Office of the Special Assistant on Communication, Cross River State

Calabar Catholic Archdiocese to Gov Otu: We’re proud of your achievements so far

The Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar, on Monday, lauded the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for his tremendous achievements in a little over a year in office.

Praising Governor Otu during a courtesy call on him at his Dan Archibong temporary office in Calabar, the delegation of the Calabar Archdiocese, led by the parish priest of St. Charles Lwanga, Rev. Father Malachy Ephraim, commended the governor’s achievements and expressed optimism for continued collaboration between the state government and the Catholic Church.

“We must confess that we are proud of your accomplishments within this short period in office. Your elevation and installation as an Apostle are testaments to your growth in Christ and commitment to service,” Fr. Ephraim stated.

The delegation highlighted the Catholic Church’s historical contributions to Cross River State, particularly in health, education, and human development, while appealing for government support to rectify past damages to Church infrastructure.

“In 1945, the first Catholic Bishop of Calabar secured the property that now hosts Holy Child College, which opened in 1952. However, a house for our bishop, started in 1953, was destroyed in 1971 by the then government of the state. We have begun efforts to rebuild, and we appeal for support to correct this mistake,” Fr. Ephraim concluded.

In response, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to delivering tangible progress in the face of criticism, emphasizing that his government’s actions will speak louder than words.

Responding, Governor Otu thanked the delegation for the visit and acknowledged the challenges of leading a state in dire economic straits but maintained that his administration is determined to overcome them.

“We came to meet a state that was challenged economically, but we knew where the issues were. Changing the narrative required tackling obstacles head-on. Sooner or later, posterity will vindicate our efforts.”

He further emphasized inclusive governance, noting that the welfare of the people remains his top priority.

“Government is for everybody, not for a few. We cannot continue with a situation where a small minority benefits while the majority suffers. Even with limited funds, we are making progress that neutral observers can recognize as genuine efforts to uplift our state.”

Otu said that regardless of the voices of critics, “The only way to reply to critics is to do even more. I am not so much a fan of too much press and media, but I know that actions speak louder than words. What we have done within the past few months is worth much more. When people critique, they know deep down that we are doing our very best,” he added.

09/12/2024

Residents Of Calabar South Lauds Gov Bassey Otu Over The Completion Of Yellow Duke Mini Bridge, Other Projects.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State have been commended for embarking on people oriented projects and programs aimed at making life easy and meaningful for ordinary citizens in the state.

The people made this known when Barr. Ekepenyong Akiba, Special Adviser, General duties to governor Bassey Edet Otu visited some projects sites in Calabar, the state capital.

85 years old , Deacon Bassey Effiom, a resident of yellow duke street told our reporters " just look at where we are standing right now, this culvert at yellow duke has been a death trap and source of concern for several years now. Subsequent administrations have come and gone with promises to fix this place without anyone coming to our rescue. But just within one year of the administration of Prince Bassey Otu, just look at the quality of work that has been done. He has been able to do a perfect job and also deliver on time .

" I appreciate the fact that apart from awarding the contract, he also will come here to inspect the job. We are very grateful for him and we say that God should give him the wisdom and strength to do more. This is a permanent solution to a problem that has been on for years and has even taken several lives. We are grateful to him and his entire exco " deacon Effiom concluded.

Another resident, Ntebri Christopher said " for helping us to fix this terrible spot, it is clear that the governor is a leader who listens to the cry of his people. He loves the people and puts them first. He is not the first governor of this state, we have had several government before him. They will come here and promise us heaven and earth but at the end, nothing will happen. For the first time, we have seen a man who came here as one of his first on the spot visit after his election and promised to fix the deadly spot and today, that promise has been actualized.

"There is no one who didn't know the danger this place posed to both residents and commuters. People have died here because of the bad road. Whenever it rains, this place becomes a no go area. But today, no matter the kind of rain or volume of water that passes through here, everything will seem very easy as if nothing happened. All we can say is, God bless the governor and his entire team"

Speaking while inspecting the projects, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to the governor on General duties said "the intention of the governor is to immediately improve our infrastructure in the state, this will ensure that our people, especially those involved in small and medium scall business have basic platform and opportunity to make little gain in their businesses while waiting for the bigger opportunities.

"you will agree with me that with the little resources available to the state in terms of federal allocation, our dear governor have been doing his best to drive infrastructural development not only in Calabar, but also in the central, in communities like Nde in Ikom, central part of the state, Abakpa and the whole of that area in Ogoja which is in the northern part of the state and so on.

"right now, all that the state government need is the support and prayers of Cross Riverians to enable the governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his able deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey implement all that is contained in their people first mantra which we all believe is for the good and well-being of all of us " he maintained.

Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba was accompanied during the visit by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Edem Darlington and the Special Assistant, New Media, Andrea Ekeng. Among the sites visited were the mini bridge at Yellow Duke , construction of Harcourt street and the renovation of Model secondary school, Uwanse, all in Calabar south.