From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Governor of Cross River Bassey Otu’s two-year-old administration has been described as a period of progress and purposeful leadership.
In a statement, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, said Otu’s “People First” mantra is not a political slogan but a covenant that has guided his administration. “This commitment has led to a symphony of transformation, reaching every corner of Cross River State,” Obogo said.
The governor’s aide said in agriculture, Otu’s administration has moved farmers from subsistence to sustainability through initiatives like digital soil mapping and interventions from FADAMA and LIFE-ND. This, he said, has led to increased yields, improved rural infrastructure, and a focus on agripreneurial excellence.
“Healthcare and education are highlighted as areas of ‘intimate transformation.” The Health Palliative Program now benefits over 39,000 citizens, with improvements noted in various health facilities, including HIV centres and primary healthcare posts. There is also the integration of innovation, such as drone-assisted deliveries and digital patient records. In education, fee waivers, scholarships, and digital classrooms are cited as key advancements.
“Infrastructure development under Governor Otu is about ‘connection’ rather than just concrete. Over 180 kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated, alongside the provision of boreholes for water in Akamkpa and Obubra, and solar lights in Ogoja and Yakurr. Calabar’s urban landscape has also seen enhancements in street aesthetics.
“There has been a significant shift in land administration and housing. The digitisation of over 7,500 land files and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy is a major win. The rebirth of CROSPIL has brought about 600 new housing units, while substantial grants and soft loans have been extended to women-led enterprises and MSMEs.
“In social welfare, the Ministry of Women Affairs has pioneered Nigeria’s first International Day of the Boy Child and strengthened efforts against gender-based violence. Over 8,000 nanobusinesses have received funding and training, with vulnerable persons also receiving financial and material support.
“The administration’s data-driven approach to governance has led the Cross River State Bureau of Statistics to provide crucial insights for policy formulation. The Ministry of International Development Cooperation has attracted over ₦35.4 billion for various projects, including the Obudu Cargo Airport and rural electrification.
“The environment has also been transformed. Heaps of refuse have been turned into floral islands with the planting of 2,700 trees. There is also a reinvigorated effort against illegal mining,” Obogo said.