By Michael Jegede
Good governance is treating development as a mass movement in order to see that fruits of development reach the poor and the downtrodden. – Narendra Modi
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. —Warren Bennis
When Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu of All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed office as the Governor of Cross River State on May 29, 2023, he made a strong vow to the people that he was going to work tirelessly to ensure total transformation and overall development that will lead the state to the path of economic growth and prosperity. He also made it categorically clear that he was going to maintain an open-door policy, run an all-inclusive government, and fast-track the completion of abandoned projects while initiating news ones.
After two years in the saddle, Cross Riverians appeared to be happy to see that the votes they freely gave Otu, popularly known as Sweet Prince, to elect him as their governor, were not wasted as they rolled out the drums to celebrate him for walking the talk by keeping to his promise. Most parts of the state have one way or the other felt the positive impact of his People-First administration. Remarkable strides have been made in various sectors by the governor.
Since he was inaugurated as Cross River helmsman two years ago, Otu has endeared himself to Cross Riverians with his determined spirit to carry everyone along and make life better for the people. He has demonstrated exceptional capacity to turn his dream and vision for Cross River into tangible outcomes with the monumental level of achievements he has so far recorded. Just in two years, Sweet Prince, a quintessential reformer, gentleman politician and compassionate leader, is said to have completed about 40 percent of previously abandoned projects, in a bid to lay a solid foundation for economic growth across the state.
In his statewide broadcast to Cross Riverians on the occasion of his two years in office, Otu while thanking the people for the trust and confidence repose in him, said: “In the past two years, we have taken bold steps to unlock the potential of our land and people. Our approach has been strategic, people-centered, and anchored on results as enunciated in our ‘Peoples First Agenda.’ Today, I am delighted to share with you the significant progress we have made across key sectors of our economy.
“From the very first day of this administration, we made it clear that agriculture would no longer be treated as a subsistence afterthought. Instead, we envisioned a bold new path—one where agriculture becomes the engine for inclusive growth, industrialization, and job creation. Today, I am pleased to say: we are living that vision.
“We began with reforms. Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, we established a statewide digital soil fertility mapping system, a first of its kind in the south-south region. With this innovation, investors, policymakers, and farmers now operate with precision and confidence. We moved from data to action. Our administration distributed 625,000 sprouted oil palm nuts from NIFOR, 1.2 metric tons of fertilizer, and over 24 metric tons each of rice and maize, alongside 2.8 metric tons of garri—supporting farming communities across all 18 LGAs. Extension services were bolstered through the procurement of 77 motorcycles and the training of 808 farmers in modern cassava practices.
“Let me emphasize this: we did not stop at input distribution. We cultivated 600 hectares of cassava, empowered 2,000 smallholder farmers, and introduced a Homestead Farming Programme that has allowed urban and peri-urban families to grow vegetables in their backyards—improving nutrition, saving income, and building food resilience from the ground up.
“The Fadama NG-CARES Programme built further on this momentum. Through six targeted value chains—Rice, Cassava, Poultry, Piggery, Aquaculture, and Vegetables—we delivered a wide range of inputs: from day-old chicks to juvenile fish, cassava cuttings, fertilizers, feeds, and vaccines. We rehabilitated farm access roads, distributed agro-processing equipment, multipurpose grinders, collapsible fish tanks, and weaner pigs. These are not gifts; they are investments in our people’s productivity.
“Our Cross River State-Wide Irrigation Infrastructure Development Project (CRSWIID) is a game-changer. With expanded irrigation systems, farming is now possible all year round. Dry season no longer means hunger; it now means harvest.
“We also scaled up our collaboration with development partners. Under the FGN/NDDC/IFAD LIFE-ND Programme, we established 286 income-generating agribusinesses, trained 2,000 incubatees, and distributed 108 three-wheel tractors. These efforts yielded over 14,800 metric tons of produce and ₦4.74 billion in income—while creating 2,158 jobs for our youth and women. We did not stop at production. We invested in roads, water, and markets: 18.7km of climate-resilient roads, 40 market shops, 21 boreholes, 6 rainwater harvesters, and 1,000 hectares of cleared land. These infrastructures have reduced food loss and transformed community access to markets and services.
“LIFE-ND also focused on sustainability and inclusion. We supported 783 farmers with insurance, mobilized over ₦55 million in local savings, and facilitated access to over $180,000 in credit. We formed 102 cooperatives, planted 1,100 trees, and trained thousands on environmental protection, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and digital extension services.”
Continuing, the governor who has enjoyed an endorsement spree for second term from different groups and individuals in the state as a result of his impactful governance and purposeful leadership, added:
“Our Cross River APPEALS Programme added the final building blocks of value addition. We constructed 14 agro-processing centers, invested ₦507 million in equipment, and built 13.3km of farm access roads with an additional ₦135 million dedicated to power infrastructure. This has enabled women- and youth-led enterprises to scale operations, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase profitability.
“My dear people, the message is clear: agriculture in Cross River State is no longer a subsistence routine, it is a thriving economic sector, built on data, driven by infrastructure, and fueled by the passion of our farmers. We are cultivating more land, empowering more farmers, building more roads, and placing more food on the table of every Cross River household. This is not just growth—it is growth with dignity, with opportunity, and with purpose.
