25/06/2024
Southern Governors Forum
June 2024
Government House Press: A Team of Journalists Coordinating Media Activities for the CRS Government.
19/06/2024
Summary of recent activities of the Governor
04/06/2024
Gov. Otu felicitates Sen. Owan Enoh at 58
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has extended warm birthday wishes to Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister for Sports Development, on his 58th birthday.
In a heartfelt message, the Governor commended Senator Enoh for his remarkable achievements as a politician, lawmaker, and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He acknowledged Senator Enoh’s enduring legacy, contributions to the political landscape of the state, and his dedication to sports development in the country.
The Governor expressed his prayers for God’s guidance, strength, and blessings to be upon Senator Enoh as he continues to fulfill his responsibilities diligently.
“Happy birthday to a great sports administrator extraordinaire”, the Governor said.
Senator John Owan Enoh was born on June 4, 1966, in Agbokim Waterfall community of Cross River State. He was appointed as Minister of Sports Development in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.
02/06/2024
*Gov Otu flags-off 12,000 hectares land development project for arable crops cultivation*
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has flagged off land clearing and developing 12,000 hectares of farmland for onboarding out-growers.
The out-growers are expected to cultivate rice, maize, cassava, wheat, coffee and cowpea.
Speaking at the flagging off event held at Efeidem community in Odukpani Local Government Area, Governor Otu disclosed that the project is a partnership with NAMEL (Nigerian Agricultural Mechanization and Equipment Leasing Company) and the State is investing six billion naira.
He reiterated his administration's prime priority to strengthen human capacity in Agriculture, health, education and wealth creation, making agriculture the fulcrum of the state's economy.
"This project would take over 4,000 people out of the unemployment market. Wealth is going to be created in such an unprecedented manner. Gone are the days where Cross River is referred to as a poor state.
"We are not coming to take your land. We are coming to empower you in a way that you will make money, as well as all the contributors to the value chain would also make money. It is going to be a win-win for all.
"The direction of our movement is 'People First'. No matter what you do, if the people are not happy and strong, the community, State or nation cannot grow; hence our quest for equitable creation of wealth," Otu remarked.
The Governor, a son of the soil in Odukpani, thanked his kinsmen and women for their unflinching support over the years, and charged them to take the agribusiness project very seriously, while assuring that "we have all the technical and extension officials who would be on ground to make sure that the correct chemicals are applied to boost yield, ensure that things are done in a way that would derive maximum benefits for all parties involved."
He stressed that the statewide soil investigation and mapping exercise already undertaken to determine what grows where, lends credence to the present administration's preparedness to launch Cross River into economic prosperity through agriculture.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, hailed the Governor for his foresighted vision, having planned some of these laudable programmes years before he took the reins as the number one citizen of the State.
Ebokpo averred that the Otu-led administration ventured into the wealth creating project upon the realization that arable crop production in commercial quantity are the key to unlocking the state's agrarian rural economies, with government shouldering the most difficult responsibility which is land preparation.
The Commissioner predicted that government's huge amount of investment into the project would only catapult Cross River to becoming a national reference point for food security and wealth creation.
The Commissioner noted that the exercise is part of the administration’s Project Grow initiative which is is a Public Private Partnership project facilitated by the Cross River State government to empower 100,000 agribusinesses MSMEs and Small-holder farmers (SHF) (up to 40% youths and women) across the 18 LGAs of Cross River State.
Mr. Dennis Ikpali of the Project GROW, the driver of the initiative, said market dynamics drive the project to stimulate private sector investments in key agricultural value chains - Rice, Maize, Aquaculture, Cassava and Animal fodder.
The outpour of goodwill messages from financial institutions, agro-industry heavyweights, research institutions, and other stakeholders thanked the Governor for prioritising agriculture as the cornerstone of the State's economic development.
Namel, the technical partner of the project to provide the machineries needed.
02/06/2024
Gov Otu celebrates Deputy Odey at Golden Jubilee
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has warmly congratulated his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey as he clocks the golden age of 50 today, Sunday, June 2, 2024.
In his congratulatory message, Governor Otu described Odey as a reliable ally whose indefatigable support base is yielding exploits for the present administration and Cross River State.
“You are reputed for hard work and value addition. One year of working with me as Deputy Governor has revealed even more beautiful things about you as a person, politician and public servant.”
