building a high-rise tower and other estates as well as turning our moribund assets to commercial value”, he added .

  • SAPZ Project in Cross River, A Game-Changer for Economic Revival, Shettima

    SAPZ Project in Cross River, A Game-Changer for Economic Revival, Shettima

    L-R: Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of AfDB, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the Gov. of CRS, Senator  John Owan-Enoh the Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Commerce and Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Deputy Governor, CRS at the flag off.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday, April 10, flagged off the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Calabar, Cross River State, saying “it’s a game changer”.

    Just as the African Development Bank (AfDP) is planning to increase the SAPZ from current eight to 28 more states in the country with a $2.2 billion investment.

    The groundbreaking ceremony of the SAPZ in the state marked a pivotal moment in the country’s agricultural and economic transformation and it is seen as a major step towards realizing President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    This was contained in a press release endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State, Nsa Gill.

    Shettima, who was assisted by Governor Bassey Otu, the AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, and other key stakeholders at the official  launch of the project; described the SAPZ initiative as “a game-changer that aligns with the country’s aspirations for economic growth, job creation, and food security”.

    He commended the collaboration among the AfDB, Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, and the Cross River State Government, noting their collective efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

    Located along Tinapa road, Adiabo in the outskirts of Calabar, the Vice President emphasized that the SAPZ would serve as an important “catalyst for national development, particularly in addressing food security challenges and fostering sustainable agricultural growth across the country”.

    Governor Bassey Otu echoed Vice President Shettima’s sentiments, emphasizing that the SAPZ project perfectly fits his prosperity agenda, expressing confidence in its success and at the same time assuring stakeholders that it will benefit agricultural regions in Cross River—including Ikom, Yala, Obanliku, Obubra, and others—by transforming them into key hubs for agricultural productivity and industrial growth.

    Governor Otu further highlighted that the project is not just about the present but is “designed for long-term prosperity, creating new pathways for growth and economic diversification across the state” and pledged the full commitment of his administration in ensuring its success, stating that it would “provide lasting benefits for the people of Cross River”.

    The Governor also spoke of the strategic location of the Agro-Industrial Hub, which spans 130 hectares and boasts critical infrastructure like the Calabar Seaport, Bakassi Deep Seaport, and a 23MW power plant in Tinapa, alongside the larger 630MW Calabar Power Plant located 20 km away.

    He added that the site would benefit from proposed rail links connecting 14 local government areas, including those near the Agricultural Transformation Centre in Yala, as well as the proximity to the Calabar River and an international airport—ensuring global market access for the state’s agro-industrial products.

    Governor Otu stated that the SAPZ project aligns with his administration’s focus on food security, energy sufficiency, and job creation.

    On his part, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina passionately addressed the gathering, praising Governor Otu’s leadership and commitment to transforming Cross River’s agricultural landscape.

    Adesina expressed his pride in seeing the SAPZ vision come to life after years of challenges in implementation and emphasized the economic potential of SAPZs, particularly in creating jobs, reducing food imports, and fostering private investments.

    Adesina also highlighted Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, urging for a united effort to achieve food self-sufficiency and leadership in agricultural exports.

    He credited the strong political will from President Tinubu, the unwavering support from Vice President Shettima, and the collaboration between key ministers as vital factors driving the success of the SAPZ initiative.

    “This project is set to have a significant transformational impact, particularly in rural areas, with potential for job creation and economic revitalization through the development of modern agro-industrial hubs.

    So far, he said, “$934 million has been invested into SAPZs across 11 African countries, with Nigeria’s first phase covering eight states, including Cross River and a second phase, aimed at expanding to 28 states, will see an estimated investment of $2.2 billion”.

    The event was attended by dignitaries such as Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industries, Trade, and Commerce, the Obong of Calabar and Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, along with private sector players and development partners.

