By Innocent Kingsley
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Executive Council Retreat, held from September 13th to 14th 2023, at the prestigious Calabar International Conference Center (CICC), became a compelling platform for charting a new course under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State.
The theme of the retreat, “Rebuilding Cross River State,” not only underscored the urgent need for renewal but also provided a spotlight for Governor Otu’s “People First Agenda.”
The event witnessed the participation of the state’s top executives, including Governor Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey. Notably present was Bishop Hon. Dr. Margaret Ene-Ita, Commissioner of Social Welfare and Community Development, who commenced the proceedings with an opening prayer, invoking divine guidance and unity in the quest to rebuild Cross River State.
In his keynote address, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, welcomed all attendees and resource persons. He emphasised that the primary objective of the retreat was to revive the finest and most elevated standards of leadership and governance that had historically defined Cross River State. At the heart of his vision lay the “People First Agenda.”
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, delved deep into the “People First Agenda Philosophy,” elucidating the governor’s commitment to making Cross River State even more delightful for its residents. Governor Otu’s administration aimed to forge a continuum of projects that had previously set the state apart, particularly in the realm of tourism. The revival of iconic landmarks like Tinapa Resort, Obudu Cattle Ranch, and the globally renowned Calabar Carnival represented a vital component of this agenda.
Throughout the retreat, the spotlight remained firmly on the “People First Agenda.” Various resource persons, many of whom were esteemed individuals with strong ties to the state, shared profound insights. Enamhe E. Enamhe Esq., for instance, eloquently expounded on “Leadership and Good Governance in the Public Service,” while Ndem Ayara dissected the “Framework for Development Planning and Performance Management in the Public Service of Cross River State,” among other pertinent topics.
What set this retreat apart was its unwavering commitment to harnessing the state’s vast resources to create a brighter future for its citizens. The “People First Agenda” served as the guiding principle, placing the welfare and aspirations of the people at the forefront of every policy and decision.
Bishop Hon. Dr Margaret Ene-Ita’s moving opening prayer epitomised the unity and determination that permeated the event. The retreat marked a pivotal moment in Cross River State’s history, where the “People First Agenda” emerged as the compass that would lead the state towards a sweeter and more prosperous future.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Cross River State is poised to rebuild itself into a model of good governance, with the “People First Agenda” as its guiding star.
As the state embarks on this transformative journey, it does so with a renewed commitment to prioritising the welfare and well-being of its people, ensuring that every citizen experiences the sweetness of progress and development.