In the words of the Governor, "The Golden Jubilee is a remarkable feat of God’s sovereign grace upon one’s life. Counting all your achievements to this day makes your birthday worth celebrating”.
“I congratulate you on behalf of all Cross Riverians and pray for God to continue to strengthen you for greater service to the State, Nigeria and humanity in general,”
Rt. Hon. Peter Odey was born June 2, 1974. He served in the state Assembly for eight years, where he eventually became the House Leader in the 9th Assembly of the Cross River State Legislature.
02/06/2024
The warmth that thrilled Governor Otu's reopening of Health Center at Nyahasang Community, Cal. Municipal.
29/05/2024
One-year anniversary: We have laid foundation for a strong economy in Cross River State – Gov Otu
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has declared that his administration, within one year in office, has been able to lay a solid foundation for a strong economy in the state.
Speaking in a statewide address to the people, he reflected on his administration’s achievement in various sectors, including education, infrastructure, digital innovation, agriculture, health, and economic development.
He highlighted efforts to revitalise the state’s economy, improve infrastructure, enhance security, promote agriculture, and strengthen healthcare services.
The Governor also emphasises the importance of continuity in governance and the need for sustainable development initiatives.
He said efforts were made to regain lost state assets of the state such as Tinapa, Oban Palm Plantation and Akamkpa Rubber Plantation, among others.
Moreover, he said efforts are geared to enhance digital infrastructure for economic growth and efficiency in governance.
To address the need for energy security, he disclosed that the State government is bidding for the Odukpani Power Plant and desires joint ownership of the UNIDO Power Plant in Obudu.
In the words of the Governor, “The immediate impact of all these innovations is the growth of IGR from N20.5 Billion in 2022 to N30.8 Billion in 2023, representing an increase of 50.24 %.”
“It also grew by 60.6% or N22.6 Billion from June 2023 to N36 Billion in May 2024. N16.3 Billion was recorded between January 2024 and May 2024 from the initial N10.5 Billion during the same period in 2023, representing a 55% growth.”
“During the same period, the State moved from its permanent 28th position to being among the first 10 States in accountability index, through its timely delivery of records to relevant authorities.”
The Governor’s address touched on various sectors of the economy. It acknowledged that Cross River State is currently only second to Lagos State in the prospective advancement index, which considers the State’s potential resources and organisational plans.
Nsa Gill
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
21/05/2024
Update from CRGH
16/05/2024
UNLOCKING ECONOMIC POTENTIALS:
GOV OTU'S $3.5bn AFREXIMBANK FUNDING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
By Linus Obogo
The news of the acquisition of a $3.5 billion funding facility from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for the ex*****on of the state's deep seaport project, the Bakassi Deep Seaport, by the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, comes not only as a soothing balm, but also as a bite at the cherry.
Conceived in 2015 by the immediate past administration, the Bakassi Deep Seaport was believed by many as a project which faced imminent death as soon as Governor Ben Ayade's tenure came to its terminal end.
Designed as a 20-meter draft port, the Bakassi Deep Seaport was conceptualised to be one of the biggest ports in Africa, with the capacity to berth larger vessels. The project's initial cost was put at about $2 billion as of the time of its initiation.
In spite of sundry approvals including the Outline Business Case granted in 2019 by the federal government, the project could neither crawl nor walk.
However, credit must be given to the previous administration of Governor Ben Ayade for daring to conceptualise the project as well as obtaining necessary approvals.
But just as hopes appeared seemingly dimmed on the seaport initiative, Governor Otu, in keeping to his earlier promise during his electioneering that he would not snub his predecessor's uncompleted projects, rekindled hope and took a quantum leap of faith by embarking on an intercontinental crisscrossing to scour for funding from multilateral financial institutions to ensure that the deep seaport and other infrastructure projects begun by the former governor do not end up as pipe dreams or mere pies in the sky.
It is against this background that the latest effort of Governor Otu at securing the Afreximbank funding for infrastructure projects, particularly the Bakassi Deep Seaport, represents a significant milestone in the state's journey towards economic growth and development.
Significantly, Otu's visit to Egypt and subsequent engagement with Afreximbank and tier 1 companies such as ORASCOM Construction, ELSEWEDY Electric, and HASSAN ALLAM Holdings, highlights the state's commitment to driving economic growth through strategic partnerships and investments.
