Governor Bassey Otu has officially received the Presidency’s Most MSME-Friendly Governor Award, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in Cross River State.
The award, which was conferred on the Governor at the 8th National MSME Awards, was formally presented during a strategic engagement involving the state government and the organised private sector. The delegation comprised the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Abigail Orok Duke, the management of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), and executives of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA).
Receiving the award, Governor Otu expressed profound appreciation to the Presidency and the organised private sector for the honour, describing it as a recognition of the collective efforts of government and entrepreneurs to reposition Cross River’s economy.
The Governor dedicated the award to the thousands of resilient micro, small and medium enterprise operators across the state, noting that their resilience, innovation and enterprise continue to drive local economic development.
“This award is not just a celebration of what we have achieved, but a mandate to do more,” Governor Otu said. “Our administration remains fully committed to removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, creating access to critical funding, and establishing a seamless environment where micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can thrive, expand and compete globally.”
He said the recognition validates his administration’s deliberate policies aimed at repositioning the MSME sector as the foundation of Cross River’s economic transformation, adding that government would continue to implement reforms that promote entrepreneurship and attract investment.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to introducing more progressive policies that would improve the ease of doing business, deepen collaboration with the organised private sector and expand opportunities for small businesses to grow and create employment.
Speaking during the presentation, representatives of the Ministry of Commerce, CRSMEDA and CALCCIMA commended the Governor for his open-door leadership style and strategic investments in enterprise development, noting that his policies have significantly improved the state’s business environment.
The stakeholders observed that the close partnership between the state government and the organised private sector has triggered a steady increase in the number of active and structured small businesses across Cross River, positioning the state as an emerging destination for commerce and investment.
They described the Presidency’s recognition as a reflection of Governor Otu’s sustained commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, supporting local industries and building a resilient MSME ecosystem capable of driving inclusive economic growth.
By Kingsley Agim