  • Obi of Aboh to Chair Maris Lecture 2025 – Scribe

    Obi of Aboh to Chair Maris Lecture 2025 – Scribe

    Obi of Aboh Kingdom, Obi Oputa III

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The Secretary of Maris Trust Council (MTC), Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, says the Obi of Aboh Kingdom, Obi Oputa III, will chair the year 2025 edition of the Maris Public Service Lecture with the theme: “Local Governance And Sustainable Development.”

    Egugbo said this when he met with some journalists at the Press Centre, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Asaba.

    According to Egugbo, he visited the Press Centre to formerly invite the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and members of the Union to the lecture slated for the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at noon.

    “Thankfully, the former Managing Director of Champions Breweries, Uyo, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, who is currently the President-General of Onicha-Olona Development Union (ODU) and managing several business organisations, has agreed to deliver the lecture.

    “The lecture will be chaired by the Obi of Aboh Kingdom, Obi Oputa III and the date for the lecture is April 16, 2025.

    “The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori whose developmental efforts through the thorough execution of the M.O.R.E. Agenda is endearing his administration to Deltans and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, among other prominent personalities are all going to be there,” Egugbo said.

    According to him, the MTC, as part of its efforts to also contribute to the body of knowledge, and make the society better through the annual lecture series which holds every Wednesday before Easter Sunday, has to look at the best ways of sustaining development in Delta State in particular, Nigeria and the world generally.

    Egugbo said, “Every day, ‘development’ is a word that forms most of our discussions and as such, we have experts in several fields to be at this year’s lecture as discussants.

    “The discussants include but not limited to the former member, House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Ibakpa, the Commissioner for Works (Rurual Roads) and that of Public Information in Delta State, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the Founder of Eagles Height Properties, Mrs Mabel Magbulu, the Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Hon. Vincent Oyibode and the Odiega of Ebu Kingdom, Prof. Kemi Emina will be at the lecture as the Moderator.”

    Formerly addressed as Dr Greg Nnamdi Oputa before he was crowned as the Obi Oputa III, the Obi of Aboh is a recipient of American President’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

    He is a successful businessman and an investor whose love for the works of God made him to become the President and Founder of Throne of Grace Ministries, a non-denominational ministries with active outreach thrust in USA.

    The Throne of Grace Ministries also has a branch in Aboh Kingdom, Delta State, Nigeria where a lot of the charity activities of the foundation are also carried out.

    Obi Oputa III is also, the President and Founder of United States of America (USA)-based Gregory Oputa International Foundation.

    “There is no doubt that his contributions during the lecture would be invaluable,” Egugbo said.

    Maris Lecture is free, and there is no discrimination as people with the mindset of how to make the world better use the platform to proffer solutions to societal challenges at the annual lecture series.

    The 2025 lecture is the fifth in the series.

  • Gov. Eno Receives, Yet Another Award

    Gov. Eno Receives, Yet Another Award

    Gov. Umo Eno (left), receives the award from the Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers, Mr. Ayodele Aminu.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Governor Umo Eno has added yet another award into his kitty.

    This time around, the award is the, “2024 Governor of the Year in Human Capacity Development” bestowed on him by the New Telegraph Newspapers.

    The frontline print media organization, lauded Governor Eno for his commitment to human capacity enhancement and other development programmes in Akwa Ibom State justifying his merit for the award.

    The Managing Director, Mr. Ayodele Aminu, stated this on Thursday, when he led the management team of the organization to present the award to the Governor at the ongoing Exco Retreat in Lagos.

    “Your Excellency, we have followed all your achievements. Your state has done so well in bursary payment to students, empowerment of young people and other forms of capacity enhancement.

    “This Award was to be presented to the Governor during our Awards ceremony in March at the Oriental Hotel, but that did not happen.

    “His Excellency has deemed it fit to have us come here and make a formal presentation and we thank him”

    They commended the Governor for the impact he had recorded so far, saying the media establishment had been keenly following his achievements in office.

    Gov. Eno (middle), his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi (3rd from L), Mr. Aminu (3rd from R) and others during the award presentation.