Instructively, the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, estimated to cost $3.5 billion, could be seen as a crucial component of the state's infrastructure development plan, as the deep seaport is expected to boost trade and commerce in the South South, South East and the Northern regions of the country, attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth.
The $3.5 billion mandate with Afreximbank for the state's legacy projects, it must be emphasized, for sake of clarity, is not a loan facility but rather a partnership to source private sector equity partners and non-recourse finance for the projects.
Furthermore, the construction of the seaport will undoubtedly create job opportunities for the people of Cross River State, contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of the citizenry.
Coming at a time of pervasive cynicism amid shrinking global economy, Governor Otu's bold move marks a pivotal moment in the state's journey towards unlocking its economic potentials and positioning itself as a key player in the global economy.
Put in proper contest, the governor's visit to Afreximbank in Cairo, Egypt, along with some key members of his economic team, one of whom was Dr. Francis Ntamu, Senior Special Adviser cm Director-General, Bureau of Public Private Partnership, was not just a routine visit but a strategic move to explore partnership opportunities for key infrastructure projects in Cross River State.
The partnership with Afreximbank, a Pan-African multilateral financial institution with a mandate to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade, signifies a significant step towards economic transformation in the state.
Governor Otu's vision for forging the investment alliance with Afreximbank, emphasizes the importance of infrastructure projects in driving economic growth and development in Cross River State.
With other infrastructure projects such as the 217 km superhighway integrated Project, Obudu Cattle Ranch and Mountain Resort, the Tinapa Resort, as well as the Obudu International Cargo Airport, all earmarked to tap from the investment drive, the outing in Cairo was not just about infrastructure development but also about creating job opportunities, promoting tourism, and boosting trade and commerce in the state.
By deliberately engaging in extensive Government-to-Business (G2B) meetings with tier 1 companies, such as ORASCOM Construction, ELSEWEDY Electric, and HASSAN ALLAM Holdings, culminating in the signing of Project Preparation Facility Agreement and Financial Advisory Agreement for major projects, the effor speaks volumes of Governor Otu's strategic partnership initiative.
In what represents a bright economic future for Cross River, Governor Otu's signing of the agreements with Afreximbank and tier 1 companies is highly commendable, as it clearly represents the commitment of Afreximbank and the tier 1 companies to supporting the development of the state through the infrastructure projects. The agreements signed are expected to pave the way for further collaboration and investment opportunities, driving economic growth and development across the different zones.
In retrospect, therefore, Otu's audacious step in forging a strategic partnership between Cross River, Afreximbank and tier 1 companies for key infrastructure projects in Cross River State bears glowing testament to his commitment to unlocking the economic potentials of the state.
The $3.5 billion funding secured for the deep seaport project, will no doubt reignite optimism that greeted the project at its embryonic stage, just as It also goes to show a willingness of Governor Otu's government to build on previous administrations' initiatives, such as Tinapa Resort, the Obudu International Cargo Airport, the Cattle Ranch Resort, among others, to drive progress and prosperity for the state and its people.
More significantly, it also goes to emphasise that Cross River is on a historic journey towards economic growth, job creation, tourism promotion, and trade expansion.
With a visionary leadership being demonstrated by Governor Otu, Cross River State is poised to bloom as an emerging key player in the global economic stage, creating opportunities for growth and development as a sub-national.
Obogo is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu
[email protected]
14/05/2024
Otu secures $3.5bn Afreximbank funding for Bakassi Deep Seaport
Cross River State government, has secured a $3.5 billion funding from the Pan-African multilateral financial institution, African Export-importbank (Afreximbank) for some of its key infrastructure projects in the state.
Governor Bassey Otu, who was in Egypt, last week for a workshop, also visited the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo, to explore partnership in key infrastructure projects to be undertaken in the state.
The workshops held during the visit culminated in the signing of a project preparation facility for the development of a deep seaport estimated to cost $3.5 billion.
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution with the mandate of financing and promoting intra-and extra-African trade.
Securing the funding at a workshop attended by the governor as well as some of the key members of his government, at the bank's headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, Otu noted that ""This is a world-class partnership that will result in positioning Cross River State economically."
Governor Otu who expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Afreximbank, emphasized the importance of the projects in driving economic growth and development in the state, highlighting the potential for attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth.
