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Tag: Prince Bassey Otu

  • We Will Prioritize Job Creation For Our Teeming Youths – Gov Otu

    We Will Prioritize Job Creation For Our Teeming Youths – Gov Otu

    Cross River State governor, Bassey Edet Otu has promised to prioritize youth employment by creating opportunities for young people in the state to gain employment and enable them generate sustainable wealth for the overall development of the state.

    The governor made the remarks while addressing a socio-cultural youth organization, the Tinkoriko group during a cultural parade in Calabar. The cultural display, marked every 1st  January of a new year and now in its 31st year, aims to promote the rich heritage of the Efik culture.

    Led by a former deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke and other prominent members of the society majorly from Calabar south and other local government areas within the southern part of the state.

    According to the governor, “For you to sustain this beautiful cultural value for 31 years now is not a minor feat. Most of the calls I get regarding how to be a part of Tinkoriko is usually from those residing outside of this country. That goes to show that Tinkoriko has gone global. It also goes to show how much our people outside have become increasingly interested in the value you represent, which includes speaking out against all manners of social voices.

    Read Also: Tinkoriko @31: Gov Otu Commends Sociocultural Group For Uniting Youths

    “We are working hard to fix our infrastructure like roads and others. Importantly, we are trying our best to ensure that we create jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. I can assure you that in no distant time, we will have enough jobs for everyone, so that you can all be useful and productive.

    “We are returning back to the good old days and by the time we will be meeting like this next year, I assure you that things would have changed greatly for the better,” he concluded.

    Speaking earlier, leader of the group, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, expressed joy over the presence of the state governor at the event, emphasizing that the group’s core values include non-violent approach to issues as well as promoting peaceful co-existence amongst citizens.

    “For the past 31 years, we have been doing this every 1st January of a new year. Our core values are majorly, to promote peaceful co-existence amongst citizens, preach against various social voices in the state as well as promote our beautiful cultural heritage.”

    The procession which took off at Efut street in Calabar South, saw the group marched through major streets like Egerton, Nelson Mandela, Target, Mary Slessor, Barracks road, the Millennium Park where they were addressed by the governor and back to Efut street.

    The annual cultural event was witnessed by other top government officials, including the chief of staff to the governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Special Adviser governor’s office, Mr. Edem Bassey, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Edem Darlington, Special Assistant, New Media, Mr. Andrea Ekeng, among others.

  • Tinkoriko @31: Gov Otu Commends Sociocultural Group For Uniting Youths

    Tinkoriko @31: Gov Otu Commends Sociocultural Group For Uniting Youths

     

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has commended Tinkoriko, a sociocultural group for prioritizing unity and cohesion among youths from different backgrounds.

    The governor made the commendation on Tuesday 31 December, 2024 when he received a delegation from the group led by the founder and patron, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke on a courtesy visit at his residence in Calabar, the state capital.

    He praised the unwavering commitment of Tinkoriko towards building a strong bond of brotherhood among members who are predominantly youths from various sociopolitical and cultural leanings, emphasizing that groups such as Tinkoriko should be encouraged and leverage upon to promote peace and social harmony in the society.

    Read Also: Anticipate Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage 2025 – fostering social harmony among youths

    Governor Otu promised that his administration would provide the needed support to the group to enable it hold its parade even on Easter.

    Earlier, founder of Tinkoriko, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and the President, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, informed the governor that Tinkoriko which was founded in 1993, is a sociocultural group and platform that fosters harmony among youths from diverse political, social, economic and cultural orientations. The group, according to its leaders, holds its annual parade on January 1st every year that draws a large number of youths. They said that Tinkoriko speaks strongly against violence, cultism, drug abuse, kidnappings, human trafficking and other forms of societal vices.

    They said funding has been the major challenge facing the group and therefore appealed to the governor for support.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of Tinkoriko branded t-shirts to the governor and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.

