2nd Year Anniversary, Govt. Otu Commission Remodel Governor's Office, First Lady's Office Unveils Administration Scorecard.

Iloke Egbe 

As part of activities marking his second Anniversary in office, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, commissioned the newly remodeled Governor’s Office and the Office of the First Lady. 

He also unveiled his administration’s scorecard at a town hall meeting attended by a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including members of the National and State Assemblies, the State Executive Council, political appointees, religious and traditional leaders, traders and elder statesmen.

In a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Nsa Gill, that Governor Otu expressed delight at the successful completion of the Governor’s Office remodeling, describing the edifice as a “symbol of dignity, service, and renewed commitment to the people of Cross River State.”

“affirming that the journey to this day has been long but worthwhile. At the temporary office, my Staff and I often worked until midnight. It was far from convenient, but we endured it because we were determined to deliver. Today, we unveil an edifice that reflects our ideals—service, respect, and a bold vision for the future of our State,” the Governor stated.

Governor Otu further assured that the upgraded office complex would enhance Government efficiency and inspire the administration to deliver even more on its promises.

In his words, “Without sounding immodest, we have successfully fulfilled up to 60 percent of our pre-election and campaign promises to the people,” he affirmed.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the administration’s institutional and infrastructural reform agenda.

“This is more than just a building,” Prof. Owan-Enoh said. “It is a symbol of structure, focus, and stability. The Otu-led administration is clearly committed to laying a strong foundation for a greater Cross River.”

Adding his voice, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, reflected on the challenges encountered and overcome in executing the project. He emphasized that strict oversight and accountability mechanisms were in place to ensure quality delivery.

“We monitored this project closely—day by daybecause we understood its significance. This office is the engine room of governance, and it now reflects the ambition and seriousness of this administration,” he said.

The Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Mr. Edem Bassey, who also addressed the gathering, assuring that a robust maintenance culture would be instituted to preserve the facility’s standard and utility.

Spiritual significance was added to the ceremony as the Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, led the Governor and dignitaries in a session of prayer and worship to dedicate the office complex to God.

In a related development, the fully remodeled Office of the First Lady was also commissioned. Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support, reaffirming her commitment to using the office as a platform for humanitarian and socially transformative programs.

In her words, "this office will not only serve as a workplace but as a hub of purpose. Over the past two years, we have devoted ourselves to the service of the vulnerable—widows, children, the elderly, and others in need. This space will help us scale up those efforts for even greater impact.

Later in the day, attention shifted to the Calabar International Conference Center, where the Governor unveiled his administration’s scorecard following a detailed PowerPoint presentation by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke. The town hall meeting drew a large audience of top Government officials, traditional rulers, civil servants, and members of the public—all of whom commended Governor Otu for his unwavering commitment to transparency, infrastructure renewal, and people-centered governance.

Congratulations to The People's First Governor

It is with a sense of excitement that i congratulate our God sent leader and Governor His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on the occasion of his second year in office as the Executive Governor of our dear State.

It is also clear that Cross Riverians got it right to choose you this time in the history our development as the captain of our journey to progress and preferred destination. Under your leadership the State has recorded significant growth and development, Peace and stability even in the body of our polity with development reaching the forgotten parts of the State.

The achievements of 2 years in the State is amazing, almost beyond comprehension. With the payment of canterpart funds for projects that requires it, development is spreading like wired fire to all knocks and crannies of the State including the political landscape.

The pace of even development across the 3 Senatorial Districts is a testament of your clear vision and mystery of the dynamics needed to decoupled the State economic growth and that you came prepared with a master plan. You have again demonstrated that good governance is possible and achievable. 

The people's first mantra which is truly first in the political history of the State is a force which has delivered sweetness and has birth Unity in its seasons and with the advanced new mantra one Cross River, we are sure we are going to thank God for your administration as the State never had it so good until your advent as the Governor under the revered chairmanship of Master Jesus Christ. 