At the visit to Afreximbank, Otu also had extensive Government-to-Business (G2B) meetings with tier 1 companies including ORASCOM Construction, ELSEWEDY Electric, and HASSAN ALLAM Holdings.
One of the highlights of Governor Otu's engagement in Cairo was the signing of Project Preparation Facility Agreement and Financial Advisory Agreement with Afreximbank for two major projects in Cross River - the Bakassi Deep Seaport and 217km Superhighway integrated Project, as well as the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Mountain Resort project.
Governor Otu who underlined the positive impact the projects will have on the state's economy, also disclosed that "while the Bakassi Deep Seaport and Superhighway projects are expected to boost trade and commerce, the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Mountain Resort project will promote tourism and create job opportunities for the people of Cross River State."
He also hinted that "following the signing of the agreement, Afreximbank will now serve as the Mandated Lead Arranger for these projects, marking a significant partnership for the state."
At the signing of the agreement were top executives of Afreximbank, including the President and Chairman of the Board, Prof. Benedict Oramah, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Directors, and Heads of Strategic Business Units were present at the signing ceremony in Cairo, Egypt.
They expressed their commitment to supporting the development of Cross River State through these projects, praising Governor Otu for his vision and leadership.
The signing of these agreements, according to the President and Chairman of the Board, Professor Benedict Oramah, "marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Cross River State and Afreximbank, stressing that "It is expected to pave the way for further collaboration and investment opportunities in CrossRiver, driving economic growth and development.
"The agreements signed with Afreximbank and the tier 1 companies represent a major step forward in positioning Cross River State as a key player in the global economy, creating opportunities for growth and development in the region."
Governor Otu thanked Afreximbank and the tier 1 companies for their support and partnership, reiterating his commitment to driving economic growth and development in Cross River State through strategic partnerships and investments.
Otu noted that "the signing of these agreements marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Cross River State and Afreximbank. It is expected to pave the way for further collaboration and investment opportunities in the state, driving economic growth and development."
13/05/2024
Last week in Review.
08/05/2024
Governor Otu to NMA: Great nations are built on a foundation of sacrifice
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has stated that great nations are built on a foundation of sacrifice.
The Governor said this on Tuesday when he met with members and executive of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), led by the National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, in government house Calabar.
Governor Otu, while speaking at the meeting, noted that the competition for medical professionals globally was fierce, with Nigeria facing a shortage.
He acknowledged the importance of health and commended the people who chose to contribute to the development of Nigeria despite the allure of greener pastures.
Cross River governor insisted that the sacrifices were essential for the progress of Nigeria, while he lamented the departure of medical personnel to neighboring countries.
He stated that more sacrifices must be made by medical professionals for the betterment of Nigeria and stressed that for a nation to achieve greatness, sacrifices must be made.
Governor Otu, who acknowledged the importance of health, hailed the people who had chosen to contribute to the development of Nigeria and expressed his confidence in the potential of the "Renewed Hope Agenda" of the Federal Government to transform Nigeria in the long run.
He maintained that President Bola Tinubu was making difficult decisions and noted that today's sacrifices would lead to positive outcomes.
NMA's National President had commended the Cross River governor's urban renewal program in the state and the aesthetics in Calabar and its environs, which, according to him, had restored hope.
Ojinmah said: "Some people do not understand that aesthetics is part of good health.
"It is better to live in a clean and comfortable environment and be poor than to live in a slum and be rich because what can kill you may be in the air."
The National President of NMA also disclosed that his team was in Calabar for the annual conference and delegates meeting of the association.
He called for the recruitment of more medical doctors in Cross River State's health sector and the implementation of a new salary scale for medical doctors.
Ojinmah informed Governor Otu that a new leadership would emerge for NMA after the conference in Calabar.
06/05/2024
C'River ready to meet REA'S counterpart funding requirements to improve rural economies
Governor Bassey Otu has announced that his administration is ready to meet the counterpart funding requirements of the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide mini-grid power supply to rural communities.
This move is aimed at boosting the micro-economies of the state and improving productivity levels, especially in the agricultural and rural communities.
Speaking during a courtesy call to him in Calabar, by the REA management team, Governor Otu expressed his administration's willingness to meet the 30 percent counterpart funding, which is necessary for attracting REA's interventions.
He emphasized the importance of power supply in powering the rural economies to achieve energy and food security for the people of Cross River.
