It is often said that the future belongs to those who can create it and that every good commodity does not need advertisement. This the reality of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda for the people of Cross River State. This article written by Isaac Obo, is not intended to politicize the gains of the current administration but to pinpoint the achievements that have remained invisible to naysayers.
The current administration came on board barely two years ago, setting up a people-centric agenda now known as the “People’s First Agenda”. With a policy thrust focusing on Infrastructural development, human empowerment and social inclusion, Cross Riverians have witnessed impactful progress within two years.
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INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
This administration set out with the development of infrastructure. Immediately the governor assumed office and noticing the dart of infrastructural decay, swiftly implemented a developmental plan that has been sustainable. These include; Remodeling and reactivation of the once dilapidated State Library Complex, a structure once I Sinosure, now an edifice conducive for learning and relaxation.
The Governor’s office, a structure radiating exquisite with state-of-the-art facilities, is another giant infrastructural advancement. Apart from adding to the aesthetics of the city centre, is a digitalized, modern office structur. One of the best within in the Southern region.
Another infrastructural regeneration, is the Local Government Service Commission building, a world class, one-stop office which hitherto, was abandoned and became a haven for rodents, reptiles and even served as a den for criminals. But with the visionary leadership of the governor, it is now a modern piece of architecture housing three important MDAs.
Within the city centre, a lot of turnaround has occurred; from the Millenium Park (11/11) through different streets, there is visible infrastructural improvements. This is coupled with rural roads infrastructure rehabilitation, electrification (with aggressive solar energy distribution).
Under road infrastructure, the governor has commenced repairs and rehabilitation of the Goodluck Jonathan By-pass. This is in addition to the continuous repairs within the metropolis.
SOCIAL INCLUSION / HUMAN EMPOWERMENT
Through deliberate people centered policy, the administration of Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has invested in human empowerment and has pushed for social inclusion for the vulnerable and the less advantaged persons. Recently, the governor empowered over 400 persons with business seed of two million (₦2, 000,000) naira each. This is not only to support business but to change livelihoods through business financing. These millionaires have automatically become self reliant and will soon in turn become employers of labor.
There are other social welfare packages that have touched lives. Through the “Humanity without Borders”, an Initiative of the First Lady, the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, where several women have been empowered, both in terms of skills and business empowerments. Several others have also been engaged in the rural communities. In fact, the Office of the First Lady has been supportive, giving stability in the areas of welfare and women empowerment, this is bringing to bear the complementary role of women in human existence.
Youths are not left out. Recently, the people’s governor created the office of the Social Investment Program and also the Cross River Youth Empowerment Scheme, Chaired by a youth, Dr Kalita Joseph Aruku. This is in addition to several other initiatives that have benefited the youths including employment and appointments.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
As in the Welfare State, where government is interested in the well-being of the citizens. The Health Insurance Scheme has been expanded to include the vulnerable and low income earners. This has further crystallized the focus of the administration to the benefit of all.
Other key achievements include;
√ Ongoing Development and remodelling of the Cultural Center
√ Elevation and upgrade of the College of Education Akpamkpa to a full fledged University
√ Scholarships for students to further studies in foreign institutions
√ Agricultural revolution with provision of Mechanized equipments such as Tractors to farmers.
√ Distribution of Coffee seedlings to farmers
√ Agricultural inputs and revamping of Cocoa estates for improved production.
It is also worthy to emphasize that, infrastructural development cuts across the three senatorial districts of the state. This is evidential in the urbanization of Ogoja, Ikom and other urban areas, with the construction of inner road networks, water connection and the renovation of public schools.
The governor has also continued with key projects initiated by previous governments especially in the areas of tourism. Prominent among these are;
√ Revamp of the Obudu Ranch Resort
√ Improvements on the annual Calabar Carnival with renewed side attractions
√ Re-acquisition and Reactivation of the Tinapa Premier Business Resort and lots more.
As the administration continues to churn out impactful projects and programs, what we owe as duty, is to support and not discourage, complement and not condemn the successes.
Hon. Isaac Obo is the Coordinator of Prince is Coming, Central Senatorial District.
