…As Otu lights up Calabar, honours predecessors
Once again, it is that time of the year and Cross River State is set to host global visitors, even with more excitement at this year’s Carnival Calabar and other events.
So far, the dry runs heralding the main carnival have been successful, amid improvement on infrastructure, especially accommodation.
Meanwhile, Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, has flagged off the festivities with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony as well as declared the state open for visitors this festive season.
“I have the honour to perform the tripartism of addressing us, honouring my predecessors and great leaders and switching on the highly symbolic Christmas lights,” Governor Otu said, while switching on the lights on November30, 2025.
“As we gather to illuminate the spirit of Christmas in Calabar, the heart of our beautiful state by switching on these lights, we also celebrate the values of love, kindness and generosity that define this season.
“We re-live the efforts of our past heroes and my predecessors who lifted the towers of light for the development of our state and shaping our collective destinies as a people”.
He took time to commend the sacrifices of the past governors of the state, starting with Clement Ebri, who he described as a father, great patriot and champion of champions, a journalist, and an economist of great distinction.
“We remember the firm foundation you led in grooming leaderships, focusing on human and physical infrastructure as well as your leadership style and economic prosperity blueprint that placed agriculture, education and health on the front burner.
“To him is credited the actual commencement of quality T.V broadcasting in the state and the completion of the State Cultural Centre after many years of abandonment. Your humility and simplicity in public conducts continue to resonate with the current global governance standards we emulate”.
Governor Otu also described Donald Duke, a former governor, as an energetic, ever forward looking, stylish and extremely audacious and creative with a flair of elegance.
He commended Duke as a young governor in 2003, who ventured into the unknown with the introduction of Carnival Calabar, and had before that time demonstrated unprecedented elevation and revival of the forgotten Obudu Cattle Ranch.
“He had also openly displayed the dreams of an El Dorado of leisure and business – The Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.
“Cross River State under his leadership became the next destination to be, as the self-concept of Cross Riverians soared as never before,” he eulogized Duke.
“It was a misfortune of grave proportions that he could neither complete and commission the Tinapa project nor take the Obudu Ranch resort to the ultimate ends of his dream.
“To him is credited the establishment of the Cross River University of Technology, (now University of Cross River State) and its multicampus structure located in all the senatorial districts,” he said, noting that Cross River State will never forget the indelible footprints of Duke.
For Liyel Imoke, another past governor, Otu said that in 2007, Imoke, an economist, lawyer and administrator par excellence, brought into governance, extensive background experience in administration, having previously served as Minister of Power and Steel and acted briefly as Minister of Education as well.
“It is small wonder that having a father who also served as Education Minister in Eastern Nigeria, Governor Imoke paid more than usual attention to education. “Schools across the length and breadth of the State were renovated, Cross River State College of Education was reestablished and Scholarship awards were liberalized.
“Under him, rural development took more than verbal pronouncements and a flow of administration more than ever before.
Read also: This year’s carnival will be the epitome of our tourism recovery, real trace of our times – Onah
“The state remembers him for his adherence to strict procurement processes, social welfare and healthcare. Cross River State sincerely acknowledges Senator Liyel Imoke’s place in history,” he said.
Governor Otu also recalled the pomp and flair, with which Ben Ayade came with in 2015. According to him, the stylish, unorthodox and highly spirited, Ayade combined ease with sharp focus on set goals.
“With a heart of gold, driven by the urgency to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number, he ingeniously introduced and implemented a policy of food on the table, through which the teaming unemployed youths had a place in the system.
“Under his leadership, the state witnessed the construction of a plethora of industries as never before in the entire history of the state and through his wit and grit Cally Air flew the Cross River flag in the Nigerian airspace”.
The governor promised to continue to sustain old infrastructures, renew aging ones and build new ones.
“We appreciate the architecture for the well-being and security of our people and our environment while pushing the frontiers of innovations with refreshed passion and technologies.
“We have taken stock of your great deliveries in diverse clusters, but we are directing all the benefits and results to the people first.
“We believe the combo of human capital, tourism, rural development and industrialization has been ordained to be translated to better lives for the people of Cross River.
“We are translators and transformers and we shall not disappoint as the evidence on ground has shown within the period of our operations.
“As we bask in the glow of these lights tonight, let us reflect on our journey and look forward to a brighter future.
“Merry Christmas and may our state shine like a beacon of hope and prosperity, strength and growth, love and progress, now and always for the betterment of mankind and to the glory of God,” governor concluded.
He looked forward to greater numbers and experience for visitors to the state this festive season, especially for the Carnival Calabar on December 29,2025, among other events.
