By Christian Njoku
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu returned to Cross River yesterday after a three-week annual leave, during which he travelled outside the state.
Otu, accompanied by his wife, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, and party loyalists, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.
Addressing the crowd, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to attracting more federal projects and delivering his administration’s developmental blueprint.
He said the short break had re-energized him to provide more excellent service to the people of Cross River.
He highlighted key federal projects, including the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway initiative.
These projects, he noted, would fully integrate Cross River into the national economic framework.
He announced that Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank and Nigeria’s Vice President, would soon visit for a groundbreaking event.
The event would start a new Export Processing Zone in the state.
“Cross River has long been identified as a major evacuation corridor. We are stepping into our rightful place in Nigeria’s economy. My administration is strengthening agricultural value chains to boost exports, food production, and inclusive growth,” he added.
The governor said part of his leave was spent inspecting two aircraft acquired to ease air travel in and out of Calabar.
He explained both aircraft were undergoing final clearance and would arrive in the state within weeks.
He assured residents of inclusiveness, saying his administration welcomes public participation in reviving the state’s economy.
