The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has urged Cross Riverians to remain resolute in their belief in Nigeria’s prosperous future.
The Governor who spoke at the Duke Town Presbyterian Church where the Christian Thanksgiving Service organized to mark the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary was held, Sunday, 29th September, 2024, said “the ship of Cross River State is sailing in the right direction” stating that both Tinapa and the Obudu Cattle Ranch were being revamped to restore the state’s tourism status and improve the living standard of its citizens.
Prince Otu who was represented at the event by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, emphasized that Cross River was on the right trajectory in terms of development and economic growth.
While commending service commanders in the state for their remarkable contributions in handling security challenges inherited by the current administration, the Governor announced that Cross River State would be launching a new security operation code-named ‘Operation Akwuöók’ to replace ‘Operation Akpakwu’ in the coming days.
According to the press release signed by Fred Abua, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Odey disclosed that there was verifiable evidence that the state had made significant progress in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, transportation and other critical sectors since the inception of his administration. He prayed for a greater future for the people of Cross River State and sought the continued collaboration of security agencies, the clergy and residents of the state.
In his homily titled “Building the Nigeria of our Dreams”, the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and Moderator of General Assembly, His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, opined that it will take conviction, commitment and consistency to build a state and nation of our dreams.
While illustrating his message with stories about the biblical Daniel, Shedrack, Meshack, Abednego and Esther, he charged his congregation to look for leaders that care more about the common man than their own well-being.
Rev. Akpanika decried infrastructural decay across the country which had led to, what he called, the ‘jakpa’ phenomenon where our best brains prefer leaving the country for menial jobs in Europe.
Concluding his sermon, the Reverend praised Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy for their leadership style, which according to him had restored peace and security to the state. He highlighted significant improvements on road networks especially within urban towns in the state, prompt and regular payment of pensioners and civil servants and the serenity of the state capital.
He prayed that God will use the government of Cross River State to teach those across all levels of leadership how to lead and prioritize the people first.
Highpoint of the event was a special session of prayers for the State and Nation, the forthcoming local government elections in the state and prayers for worshippers at the event.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, State Executive Council members, State Service Commanders and Traditional Rulers.
Others included former military administrator of Kwara State, Col. PAM Ogar, Etinyin Dr Asuquo Ekpenyong and other critical stakeholders, top government officials, party faithful across party lines, among others.
