As part of activities marking his second anniversary in office, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on Thursday commissioned the newly remodeled Governor’s Office and the Office of the First Lady. He also unveiled his administration’s two-year scorecard during a well-attended town hall meeting at the Calabar International Conference Center.
The event drew a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including members of the National and State Assemblies, the State Executive Council, political appointees, religious and traditional leaders, business owners, and elder statesmen.
In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otu expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the remodeling project, describing the revamped Governor’s Office as a “symbol of dignity, service, and renewed commitment to the people of Cross River State.”
“The journey to this day has been long but rewarding. At the temporary office, my staff and I often worked into the night. It was far from convenient, but we endured it because we were committed to delivering on our mandate. Today, we unveil an edifice that embodies our ideals—service, respect, and a bold vision for the future of our state,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otu affirmed that the upgraded office complex would enhance government efficiency and spur the administration toward even greater achievements.
“Without sounding immodest, we have already delivered on up to 60 percent of our pre-election and campaign promises,” he noted.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, described the commissioning as a landmark in the administration’s institutional reform and infrastructural renewal drive.
“This is more than just a building. It represents structure, purpose, and stability. The Otu-led administration is clearly committed to laying the right foundation for a more prosperous Cross River,” he said.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, reflected on the challenges encountered during the project and emphasized the importance of diligence and accountability throughout the process.
“We supervised this project closely on a daily basis because we understood its significance. This office is the engine room of governance, and it now reflects the ambition and vision of this administration,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor’s Office, Mr. Edem Bassey, assured that a sound maintenance culture would be established to preserve the integrity and functionality of the new facility.
Adding spiritual significance to the ceremony, His Eminence Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, led a session of prayer and worship to dedicate the Governor’s Office complex to God.
In a related ceremony, the completely remodeled Office of the First Lady was also inaugurated. Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his support and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing humanitarian and socially impactful initiatives through the office.
“This office will not just serve as a workspace; it will be a center of purpose. Over the past two years, we have focused on serving the most vulnerable—widows, children, the elderly, and others in need. This space will help us expand that mission with even greater impact,” she said.
The second anniversary celebration culminated in a town hall meeting at the Calabar International Conference Center, where the Governor formally presented his administration’s scorecard. The presentation, led by Dr. Bong Duke, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the State Planning Commission, detailed the strides made across various sectors.
The audience—which included top government officials, traditional rulers, civil servants, and members of the public—applauded the Governor for his steadfast commitment to transparency, infrastructural renewal, and people-focused governance.
