The Profile of Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu

Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu was Born on the 10th of April 1964 in Calabar, the Cross River state capital, the First Lady hails from Creek-Town, Odukpani Local Government Area of the state. An Alumni of the defunct Cross River state Polytechnic, Calabar, now the University of Cross River State,  UNICROSS and the University of Calabar, UNICAL, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu holds a Nigerian Certificate in Education,  NCE,  Bachelor of Science Degree,  double honours,  B.Sc(Ed), Masters in Public Administration,  MPA and Masters in Education, M. Ed. 

The First Lady attained towering heights, outstanding milestones and sterling records in public service during her over three decades of illustrious career. She started her career as a teacher with the Holy Child Secondary School, Marian Hill and Government Science School, Main Avenue, Calabar, from 1998-2000 and was later promoted to Executive Secretary Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) between 2000-2002. 

Rev. Otu’s vast experience as a seasoned Administrator in the Cross River State service was to earn her further promotion as, Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), from 2002-2011, during which she served as the transition chairman of the Local Government Area.

After her meritorious service at the Local and State Governments levels, the First Lady moved up the ladder to the Federal Civil Service in 2011, with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) as an Assistant Director of Administration (ADA) and was promoted to the rank of Deputy General Manager (DGM) in 2016. 

Between 2019 and 2021, She rose to the rank of Acting Director, Administration & Finance (Ag. DAF). Rev. Otu was appointed the Deputy General Manager (DGM) in charge of Planning Research and Statistics at the NNRA,  a post she held till her retirement.

She is probably one of the few Nigerians if not the only Nigerian who holds the singular record of offering Nigeria 35 years of unblemished meritorious service record straddling the three tiers of government with abounding work experience, and verifiable track records from colleagues, subordinates, acquaintances and employers.

Shortly after her retirement last year, this illustrious daughter of Cross River assumed the exalted office of the First Lady and wife of the Governor of the  State on the 29 of May 2023, following the swearing-in of her husband, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu as Executive Governor.  An ordained Reverend and currently the Vice President of Voice of God Christian Mission Inc.,

 the First Lady belongs to a rare breed of humans born with a stamp of distinction and a mark of grace, the reason she has attained unparalleled feats in all spheres of human endeavours, making every chapter of her life odyssey salutary and inspiring. 

Her Excellency’s recently celebrated her 60th birthday which is not just a mere date on a calendar. It indeed symbolizes the joyous celebration of milestones achieved, uncommon graces obtained and quantum blessings bestowed.

Source: Chidi Onyemaizu