CROSS RIVER STATE: Gov Otu’s Administration Restoring Lost Glory- Hon Ekpang
Oru Leonard
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, has affirmed that Governor Sen Bassey Otu’s administration is committed to rebuilding the state and restoring its former glory. Speaking at a strategic session with members of the Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) in Abuja, Ekpang highlighted the administration’s focus on recovery strategy, aimed at restoring functionality, reclaiming lost assets, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
Hon Ekpang said the administration has recovered state-owned assets, including Tinapa Business Resort and Obudu Cattle Ranch, and reclaimed 18,000 hectares of land for potential agribusiness investment.
On Agricultural Development, a comprehensive soil mapping project has been launched to boost food production, promote agribusiness, and reduce dependency on federal allocations.
On Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), it has significantly improved, growing from N20 billion in 2022 to over N40 billion in 2024.
On Infrastructure Renewal, over 60 kilometers of roads have been completed, and another 120 km are under construction across various local government areas.
On Sectoral Developments, the Healthcare has two new oxygen plants established in general hospitals, and over 100 primary healthcare centers are undergoing renovations.
The administration is tackling flight cancellations and poor air connectivity in Calabar and continuing work on the Obudu Cargo Airport.
Dr Erasmus disclosed that massive renovation of primary schools, automation of student results, and payment of WAEC fees for students.
“The government has invested in 100 new security vehicles and deployed drones to monitor hotspots”, he added.
On Economic Initiatives, the Cross River Commissioner for Information said the Deep Sea Port Project is currently on partnership with Afreximbank to finance the project, with a $3.5 billion facility on the horizon.
“Gov Otu is Reviving the state’s signature tourism brand, Carnival Calabar, and reinstating cultural events to boost local economy and tourism visibility”, the Cross River State Spokesperson concluded.