As a Ministry we have felt your positive impact on the coordination efforts for development partners that operate in the State. We have enjoyed cordiality, mutual respect, synergies with critical stakeholders within the development space thereby positioning Cross River as a State that work for all residents and we boldly our people at the grassroots feel your positive impact.

On behalf of my family, Management and Staff of the Ministry of International Donor Coordination, I congratulates our dear Governor, His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Deputy RT. Hon. Peter Odey, the Speaker of CRS House of Assembly RT. Hon. Alvert Ayembey and members of the CRS House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council.

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Long live Cross River State executive Centre!!

Long live democracy Day!!!

Elder. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata Ph.D

Commissioner MIDC

FAO GEF7, Folur-IP in Collaboration with CR. Govt. Host Pre-season Capacity Building Workshop for Small Holders Farmers in Cocoa and Oil Palm Agrobusiness.

Iloke Egbe - MIDC 

As a way of taking proactive measures towards agrobusiness for the betterment of small farm holders in the Cocoa and Oil Palm sector a two day capacity building workshop has been organized for farmers in the value of the two crops across the State.

The event jointly organized by Food and Agric Organization of the United Nations, Global Environment Facilities and Food System, Land Use and Restoration Impact Programme held at the Produce School, Ministry of Agric and Irrigation Development Barracks Road Calabar. 

Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner Ministry of Agric and Irrigation Development Hon. Johnson Ebokpo highlighted the conscious support given to the sector by the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to include the procurement of 3.5 million improved oil palm sprouted nuts from Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research NIFOR and the supplies of 77 brand new motor bikes which has been distributed to Agricultural Development Program for Officer in the Ministry and Local Government Councils across the 18 LGAs.

On behalf of the State Government, he expressed sincere appreciation to FAO GEF7 and Folur-IP for organizing the workshop for the affected participants.

He acknowledged that small holder farmers are responsible for the bulk of domestic food and Agricultural output in Cross River and Ondo which is where the project operates and should be supported with improved knowledge, innovations, skills and other production enhancement factors close to their doorsteps as it will increase productivity, raise their income and improve their livelihoods. 

The event featured project overview and progress overview by the project technical advisor Prof. Adebayo Shittu. Some of the topics presented during the workshop include protection against sexual exploitation and abuse by Dr. Mrs. Titilope Olanrewaju and mainstreaming Gender equity and social inclusion in Agriculture. 

There were technical sessions on climate smart Cocoa production by Dr. Samuel Orisajo from CRIN and climate smart Oil Palm production by Dr. Olusegun Solomon from NIFOR.

Other technical sessions were on Climate Smart Cocoa AESA and processing of Cocoa, harvesting of FFB and processing of palm oil, farmer field and business school training.

On the challenges that confront the sector, participants called on Federal Government to reestablish the Nigerian Cocoa Board to regulate and subsidized jute bags, chemicals and other welfare incentives like single digits interest on loan citing Ghana which regulate the cost of their products making it more appealing than those labelled Nigeria. 

The sessions also witnessed practical geo-mapping using Kobocollect app, questions and answers. 

Dignitaries in attendance were from CR-ADP, NIFOR, CRIN, Agric Officers from the 18 LGAs, Folur-IP, FAO GEF7.

20th Anniversary, Gov. Otu Unveils Traces of Time as Theme for Calabar Carnival

Iloke Egbe - Calabar 

The splendour of the Carnival Calabar annual fiesta was on stage at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on Thursday night as Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, unveiled "Traces of Time" as the theme for this year's Carnival. According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Comr. Nsa Gill, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the renowned carnival that prides itself on being Africa’s biggest street party. 

That Governor Otu, joined by two former Governor's of the State, Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke, leaders of the seven competing bands of the carnival, tourism experts, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and a host of other dignitaries, cut the twentieth-anniversary cake for the event, which will be held this December in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

In his impassioned address, Governor Otu also paid tribute to the founding visionaries of the Carnival and Annual festival - former Governor Donald Duke, his successors in office, Senator Liyel Imoke, and former Governor Prof. Ben Ayade, who also sustained and grew what started in 2005 before he took up the baton in 2023. 

