The Cross River State Government has presented Nigeria\’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, with an exceptional public service award.
The state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, gave the award to the minister during the presentation ceremony at Diamond Hall, Transcorp Hotels, Calabar. He called the minister \”the jewel of the Crown\” and an exceptional Cross River state native who has been assiduously serving Nigeria at the national level.
According to the governor, Dr. Edu has excelled in every task assigned to her, and her contributions to the political, social, and economic advancement of Nigeria and Cross River State cannot be overstated.
He described the Cross River State Recognition of Excellence awards as one of its kind to encourage those coming behind to emulate good leaders by contributing their quota to the state and nation building.
Otu said the grand reception was a new dawn in the history of Cross River State.
\”It\’s the dawn of a new era in the history of Cross River State where eminent sons and daughters who are serving at the federal level in their different capacities are recognised.
\”With their exceptional human resources, they have contributed to the state\’s development strategy and elevated its growth trajectory to a national level.
\”Adding value and inspiring others to provide selfless service to Nigeria and Cross River State is the core purpose of the award.
\”Our \’Jewel of the Crown\’ from Cross River State is Dr. Betta. She is the world\’s export from Cross River State. Otu continued, \”She has been making the state proud, and we are proud of what she\’s doing at the center. You are recognized for your commitment to nation building and for being an illustrious daughter of Cross River State.\”
Governor further said that \”the unity of Cross River State is sacrosanct and place uppermost in this government which is a people first Government, because everybody is a stakeholder in the affairs of the state irrespective of religion, tribes and ethnic differences. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing great Cross Riverians into strategic places in Government at the National, reassuring him that he will see the difference as Cross Riverians are hard workers.
Responding, the Minister described the award as \”Very Close to My Heart and a challenge to do more in reducing poverty and humanitarian crises in Nigeria, in line with President Tinubu\’s Renewed Hope Agenda\”
\”I dedicate this award to all Nigerians who are facing humanitarian challenges and assure them that solution is here under President Tinubu\’s. The president\’s commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty is unprecedented.
\”I want to most respectfully appreciate Mr President for giving me this opportunity to serve at the national level, same appreciation goes to my dear Governor, His Excellency Senator Bassey Edet Otu for organising this award and for all the support”. Dr. Edu further said.
Others who received the distinguished service awards include Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Jane Inyang, Minister for Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major Gen. Emmauel Udiandeye and six serving Assistant Inspector-General of Police who are indigenes of Cross River state.
Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, FMHAPA.
27/12/2023