The Forum also honoured Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the only awardee of the night, for her advocacy for women’s inclusion in the transport sector and her impactful humanitarian efforts.
By TheInvestigator
Political leaders, government appointees, and stakeholders gathered in Calabar on Tuesday to celebrate the second anniversary of Senator Bassey Otu’s administration as the Executive Governor of Cross River State. The event, themed “People First in Action – The Journey Thus Far,” was hosted by the Forum of Special Assistants to the Governor and served as a Stewardship Dinner to highlight and honour the accomplishments of the Otu administration over the past two years.
During the event, Ekeng Inyang, who is both the Chairman of the Forum of Special Assistants and the Governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, delivered a heartfelt address in recognition 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 stated. “You prioritised the people, and that has made all the difference.”
Inyang praised Governor Otu for putting the welfare of the citizens above extravagant projects and highlighted the administration’s commitment to completing critical infrastructure projects that had been abandoned by previous administrations.
Key accomplishments highlighted included:
* The community-driven Operation Okwok security initiative.
* Rehabilitation of the Adiabó-Eseku Road and Parliamentary Extension in Calabar.
* Completion of the Nsan–Oban Road, which has bridged long-standing divides in Akamkpa.
* Revitalization of the Calabar Urban Water Scheme and the Cross River State Library.
* Restoration of tourism assets, including Tinapa and the International Conference Centre.
* Strategic agricultural reforms and youth empowerment initiatives, such as the SKYRUN training programme.
The Forum also honoured Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the only awardee of the night, for her advocacy for women’s inclusion in the transport sector and her impactful humanitarian efforts.
“Your silent projects, your gentle touch on broken lives, and your insistence on justice for the overlooked have not gone unnoticed,” Inyang remarked.
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. He recounted notable successes in education, including 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 progress we are witnessing today is the result of the generational advancements this administration has maintained since its inception,” Odey stated. He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, calling them “prosecutors” of the state’s development agenda and urged continued support to exceed current achievements before the next electoral cycle.
The event concluded with a strong endorsement of Governor Otu’s re-election for 2027, as attendees pledged their ongoing 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 planned to review achievements and galvanize efforts for the next phase of the administration.
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