Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to deepen development efforts and improve the welfare of citizens of the state through strategic investments in critical sectors of the economy.
Otu made the commitment during a special town hall meeting held in Abuja to commemorate his third year in office.
The gathering brought together Cross River indigenes, investors, professionals, and other stakeholders to review the administration’s performance and discuss future development priorities with the theme “Inside Governor Otu’s Three Years of Bold Rebirth of Cross River.”
The meeting also served as a platform to showcase achievements recorded since the administration took office and outline plans for the years ahead.
Speaking at the forum, Otu said his government would continue to strengthen key sectors, including aviation, education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, to ensure that citizens benefit more directly from governance.
In the aviation sector, the governor disclosed plans to expand the state’s airline operations beyond domestic routes by acquiring additional aircraft capable of servicing destinations across West Africa.
According to him, the state has already begun investing in human capacity development within the aviation industry, with over 16 individuals currently undergoing pilot training.
He added that more youths would be trained in specialised fields such as aeronautical and aircraft engineering to support the sector’s long-term growth.
Otu noted that the state’s intervention in the aviation industry had helped reduce the disruptions previously experienced by travelers due to flight cancellations and inconsistent airline operations.
On education, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access and quality across all levels of learning.
He highlighted several initiatives, including the payment of examination fees for indigenous students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, over a three-year period from 2024 to 2026.
He also pointed to the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship as well as the College of Agriculture and Forestry as major milestones aimed at expanding educational opportunities and building a skilled workforce for the future.
The governor further stated that his administration had addressed longstanding concerns affecting staff of the Teachers Continuous Training Institute of West Africa by regularising salary payments and improving welfare conditions.
In the healthcare sector, Otu acknowledged the challenge of inadequate medical personnel in public hospitals but said his government had initiated measures to attract and retain health professionals through improved remuneration and working conditions.
The governor also highlighted progress in agriculture, describing the sector as a major pillar of the state’s economic development strategy. He revealed that the government had procured 108 mini tractors to support mechanised farming, with more than 50 already distributed to farmers across various communities.
Additionally, 77 motorcycles have been provided to agricultural extension officers to improve field operations, monitoring, and support services for farmers.
Otu said the administration’s agricultural policy is driven by a comprehensive food systems transformation agenda designed to enhance food security, stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s economy.
He also cited ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, alongside efforts to improve electricity access through solar-powered energy projects in underserved communities.
The anniversary event featured goodwill messages from representatives of the three senatorial districts of the state, while commissioners presented sectoral reports detailing achievements recorded under the administration.
A major highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the government’s third-anniversary scorecard, showcasing progress made across multiple sectors since the inception of the Otu administration.