“Carnival Calabar is not just a parade of colours; it is a bold expression of our collective dreams, cultural heritage, and economic ingenuity,” Governor Otu said. 

He also urged stakeholders to embrace the festival’s renewed vision.

That the Governor celebrated the unsung heroes of the Carnival—the dancers, band leaders, designers, caterers, tailors, and sanitation workers, described them as the “true custodians of Cross River’s cultural pride and resilience.” 

He also highlighted innovations introduced under his administration, including the reintroduction of the Junior Carnival, Night of Kings and Queens, the Ikom Carnival, and the Ogoja Carnival.

According Gill, in the words of the Governor “We are not just celebrating a carnival; we are celebrating the soul of our people and the heartbeat of Cross River’s tourism and creative economy,” Otu declared. 

He used the occasion to invite all the guests at the theme's unveiling event, including Diplomats, Heads of Foreign Missions, Captains of Industry, and Fun seekers, to witness the twentieth-anniversary of the carnival in Calabar in December 2025.

Earlier, Sir Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, recalled the bold vision that birthed the carnival at the turn of the millennium and transformed a 12-kilometer stretch into the world’s longest carnival route. He noted that the festival had evolved from a spectacle to an economic platform, attracting support from AfriExim Bank and Deloitte, among other renowned partners.

Mr. Onah said “Our young people now dance not just to entertain, but to earn, to express, and to inspire. Carnival Calabar is a living legacy of purpose-driven culture".

That Tourism expert and Africa’s cultural Ambassador, Ikechi Ukoh, also described the carnival as a rare African tourism product with enduring global appeal. 

According to him, Calabar stands out as one of the few Nigerian cities that transcend negative global perceptions. "When Calabar is mentioned, fear fades and excitement rises,”  Ukoh said.

He called for deeper support from the Federal Government and expressed optimism about the participation of icons like Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Senator Gershom Bassey, adding that “December in Calabar is not a suggestion; it is a destination,” he said.

The UN Resident Representative, Elsie Atafuwa, praised the carnival as a cultural powerhouse aligned with global development goals. She urged collaboration to promote SDGs, UNESCO heritage status, and youth-focused cultural exchanges.

"Culture is not a luxury. It is power, identity, and peace,” Atafuwa said, adding that Calabar modeled how heritage could drive unity and progress.

Similarly, Obi Asika, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Arts and Culture, highlighted the role of Carnival Calabar in advancing Afrobeats and called it potentially the world’s biggest music event. He urged investment in storytelling to reclaim Cross River’s place on the global cultural stage and pledged continued support.

Also, Aisha Adamu, Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, reaffirmed her agency’s commitment to expanding the carnival’s reach to the Caribbean and beyond. 

With the theme for this year, “Traces of Time”, the competing bands in the carnival will start preparation immediately for the event in December, which also promises a reflective and electrifying showcase of history, identity, and future aspirations.

Emmanuel Ikade Ikade & Lutte Adoko Lukpata Declare Newest Couple in Town - Bishop Daniel Eshiet

Iloke Egbe - Calabar 

His lordship Bishop Daniel N. Eshiet of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria Ikot Omin Calabar has declared Lutte Adoko Lukpata and Emmanuel Ikade Ikade husband and wife and the newest couple in town. Before confirming the couple as husband and wife the clergyman conducted the marriage rite's in accordance with the marriage tradition as obtained in the Lutheran Church.

Delivering his sermon Bishop Eshiet quoted the book of Proverbs 31 reading at verse 10 stating the importance of a noble woman with virtuous character who can find. He went through memory lane citing the experience of king Solomon in the Bible and what it signify. He said the husband has a responsibility to love his wife as Christ loves the church while the wife is to submit to the husband. He further reference Genesis 2 verse 18 to 24, Ephesians 5, 22 to 23 and St John chapter 2 reading from verse 1 to 11, adding that marriage is a noble institution Ordained by God to be enjoyed through mutual respect and love for one another.