Governor Otu commended the REA for the 7-megawatt power project that will provide steady power supply for the University of Calabar and the University Teaching Hospital, UCTH.
He also praised the REA team's technical capacity and President Bola Tinubu's administration for putting round pegs in round holes.
He disclosed that Cross River energy law would soon be in place, and the state with an energy capacity of nearly 600 megawatts would be an exporter of energy to other states.
The MD of the REA, Mallam Abba Aliu, explained that the agency promotes and coordinates electrification programmes and administers the Rural Electrification Fund to provide rural electrification through public and private sector participation in the country.
He revealed that REA has secured $750 million in funding, making it the world's largest public sector off-grid funded project.
Aliu added that the state must provide 30% counterpart funding for the agency to provide 70% for projects located in a partner state. The state will also provide land, which is a crucial requirement for citing any project in any state.
He also revealed REA's 'Energy Agriculture Initiative,' where solar mini-grids are provided to enhance agriculture.
The MD assured the governor that REA has marked Cross River as a flashpoint for various interventions.
06/05/2024
National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme: Disengagement of 2016 to 2023 Vendors in Cross River State.
04/05/2024
Governor Otu pledges to ensure success of Federal Housing project
.. Discloses plans for state-owned new satellite towns
Governor Bassey Otu has promised unwavering support for the Federal Government's housing initiative being implemented nationwide, including Cross River State.
Speaking at the weekend, during a meeting with the management team of the Federal Housing Authority, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Governor Otu expressed his alignment with President Bola Tinubu's "renewed hope agenda," and assured the success of the housing project.
He revealed plans for developing new satellite towns by the state government.
Governor Otu praised the meticulous planning of the project by its handlers, especially the flexibility and emphasis on the local content initiatives.
He assured that Cross River state government would allocate more than the initial 25 hectares previously provided for the housing project in the state.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, disclosed that the housing development would feature duplexes and bungalows to accommodate individuals from various income brackets.
Ojo also noted that the housing estates would include public facilities, such as schools, police stations, and local markets, among others.
The Federal Housing Authority delegation also included Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok, Executive Director (Estate Services); Dr. Mathias T.Byuan, Executive Director (Housing Finance & Accounts); and Mr. Abdullahi Dankane, Executive Director (Business Development).
02/05/2024
Governor Otu and the May Day Bliss
By Linus Obogo
The announcement of a new minimum wage of N40,000 by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on May 1, no doubt, came as an elixir to the state's vibrant workforce.
While it may have been met with mixed reactions, there is no gainsaying that many workers are pleased with the token increase in their salaries.
And if there were scepticisms, trivialisms or cobwebberies, they, however, verge, probably, on the government's ability or lack of it, to sustain the new wage given the state's financial challenges.
For long now, workers in the state have groaned and hoped against hope for this "bolt out of the blue" surprise package which finally came on that commemorative May 1, Labour Day.
Governor Otu's decision to implement a new minimum wage of N40,000 for state workers was motivated not only by the need to align with the economic realities of the state, but borne more, out of empathy and concern for the plight of the state's civil servants.
Despite his acknowledgement of the financial constraints faced by the state, including low federal allocations and a high debt servicing ratio, the Governor has demonstrated in howling terms, his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of workers by ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions.
During the Workers' Day celebration at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration's focus on putting "People First."
By emphasizing the importance of a strong relationship between the government and its workforce in creating wealth and improving livelihoods, Otu also made bold his assurance to the workers that his government was working towards untying the knots as well as addressing the backlog of gratuity payments dating back to 2014.
While the announcement of the new minimum wage was welcomed by many workers, labor leaders in the state, including Comrade Gregory Olayi and Comrade Monday Ogbodum, raised additional demands during the Workers' Day celebration. They called for prompt attention to promotions of civil servants, payment of gratuity to retirees, and recruitment to the state service. As a listening servant leader, these demands were not lost on the governor and neither would he treat them with levity.
Coming at a time when the state is still reeling from various challenges, including rising inflation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, as well as battling decrepit infrastructure, it won't be totally wrong to assume that the governor may have taken more bites than he could chew.
The wage increase, even though a bit constraining, was undoubtedly, a melodic rhythm to the ears of the state's workers. The gesture represents an audacity of faith from a leader with the moniker SWEET PRINCE, a servant leader who has come to usher in a season of Sweetness.