    “The other day, we saw how you met the woman who cried for empowerment and the video went viral. Without much ado, we hereby present you with this award”, Mr. Aminu said, amidst cheers from the participants at the retreat.

    Responding, Governor Eno appreciated the media organization on the award, dedicating it to his family.

    He reiterated his earlier position that the series of recognitions in recent times, are indicative of the beam light on the State which challenges him to work even harder.

    “I will like to dedicate this award to my family, especially my wife for all the encouragement and support I have received from them. Though my wife has passed physically, she still lives with me. I am happy with my children for taking up different responsibilities since their mother left.

    “On this job, we work everyday till very late hours and if we go back home and there is no peace at home, it makes things difficult. So when we succeed, we have to appreciate our family.

    “Thank you, New Telegraph, for being our partners, you are invited to come to the State and assess other things that we are doing”, the Governor said.

  • OPINION : Ayade May Defeat Jarigbe in 2027

    OPINION : Ayade May Defeat Jarigbe in 2027

    Immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade.

    By Ogar Emmanuel Oko

    Former Governor Sir Benedict Ayade CON is an intellectual man. Apart from the late Sen. Paul Ukpo, PhD, who was a nuclear physicist, in terms of scholastics, no politician in the northern senatorial district comes close to Ben Ayade’s pedigree. He’s encyclopaedical in nature. He’s wired with a special neurone that generates ideas. People with such special ability are rare. Above all, he’s a man of impeccable passion for the welfare of humanity. On the other hand, he’s a copious speaker with a knack for malapropism — a grotesque misrepresentation of words.

    That said, in my previous piece, I’d promised to feature him in the next article. As soon as Ayade took over the reins from Sen. Gregory Ikaba Ngaji, the derogatory name of “sleeping senator” used to prefix northern senatorial district senators sublimed. He became the darling senator of the masses by his outspokenness. After a term in the Senate, he became a governor for 8 years.

    During his administration, he sandwiched himself in between Uriah Heeps, an Ahitophelian cult, and hype-men in the order of skunks. These men told him lies, gave him bad counsel, and played to his vanity. He was drowned in the pool of his ego—waves of pride silencing reason’s echo; eyes blind to truth, ears deaf to plea. Then, he sank where no humility could be.

    At the twilight of his administration, he succumbed yet again to the counsel of Ahitophel to run for Senate. This was a man whom the delegates from the state he governed had betrayed at the national convention when he aspired for the presidential ticket of his party — the All Progressive Congress (APC). The handwriting on the wall was clear enough — but he was blindfolded by the very people he made, and pushed into the ring unprepared. With one rabbit punch from Sen Jarigbe Agom, he was hurled five feet above sea level and flung to the ground. All the political cheerleaders ran for their dear lives.

    Almost three years later, we’re hearing from the grapevine that H.E. Sen. Ben Ayade is warming up to walk the same path again. It appears he has forgotten the road he once traveled. Back then, he walked beneath the towering shadow of his self-importance, mistaking it for greatness, not realizing it blocked the sun. In chasing applause, he forgot the silence of wisdom— and there, in the darkness of his own making, he stumbled. In chasing applause, he ignored the quiet counsel of wisdom. And in that silence, he stumbled. Most politicians prefer the clarity of prose over the subtlety of poetry—so I’ll keep it plain from here.

    Ayade must have learnt enough. Between 2023 and 2027, so much has happened. The conditions for his defeat and the victory of Jarigbe have changed. When he was in office, the people that sat at the supper table with him also took lunch with his opponents. He should be happy that they’re now fishing using different boats.

    The sun hasn’t set. Let Ayade wait! He should observe the weather once again.

    Power disappears with time!

    Comrade Oko, Writes from Ahiara Junction, Mbaise, Imo State.

  • Cross River Government Condemns Vandalism, Theft of Public Assets in Obudu

    Cross River Government Condemns Vandalism, Theft of Public Assets in Obudu

    Gov. Bassey Otu .

