One Year in Office: The Journey So Far
One year ago, precisely on the 5th Of March, 2024; I was graciously appointed by His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, to serve as Special Assistant, Student Affairs, under the People’s First administration; and to commemorate this milestone, I held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
I firmly believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God as I took out time to express my deepest gratitude to the Almighty for His protection, grace, divine guidance, and the gift of remarkable individuals who have supported me throughout my leadership journey.
As I reflect on the past year, I am inspired by the goodwill and support of numerous individuals who have enabled me to excel in my role. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Sen. (Prince) Governor Bassey Otu and his dear wife, Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for the opportunity to serve under the People’s First administration. I’m particularly grateful for the mentorship I’ve received from His Excellency over the past 14 years.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Hon Emmanuel Ironbar Chief of Staff to the Governor, for his unwavering support, which dates back to my days as a student leader at the University of Calabar. His support, along with that of his wife Dr Virginia Emmanuel has been invaluable. Additionally, I thank Dr. Barr Ekpenyong Akiba , Special Adviser on General Duties to the Governor, for his remarkable support and guidance all through this years.
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Furthermore, I appreciate the support of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh, Hon. Pius Edet, Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, The Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission; Commissioners, particularly Hon. Pius Edet, Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, and many others whose time may not permit me to mention; Special Advisers; DGs of boards; State Chief of Protocol; Members of the Federal Executive Council; and friends across the nation.
I am also immensely grateful for the partnerships with organizations such as Nugi Group, Cross Riverians in the Diaspora Organization (CRID), JB Farms, YALI Network Cross River Hub, Negroid Haven, among others.
Over the past year, we have achieved significant milestones, driven by His Excellency the Governor’s unwavering commitment to creating a Cross River State where opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background or socio-economic status. A few of these notable successes within the student community and beyond, includes:
– Facilitation of full scholarships for 13 students through the Sir AA Odere Foundation.
– Securing internationally funded opportunities for 4 Cross Riverians.
– Hosting the first ever edition of the Cross River Student Leaders Summit.
– Organizing the first edition of the Cross River Student Entrepreneurship Employability and Mentorship Summit (CR-SEEMS 2024) and a host of other programs in line with His Excellency’s deep vision for our dear state.
Our proposed multidimensional model aims to empower over 6,000 students by 2027, enabling them to become independent while contributing to community development. We have engaged in various national and international collaborations, representing His Excellency the Governor, and fostering partnerships with embassies and numerous organizations to benefit our students.
Looking ahead, we have several exciting initiatives already planned and ready for execution, some of which are:
– Launching free JAMB/WAEC tutorials in strategic locations across the state.
– Hosting the second edition of the Cross River Student Leaders Summit.
– Organizing the second edition of the Cross River Entrepreneurship employability and mentorship summit (CR-SEEMS)
– Implementing the Campus CEO program in partnership with MEDA across the various campuses in Cross River State.
– Launching the Campus Talent Program and other programs in line with our core mandate.
I remain committed to serving our dear state with dignity and purpose. My passion is driven by my faith in God and His Excellency’s commitment to the good of our dear state. We are confident that with such sterling performance, in 2027 general elections they shall be no vacancy and the SWEETNESS WILL CONTINUE.
God Bless His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu.
God Bless Cross River State.