In spite of the concerns with regards to the sustainability of the new wage; the anxiety that government may struggle to meet its obligations in the long run, the worry about the impact of the new wage on the state's budget and whether it will culminate in cuts in other areas of government spending, Governor Otu's optimism about the future of the state and its workforce, cannot be dimmed.
By prioritizing the well-being of workers and creating a conducive working environment, the governor hopes to ramp up productivity and ultimately boost the state's economy. The commitment of the governor, therefore, to addressing the challenges faced by workers and retirees, comes undeniably as a progressive step towards entrenching a rewarding culture of industry as well as building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
More poignant in the governor's gesture, is the understanding that a strong relationship between the government and its workforce is not only crucial, but a desideratum for wealth creation and improved livelihoods.
Obogo is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
Picture Caption:
Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu (2nd L) in a cheering wave to Cross River Workforce. The Governor is flanked by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, (1st L), Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem (2nd R) and the Special Adviser, Labour, Comrade Clarkson Otu (1st R) during the workers day celebration in Calabar
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Southern Governors Forum June 2024
UNLOCKING ECONOMIC POTENTIALS: GOV OTU'S $3.5bn AFREXIMBANK FUNDING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS By Linus Obogo The news of the acquisition of a $3.5 billion funding facility from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for the execution of the state's deep seaport project, the Bakassi Deep Seaport, by the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, comes not only as a soothing balm, but also as a bite at the cherry. Conceived in 2015 by the immediate past administration, the Bakassi Deep Seaport was believed by many as a project which faced imminent death as soon as Governor Ben Ayade's tenure came to its terminal end. Designed as a 20-meter draft port, the Bakassi Deep Seaport was conceptualised to be one of the biggest ports in Africa, with the capacity to berth larger vessels. The project's initial cost was put at about $2 billion as of the time of its initiation. In spite of sundry approvals including the Outline Business Case granted in 2019 by the federal government, the project could neither crawl nor walk. However, credit must be given to the previous administration of Governor Ben Ayade for daring to conceptualise the project as well as obtaining necessary approvals. But just as hopes appeared seemingly dimmed on the seaport initiative, Governor Otu, in keeping to his earlier promise during his electioneering that he would not snub his predecessor's uncompleted projects, rekindled hope and took a quantum leap of faith by embarking on an intercontinental crisscrossing to scour for funding from multilateral financial institutions to ensure that the deep seaport and other infrastructure projects begun by the former governor do not end up as pipe dreams or mere pies in the sky. It is against this background that the latest effort of Governor Otu at securing the Afreximbank funding for infrastructure projects, particularly the Bakassi Deep Seaport, represents a significant milestone in the state's journey towards economic growth and development. Significant
A call to a solemn assembly #SeasonOfSweetness
Photo Story: Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, addressing participants at the Public Wealth Management Conference organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Abuja, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
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Ayade Gets Another National Award President Buhari has presented Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, with the National Public Service Award for emerging as the Best Nigerian Governor In Industrialisation, Job Creation and SMEs. This is the 2nd National awards in one month having been decorated as Commander, Order of the Niger recently. Congratulations to Governor Ayade and his team, more awards.
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Calabar's most anticipated show " Love is made in calabar" Happening live at the calas vegas beach resort. Date: February 14, 2022 Side attractions include: Floating Restaurant, Bikers and Exotic cars, Musical performances by : Ayra Starr , Duncan Mighty , Timaya, Iyanya, comedy and lots more. For enquires and reservation please call 08033498658. Powered by the ministry of culture and tourism development Cross River State.
Governor Ayade makes first 2022 trip out of Calabar...
Northern Governors Celebrate Christmas With Ayade in Government House Calabar.... In the spirit of national unity, Governors Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Muhammad Badru Abubakar of Jigawa state Saturday paid their Cross River State counterpart, Professor Ben Ayade Christmas visit. Also on the entourage of the governors was former Jigawa Governor, Seminu Turaki. Speaking, Governor Bagudu described Ayade as a dear brother and colleague whose achievements were worthy of celebration. Sir Benedict Ayade
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Labour Day Felicitation
It’s a happy new month and workers day celebration. Government House Press Crew felicitates with Healthcare Workers in Nigeria and the world over as they risk their lives and endangers that of their loved ones, just to fight and treat infected cases of COVID-19 Pandemic. Our Health Workers are our true labour heroes.
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