Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has assured the people of the Northern Senatorial District of sustained government intervention in infrastructure, education, electricity and economic development, pledging to address critical challenges affecting the region.
Otu gave the assurance on Monday during a high-level stakeholder engagement with political leaders and other key stakeholders from Cross River North at the Conference Hall of the Ogoja Local Government Council headquarters.
The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to present their concerns directly to the Governor, with roads, bridges, the proposed university, the revival of the Okuku International Market, electricity supply, political inclusion and economic development dominating discussions.
Responding, Otu said the requests would be carefully reviewed, with urgent and high-impact projects receiving priority.
“We have listened to you, and we understand the concerns that have been expressed here,” the Governor said.
“Government must listen to the people, understand their challenges and work towards solutions that will improve their lives.”
He said particular attention would be given to critical bridges linking communities, warning that the absence or collapse of such infrastructure could isolate entire areas and disrupt economic activities.
“When communities are cut off, farmers cannot move their produce, traders cannot access markets and people may struggle to reach schools and healthcare facilities,” he said.
“A road is more than asphalt and a bridge is more than concrete. They connect people to opportunities and communities to economic activities.”
On the proposed university for the Northern Senatorial District, Otu reaffirmed his commitment to the project, describing it as a key component of his administration’s campaign promises.
“The university is still very much alive. It is part of the commitment we made to our people, and we remain committed to it,” he said.
The Governor, however, explained that establishing a university required strict compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly for specialised programmes such as medicine.
“Setting up a university is not something that can be done overnight,” he said. “There are processes and standards that must be met, but significant progress has been made.”
He said the proposed institution was intended to strengthen human capital development and produce more indigenous professionals, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare.
“We need more doctors and other skilled professionals. We want an institution that will make a genuine contribution to education, healthcare and the development of our state,” Otu said.
The Governor also gave assurances on the revival of the Okuku International Market, describing the facility as a strategic economic asset to the Northern Senatorial District.
“The Okuku International Market is too important to be allowed to remain dormant,” he said. “We are looking at what needs to be done to restore its commercial vibrancy.”
Otu explained that road projects around the market were designed to reconnect producers, traders and buyers, while efforts were also underway to reopen the Ijegwu axis.
“You cannot have a thriving market without access roads,” he said. “Farmers must be able to bring their produce, traders must be able to move their goods and buyers must be able to access the market.”
On electricity, the Governor said his administration was engaging relevant authorities to address the power challenges confronting the region, stressing that reliable electricity was fundamental to economic growth and industrial development.
“We cannot talk about serious industrialisation without talking about power,” he said. “Our businesses, industries and young entrepreneurs need reliable electricity to grow.”
Otu disclosed that his role as Chairman of the Power Committee of the National Economic Council had given him a mandate to contribute to national efforts aimed at improving electricity supply.
He appealed to stakeholders to remain patient with the economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government, acknowledging the hardship facing Nigerians but describing the reforms as part of a broader effort to rebuild the economy.
“I know that the times are difficult and that our people are feeling the pressure,” he said.
“But rebuilding an economy with deep structural challenges requires difficult decisions.”
The Governor expressed optimism that Cross River would benefit from efforts to restore its oil-producing status, which he said could open new economic opportunities and strengthen the state’s development prospects.
“Cross River has enormous potential, and we are determined to unlock that potential,” he said.
“The restoration of our oil-producing status is important because of what it can mean for the future of our state.”
Otu also used the occasion to call for political reconciliation and unity among stakeholders, urging them to set aside old grievances and work collectively for the progress of the state.
“We must learn to forgive one another and put the past behind us,” he said. “Cross River is bigger than any personal interest, and we must work together for the future of our people.”
He promised a more inclusive approach to party organisation, saying grassroots popularity, performance and commitment would receive greater consideration in the selection of party and campaign structures.
“We want a system that recognises commitment and performance,” he said.
“Those who have genuinely worked and demonstrated the capacity to deliver should have a sense of belonging.”
The Governor said the engagement reflected his administration’s commitment to participatory governance and direct interaction with the people.
“The people must have a voice, and government must have the humility to listen,” Otu said.
“We may not solve every problem in one day, but we must understand the problems and continue to work towards solutions.”
He assured the people of the Northern Senatorial District that their development remained central to his administration’s agenda.
“Your concerns are our concerns, and your development is part of the future we are building for Cross River,” the Governor said.
The engagement ended with renewed calls for unity and cooperation, as Otu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to pursue development initiatives capable of improving infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the fortunes of Cross River North.
“Together, we will overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for our people and our state,” he said.