News Editor
By Ebriku John Friday
Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu is the current leader of Cross River State in Nigeria. He started his job on May 29, 2023, after winning the election with the All Progressives Congress (APC). His main idea for running the state is the “People First Mantra,” which means always thinking about what the people need first. He calls this time the “Season of Sweetness,” promising to make life better, happier and more meaningful for everyone in Cross River.
Governor Otu is changing Cross River by using data governance. This is like having a smart system to collect, check, and use facts and numbers to make decisions. It helps the government plan better, avoid waste, and track progress. For example, he set up a special committee in March 2025 to make the state’s data system stronger, more accurate, and helpful for working with others. He also ordered the digitalization of the state’s asset registry, creating a central online tool to watch over government properties in real time. This cuts down on losses and makes audits easier. Through the Cross River State Bureau of Statistics, he ensures that every big choice starts with solid data, like checking the state’s GDP (gross domestic product) to measure economic growth. These steps show how data is helping to reposition the state for long-term success.
In just over two years, Governor Otu has made big changes in many areas. Let’s look at his key achievements with some numbers and facts to show the impact.
Education
Governor Otu has focused on making schools better and helping students succeed. His team being led by the Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey registered 16,301 senior secondary school students for the 2024 May/June exams, giving more kids a chance to finish high school and move forward. He renovated the state library, turning it into a modern spot for learning with better books and tech. Digital literacy programmes are teaching people how to use computers and the internet, preparing them for jobs in a tech world. These reforms have boosted school attendance and performance, with more merit-based hiring of teachers to ensure quality. Data from the Bureau of Statistics helps track student progress, showing a rise in enrollment by about 10-15% in key areas since 2023.
Health
In health, the governor has upgraded hospitals and services to reach more people. He invested in better equipment and staff training, leading to fewer deaths from common illnesses. For instance, new programmes have cut waiting times in clinics by 20%, based on health data reports. His “People First” approach uses data to spot areas needing more doctors or medicines, like in rural spots. This has improved overall health coverage, with vaccination rates up by 25% in the last two years.
Xraying the achievements of Governor Otu in the health sector under the watch of the commissioner for Health, Dr Ayuk, a seasoned health professional, Dr Tah Daniel Takon, in a recent keynote address captured the success story thus
“By mid-2025, the administration had recorded remarkable progress in strengthening healthcare across the State. Eighty-two primary health centres were fully upgraded, with delivery rooms, laboratories, and staff quarters. The General Hospital in Calabar was transformed into a world-class facility, featuring a state-of-the-art fistula centre, a functional dialysis unit, a reliable oxygen supply, digital health systems, and a steady water and power supply.
“Seventy-eight per cent of our primary health centres now meet national standards—up from just 33% in 2023. Facility-based deliveries have risen by 41%, while outpatient visits have grown by 65%.
“At Ugep General Hospital alone, over 300 safe caesarean sections were carried out in 2024—saving the lives of mothers and babies.
“Complementing these efforts, the State Health Palliative Programme eliminated user fees for pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly. PHCs now operate 24/7, with hundreds of safe births recorded and zero maternal or neonatal deaths.
These achievements demonstrate that when leadership, investment, and community trust meet, genuine transformation is indeed possible.
Human Resource and Capacity Building (2023–2025), Cross River State, addressed critical health workforce shortages through the Human Resource and Capacity Building Programme. Over 300+ nurses and community health workers were recruited and deployed to underserved PHCs. Similarly, over 230 health professionals, comprising doctors, pharmacists, and medical laboratory scientists, among others, were engaged and deployed to public hospitals, with an increase from 49% as of 2022 to 85%.
Seventy-five midwives trained in Basic and Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care reduced maternal complications by 35% and emergency referrals by 28%.
Outpatient visits increased by 65%, skilled birth attendance rose by 50%, and waiting times dropped by 33%. Staff retention improved by 22% through the implementation of incentives and rural allowances. These measures have strengthened the health workforce and advanced progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
Agriculture
Agriculture is getting a big boost under Governor Otu. He brought back mechanized farming, like using machines for planting and harvesting, and diversified crops to include more rice, cocoa, and palm oil. This has created jobs for over 5,000 farmers and increased food production by 30%, according to state reports. Data governance helps here by using soil and weather data to guide planting, reducing crop failures. It’s part of his plan to make Cross River a food hub, with exports rising and helping the economy.
Employment and Wealth Creation
Governor Otu lifted the old ban on hiring new workers, adding thousands of jobs in government and private sectors. He released N10 billion (about $6 million) to pay old gratuities for retired workers, clearing backlogs and boosting morale. New minimum wage rules mean workers earn more, with salaries paid on time every month. This has cut unemployment by around 15%, based on labor data. Wealth creation programs, like small business loans, have helped over 10,000 people start ventures, tracked through digital systems for better results.
Infrastructure: Roads, Electricity, Water, Energy, and Aviation
Big wins here include building and fixing roads. The Calabar-Odukpani dual carriageway is now smoother, cutting travel time by half for many people. Other roads in Boki and Ikom are done, connecting farms to markets. The Okuku-Okpoma-Yahe road, and Yahe-Wanokom- Wanikem-Benue Border is ongoing. Recently, roads in Obubra have been awarded for an upgrade as well as the Uyanga road in Akamkpa is undergoing reconstruction. A huge project is the 365-kilometer railway from Calabar to Obudu, which will move goods faster and create 2,000 jobs during the building.
For electricity and energy, he’s working on better power supply, with new solar projects lighting up rural areas and reducing blackouts by 40% in some spots. Water systems are upgraded, giving clean water to more homes. In aviation, plans to improve the airport are underway, using data to predict traffic and boost tourism. Overall, infrastructure spending has jumped by 50% since 2023, leading to faster growth.
Works, Lands, Housing, and Sports
In works and lands, digital tools track land ownership, reducing disputes by 25%. Housing projects have built affordable homes for over 1,000 families. Sports got a lift with new stadium fixes and youth programs, helping Cross River win more national medals. Data helps plan these, like using surveys to pick the best spots for new buildings.
Politics and Economic Revolution
Politically, Governor Otu’s work has made opposition weaker, as people see real changes. The state’s internal revenue (IGR) grew by 30-40%, from better tax collection using data systems. He’s leading an economic revolution by attracting investors, growing tourism, and creating jobs. The Catholic Church and labor unions praise his inclusive style, with no big protests because people feel heard. Data governance is key, turning numbers into actions that build wealth and stability.
Finally, Governor Otu is repositioning Cross River State by putting data at the heart of everything. In two years, his “Season of Sweetness” has brought real sweetness through better schools, health, farms, jobs, and roads. With numbers like N10 billion in gratuities, 365 km of railway, and 30% growth in agriculture, the state is on a path to prosperity. This data-driven way ensures changes last, creating a brighter future for all. People are proud, and the economy is stronger than ever.
– Ebriku John Friday is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Data Analytics to Cross River State Governor.
