Cross River State Economy Modeled After Late Michael Okpara-Gov

… Accepts good governance award

Cross River State Economy under His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu is poised on pursing agro-industrialization, infrastructural facelifts, educational upgrades, healthcare investments, among other critical sectors of the state to ameliorate plights of the populace in consonant with ideologies of late Dr. Michael Okpara, Premier of defunct Eastern Nigeria’s Region.

Governor Otu made above declarations in Abuja at the annual lecture and award ceremony held in honour of the late Premier, Michael Okpara. 

Governor Otu also accepted the honour bestowed on him by the prestigious late Michael Okpara Foundation; as “the Premier’s Prize 2024 – Leadership Award.”

The Governor noted that the late Michael Okpara stood for visionary and pragmatic leadership with a lasting legacy in good governance, development and integrity in public service. According to him 

“Late Michael Okpara pioneered the fastest growing regional economy in the world and set high standards for leadership excellence.

“My administration in Cross River State aims to emulate and build upon Okpara’s principles by focusing on agriculture, education and infrastructure development as key pillars for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”

“The state government is implementing various agricultural initiatives such as soil fertility surveys, oil palm seedling distributions, commercial agricultural funding schemes, and infrastructure development projects to boost productivity, create jobs, and ensure food security.”

“My administration also prioritizes good governance by promoting transparency, participation, accountability, and efficiency in public affairs. It aims to foster a responsive and inclusive government that works in collaboration with the people to drive positive change and development.” He said.

Governor Otu also disclosed that through strategic partnerships with relevant organizations, like the Women in Agriculture Empowerment Programme, his government is empowering women farmers and improving the agricultural sector to enhance food production and economic growth.

He pointed out that challenges such as criminality, deforestation, infrastructural decay, and civil service grievances are being addressed through initiatives like agro-industrial revolutions, anti-deforestation measures, infrastructure renovations, and civil service welfare enhancements.

On this, he said

“By upholding the values of good leadership, governance, and community engagement, the state aims to create a conducive environment for growth, development, and sustainable progress, following the footsteps of exemplary leaders like Michael Okpara.” Otu summarized.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Michael Okpara Foundation, Chief Uzodinma Okpara singled out Governor Otu for commendation for driving a virile economic, infrastructure, health and agricultural revolution in Cross River state, particularly the soil mapping initiative that allows anyone interested in investing in agriculture to understand fertility of the soil type before planting. 

Chief Okpara charged the present day government and leaders in Nigeria to build and develop farm settlement to address food security and agriculture development.

The occasion was studded with many high-profile dignitaries, notably, the governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Hope Uzodinma, deputy governor of Ebonyi State, former Senate President, Pius Anyim, former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, former Governors Clement Ebri, Liyel Imoke, Okezie Ikpeazu; Senators and members of the Federal House of Representatives, industrialists and traditional rulers.