In a profound acknowledgment of the enduring legacy of the late Premier of Nigeria’s defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, announced that his administration is driving an economic renaissance modeled on Okpara’s visionary leadership. The focus, he noted, is on achieving significant strides in agro-industrialization, infrastructure, education, health, and other critical sectors.
Governor Otu made these remarks during the annual lecture and award ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, where he was honored with the “Premier’s Prize 2024 – Leadership Award, Golden Plaque category” by the Michael Okpara Foundation. The event, which commemorates the late Premier’s extraordinary contributions to governance and development, was attended by prominent national leaders and dignitaries.
Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Okpara, Governor Otu highlighted the late Premier’s role in pioneering the fastest-growing regional economy in the world during his tenure. “Michael Okpara set an unparalleled standard for leadership excellence,” Governor Otu said. “My administration in Cross River State is committed to emulating and building upon these principles by focusing on agriculture, education, and infrastructure development as the cornerstones of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”
Governor Otu outlined the state’s comprehensive agricultural initiatives, including soil fertility surveys, oil palm seedling distributions, and commercial agricultural funding schemes, which are designed to boost productivity, create jobs, and ensure food security. These efforts, he explained, are part of a broader strategy to transform Cross River into an agro-industrial hub.
Furthermore, Governor Otu emphasized his administration’s dedication to good governance. “We prioritize transparency, participation, accountability, and efficiency in public affairs,” he said. “Our goal is to foster a responsive and inclusive government that collaborates with the people to drive positive change and development.”
The Governor also highlighted strategic partnerships, such as the Women in Agriculture Empowerment Programme, which aim to empower women farmers and enhance the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to food production and economic growth in the state.
Addressing some of the challenges facing Cross River, including criminality, deforestation, infrastructural decay, and civil service grievances, Governor Otu outlined a series of initiatives. These include an agro-industrial revolution, anti-deforestation measures, infrastructure renovations, and enhancements to civil service welfare. “By upholding the values of good leadership, governance, and community engagement, we aim to create a conducive environment for growth, development, and sustainable progress, following the footsteps of exemplary leaders like Michael Okpara,” he concluded.
The event was graced by numerous high-profile dignitaries, including Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, former Senate President Pius Anyim, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, and former Governors Clement Ebri, Liyel Imoke, and Okezie Ikpeazu. Senators, members of the Federal House of Representatives, industrialists, and traditional rulers were also in attendance.
Chief Uzodinma Okpara, Chairman of the Michael Okpara Foundation, commended Governor Otu for his dynamic leadership, particularly highlighting his efforts in economic, infrastructure, health, and agricultural reforms in Cross River State. He praised the state’s soil mapping initiative, which provides valuable information on soil fertility to prospective agricultural investors.
Chief Okpara called on contemporary Nigerian leaders to prioritize the development of farm settlements as a means to address food security and promote agricultural development, continuing the vision of leaders like Michael Okpara.
This recognition of Governor Otu’s leadership not only celebrates his achievements in Cross River but also reinforces his commitment to driving transformative change in the state, inspired by the exemplary legacy of the late Dr. Michael Okpara.
Peoplesmind
