Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been conferred with the “Governor of the Year on Economic Transformation” award by Daily Independent Newspaper in recognition of his visionary leadership, people-centered policies, and strides in revitalizing the state’s economy within his first two years in office NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The prestigious accolade was presented during a grand ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, attended by Nigeria’s political, economic, and social elite, including National and State Assembly members from the state, Cross River’s Executive Council, and top government officials. The award was handed over by former Osun State Governor and founding All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.
Governor Otu’s administration has prioritized economic revitalization by breathing new life into stalled industrial projects initiated by his predecessor. He is operationalizing ventures such as the Cross River Noodles Factory, Poultry Processing Plant, and Cross River State Pharmaceutical Company, demonstrating a rare commitment to continuity over political rivalry. These industries, when fully revived, will drive job creation, local production, and revenue growth, ensuring the state’s investments yield tangible returns for the overall good of the people.
As part of this economic resurgence, the State’s Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Abigail Duke, has played a critical role in strengthening trade, investment, and industrial development. Under her leadership, the ministry has been pivotal in facilitating investment partnerships and ensuring smooth regulatory frameworks that enhance the ease of doing business. Her contributions have supported Governor Otu’s efforts to reposition the state’s industries for profitability while expanding opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Otu’s bold infrastructural agenda includes expansive road networks, urban renewal projects, and rural connectivity improvements, enhancing trade, investment, and aesthetic appeal across Cross River.
In agriculture, a cornerstone of his diversification strategy, the Governor has launched specialized programs for cassava, cocoa, maize, and oil palm production, notably a 50,000-acre rice farm in Ogoja and Bekwarra, a 2,000-acre commercial maize farm in Odukpani, and the revitalization of Songhai farms in Itigidi, as well as the starch-making plant in Ochon. Meanwhile, mini tractors for farmers are being procured. These efforts are enhancing food security and boosting agribusiness.
Leveraging Cross River’s tourism potential, Otu is revitalizing iconic assets like the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa Business Resort, reclaiming state ventures from unprofitable concessions while upgrading hospitality infrastructure. Concurrently, his collaboration with security agencies has restored peace, making Cross River one of South-South’s safest states and a magnet for investors.
Accepting the honour on behalf of Governor Otu, the Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Agbe Odey, dedicated it to Cross Riverians who have believed in the Governor’s vision of progress.
The latest award adds to Otu’s growing recognition, including the 2024 “Most Friendly Governor” and the Michael Okpara Premier Leadership Prize. With Hon. Abigail Duke driving commercial initiatives that complement the Governor’s economic transformation, Cross River is emerging as a model for sustainable development and industrial growth.
The ceremony also celebrated other distinguished personalities such as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Woman of the Year), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Anambra’s Charles Soludo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, among others.