    By Kingsley Agim

    The Cross River State Government has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attempted theft and vandalization of public transformers in Obudu, describing the act as “reprehensible” and a direct attack on the collective resources meant for the good of all citizens.

    In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, the government expressed deep concern over the continued abuse and unlawful conversion of public assets by unscrupulous individuals, despite repeated warnings and public notices.

    According to the statement, the latest attempt to cart away public transformers was thwarted through the vigilance of concerned residents in Obudu and the prompt intervention of the Nigeria Police Force. The swift response not only prevented the theft but also underscored the importance of community partnership in safeguarding government infrastructure.

    Reacting to the incident, Governor Bassey Edet Otu was said to be “profoundly dismayed” and has directed the Department of Asset Management and Recovery to work closely with security agencies to uncover and prosecute all individuals involved in the criminal act.

    “Let it be made abundantly clear that anyone found culpable, regardless of status or position, will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement emphasized.

    Governor Otu, who is championing the “People First” agenda aimed at expanding development across the state, reiterated that such acts of sabotage threaten the progress and prosperity of Cross River. He urged citizens to unite in protecting public investments that are designed to improve lives and communities.

    The government has now issued a call to action, encouraging all Cross Riverians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving public assets—whether movable or immovable—to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery at the Governor’s Office.

    Assurances were also given that whistleblowers’ identities will be treated with utmost confidentiality to ensure their safety and cooperation.

  • NUJ CRS Council, Muslims’ Leader, Felicitate Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu

    NUJ CRS Council, Muslims’ Leader, Felicitate Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu

    First Lady of CRS; Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council and Muslims’ Leader in the State, Alhaji Sarki Lawan Garba, have felicitated with the First Lady of the State, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu on the joyous occasion of her 61st birthday celebration.

    The NUJ in a message endorsed by the Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey and Secretary, Mike Abang, said, “Your Excellency, as a woman of faith, compassion, and purpose, you have continued to inspire Cross Riverians through your selfless devotion to humanitarian causes, spiritual leadership, and passionate advocacy for the vulnerable.

    “Your tireless commitment to uplifting the lives of women, children, and the less privileged, speaks to a life wholly dedicated to service.

    As a Bishop, mentor, mother, and partner in governance, the Union said, “you have remained a pillar of support to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, and a symbol of hope to countless families across our dear state. Your warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith have enriched the social fabric of Cross River State.

    “On this special day, we celebrate your legacy of grace, strength, and resilience. We pray that God grants you many more years of sound health, divine strength, and continued impact in the lives of our people. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency”.

    In a separate message, the Muslims’ Leader in the State Alhaji Garba, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the First Lady of the State, on the occasion of her birthday, saying, “she is widely recognized as a humanitarian of great repute, a woman of substance, and a pillar of unwavering support to her husband, Governor Bassey Otu”.

    He said, “her virtues and dedication to the well-being of the people of Cross River State have not gone unnoticed. Through her charitable works and tireless efforts, she has touched many lives and continues to inspire others with her grace and compassion. He added

    “As she marks another year of life, I celebrates her remarkable contributions to the state and prays for her continued health, happiness, and success”.

    He acknowledged her as a true beacon of hope and strength, not only to her family but to all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

    “May this special day bring the celebrant immense joy and fulfillment, as she continues her impactful journey of service and support”, he added.

  • President Tinubu is Detribalised on Appointments, Spokesperson

    President Tinubu is Detribalised on Appointments, Spokesperson

    President Bola Tinubu.

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    President Bola Tinubu’s Spokesperson, Dr Sunday Dare, has said that the president is detribalised on the distribution of appointments to key position in the Federal Government.

    He said, “It is important to state that President Bola Tinubu is a detribalised leader. His antecedents before he even became president speak to this fact.

    “As Lagos Governor, President Tinubu populated his government with competent hands both from within and outside Lagos not minding which tribe you come from”.

