Calabar –Political leaders, government appointees, and stakeholders converged in Calabar on Tuesday to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the administration of Senator Bassey Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River state, under the theme “People First in Action – The Journey Thus Far”, NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The event, which drew dignitaries from across the state, was hosted by the Forum of Special Assistants to the Governor and held as a Stewardship Dinner to highlight and honour the achievements of the Otu administration over the last two years.
Speaking at the event, Ekeng Inyang, who doubles as Chairman of the Forum of Special Assistants as well as Special Assistant to that governor on New Media, delivered a passionate address in honour of the Governor, describing his leadership as “courageous, compassionate, and visionary.”
“When the history of Cross River State is written, this chapter will be titled: ‘The People’s Era,’” Inyang declared. “You chose the people — and that has made all the difference.”
Inyang praised Governor Otu’s prioritisation of the people’s welfare over flamboyant projects, noting the administration’s commitment to completing abandoned but critical infrastructure inherited from past administrations.
He highlighted major accomplishments, including:
* The community-driven Operation Okwok security initiative.
* Rehabilitation of the Adiabó-Eseku Road and Parliamentary Extension in Calabar.
* Completion of the Nsan–Oban Road, bridging decades-long divisions in Akamkpa.
* Revitalisation of the Calabar Urban Water Scheme and the Cross River State Library.
* Restoration of tourism assets like Tinapa and the International Conference Centre.
* Strategic agricultural reforms and youth empowerment initiatives such as the SKYRUN training programme.
The Forum also lauded the wife of the governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, who was the only awardee of the night. She was praised for her advocacy for women’s inclusion in the transport sector and her silent but impactful humanitarian efforts.
“Your silent projects, your tender touch on broken lives, your insistence on justice for the overlooked — they have not gone unnoticed,” Inyang said.
Representing the Governor at the event, Dr. Stephen Odey, the state Commissioner for Education, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to its People First mantra, describing it as the driving force behind all state policies and achievements.
Odey recounted successes in education, including the unprecedented WAEC and NECO performance rates and the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa, noting that Cross River State ranked fourth nationwide in the most recent NECO results.
“The aggressive developmental stride being recorded today is a result of the generational progress this administration has sustained from inception,” Odey said.
He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, describing them as “prosecutors” of the state’s development agenda, and urged continued support to surpass current achievements before the next electoral cycle.
The event concluded with a resounding affirmation of Governor Otu’s endorsement for re-election in 2027, as attendees pledged their continued support for the administration’s vision.
“We are not tired. We are not weary. We are ready for more,” Inyang declared on behalf of the Special Assistants Forum.
The celebration is expected to continue into the following week with more activities lined up to review achievements and galvanise efforts for the next phase of the administration.
