Lois Otse Adams
Prince Bassey Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River state, has taken his first major steps, reassuring the people of massive socio-economic and industrial development to help caution against the effect of poverty and low standard of living in the paradise state.
This is contained in a statement publicized by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche on Sunday, in Calabar.
During the post-National Assembly inauguration reception, organized by the member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, for the people in Ekpene Tete, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, the governor reiterated his commitment to bringing the tourism state back to the limelight through economic activities that will make positive gains in the life of her citizenry. He further stated that the state’s dilapidated economy will be rejuvenated to meet global developmental standards and best practices.
“With the structures and programmes we are about to put in place to inject life in all people-oriented sectors, my message to you today is that Cross River is on a pedestal for greatness.” He said.
The governor while expressing appreciation for the trust the people have in him by electing him, pointed out that although many challenges may face human endeavours, his government will strive against all odds to deliver a better state. In his words,
“It has not been easy trying to put up a workable plan to align with my transformation agenda based on current realities, but I can say boldly that sincerely, we have started the journey of first leveraging and harnessing on the gains recorded by my predecessors so we can kick start the people’s development mantra.”
He further revealed, “after moving around the state to ascertain its current state, what I can tell you, expect the birth of a new Cross River and this will happen in not too long a distant time. In fact, Nigeria will soon attest that Cross River is alive again.”
To the governor and former senator, this is payback time to give back through selfless service to everyone in the state irrespective of individual and collective diversities. He reminded them of the adage, that to whom much is given, much should also be expected.
“This is the time to liquidate my indebtedness to you and assure that you all will feel the impact of my administration very soon.” He reassured.
He went further to commend the House of Representatives member for organizing the appreciation ceremony while encouraging others to emulate the spirit of thanksgiving and appreciation, especially to the electorates who might have gone through hurdles to voting for them.
“There is nothing as good as remembering the people who supported you and gave you their mandate freely to serve them, and if in this your first outing you have already instituted an education endowment fund with N10 Million for a start, then I can say that the sky will not be your limit but starting point.”
To encourage them to do more, he pledged to support the education endowment funding with N5 Million.
Speaking on behalf of the Representatives members, the Director General of Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey Campaign Organization and immediate past commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Oliver Orok, informed the gathering that educational empowerment was a way of expressing their gratitude to the constituents by supporting the academic goals of the underprivileged pupils and students in the state.
After the event which was graced by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambam and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, amongst other dignitaries, the governor in the spirit of oneness, camaraderie, and good sportsmanship made a brief stop at a similar post-inauguration reception organized by a House of Representatives member under the Labour Party representing Calabar Municipality and Odukpani Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Bassey Akiba. He reiterated his zeal to work with everyone irrespective of any affiliations.