The solemnization of Holy matrimony church service featured call to worship, praise and worship moment, choir ministration, liturgical articles. Other highlights of the church service include tieing of nuptial knot, prayer for the couple, signing of the marriage register and presentation of marriage certificate to the couple, dance session and group photograph. 

While the reception held at Valencia Hall Calabar and witnessed across section of members of the Cross River State Executive Council, wives of politicians, members of national Assembly past and present. Members of Ukelle community, Staff of Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Community Health Practitioners, Nursing Science Staff and the general public graced the occasion.

Mrs. Lutte Emmanuel Ikade is the daughter of the Hon. Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Lukpata PhD.

Governor Otu Launches Digitized Certificate of Occupancy Scheme to Ease Land Administration in C'River

Iloke Egbe 

In a major move to improve the ease of doing business and land administration in Cross River State, His Excellency Governor Bassey Edet Otu has announced the full digitalization and fast-tracking of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) issuance process.

Governor Otu made this achievement public during a courtesy and presentation visit by the Cross River State Land Cluster, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to his People First mantra by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long plagued property owners and investors in the State.

In a release by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mr Nsa Gill quoted the Governor stating that “Getting a Certificate of Occupancy used to take years, frustrating many landlords and business owners. Now, we are changing that. With this new digital system, we can deliver certificates faster, cleaner, and more efficiently,” the Governor said.

The initiative, championed by the Cross River State Land Cluster with the support of Nugi Technologies Nigeria Ltd, marks a significant shift from analogue to fully digital processing, enabling transparency and faster delivery times.

According to Mr Gill, the Director-General of the Cross River State Geographical Information Agency, Williams Archibong, praised the Governor for creating a conducive environment to deliver on this promise.

That "With the new system, C-of-O for Government land will now be issued within 21 days, and within 42 days for private land, ” Archibong stated. “This is a major departure from the past administration, where analogue systems led to delays and frequent errors. Now, everything is digitized and streamlined.”

Also speaking at the event, Ms. Akinlabi Ajoke, CEO of Nugi Technologies Nigeria Ltd, described the rollout as a dream come true for the company and its partners in the Land Cluster.

In his words “When we say digital, we mean from start to finish. Every stage of the process, from application to final issuance, is now online. This synergy between the land cluster, the State Government, and our technology team is what makes this breakthrough possible,” Ajoke said.

The Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Francis Ekpenyong  described the issuance of C-of-Os as a long-overdue liberation for Cross Riverians who had been marginalized by banks and financial institutions due to the absence of proper land documentation. “This exercise is unlocking Cross Riverians who were locked out of the economy. Adding that, with these certificates, property owners can now stand tall before any financial institution,” he remarked.

The Surveyor General of the State, Surv. Patrick Bassey, hailed the digital transformation, pointing out new security features like QR codes that make each C-of-O verifiable and tamper-proof. “This shows Cross River is now on a digital growth path,” he said, urging citizens to take advantage of the new system.

As part of the unveiling, Governor Otu personally presented Certificates of Occupancy to some landlords and businesses, including Prof. Victor Okon Ansa as well as Mainland Oil and Gas Company Ltd.

Speaking on behalf of other recipients, Prof. Victor Ansa said he applied many years back, and “it felt almost impossible to get a C-of-O. But this administration has changed that narrative. It’s a new dawn for Cross River. This reform sends a strong message that the State is open and ready for business.”

With the new system in place, the Otu-led administration is taking a bold step to create a more investor-friendly environment and ensure that property ownership processes are faster, more secure, and fully transparent.

Gov. Otu Assents to Three Laws to Advance People-First Governance in Cross River State

Iloke Egbe 

His Excellency Governor Bassey Edet Otu has signed three significant laws aimed at improving infrastructure, regulating the gaming industry, and enhancing social welfare across Cross River State.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr Nsa Gill, that the newly assented laws include the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, 2025, the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025, and the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Law, 2025. These legislative milestones reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to its “People First” agenda.