  • Cross River South Consultative Forum Counters Austin Ibok’s Criticism of Governor Bassey Otu

    Cross River South Consultative Forum Counters Austin Ibok’s Criticism of Governor Bassey Otu

    Austin Ibok’s recent article, “Faith as a Cover-Up: Unmasking Governance Failures in Cross River State,” paints a cynical and distorted picture of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. Ibok accuses the governor of using religious programs to conceal alleged governance failures, but his arguments lack substance and betray a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the facts. A deeper analysis of Governor Otu’s leadership reveals not only a consistent record of faith-based values but also tangible achievements that refute Ibok’s baseless allegations.

    Ibok’s assertion that Governor Otu’s religious initiatives are a recent ploy to distract from governance failures is unfounded. The governor’s pastoral background is well-known, as is his deep commitment to his faith long before assuming office. His wife, deeply rooted in religious values herself, has been a consistent pillar of this moral foundation. These attributes have shaped a leadership style that prioritizes moral regeneration in a society grappling with ethical decay.

    Critics like Ibok fail to appreciate that Governor Otu’s religious programs are not about diverting attention but about instilling moral discipline and ethical behavior. At a time when materialism and corruption dominate societal discourse, a values-driven leadership is a much-needed antidote. Governor Otu’s faith-based initiatives aim to inspire Cross Riverians to embrace a higher moral and ethical standard, a necessary step for long-term societal reform.

    Contrary to Ibok’s claim that religion is being used as a distraction, Governor Otu has paired his faith-driven approach with measurable achievements in key sectors. These accomplishments demonstrate his commitment to governance and development:

    1. Improved Workers’ Welfare
    Governor Otu’s proactive announcement of a new N40,000 minimum wage for state workers preceded similar decisions at the federal level. This underscores his administration’s sensitivity to economic realities. Additionally, a committee has been constituted to explore further upward revisions, reflecting the governor’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare.

    2. Revitalized Infrastructure
    Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of Otu’s administration. Key projects include:
    – Dualization of the Zone 6 NNPC Tank Farm Road in Calabar.
    – Ongoing asphalt resurfacing of metropolitan roads in Calabar.
    – Road rehabilitations in Ikom and Ogoja.
    – Payment of compensation for the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway to accelerate construction work.
    These initiatives aim to improve mobility, ease urban congestion, and boost economic activity.

    3. Educational and Youth Support
    The payment of N440 million WAEC fees for over 16,000 students and procurement of 108 three-wheel agricultural tractors highlight the administration’s investment in youth and education. These programs directly address youth unemployment while enhancing access to education and agricultural productivity.

    4. Agricultural Development
    The 50,000-hectare rice farming project, supported by a N150 million monthly credit scheme, demonstrates Otu’s commitment to agricultural transformation. This initiative not only enhances food security but also creates jobs and revitalizes rural economies.

    5. Healthcare and Public Service Improvements
    Efforts to rehabilitate the Ikom General Hospital, upgrade the state library complex, and improve electrification networks show Otu’s focus on delivering essential services. These investments directly counter Ibok’s narrative of neglect and mismanagement.

    Ibok’s claims are riddled with contradictions and a lack of factual basis. His criticism of Governor Otu’s religious initiatives as a misuse of public funds is unsupported by evidence. Furthermore, his tendency to sensationalize reflects a deeper problem of credibility.

    One must question whether Ibok is even the true author of his critiques. His recent output appears too polished to align with his known intellectual capabilities. Could there be an “unseen hand scripting Ibok’s write-ups”? Is this a case of “the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob”? Time will reveal the truth.

    Beyond this, it is worth examining Ibok’s political history. As someone described as a “political butterfly perpetually in search of nectar, lacking in substance, integrity, and ideology,” Ibok’s criticisms are better understood as an attempt to secure political patronage. His quest to fill a “bottomless pit of unending appetites” raises questions about the motivation behind his recent outbursts.

    Ibok’s misunderstanding of the role of faith in governance reveals a narrow perspective. In nations where societal values are weak, leadership grounded in moral principles can play a transformative role. Developed nations, which Ibok idolizes, have benefited from centuries of institution-building underpinned by ethical foundations. For Cross River State, Governor Otu’s approach offers a similar pathway toward progress.

    Faith-based programs, when properly implemented, can serve as catalysts for societal reform. Governor Otu’s initiatives are not about masking inefficiencies but about restoring ethical standards, countering societal decay, and fostering collective progress.

