By Kingston Princewill
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has signed the Senior Citizens Centre bill, the Lotteries and Gaming Agency bill as well as the Road Maintenance Agency bill. into law.
The Senior Citizens Centre Law, the Governor stated, would ensure the establishment of a central care facility in Calabar and supporting centres in all 18 local government areas, targeting vulnerable senior citizens such as retirees, widows, and the aged.
Highlighting the direct impact of the laws on the lives of citizens, especially the elderly and rural communities, shortly after the signing, Governor Otu, reiterated his administration’s commitment to practical governance rooted in service, compassion, and accountability.
He said, “These laws reflect our shared vision of a functional, inclusive, and sustainable Cross River State. I appreciate the House for always rising to the occasion and delivering on urgent matters of public interest.
“As we approach two years in office, we remain focused on our ‘People First’ mandate. These laws are not just policy tools; they are instruments of transformation that will touch the lives of every Cross Riverian.”
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ayambem, said the bills, which have now become the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law 2025, the Senior Citizens Centre Law 2025, and the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025 “represent a major leap in the state’s legislative efforts to strengthen infrastructure maintenance, enhance elderly welfare, and improve internally generated revenue through gaming regulation.”
He explained that the amended Road Maintenance Agency Law introduces a strategic financing model, mandating a 4 percent monthly deduction from local government federal allocations to support consistent and sustainable road repairs across the state.
He further disclosed that the Senior Citizens Centre Law will see the establishment of a central care facility in Calabar and supporting centres in all 18 local government areas, targeting vulnerable senior citizens such as retirees, widows, and the aged.
On the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, Ayambem noted that the legislation was a timely response to a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing states to independently regulate their gaming sectors.
He said the new law will establish a comprehensive regulatory framework comprising 12 parts and 102 sections, enabling the state to unlock significant revenue streams while ensuring transparency and social responsibility in gaming operations.
“With these legislative strides, we are responding directly to the needs of our people,” the Speaker stated. “We are confident that these laws will not only expand economic opportunities but also bring dignity to our elderly and ensure our roads are consistently maintained,” he stated.