CRS Deputy Gov. Rt. Hon. Peter Odey (middle) displaying the award with other guests at the ceremony.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has been conferred with the “Governor of the Year on Economic Transformation” award by the Daily Independent Newspaper.
The prestigious accolade which was presented during a grand ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos at weekend, is in recognition of his visionary leadership, people-centered policies, and strides in revitalizing the state’s economy within his first two years in office.
A press release by the Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, Fred Abua, Esq., said Governor Otu’s administration has prioritized economic revitalization by breathing new life into stalled industrial projects initiated by his predecessor.
The press release listed his achievements saying, the governor is operationalizing ventures such as the Cross River Noodles Factory, Poultry Processing Plant, and Cross River State Pharmaceutical Company, demonstrating a rare commitment to continuity over political rivalry. These industries when completely revived will drive job creation, local production, and revenue growth, ensuring the state’s investments yield tangible returns for the overall good of the people.
Otu’s bold infrastructural agenda includes expansive road networks, urban renewal projects, and rural connectivity improvements, enhancing trade, investment, and aesthetic appeal across Cross River.
In agriculture, a cornerstone of his diversification strategy, the Governor has launched specialized programs for cassava, cocoa, maize and oil palm production, notably a 50,000-acre rice farm in Ogoja and Bekwarra, a 2,000-acre commercial maize farm in Odukpani, the revitalization of Songhai farms in Itigidi as well as the starch-making plant in Ochon while mini tractors to be distributed to farmers are being expected. These efforts are enhancing food security and boosting agri-business
Leveraging Cross River’s tourism potential, Otu is revitalizing iconic assets like the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa Business Resort, reclaiming Cross River State ventures from unprofitable concessions while upgrading hospitality infrastructure.
Concurrently, his collaboration with security agencies has restored peace, making Cross River one of South-South’s safest states and a magnet for investors.
Accepting the honour on behalf of Governor Otu, the Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, dedicated it to Cross Riverians who believe in the Governor’s vision of progress.
The latest award adds to Otu’s growing recognition, including the 2024, “Most MSME-Friendly Governor” and the Michael Okpara Premier Leadership Prize.
With these numerous honours, Otu has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most visionary and pragmatic leaders, with Cross River emerging as a national benchmark for progress.
The ceremony also celebrated other distinguished personalities such as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Woman of the Year), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Anambra’s Charles Soludo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, among others.
The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s political, economic, and social elite, including National and State Assembly members from the state, Cross River’s Executive Council, top government officials, former Osun State Governor and founding All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.
