Governor Bassey Otu honoured as “Governor of the Year for Economic Transformation”

Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been awarded the title of “Governor of the Year for Economic Transformation” by the Daily Independent Newspaper. This award recognises his leadership, policies focused on the people, and his efforts to revitalise the state’s economy in his first two years in office.

Fred Abua, Esq., Press Secretary to the Acting Governor in a statement made available to journalists said the award was presented at a special event held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The ceremony was attended by key figures from Nigeria’s political, economic, and social sectors, including National and State Assembly members from Cross River, members of the state’s Executive Council, and other top government officials. The award was presented by Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun State and founding Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Otu’s administration has focused on revitalising the economy by restarting important industrial projects that were left unfinished by his predecessor. He is bringing life back to businesses such as the Cross River Noodles Factory, Poultry Processing Plant, and the Cross River State Pharmaceutical Company. These efforts aim to create jobs, boost local production, and generate revenue for the state, benefiting the people in the long term.

The Governor has also been bold in his infrastructure plans, including building more roads, renewing urban areas, and improving rural connections. These projects are designed to improve trade, attract investment, and enhance the beauty of Cross River State.

In agriculture, a key part of his plan for diversification, Governor Otu has launched several programmes to improve cassava, cocoa, maize, and oil palm production. Notable initiatives include a 50,000-acre rice farm in Ogoja and Bekwarra, a 2,000-acre commercial maize farm in Odukpani, and the revitalisation of Songhai Farms in Itigidi. These projects are aimed at improving food security and boosting agribusiness in the state.

Governor Otu is also focusing on Cross River’s tourism potential by restoring major attractions like the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa Business Resort. He is also working to improve the state’s hospitality infrastructure and taking back state ventures from unprofitable concessions. His efforts, along with improved security, have made Cross River one of the safest states in the South-South, attracting more investors.

The Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Agbe Odey, accepted the award on behalf of Governor Otu. He dedicated the honour to the people of Cross River, who have supported the Governor’s vision of progress.

This latest award adds to Governor Otu’s growing list of recognitions, including the 2024 “Most MSME-Friendly Governor” and the Michael Okpara Premier Leadership Prize. With these accolades, Governor Otu has firmly established himself as one of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking and practical leaders, with Cross River emerging as a model of progress.

The event also honoured other notable individuals, such as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Woman of the Year), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Anambra Governor Charles Soludo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, among others.