Bekwerra New Yam Festival: We'll continue to prioritize the welfare of traditional rulers - Gov. Otu
Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has pledged government support to traditional rulers across the state's 18 Local Government Areas, with a focus on improving the socioeconomic well-being of Cross Riverians.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave this assurance during a visit to the Paramount Rulers of the Northern Senatorial District at the Bekwarra Local Government Council Headquarters on Saturday.
He emphasized the vital role that traditional institutions play in maintaining peace and order and assured that the government remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of chiefs in line with the administration's "People First" mantra.
Governor Otu also outlined the government's interventions in key areas such as road rehabilitation, healthcare, security, education, and agriculture across the five LGAs in the North. He assured the completion of ongoing projects and the initiation of new ones. He further encouraged the people of Bekwarra to embrace the Governor's agricultural policies, aimed at boosting food production and security.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers from Northern Cross River, HRM Linus Ogbeche Odey, Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Bekwerra Traditional Rulers Council praised Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon Peter Odey for their leadership and foresight in implementing people-centered policies, particularly the ongoing road projects and the provision of farm inputs to farmers not just in the senatorial district but across the state.
He assured the deputy governor that traditional rulers would continue to support government policies and program which he described as "grassroots and people-oriented"
In his vote of thanks, the Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Obanliku Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Uchua Amos Uyimulam appealed to the Governor to restore the Northern Festival (Northfest), which serves as a rallying point for the five LGAs, and also to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing road projects and initiation of new ones for the overall interest of the Northern Senatorial District and the state at large.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Boki II in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, former House of Representatives member for the Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Michael Odere; and the Chapter Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the five LGAs in the North, among others.
Deputy Governor's Press Unit, Calabar