“Our journey is far from over. The seeds we have planted will continue to yield harvests of hope. Together, we will build a future where no youth is idle, no woman is left behind, and no community is trapped in poverty. With your continued support, Cross River State will not only feed itself, it will feed the nation.”
Sweet Prince, who has always been known to be a performer and promise-keeper, noted that “At the inception of this administration, we envisioned a Cross River where land would no longer be a dormant asset but a powerful tool for prosperity, urban growth, and inclusive development. We have turned that vision into reality. Through a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Housing, CR-GIA, CROSPIL, and MEDA, we have brought transparency, efficiency, and new hope to land governance. We acquired and prepared thousands of hectares of land across the state for housing, agriculture, industry, and healthcare. From Odukpani to Adiabo, from Ogoja to Ikom, these parcels are being transformed into homes, farms, factories, and hospitals, creating jobs, enhancing food security, and meeting the needs of our growing population.”
The governor equally outlined his numerous achievements in the areas of Infrastructure, Education, Tourism, Environment & Climate Action, Social Welfare, Institutional Reforms, and Local Government Development.
Interestingly, even the opposition members in the state cannot hide their feelings over the excellent performance and impressive record of Sweet Prince as the captain of the State’s Ship in the last two years. Cross Riverians across party lines strongly believe that the governor has indeed demonstrated visionary leadership and great commitment to good governance.
For instance, Senator Jarigbe Agom, a top opposition member in the state, representing Cross River North Senatorial District in the Red Chamber on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in his Message of Congratulations to Otu, published by an online news medium, The Eagles Voice, stated:
“It is with great joy and profound respect that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, on the occasion of his second year anniversary in office.
“Over the past two years, your Excellency has demonstrated a very laudable vision for the development and progress of our beloved State. Your unwavering commitment to good governance and service delivery, coupled with your admirable decision to eschew retrogressive politics, has distinguished your administration as one that truly prioritizes the welfare and advancement of the people of Cross River State.
“As you mark this milestone, I encourage you to remain steadfast on this commendable path, so that you may leave lasting legacies and etch your name indelibly in the sands of time. The people of Cross River State are fortunate to have a leader whose focus is squarely on transformation and sustainable development.
“In my capacity as Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District and leader of the main opposition Party (People’s Democratic Party) in the State, I assure you of my continued support and collaboration. Together, we shall work tirelessly to attract vital infrastructural projects and enhance human capital development, thereby delivering the democratic dividends our people richly deserve.
“I wish you good health, renewed strength, and unceasing success as you continue to lead Cross River State to greater heights.”
In recognition of his achievements in governance, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), a platform that bring together representatives from various political parties in Nigeria, recently, passed a vote of confidence in Otu, at a stakeholders’ meeting where the Muslim community, student groups and others extolled the governor for his transformational leadership.
Chairman of IPAC in Cross River, Engr Effiom Edet Okon, was quoted as saying: “As critical stakeholders in the Cross River State political space, we have observed that Governor Otu’s performance over the past two years has been exemplary, leading to significant improvements across critical sectors in the state.
“As a body representing diverse political parties, IPAC serves as a bridge between citizens and the government, ensuring accountability.
“In Cross River State, we have reviewed Governor Otu’s performance and concluded that he has steered the state in the right direction. This is why we are publicly throwing our weight behind his administration.”
The parliamentarian representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep Bassey Akiba, a former member of Labour Party (LP) now in APC, gave testimonies of how his constituency has benefited from Otu’s impactful governance.
In his congratulatory message on Otu’s two years in office, Rep Akiba, a staunch supporter of the governor, said: “On behalf of the resilient and visionary people of Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, I, Rep Bassey Akiba, extend my heartfelt congratulations to our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on the occasion of his two-year anniversary in office.
“Your leadership has not only redefined governance in Cross River State, but it has also rekindled hope in the hearts of our people. From economic revitalization to infrastructural renewal, you have remained a bridge between promises made and promises delivered.
“In our constituency, we are proud witnesses of your impact. The Adiabo-Creek Town Road, though ongoing, has already changed our reality. What once took over four hours now takes less than forty minutes. That single improvement has brought relief to many families, farmers and businesses.
“Your administration’s dedication to rehabilitating roads within Calabar Municipality, restoring the clean and green aesthetic, reviving the state library, and the reinstallation of street lights signals a government committed to both development and dignity.
“With the launch of Operation Okwok, you have drawn a bold line between peace and insecurity. Just like the bee, this security initiative stings the enemies of progress while protecting the lives of law-abiding citizens.
“In alignment with your people’s First governance mantra, we have remained committed to initiatives that uplift our people, transform communities, and deliver measurable impact with focus on our 3 core area (Educational support program, Livelihood support program and Healthcare support program) as always updated on our NASSDesk platform on our social media.
“Therefore, as you mark two years of distinguished service, we salute your vision, courage, and compassion. The story of Cross River under your watch is one of restoration, innovation, and transformation.
“May God continue to grant you the wisdom and strength to elevate our dear state to even greater heights.
“Congratulations, Sir! Your legacy continues to unfold in bold, golden letters.”
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja
