Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Thursday flagged off the construction of a 1,000-unit housing scheme for civil servants.
He described the project as “a major step toward improving workers’ welfare and securing their future after service.”
The project, christened the ‘People-First Housing Scheme,’ is sited in Ikot Efio-Okon Edem, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area and designed to provide affordable home-ownership opportunities for public servants across the state.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to putting the people first.
He described civil servants as the “engine room of government,” noting, “Civil servants carry the responsibility of translating policies into action and sustaining governance.
“It is only right that we create meaningful interventions that guarantee their comfort, stability and long-term security.”
Otu explained that the scheme builds on past housing interventions, citing a 600-unit project executed under Senator Liyel Imoke’s administration that continues to benefit retirees in the CROSPIL Estate.
He added, “It is not merely about building houses; it is about building hope, security and a better future for civil servants and their families.”
He pledged that the new 1,000-unit project would be delivered with “transparency, speed and accountability,” as part of his administration’s ‘People-First’ Agenda.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon, said the housing initiative was developed to tackle the “persistent challenge of property acquisition among salaried workers.”
He explained that the Akpabuyo rollout marks the first phase of a wider programme.
Okon said, “This came from a clear recognition of the difficulties civil servants face in acquiring landed property.
“His Excellency gave us the approval to develop a sustainable model that will enable public servants to own homes.”
He added that subsequent phases will cover the Central and Northern senatorial districts.
Former Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, an indigene of the host community, thanked the governor for siting the project in Akpabuyo.
She described it as a development that would “enhance economic activities and contribute to the population growth in the region.”
Archibong praised the administration for “sustained peace and inclusive governance,” noting that the scheme would boost both commerce and civic participation locally.
She added, “This project will not only provide homes but also stimulate economic growth and strengthen our community. We are confident that we will return here for the commissioning.”
Archibong assured the governor of the community’s support and expressed optimism about the project’s completion.
Representing Zenith Bank, Mrs. Magdalene Wilson affirmed the bank’s financial backing for the scheme.
Wilson said, “Zenith Bank is proud to be part of this initiative. We will stand firmly with the Cross River State government to ensure the success of this project.”
She called it a long-term partnership to drive development.
The housing scheme is expected to offer civil servants more than shelter by creating a structured pathway to post-retirement stability.
Civil servants and residents believe that, if properly implemented, the project could raise living standards and accelerate urban development in Akpabuyo and its environs.