    Austin Ibok’s critique of Governor Bassey Otu is heavy on rhetoric but light on facts. It ignores the governor’s consistent record as a man of faith and his administration’s verifiable achievements. By coupling moral leadership with tangible development, Governor Otu offers Cross Riverians a balanced approach to governance that addresses both societal and infrastructural challenges.

    Cross Riverians must not be misled by politically motivated criticisms. Governor Otu’s leadership is not about using faith as a mask but about inspiring a collective sense of purpose while delivering measurable progress. It is time for citizens to reject cynicism and embrace the vision of a better, more prosperous Cross River State under Governor Bassey Otu.

    Signed:

    – Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq. (Chairman)
    – Sir Maurice Effiwatt
    – Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, Esq.
    – Apostle (Hon.) James Anam
    – Ntufam (Hon.) Victor Okon
    – Hon. (Mrs.) Ada Charles Egwu
    – Hon. (Chief) Ani Esin
    – Hon. Joseph Etene, Esq.
    – Hon. (Mrs.) Abigail Duke Orok
    – Barr. Bassey Mensah
    – Prince Edwin Okon
    – Ntufam (Hon.) Okon Owuna
    – Hon. Charles Atu

  • Gov Otu inaugurates 16 man minimum wage implementation committee

    Gov Otu inaugurates 16 man minimum wage implementation committee

    The governor of Cross River governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has charged the Joint public service negotiation and implementation committee of the new national minimum wage in the state, to submit its report within the shortest possible time.

    Governor Otu gave the charge recently during the inauguration of the committee at the Glass House, temporary office of the deputy governor in Calabar.

    Represented by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Otu assured that as soon as the report is received, he would immediately start the implementation of whatever is agreed by the committee.

    “We would plead that you submit your report before the governor within the shortest possible time, once that is done, we will immediately start the implementation of what has been agreed.

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    “The administration of Prince Bassey Otu is christened ‘People First,’ so, the people will always come first and you will agree with me that he has been the most labour friendly governor that we have in Nigeria and this would be reflected on the negotiation that you are going to see and the result of it is what all Cross Riverians would be happy that we indeed did the right thing as a state.

    “We are going to be relying on this committee to guide us, that is why we have our Accountant General here to open the books so that we see what we have as a state, because government is willing and ready to meet with the yearnings of the people of Cross River,” Otu explained.

    He implored the committee to come up with a minimum wage that would serve the people of the state and in line with other states, while taking into cognizance the peculiarity of the state.

    On his part, Chairman, Cross River chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Gregory Olayi, applauded the governor for inaugurating the committee, a development he said, has put in check some of the issues bothering the union.

    Olayi assured that the labour union will cooperate with other members of the committee to work tirelessly so as to meet the timeline set for the team.

    Responding, the State Head of Service and chairman of the committee, Dr. Innocent Eteng, assured that his team would do its job painstakingly and in the interest of workers and state at large.

    “For us, it is very auspicious, we can assure you that we are going to do our job painstakingly and assiduously in the interest of Cross River State.

    “We will discuss with labour very amicably to take into cognizance the circumstances of our peculiar situation as well as consider the interest of workers in the state,” Eteng remarked.

    Members of the committee include, Special Adviser, labour and productivity; Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Finance, Local Government Service Commission, Budget, Justice as well as office of the Head of Service and SSG/GAO.

    Others are: Accountant General of the State, Chairmen of NLC and TUC in the state, State President of NULGE, Chairman joint service negotiating council; Chairman, Medical and health workers Union; Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Union; Secretary, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria; while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment is to serve as the committee Secretary.

  • Global Warming: Governor Bassey Otu Signs Bill To Establish Climate and Green Economy Commission

    Global Warming: Governor Bassey Otu Signs Bill To Establish Climate and Green Economy Commission

    The Cross River State governor, Sen Bassey Edet Otu has signed into law, a bill to establish a Climate and Green Economy Commission.

    The event which took place at the Dan Archibong lodge, the temporary office of the governor in Calabar, the state capital, was witnessed by top government officials including the state Deputy Governor, secretary to the state government as well as the leadership of the state house of assembly.

