Calabar, Nigeria – May 29, 2025 – In a stirring address to mark the second anniversary of his administration, Governor Bassey Edet Otu stood before the people of Cross River State not merely as a political leader, but as a steward of transformation, bearing testimony to two years of visionary leadership under the banner of his People First Agenda. His voice, resolute and charged with optimism, echoed across the state—an affirmation of a promise made and a promise kept. With strategic reforms spanning agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, infrastructure, housing, and economic empowerment, Governor Otu declared: “From the moment we took office, we made a conscious decision to treat governance not as an entitlement, but as a sacred duty—a service to the people.” Agriculture: Cultivating Wealth Beyond the Soil
At the heart of Cross River’s rebirth is agriculture—reimagined, reinvigorated, and restructured. The Governor recounted how the state transitioned from subsistence farming to commercial agribusiness, anchored by innovations like the first-of-its-kind digital soil fertility mapping system in the South-South. With over 625,000 oil palm seedlings distributed, 600 hectares of cassava farms established, and 2,000 smallholder farmers trained, the state is sowing seeds of prosperity. Through federal and state-backed schemes such as LIFE-ND, FADAMA, and APPEALS, over 2,000 youth and women have been empowered with inputs, processing equipment, and access to agro-processing centres. Cumulatively, these interventions have yielded over ₦4.74 billion in income. “We are no longer just planting crops; we are cultivating wealth,” Otu affirmed. Tourism: Reclaiming the Crown as Nigeria’s Holiday Capital Cross River’s once-fading tourism legacy is witnessing a renaissance. With the restoration of Marina Resort, the revival of Obudu Ranch Resort, and the rebranding of Carnival Calabar, the state has become a magnet for local and international tourists. Attendance at the iconic carnival soared by 42%, while tourist numbers skyrocketed from 62,000 in 2023 to over 300,000 in 2025, injecting over ₦14 billion into the economy. “Our tourism is not just a destination—it’s a story of rebirth, pride, and opportunity for all,” the Governor declared. Education: Igniting Hope and Bridging the Equity Gap In two years, the Otu administration has redefined the value of education. Over 31,000 final-year students benefited from free WAEC registration, while 39 classroom blocks were constructed or rehabilitated, 9,000 furniture sets distributed, and 700 school heads trained. The digitalization of school administration and the promotion of over 15,000 education personnel have restored dignity and motivation to the sector. From elevating ITM-Ugep to Federal Polytechnic Ugep, to revamping STEM education, the administration is arming the youth with tools for the future. “Education is not a privilege—it is a right. And we are securing it,” Otu declared. Healthcare: Making Health a Right, Not a Luxury In the words of the Governor, “We’re not just treating the sick—we’re building a health system that works for all.” Over 204 health professionals have been recruited, a new General Hospital is rising in Ikom, and medical supplies are being delivered to remote areas via Zipline’s medical drones.
More than 1,000 healthcare facilities are active across the state, and the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has enrolled over 39,000 residents, guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare. Infrastructure: Building the Backbone of Development In just 24 months, Cross River has witnessed the construction and rehabilitation of over 73 kilometers of roads, installation of 270 solar-powered streetlights, and deployment of 14 transformers. Dormant water plants in Calabar and Obubra are now functional, while the RUWATSSA initiative is delivering clean water and sanitation to underserved communities. The BORDERCOM initiative is connecting remote areas to basic services, with new schools, clinics, and markets springing up. “Infrastructure is the bridge between government promises and real change,” Otu said. Land, Housing, and Economic Empowerment: Democratizing Prosperity Over 7,500 land files have been digitized, 200 housing units delivered, and 400 more under construction through partnerships with CR-GIA, CROSPIL, and MEDA. In the economic space, ₦1.2 billion in loans and grants have been disbursed to over 2,500 entrepreneurs, while thousands have received training in digital skills and enterprise development.
"Prosperity should not be for the privileged few. We are democratizing access to wealth,” the Governor assured. Deepening Impact, From Grassroots to Global Stage From solar-powered boreholes in Akamkpa and Obanliku, to the renovation of health centers in Odukpani and Yakurr, the government’s grassroots impact is visible and far-reaching. In Bekwarra, legislative chambers have been upgraded; in Ogoja, NYSC lodges and youth centers have been completed. In Calabar Municipal, modern internal revenue systems are boosting transparency and service delivery. Security has also received unprecedented attention, with the rehabilitation of police stations, deployment of patrol vans, and community engagement through traditional institutions and youth groups. Meanwhile, environmental restoration projects in Akpabuyo, erosion control in Odukpani, and beautification of Calabar roundabouts have not only improved aesthetics but elevated civic pride. “This is what happens when leadership listens,” Governor Otu said. “This is what happens when government works.” Looking Ahead: A Brighter Tomorrow in Sight Governor Otu closed his address with a powerful message of hope and unity: “In just two years, we have laid a solid foundation for a more prosperous, more inclusive, and more resilient Cross River State. We have moved from plans to action, and from promises to proof. But our journey is far from over.” He vowed to consolidate on the gains, expand innovation hubs, scale rural development, and double youth and women empowerment in the years ahead. “Let us remain united, optimistic, and steadfast. The road ahead is bright. The journey is ours. The glory is God’s. And the victory will be ours too.”
Kingsley Agim
