Otu Honoured As Economic Transformation Governor of the Year
Ndifereke BASSEY
Cross River State Governor, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been conferred with the prestigious “Governor of the Year on Economic Transformation” award by _Daily Independent_ Newspaper.
This distinguished honour recognises his visionary leadership, people-centric policies, and remarkable strides in revitalising the state’s economy within just two years in office.
The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by distinguished assembly of Nigeria’s political, economic, and social elites including former Osun State Governor and founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande.
Akande had the honour of bestowing the award to Governor Otu, in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including National and State Assembly members from Cross River, members of the State Executive Council, and senior government officials.
At the heart of Governor Otu’s governance agenda lies a steadfast commitment to economic rejuvenation, demonstrated by his administration’s determined efforts to revive moribund industrial projects initiated by previous governments. In a rare display of political maturity and administrative foresight, his government has taken decisive steps to operationalise the Cross River Noodles Factory, Poultry Processing Plant, and Cross River State Pharmaceutical Company.
These strategic interventions will stimulate job creation, invigorate local production, and augment the state’s revenue base as well as ensure that public investments yield tangible socio-economic dividends for the people.
Governor Otu’s ambitious infrastructural agenda encompasses the construction of expansive road networks, urban renewal initiatives, and enhanced rural connectivity, all designed to foster economic growth, attract investment, and elevate the state’s aesthetic and functional appeal.
Recognising agriculture as a pivotal driver of economic diversification, his administration has spearheaded comprehensive agro-development programs targeting key cash and staple crops such as cassava, cocoa, maize, and oil palm.
Other noteworthy initiatives include 50,000-acre rice farm in Ogoja and Bekwarra; 2,000-acre commercial maize farm in Odukpani; revitalization of Songhai Farms in Itigidi; resuscitation of the starch-processing plant in Ochon; and acquisition of mini tractors to enhance mechanised farming.
These forward-thinking interventions are significantly bolstering food security, strengthening the agri-business value chain, and fostering rural development, thereby positioning Cross River as an agricultural powerhouse within Nigeria.
Harnessing Cross River’s immense tourism potential, Governor Otu has embarked on a bold revitalisation drive to restore the state’s flagship tourism assets, including the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa Business Resort, which had languished under years of neglect.
His administration’s strategic reclamation of state-owned ventures from unprofitable concessions, coupled with substantial upgrades to hospitality infrastructure, is restoring Cross River’s status as a premier tourist and investment destination.
Simultaneously, Governor Otu has reinforced collaboration with security agencies, resulting in a significant improvement in peace and stability across the state.
This proactive security approach has made Cross River one of the safest states in the South-South region, further bolstering its appeal to investors and visitors alike.
Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Otu, Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Agbe Odey, dedicated the honour to the people of Cross River, acknowledging their unwavering trust in the Governor’s transformational vision.
Before now, Governor Otu had been honoured as the 2024 “Most MSME-Friendly Governor” Award and the Michael Okpara Premier Leadership Prize, thereby adding to his credibility as one of Nigeria’s most visionary and pragmatic leaders, with Cross River emerging as a model of progressive governance and sustainable development.
The high-profile ceremony also honored other luminaries,
Othe distinguished Nigerians honoured include the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Woman of the Year), Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