According to Mr Gill, during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu described the legislations as timely and strategic, emphasizing their alignment with his Government’s development priorities.

In his words, the Governor said "These laws are coming at the right time, and I would like to appreciate the Speaker of the House and the entire Assembly members for their good work,” the Governor stated. “The Road Maintenance Agency Law ensures that our roads are constantly maintained and prioritized. The Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is important because, without regulation, we’re losing potential revenue. As for the Senior Citizens Centre, it is a crucial part of our welfarist policy. We are a people-first Government, and we prioritize everyone.”

Adding his voice while explaining the specifics of each law, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law introduces a new funding mechanism requiring each of the 18 local government councils to allocate 4% of their monthly Federation Account receipts to the agency. This, he said, will guarantee steady road repairs and maintenance throughout the State.

That the Senior Citizens Centre Law, he added, seeks to establish a central facility in each of the three Senatorial Districts, starting in the State capital, Calabar, to serve the needs of vulnerable retirees and the aged. Subsequently, sub-centres will be put in place in each Local Government Headquarters to support vulnerable elderly residents. Adding that this "law underscores the Governor’s welfarist vision,” Ayambem said.

On the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, the Speaker noted that the legislation is in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling empowering States to regulate gaming activities. The law, which comprises 12 parts, 102 sections, and two schedules, creates a framework for managing, licensing, and generating revenue from the gaming sector in Cross River.

Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reforms that directly impact the lives of residents, stressing that these laws mark a step forward in infrastructure renewal, economic management, and social inclusion.

MIDC in Collaboration with UNFPA Hold's Second Quarter State-Level Quarterly Programme Coordination and Review Meeting with Implementing Partners

Iloke Egbe MIDC 

The United Nations Population Funds Cross River State Office has urged  implementing partners to adopt due diligence in the execution of their projects and to cultivate timely reporting culture as a way of enhancing their delivery credibility. The Head of office and program coordinator Cross River Dr Andrew Kirima represented by program specialist Reproductive Health Dr Yakubu Aliyu asserted this during a one day second quarter State-Level Quarterly Program Coordination and Review Meeting held at the conference Hall Ministry of Women Affairs Calabar. 

Mr. Kirima alluded that for over a decade of their operations in Cross River this is the first they have received canterpart funds to support their interventions in the State therefore they are encouraged to do more for the State and no implementing partners should be found cutting corners which will dents the image of the State.

 He informed that Cross River State has received above the trachhold $100.000 and necessitate external auditor's visit from the national office to assess the level of compliance to financial rules and United Nations protocol.  Emphasizing that some of the expectations from a meeting are recommendations and next steps for actions which revolves around new ideas and used the occasion to appreciate MIDC for a wonderful coordination of development partners ecosystem.

In his remarks the Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Lukpata made it clear that UNFPA is interested in a system that will help scale up development using sectorwide approach to leverage moneys and support from a wide range of stakeholders to implement programmes. 

He called on implementing MDAs to bear in mind that accountability supported by timely reports is very important as UNFPA value timelines in each projects. Adding that delay in meeting up process is an indication of incompetence on the parts of implementing MDA. 

The Commissioner expressed his appreciation to UNFPA reiterating that the Governor His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is ready to address any perceived challenges of development partners even beyond the payment of canterpart funds for projects that require it, while advising participants to take the deliberations very serious.

Highlights of meeting was paper presentations on topics which include overview of UNFPA CRS workplan for 2025, implementation of 2025 activities - compliance, retirements and reporting with supporting documents. Prevention of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, questions and answers and group photograph. 

Dignitaries in attendance were the State Statistician General Dr. Josephat Ogar, Mrs. Ekaete Oku Director of Administration MIDC while Jacque Karungi, UNFPA gender specialist, Dr. Sola Toye Cross River State Programme officer and FP/RH specialist and Mr Richard Idiong of MIDC served as resource persons. Others in attendance were participants from implementing MDAs which includes Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Ministry of Education, National Population Commission, State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Humanity Without Border a Non-governmental Organizations Operating in the State etc.