    The governor who said that the law was aimed at preserving the rich biodiversity of the state, maintained that it  marked “another bold step by my administration to engender a sustainable environment through the protection of the rich and yet fragile ecosystem of Cross River State..

    “For us in Cross River State, the environmental consciousness among the citizenry is simply our way of life. Almost all our actions are guided by the principle of “LIVING AT PEACE WITH NATURE”. This consciousness had greatly contributed to the mitigation of natural catastrophes that our geographical zone is proned to. We have halted and reversed community based deforestation activities by adopting sustainable farming practices.

    According to governor Otu, “the key element of the nature-positive strategy is the regeneration method, whereby we have undertaken the planting of millions of trees in our depleted forests. We have also adopted controlled-logging of wood in our rainforests. It is our considered opinion that when our forests and other biodiversity hotspots are restored and protected, carbon will be assimilated, biodiversity enriched and air purified for our wellbeing.

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    “The signing of the Climate and Green Economy Bill today is therefore a sign of our renewed drive towards the Nature-Positive Strategy (NPS).
    The Nature-Positive Strategy is a deliberate action of my administration to enhance the resilience of our forests by halting and reversing natural habitat loss; it is the foundation of our Green Economy,” he emphasized.

    Speaking earlier, the speaker of the state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, appreciated the legislators for doing a great job by ensuring that relevant stakeholders were carried along in the cause of putting up the bill. He expressed satisfaction at the level of work done by members of the house, especially the house committee on environment, Hon. Ovat Agbor and members of his committee who worked tirelessly to ensure that a good job was done.

    Cross River State apart from hosting the largest rainforest in the country, has become the first sub-national to set up such an important commission, deliberately taking measures to address the issue of climate change.

    THINK CROSS RIVER Group
    7th November, 2024
    Calabar

  • Gov Otu prioritizes infrastructure, education, health in N498b 2025 budget

    Gov Otu prioritizes infrastructure, education, health in N498b 2025 budget

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has proposed the sum of N498 billion as the state’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

    Presenting the proposal at the hallowed chambers of the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, Governor Otu attributed N328 billion (66%) to Capital Expenditure and N170 billion (34%) to Recurrent Expenditure.

    A further breakdown earmarked N100 billion for Infrastructure, N81 billion for Education, N25 billion for Health, while N20 billion was set aside for the Judiciary.

    “House of Assembly N18 billion, Aviation N16 billion, Special Duties/Intergovernmental Affairs N15 billion, Power N14 billion, Agriculture N11 billion, Tourism N5 billion, Science, Technology and Innovation N4.7 billion, Women Affairs N3.7 billion, Information N3 billion, and others N181.6 billion,” the Governor revealed.

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    The Governor outlined Federal Allocation, Grants from International Organizations, and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as major revenue sources to fund the 2025 budget.

    “The 2025 Budget, like the previous year’s budget, is benchmarked on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The decision to continue with the SDG benchmark is to guarantee continuity of projects and programs that may not be completed in this current budget cycle. This necessitated the need to roll over to the 2025 fiscal year.

    “For this reason, we have deliberately placed emphasis on SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; as well as SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions,” Otu stated.

    He informed Cross Riverians that his administration’s adherence to strict financial prudence had placed the state as the ninth best state out of the 36 states in the 2023 Fiscal Performance Ranking, adding that “These indices have gone to confirm that development is not a linear achievement; rather a multidimensional process, where our progress is not measured solely by economic indicators, but by various dimensions interconnected to contribute to the overall well-being of the citizenry.”

    While reassuring the citizens that his administration’s policy preferences are meant to snowball into the common good of the people, the Governor also thanked the leadership of the State House of Assembly for building a common consensus among members to cooperate with the Executive and Judiciary Arms of Government to achieve a prosperous Cross River State.

  • Understanding Governor Bassey Otu’s People First Mantra And The Economic Importance Of The Bakassi Deep Seaport Port

    Understanding Governor Bassey Otu’s People First Mantra And The Economic Importance Of The Bakassi Deep Seaport Port

    By Edem Darlington

    On May 29, 2023, when the current Governor  Bassey Edet Otu took over office as the fourth democratically elected governor of Cross River State in the current fourth republic, expectations were high and the yearnings of Cross Riverians were almost felt.

