The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, has commended the Cross River State Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) for receiving national recognition at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards, describing the achievement as a reflection of the state government’s commitment to digital innovation and technology-driven governance.
Odey gave the commendation on Monday when the Director-General of CRGIA, Mr. William Archibong Jr., led a delegation from the agency to present the awards to him at his office in Calabar. He congratulated the agency’s management and staff, noting that the recognition reflected their efforts to improve land administration and deploy modern geospatial technology to enhance public service delivery.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to supporting digital transformation, transparency and efficiency across government institutions. He urged the agency to build on its achievements, expand the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across key sectors and sustain its contribution to the state’s development.
He further encouraged the Director-General and staff to see the awards as a call to greater service and innovation, assuring them of the state government’s continued support for initiatives that improve productivity and service delivery.
Earlier, Archibong said the awards recognised CRGIA’s efforts to modernise land administration and geographic information services in Cross River State. He highlighted the agency’s work in digital land records, real-time land information systems, geospatial mapping and secure property documentation, noting that these services were helping to improve access to reliable land information.
The Director-General dedicated the awards to Governor Otu in recognition of his support for institutional development and reforms. He explained that GIS technology had applications beyond land administration, including agricultural traceability, social inclusion, environmental protection, infrastructure planning and disaster management.
At the 4th Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards, held recently at Zuma Hall, Rockview Hotel Royale, Abuja, CRGIA was named the Most Improved State GIS/Digital Land Administration Agency in Nigeria, while Archibong received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award for his leadership and commitment to public-sector innovation and technological advancement.
The awards were conferred by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), under the Presidency, and presented on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, by Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, mni.
Other members of the delegation included the Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Mr. Eyibio Asuquo Effiong; Director of Legal Services, Barr. Kenneth Edet Etim; Human Resource Officer, Mrs. Alice Egere; Head of Marketing, Mrs. Joy Egbe; and Mr. Yemi Nelson.
By Ukongikwen Adie