    In a statement made available to newsmen, Dare said, “as President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the same man who is not blinded by the cloak of tribe or religion. He understands that the mandate he won is from the six geopolitical zones of the country and therefore knows that he bears the responsibility to carry every section along to build a very strong nation.”

    According to Dare, people tend to isolate new appointments so far made by the President to examine them with a tribal lens.

    “But it is too early to conclude that appointments are lopsided. Tinubu has barely completed two years in office yet, there are plenty more appointments still coming.

    “In fact, a more expansive view of key federal appointments across major government institutions and agencies shows that the President is on the right track as far as Federal character is concerned,” Dare stated in a statement.

    “A glance at this list of 134 federal appointments shows that the Northern part of this country has a total of 71 appointments compared to 63 for the entire South.

    “When you break down the 63 positions given to the South, the South West leads marginally with 26 slots while the South South has 21 positions. The South East with five states has 16 positions.

    “So, if we carry out an unbiased analysis, you’ll see that there is no cause for alarm,” he stated.

  • AfDB Partnering Cross River to Become Business Hub in West Africa, Gulf of Guinea

    AfDB Partnering Cross River to Become Business Hub in West Africa, Gulf of Guinea

    L-R: Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Bassey Otu, President, AfDB,  Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and his wife at the state banquet in Calabar.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Partnering African Development Bank (AfDB), Cross River will soon become a major business hub in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

    To actualise this, the bank relying on the state’s potentials,  Governor Bassey Otu’s action- driven and accountable leadership, is investing in the State’s Bakassi Deepseaport, health, agriculture and other projects.

    Speaking at the state banquet organized in his honour on Wednesday, April 9, the President of the AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill, noted that with what Governor Otu has done in partnership with Afrixem Bank for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, Cross River State will soon be a very important logistics and industrial processing hub beyond Nigeria, covering the entire West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

    Dr. Adesina outlined bold plans to support primary healthcare delivery in addition to the investments they are already promoting in the state with the launch of the Special Agro Processing Zone project (SAPZ).

    Adesina expressed excitement over the launch of the SAPZ in Cross River, describing the project as “a game-changer for the state’s economy”.

    He commended the leadership qualities of Governor Otu, noting that the Governor is indeed a “passionate, action-driven, and accountable leader, doing so much in infrastructure.”

    He therefore pledged substantial investment support for Cross River State’s health and agriculture sectors.

    On healthcare, he pledged to support the Governor’s efforts in the revitalization of primary health centres and the state health insurance initiative.

    “We will help ensure that primary healthcare centres are not only revitalized but connected digitally to enable seamless access and portability of health records.”

    He also advocated for the adoption of a sustainable franchise-based business model for healthcare delivery, designed to improve nationwide access and quality.

    In his remarks, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s focus on driving economic independence and reducing overdependence on federal allocations.

    He outlined three strategic pillars: security, food security, and energy security, as central to unlocking sustainable development in the state.

    Governor Otu revealed that several dormant state-owned assets are being recovered and revitalized, significantly improving investor confidence and making Cross River one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.

    He also emphasized efforts to integrate Cross River into regional economic corridors with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea while expanding agricultural productivity through large-scale cocoa, cassava, and other crops.

    Reflecting on his recent annual vacation, he joked that he felt “younger and more energized,” ready to intensify efforts towards the state’s transformation.

    Otu thanked his deputy governor and cabinet members for their stewardship in his absence and described the state’s progress as divinely inspired.

    Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, in his welcome address, celebrated the banquet as a convergence of visionary leadership,  describing Governor Otu as a “turbocharged” developer and lauded his commitment to infrastructure and economic growth.

    Turning to Dr. Adesina, Duke called him, “Africa’s number one technocrat…Dr. Adesina is not just a leader—he is a divine pathfinder, illuminating Africa’s future,” hailing his landmark initiatives like the electronic wallet for farmers and his legacy of driving agricultural transformation across the continent.

    He praised both leaders for their alignment in vision and their dedication to inclusive development.