14th Council Meeting: Governor Otu Commends EXCO, Urges Closer Engagement With Citizens
Oru Leonard
The Cross River State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on Friday, December 5, 2025, has commended members of his Executive team, urging them to have closer engagement with citizens.
According a press release signed by the
Commissioner for Information, Cross River State Government, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Governor Otu who announced this in his opening remarks lauded members of the Council for their commitment and hard work, which he said had contributed significantly to the achievements recorded under the “People First” administration.
He encouraged EXCO members to remain connected to their constituents, listen to their needs, and help channel government attention to community challenges.
The meeting, held at the State Executive Council Chambers in Calabar and was attended by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Honourable Commissioners and other senior government officials, resulted to the approval of a series of far-reaching policy decisions and funding interventions aimed at strengthening infrastructure, education, agriculture, security, and social empowerment across the state.
The Governor also acknowledged his predecessor, Professor Ben Ayade, for initiating major industrial projects such as the Calabar Garment Factory, Calachika Chicken Factory, CalaNodules and the Obudu Cargo Airport. He assured that his administration is working to fully actualize these initiatives for the benefit of the people.
He directed all political appointees to actively participate in the 2025 Calabar Festival, which marks its 20th anniversary this year.
Key Approvals and Resolutions include:
Following deliberations on multiple memos, the Council approved the following:
1. Funding for SPIN Power & Irrigation Project: Approval for the release of funds for the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Projects 1 and 2 in Cross River State through the Ministry of International Donor Coordination.
2. Over ₦3 Billion Counterpart Funding for UBEC; Council approved the release of more than ₦3 billion as the state’s counterpart contribution for Universal Basic Education projects.
This covers school rehabilitation, teacher training and the printing of learning materials to raise educational standards.
3. ₦1 Billion for MSME Development; EXCO endorsed the release of ₦1 billion as matching funds for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development programmes to stimulate economic growth.
4. Additional Funding for CR Newspaper Corporation Renovation: Approval was granted for extra works and furnishings in the ongoing comprehensive renovation of the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation.
5. Emergency Road Rehabilitation; EXCO approved emergency repairs on critical routes including; Goodluck Jonathan (Airport) Bypass, Carnival Calabar Routes, IBB Way, Tinapa Road, Odukpani Road
6. Full Implementation of WASH Policy; Council approved the full rollout of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy to improve public hygiene across the state.
7. ₦198 Million for ABU Zaria Outstation Project; EXCO approved the release of ₦198 million for construction of the Administrative Complex of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Outstation in Nyanya, Bekwarra LGA.
8. Procurement of 150 Daihatsu Hijet Mini Buses; Council approved the direct procurement of 150 mini buses for empowerment of vulnerable groups across all 18 local government areas.
9. Solar Home Systems Roll-Out; Approval of counterpart funding for Phase II deployment of 10,000 Solar Home Systems in rural communities.
10. Purchase of Tactical Armoured Vehicles; Council approved the direct purchase of four Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAV) to enhance security operations in the state.
11. Re-activation of Calachika Chicken Factory; The Council endorsed a collaboration between the state government and the core private investor for the full reactivation of the Calachika Chicken Factory, with the goal of making it ready for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later this month.
Governor Otu’s Christmas Message
Concluding the meeting, Governor Otu extended warm Christmas greetings and wished all Cross Riverians, residents and visitors a prosperous New Year 2026.
