Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has called on Cross Riverians to maintain unity and collective purpose as the surest path to shared prosperity, declaring that the continued progress of the state is the fruit of inclusive governance and deliberate collaboration.
In his 2026 New Year message titled: “Together, we thrive,” the Governor expressed deep gratitude to God for life and preservation, noting that many who started 2025 with the state did not live to see the New Year.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Governor Otu reminded Cross Riverians that from the beginning of his administration he had made it clear that governance would be participatory. “I was not pretending to have all the answers,” he said, emphasizing that development could only be achieved through collective effort. This conviction, he explained, gave rise to the “Think Cross River” initiative – an attitude reevaluation project that urges citizens to put the interest of the state above personal considerations.
The Governor said this philosophy of solidarity informed the formation of key advisory and governance structures including the State Elders Forum (SEF), the Economic Management Team (EMT), the State Strategic Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), and the Party Caucus Forum (PCF). According to him, these bodies were designed to provide both knowledge and technical guidance in running the affairs of the state.
He commended members of the various bodies for their shared vision and collaboration, noting that his Cabinet reflects the diversity of Cross River State. Governor Otu described these steps as “verifiable indices of an inclusive government”, saying, “Every ethnic nationality, every local government area and every senatorial district is a stakeholder in my administration.”
Otu said the unity of purpose has yielded tangible dividends, evident in improved livelihoods and visible achievements in various sectors. He said that the gains recorded in the last two and a half years are a direct result of collective determination and consistent teamwork.
On agriculture, the Governor revealed that his administration has deliberately positioned the sector as the backbone of the state's economy.
He announced the establishment of crop-specific clusters across the state, covering rice in Ndok Ogoja, cassava in Odukpani and Obubara, oil palm in Boki and Akmakpa, cocoa in Atung and Ikom, as well as coffee farming across the state. He also informed that a Value Chain Policy Strategy Committee has been inaugurated for Cocoa, Oil Palm and Coffee.
To increase productivity, Governor Otu said 108 three-wheeler tractors were distributed to farmers' cooperatives, while 100 fishing and commercial boats were provided to riverine communities. He said palm oil estates were being revived through public-private partnerships, while digital soil mapping had been completed to guide potential agro-investors. “We recently laid the foundation stone for a special agro-industrial processing zone in partnership with the African Development Bank,” he said.
On infrastructure, the Governor described the Bakassi Deep Seaport as the most important economic game-changer in the state. He recalled that after extensive technical studies, the Federal Executive Council approved the project with an initial capital outlay of $2.27 billion. He announced, “On December 17, 2025, we received the Certificate of Compliance – the final approval document. We are now counting down the days to the formal launch.”
Governor Otu also revealed that Cross River State has successfully recovered ownership of Tinapa Business and Resort Limited from AMCON after years of inactivity. He revealed that discussions are already underway with investors, especially in agriculture-related enterprises, to revive the iconic facility.
The Governor urged Cross Riverians to remain united and stressed that unity remains the key to continued progress. “Coming together is the beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success,” he said while wishing the people a prosperous new year and God's manifold blessings. He reiterated his commitment to lead a government based on unity, continuity and shared prosperity.
