My 3 years are just the beginning of good tidings in Cross River – Gov. Otu

By Okpashi Odama

The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu. has vowed to sustain the growing dividends of democracy . in the state in spite of the lean resources of the state.

Governor Otu, gave the assurance in Abuja during a special town hall meeting with Cross River indigenes, stakeholders and investors to herald his third anniversary in office.

The event, organised by the state government with the theme, “Inside Gov. Otu’s Three Years of Rebirth of Cross River,” was designed to reflect on achievements recorded by the administration, assess progress and chart the way forward.

According to him, the administration will overhaul key sectors such as aviation, education and agriculture among others, to bolster the delivery of democratic dividends to Cross River people.

Otu said, “We will be looking to buy more aircrafts, and it will be a regional aircraft, not just jet or an internal aircraft, the vision is quite huge. We are looking at plying the whole of West Africa.

“We are already training over 16 people to become pilots. We are looking to train a little more, in terms of aircraft engineering, aeronautics engineering, and in other areas.

“Some few airlines were making sort of steer and we were at their whims and caprices. They cancelled flights to other states, but those things have stopped since we started.”

In the aviation sector, the governor disclosed plans to acquire additional aircraft and develop a regional airline network that would operate across West Africa. He said the state was also investing in human capital development, with more than 16 Cross River indigenes currently undergoing pilot training, while programmes in aircraft engineering and aeronautical studies are being expanded.

Otu noted that the state’s intervention in aviation had helped reduce disruptions previously experienced from commercial airline operations.

On education, he highlighted the payment of WAEC fees for indigenous students in 2024, 2025, and 2026, alongside the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship and the College of Agriculture and Forestry.

The governor acknowledged the shortage of healthcare personnel and said improved remuneration packages had been introduced to attract and retain medical professionals.

In agriculture, he revealed that 108 mini tractors had been procured, with over 50 already distributed to farmers, while 77 motorcycles were provided to agricultural extension officers.

He also highlighted ongoing road, bridge, and solar-powered electricity projects aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting economic growth across the state.