Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has returned to the state capital, Calabar, after a three-week annual leave, promising to accelerate the state’s development agenda with “renewed vigour and a double dose of energy.”
Addressing a crowd of supporters and government officials at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport on Thursday, Otu expressed confidence in his administration’s progress.
“I missed all of you dearly and return stronger and clearer in my objectives,” Otu said, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the administration’s manifesto. He reassured the people that by the second year in office, tangible results would be visible.
Reflecting on the state’s progress, Otu noted that the foundational work laid in his first few months was already showing positive results. “We have sown the seeds; now we must nurture them for a harvest,” he stated.
Highlighting key developments, Otu pointed to ongoing federal projects such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he described as transformative for the state.
“These are historic developments that will fully integrate Cross River into Nigeria’s economic grid,” he said.
The governor also revealed upcoming visits from the President of the African Development Bank and Nigeria’s Vice President for the groundbreaking of a new Export Processing Economic Zone in the state.
“There will be open opportunities for everyone to engage in this economic revival,” Otu added, underscoring the potential for job creation and investment in Cross River.