    Governor Bassey Otu arrived at the rostrum of leadership of the state with a burden of over 4.5 million Cross Riverians who at the time, had lost hope in public governance, it became pertinent for citizens to be reassured to have faith in public governance and importantly,,  the need for the self worth and value of  Cross Riverians to be raised. The governor understood the challenges and promptly came up with the now popular “People First” Mantra

    The mantra meant that once again, citizens could have confidence in the government, it meant that government was ready to make the welfare and well-being of citizens a priority, it meant that the value and self worth of citizens will be considered in all decisions of government and above all, it meant that the governor was going to put the people first in all his consideration, including his programs and policies. Little wonder  why  during his inaugural speech, Governor Bassey Edet Otu had openly committed ” Dear Cross Riverians, I commit to you and my God, to at all times, put you first in all my considerations “

    About a year and six months after his swearing-in, , the governor has proven that he is a man of his words. His programs and policies have so far shown that the people are his priority. For example, he came in to meet a backlog of unpaid gratuity of pensioners of over 10 years running into several billions of naira. Today, several of our pensioners are smiling to the bank to get their reward after many years of sacrifice and service to the state.

    In the area of infrastructure including the provision of basic amenities good roads, access to basic healthcare facilities, security of lives and properties etc, the governor has performed incredibly well. Only last year, the governor, through the State ministry of education,  facilitated the payment of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for over 11,000 secondary school students of Cross River origin amounting to over  N400 million . If all these are not putting the People First, I wonder what it is.

    Recently, the governor was able to secure about $3.5 billion funding for the Bakassi Deep Seaport. It is important to emphasize that this is about the first funding facility that the African financial giant  AFREXIM bank would put out for a sub-national. What this means is that the integrity, policy and programs, including the obvious  financial prudence of governor Bassey Edet Otu has been tested, tried and proven to be genuine by one of the global financial financiers and advisors.

    The economic implications of this laudable initiative is that, the state will become a powerful player in the maritime  sub-sector of Nigeria with an open market in  the  southern -south and south east of Nigeria, Including mopping up the financial benefits around the entire maritime business in the Lake Chad basin, and the Gulf of Guinea. Apart from the main transaction of major key players in the maritime  sector, the massive value-chain, such business comes with, cannot be quantified. The completion and eventual take-off of business activities at the Bakassi Deep Seaport will see the emergence of several other businesses like, fabrication industries, boat maintenance  and repair services, supply of all kind of goods and services etc

    Governor Bassey Otu is no doubt, a visionary leader, who is indeed determined to put the people first in all that he does. One can only pray that his visions and policies will be massively supported by the government at the center in order to bring about the much needed prosperity of citizens.

    Edem Darlington is the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Edet of Cross River State.

  • C’River to lead in oil palm production as state distributes 3.5million sprouted nuts

    C’River to lead in oil palm production as state distributes 3.5million sprouted nuts

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River government has begun an aggressive move to return the state as a leading oil palm producer in Nigeria, with plans to distribute 3.5 million improved oil palm sprouted nuts to farmers across the state.

    Giving an update on the Cross River Oil Palm Development Initiative at a press briefing in Calabar Tuesday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, said the ministry in partnership with Solidaridad West Africa and FAO Folur-IP project would begin the distribution of oil palm sprouted nuts to interested farmers profiled during the statewide enumeration exercise.

    According to Andiambey, the Prince Bassey Otu-led administration had procured 3.5 million improved variety of sprouted nuts from the Nigerian institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and had carried out an extensive profiling exercise across the 18 local government areas of the state for both existing and intending oil palm farmers.

    “The state government has taken delivery of the first batch of 315,000 sprouted nuts and is expecting more in few days time. The field data of the enumeration exercise has been analyzed by Solidaridad and names of profiled farmers completely shortlisted.

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    “Profiled farmers are hereby requested to visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development headquarters or the local government council where they were profiled for confirmation of their names and the number of oil palm sprouted nuts allotted to them.

