By Ekpenyonganwan Eyo
When Governor Bassey Otu assumed office in May 2023, Cross Riverians looked forward to a government that would restore dignity to public service. Three years on, the administration’s “People First” agenda has found strong expression through the office of the First Lady.
Under Her Excellency, Bishop Dr Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, that office has become a center for compassion, advocacy, and practical intervention. Her work in the last three years has focused on women, children, health, and the vulnerable, and the results are visible in communities across the 18 LGAs.
1. Women Empowerment and Economic Independence
Bishop Dr Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu understands that when you empower a woman, you strengthen a family and a community.
Through the Office of the First Lady, thousands of women have been trained in vocational skills including tailoring, catering, ICT, soap and cosmetics production, and agribusiness. These trainings were followed by starter packs, equipment, and micro-grants to ensure beneficiaries could immediately begin to earn.
Women cooperatives in Calabar South, Ogoja, Ikom, Obubra, and other LGAs received support to access markets and funding. The First Lady also convened mentorship sessions where established female entrepreneurs guided younger women on business management and financial discipline.
The outcome is clear: more women are moving from dependence to self-reliance. Markets are stronger, and household incomes are improving because women now have tools, not just promises.
2. Health, Maternal Care, and Support for the Vulnerable
Healthcare access was another major focus. Bishop Dr Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu initiated free medical outreaches across rural communities in Boki, Bekwarra, Yala, Akpabuyo, and Calabar Municipality. These outreaches provided free screening, consultation, drugs, and referrals to thousands of citizens, especially women, children, and the elderly.
Maternal health received special attention. Expectant mothers in supported PHCs received delivery kits, antenatal care support, and nutritional education. The First Lady’s office also partnered with the Ministry of Health to encourage enrollment into the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, with priority given to vulnerable households.
For persons living with disabilities, the intervention has been direct and dignifying. Wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, and other assistive devices were distributed. Beyond materials, the First Lady has consistently advocated for inclusion, ensuring that PWDs are carried along in government programs.
3. Education, Children, and the Girl Child
The protection and education of children has been central to her mandate. Through the “Educate the Girl Child” and “Back to School” initiatives, pupils in public schools received uniforms, books, and scholarships.
She also led statewide advocacy against gender-based violence, child abuse, and early marriage. By engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, and women leaders, the message was taken to the grassroots: every child, especially the girl child, deserves safety and education.
Orphanages, correctional homes, and vulnerable children’s centers received food items, learning materials, and support during festive seasons. This consistent attention has reminded these children that government sees them and cares for them.
4. Community Presence and Humanitarian Outreach
What distinguishes Bishop Dr Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu’s leadership is presence. She has not governed from a distance.
She has visited communities affected by flood, communal conflict, and displacement with relief materials and words of comfort. During Easter, Christmas, and Ramadan, food items were distributed to widows, the aged, and low-income families across the state.
Her faith-based background has also shaped her approach. She brings prayer, counseling, and moral guidance to her engagements, and that has given many citizens hope in difficult times. Government now feels closer because the First Lady shows up.
The Verdict After Three Years
Three years is a short time, but the pattern of leadership is clear.
Bishop Dr Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has redefined the office of the First Lady in Cross River State. She has turned it into an instrument for service delivery. Her work complements the Governor’s “People First” agenda by reaching the people that policy alone cannot always reach quickly: women in markets, mothers in clinics, children in classrooms, and families in need.
She has demonstrated that leadership can be compassionate and structured at the same time. That empowerment can come with equipment. That advocacy can come with action.
Cross River State today has a First Lady who is present, who listens, and who delivers. That presence has restored hope, and that delivery has restored dignity.
The foundation has been laid. With continued focus, the next years will deepen the impact and ensure that no Cross Riverian is left behind.
Ekpenyonganwan Eyo is the Special Assistant To The Chairman Of Calabar South L.G.A On Community Relations.
