Jarigbe, Eteng, Egbona, Abang, Bisong Others Hail Otu as Sun Newspapers Governor of the Year
By Judex OKORO
Stakeholders across Cross River State have continued to shower praises on Governor Bassey Edet Otu following his emergence as The Sun Governor of the Year 2025, describing the honour as a fitting recognition of purposeful and people centred governance.
Governor Otu is set to be honoured alongside 36 other distinguished Nigerians and two corporate organisations at The Sun Awards ceremony, scheduled to hold at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagis.
The Senator representing the Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on his emergence as The Sun Newspaper “Governor of the Year 2025” award.
He described it as a testament to the quality leadership and high level of performance of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu as Governor of Cross River State, adding that Otu has redefined responsive governance in the state through people-centred leadership, marked by compassion, intellect, and dedication, making the honour both timely and richly deserved.
The Senator representing Cross River State Central District , Jonah Eteng Williams, Siad the award is an unanimous confidence that Governor Otu’s leadership has delivered and will continue to deliver inclusive growth and lasting prosperity for Cross River State.
Lawmakers were not left out. Hon. Victor Abang, representing Boki Ikom Federal Constituency, described the award as “a tribute to tangible progress in infrastructure renewal and rural transformation,” citing the Boki East West Road project as a major milestone. In the same vein, Rt Hon Dr Alex Egbona of Abi Yakurr Federal Constituency said the honour underscores Governor Otu’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable socio economic growth.
Also reacting, the Delivery Vehicles Owners and Drivers Association of Nigeria, DEKVAN, Cross River State Chapter, said the administration’s reforms have improved the operating environment for transporters and small businesses. “These achievements have enhanced economic activities across the state,” said the association’s National President, Comrade Sabbestine Raphael.
At the grassroots, the Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Hon Pastor Mercy Nsor, said the People First Agenda has “rekindled hope and strengthened public confidence,” while the Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle Hon James Anam, highlighted the ongoing infrastructure renewal programme, noting that it is restoring Calabar’s status as a green, serene and investor friendly capital city.
Similarly, the management of Obudu Ranch Resort, through the Special Adviser, Mr Sunday Michael, said the recognition affirms the impact of the People First Agenda, adding that the governor’s leadership has “rekindled global interest in Obudu Ranch Resort as a premium destination and strategic driver of economic growth.”
