Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has urged Cross Riverians to embrace unity, patriotism and self-reliance, saying collective effort is essential to building a stronger and more prosperous state.
Otu made the call in his goodwill message to the people of the state on Thursday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigeria’s past nationalists and activists, whose patriotism and commitment contributed to the country’s attainment of independence.
The Governor said Independence Day should go beyond official ceremonies and fanfare, stressing that it should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the nation’s social, economic and political journey and reflect on the responsibilities of citizenship.
He urged citizens to uphold patriotism, integrity, self-reliance and religious tolerance, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, describing the values as essential to national cohesion and development.
Otu said his administration had continued to promote these principles in Cross River through religious tolerance, equitable distribution of public amenities, respect for human rights and inclusive governance.
He said the state’s drive for self-reliance also included youth apprenticeship programmes, support for local entrepreneurs and interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of young people to become economically productive.
The Governor said agriculture remained central to Cross River’s pursuit of self-reliance and food security, noting that farmers were being supported with loans, grants and mechanised equipment, while rural feeder roads were being graded to facilitate the evacuation of farm produce.
Otu also called on Cross Riverians to reject distrust, ethnic bias and other tendencies capable of undermining the state’s unity, likening governance to an orchestra in which government and citizens must work in harmony. He said the state belonged to everyone and that the convergence of ideas and collective action remained necessary to build a united and progressive Cross River, while wishing Nigerians a rewarding 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Kingsley Agim
