EDITORIAL OTU: 66 YEARS OF GRACE, RESTORATION, SERVICE
As Governor Bassey Edet Otu marks his 66th birthday, The Beagles News joins millions of Cross Riverians in celebrating a visionary leader whose humility, foresight, and people-oriented governance continue to restore hope and confidence across the state.
Governor Otu’s journey is one defined by grace, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to service. From his distinguished years in the National Assembly to his current stewardship of Cross River State, he has remained guided by a deep sense of duty and compassion.
When he assumed office, the state was weighed down by years of infrastructural decay, economic stagnation, and institutional neglect. Today, under his calm yet firm leadership, Cross River is witnessing a remarkable era of renewal and transformation.
Anchored on his People’s First mantra, Governor Otu has repositioned governance on the solid pillars of commitment, accountability, and empathy. His restoration agenda has breathed new life into critical sectors that had long suffered abandonment. The once dormant Cross River State Fire Service is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul to ensure swift emergency response across major towns.
The historic Obudu Ranch Resort is regaining its lost glory as one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism destinations. Deplorable and abandoned roads across the state, including the Adiabo Ikoneto Road and other rural access routes, are receiving attention, reconnecting communities and revitalizing commerce.
Equally commendable is the renovation and revival of the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The Nigerian Chronicle. The establishment, vandalized and burnt during the EndSARS unrest, had been abandoned for years. Governor Otu’s determination to rebuild it stands as a powerful testament to his belief in the media as a vital bridge between government and the people.
The restoration underscores his administration’s respect for journalism, institutional heritage, and the dissemination of accurate information to keep citizens informed and engaged in governance.
The administration’s employment drive has also brought relief to thousands of households. The recent massive recruitment into the state civil service and the unified local government service structure has rejuvenated the workforce and restored confidence in public administration. The steady efforts to clear backlogs of gratuities dating from 2013 and the implementation of long-delayed promotions have rekindled hope among workers and strengthened industrial harmony in the state.
The resumption of flight operations by Cally Air further demonstrates the governor’s commitment to strengthening the state’s economy and tourism potential.
As Cross River celebrates this milestone, The Beagles News expresses optimism that Governor Otu’s 66th birthday will usher in divine grace, renewed strength, and greater wisdom to tackle the challenges that persist.
These include recurring communal clashes, the poor state of court facilities, lack of official vehicles and accommodation for magistrates, the deplorable condition of many roads, inadequate health infrastructure, and manpower shortages in rural areas which have contributed to disturbing child and maternal mortality rates.
Others include the burden of multiple daily levies on traders and transport operators, as well as the harassment of motorists by untrained state agents who, in the guise of enforcing traffic or revenue laws, brandish weapons and cause needless chaos on public roads.
These challenges demand sustained attention and decisive reforms to preserve the state’s image as a peaceful, investor-friendly, and ultimate tourism destination.
We also call for stronger synergy between the Otu-led administration and the Cross River National Assembly Caucus to attract meaningful federal government presence. Such collaboration is essential to advocate for the speedy completion of the Calabar Itu Highway and the rehabilitation of other federal and state roads. Equally important is the establishment of affordable housing estates to check the excesses of landlords and estate agents, thereby providing decent shelter for civil servants and residents.
At 66, Governor Otu stands as a symbol of grace, stability, and hope. His leadership embodies courage, compassion, and vision. His calm strength and people-centered governance have rekindled faith in leadership and inspired a renewed sense of unity across the state.
The Beagles News joins the good people of Cross River and well-wishers beyond the state in celebrating a leader who serves with humility, leads with wisdom, and governs with the fear of God.
May this birthday bring renewed vigor, divine guidance, and enduring fulfillment as he continues to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Cross River State.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency, the People’s Governor.
