Gov Otu Approves Funding for Bakassi Deep Seaport Bathymetric Survey, 10,000 Bags of Rice for Yuletide, Renaming of SEB

Calabar, Nigeria – Governor Bassey Otu has approved the funding for the Bathymetric Survey of the Bakassi Deep Seaport Project, which will create employment opportunities for the people.

Converseer reports that the approval was given during the 11th regular meeting of the Cross River State Executive Council for 2024, held on December 5, Executive Council Temporary Chambers, State Council of Chiefs Chambers, Calabar.

The meeting, which was presided over by Governor Otu, also approved the renaming of the Secondary Education Board (SEB) to the Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB), believing that this change would properly align the State Educational Sector with national trends and attract more funding and other incentives to the State.

According to the resolutions of the meeting, Governor Otu expressed concern over the continuing economic hardships being experienced across the land, pointing out that he has purchased 10,000 bags of rice to be distributed across the 196 Wards of the State as support to the citizenry at Yuletide.

The resolutions of the meeting signed by Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, also noted that the EXCO approved the establishment of a Cassava Seed Multiplication and Cultivation of 500 Hectares for an Ethanol Factory and Food Security in Cross River State.

In his introductory remarks, Governor Otu praised his team members in the State Executive Council for their sustained dedication and commitment to work, which he emphasised is significantly impacting various sectors of the State’s development in line with the People First Agenda of his administration.

He also reaffirmed his determination to fulfil all his electoral promises to the people of the State, noting that the State would soon be economically more viable and stable. He assured that he is resolute in implementing the N70,000.00 National Minimum Wage with the consequential adjustments across all grade levels and will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare at all times.

The Governor further highlighted that his regular interactions outside the State are part of his administration’s deliberate policy to attract more investments and businesses capable of advancing the State’s economy for the overall benefit of the citizenry, assuring that these initiatives will soon be evident in the State.

He reminded EXCO members of his earlier directive to embrace the culture of attending government events and engagements, regardless of whether the Governor or his Deputy is present, warning that any EXCO member who undermines his leadership’s resolve in this regard will not be tolerated.

Governor Otu went on to direct all Commissioners to submit a comprehensive achievement of their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for further necessary appraisal within one week.