    “Profiled farmers should thereafter proceed to the nearest Union Bank for payment of the poly bags and number of sprouted nuts allotted to them. Note that the Oil Palm nuts are subsidized for 100 naira per nut and 20 naira for quality oil palm nursery poly bags.

    “Payments should be made to the designated account details: CRS Ministry of Agriculture.. Oil palm Development – 0226479566.

    “Profiled farmers should visit their various Local Government Council where they were profiled with proof of payment for collection of their items.

    “Distribution will commence from 5th November 2024 between 8am to 4pm daily.

    “Profiled farmers should expect regular visit of extension and Agric officers for monitoring and technical services on the best management practices for nursery development,” he said.

    The Commissioner also disclosed that the state government had procured 77 motor bikes for effective supervision by the Agric and extension officers.

    He added that FAO Folur-IP Nigeria Project under their agroforestry programme was partnering with the State Government in the development of 2.5 million economic fruit trees seedlings in 8 Local Government Areas of intervention for distribution to benefitting farmers of the Cross River Oil Palm Development Initiative.

    While assuring that no Cross Riverian would be left behind, Andiambey thanked governor Bassey Otu for the laudable initiative, which according to him, complied with sustainable agricultural practices.

    “Finally, I wish to thank our partners – Solidaridad West Africa and FAO Folur-IP project for their support so far even as I enjoin the farmers to duly utilize this opportunity to better their lives, the state and nation at large,” he said.

    Present at the press briefing were stakeholders in the agric sector such as the Senior Special Adviser to the governor on agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on tree crops, Fidelis Efa; state chairman of Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN), Rev. Nyiam Bisong; state chairman, National Palm Producers Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), Cletus Ogbidi; representative of Solidaridad, among others.

    Press Briefing 
  • Gov Otu @ 65: CRIRS celebrates with children, distributes study materials

    Gov Otu @ 65: CRIRS celebrates with children, distributes study materials

    As Cross Riverians mark the 65th birthday celebration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Chairman of Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Prince Edwin Okon, together with his management team, have celebrated the milestone with pupils of Duke Town Presbyterian Primary School, Calabar South.

    The Service distributed exercise books to the school and pupils as part of encouraging education, one page at a time and awaken reading culture as the standard of education continues to drop due to factors such as the non-availability study materials.

    Interacting with the prospective leaders of tomorrow, Okon, advised the children to consciously focus on their studies, pursue genuine and passionate dreams so that they too can follow in the Governor’s footsteps and become agents of social change and blessings to their families.

    The Executive Chairman further called on parents to invest in their children’s future through Christian values and education while also carrying out their civic responsibilities of paying their taxes which the government uses to provide quality education through the payment of teachers’ salaries, development and maintenance of educational facilities, scholarships and others.

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    “As a Service, we will continue to positively impact lives and Communities. We will advance these conversations with hopes that potential partners join us to achieve Governor Otu’s developmental agenda, for a prosperous Cross River State”. He said.

    Expressing profound gratitude, the Head Teacher, Madam Ukpanyanganwan Ekpenyong, on behalf of the children thanked the Chairman and Service for celebrating the State Governor’s birthday with the children saying the surprise visit which was a pleasant one would remain a beautiful memory in the sands of history.

    She appealed to well meaning citizens to emulate this impactful act and reach out to children within and outside of their environs by supporting quality education.

    Madam Ekpenyong prayed for the Governor, his family, administration, the Service and the State, saying the joy the children felt would be replicated in the lives of everyone that puts the needs of children, first.

    Other activities include cake cutting, gifts giving and group photographs.

  • Rt Hon Orok Duke Felicitates Governor Bassey Otu On His Birthday

    Rt Hon Orok Duke Felicitates Governor Bassey Otu On His Birthday

    Your Excellency,

    Happy 65th Birthday! Your unwavering passion and dedication to the progress of Cross River State inspire us all. As you celebrate this milestone, may your day be filled with joy, and may you continue to lead with success, good health, and boundless wisdom. Together, we look forward to a brighter future under your guidance.

    Rt. Hon Orok Otu Duke
    CRS Representative, NDDC