Biase People

07/09/2026

Caption:
L-R: His Excellency, Denis Idahosa, Deputy Governor of Edo State; Her Excellency, Prof. (Mrs) Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State; Host Governor, His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State; Chairman, South South Governors' Forum, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri of Bayelsa State; His Excellency, Apostle Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State; Delta State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Sir Monday Onyeme, at the South-South Governors' Forum Meeting in Calabar on Monday.

*South-South Govs Move to Build Regional Economic Powerhouse*

South-South governors have resolved to build a stronger regional economic bloc anchored on infrastructure connectivity, investment mobilisation, maritime development, industrialisation and coordinated engagement with the Federal Government, as they seek to translate the region’s enormous economic potential into tangible prosperity for its people.

The resolution formed the thrust of the communiqué issued at the end of the second meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum, held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday under the chairmanship of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The governors identified regional rail development, the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri seaports, and the economic opportunities offered by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as strategic priorities. They also resolved to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on critical South-South concerns, particularly infrastructure and environmental development, while reaffirming their commitment to his re-election in 2027 with “100 per cent” support from the region. The Forum further resolved to institutionalise its activities through quarterly meetings, with Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, scheduled to host the next meeting from November 6 to 8, 2026.

The communiqué also embraced a broader regional investment strategy, reflecting the presentation by the Director-General of the BRACED Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi, on efforts to advance regional infrastructure, particularly rail development.

PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, had advocated a regional investment fund capable of mobilising capital for projects that transcend individual state boundaries, while also urging the governors to place young people at the centre of the region’s economic transformation. The emerging agenda, therefore, seeks to move the South-South from isolated state-level initiatives towards an integrated economic space driven by shared infrastructure, investment and value chains.

Hosting the meeting, Cross River State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Forum, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, said the region’s ability to secure meaningful development depended on the extent to which its states could speak and act collectively. “We must come together as a people; we must cooperate, and we must ensure that our voice is heard and respected,” Otu declared. He stressed that “the South-South has everything it takes” to become one of Nigeria’s most formidable economic blocs, provided the states could overcome fragmentation and harness their resources within a common regional framework.

Otu called for a unified regional position on fiscal equity, particularly Value Added Tax, oil and gas revenues and the 13 per cent derivation benchmark. He also sought the Forum’s support for Cross River’s campaign to regain its oil-producing status, describing the issue as part of the state’s broader quest for greater economic opportunity.
On infrastructure, he proposed a regional corridor linking the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Calabar with the East-West Road and the ports of Bayelsa and Delta, while advocating greater integration of the region’s agricultural economies. “We must begin to look beyond the exploitation of raw resources,” he said in substance, urging the region to embrace value addition, industrial processing and job creation, particularly through cassava production, processing and ethanol development.

Diri, in his opening remarks, insisted that the Forum must distinguish itself through implementation rather than rhetoric. “We cannot afford to remain a region of meetings and communiqués,” he said, stressing that “the meeting must produce movement” and that the decisions reached must translate into “measurable progress.”

He argued that the South-South, despite its enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy, could no longer afford fragmented approaches to challenges that were inherently regional. “We must move beyond resolutions to implementation,” he said, emphasising coordinated action on infrastructure, transportation, security, environmental remediation and economic integration.

The Bayelsa governor placed particular emphasis on connectivity as the foundation for regional economic transformation. He called for accelerated development of road, rail, air and maritime infrastructure, including the East-West Road, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and regional rail networks. Diri said the South-South must deliberately position itself as “Nigeria’s gas-industrial hub, West Africa’s maritime gateway and the country’s leading blue-economy zone.” He also drew attention to the region’s environmental burden, arguing that a region that serves as a major economic engine of Nigeria should not simultaneously bear the disproportionate consequences of ecological degradation. “We cannot continue to produce the wealth while communities remain surrounded by environmental devastation,” was the thrust of his argument as he called for expanded remediation across the Niger Delta.

The governors consequently linked economic development with security and environmental sustainability, recognising that investment cannot flourish where communities, waterways and critical infrastructure remain vulnerable. The Forum advocated stronger intelligence-sharing and coordinated security operations to protect communities, oil and gas assets and economic corridors across the six states. The governors also stressed the importance of environmental restoration, reflecting what Diri described as the need to confront the “contradiction” of a region that sustains Nigeria’s economy while suffering severe ecological and developmental consequences.
The Forum also resolved to throw its weight behind President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and to seek direct engagement with him on the region’s development priorities.

16/08/2026

https://news.crossriverstate.gov.ng/gov-otu-commends-presbyterian-church-for-180-years-of-faith-service-development/

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has commended the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) for 180 years of faith, service and transformative contributions to the development of Cross River State and Nigeria. Otu, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, stated...

16/08/2026

https://news.crossriverstate.gov.ng/cross-river-elders-endorse-tinubu-otu-reject-external-interference/

The Cross River State Elders Advisory Council has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for second terms, declaring that the political leadership of the state must remain the prerogative of Cross Riverians. The endorsement formed part of resolutions reached at the Council...

16/08/2026

https://thebeaglenewsonline.com/otu-orok-reforming-criver-civil-service-for-good-governance

From an empirical perspective, the effectiveness of any government is measured not only by the projects it executes, but also by the strength of the institutions through which its policies are nurtured and implemented. In Cross River State, the ongoing reforms in the civil service under Governor Bas...

15/08/2026

*PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT*

The Local Government Service Commission has received reports that some unscrupulous individuals are soliciting money from members of the public, purportedly to facilitate their inclusion in the staff payroll.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission is not responsible for the staff payroll and, therefore, does not request or process names for inclusion in the payroll. Staff duly employed by the Commission have continued to receive their monthly salaries without any hitch.

Furthermore, the Panel of Enquiry constituted by the Government to investigate the disputed recent recruitment exercise has submitted its findings and recommendations and is awaiting appropriate government action.

The general public, particularly individuals making frantic efforts to secure inclusion in the payroll, are advised to resist such solicitations. Government will not permit any illegality arising from the last recruitment exercise to resurface.

The Commission therefore, urges Cross Riverians to report any person or individuals involved in such schemes to the appropriate authorities.

The Commission assures the public of its commitment to a transparent system where due process is upheld, and citizens are given equal access to opportunities in governance, in line with the “People First” policy of the current administration.

Signed:

*Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq.*
Chairman,
Local Government Service Commission

10/08/2026

In line with the People First agenda of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the process of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in Cross River State has been significantly simplified, making land title documentation more accessible, transparent, and efficient for all citizens.

In recent times, an increasing number of residents have received their Certificates of Occupancy following presentation ceremonies held at the office of the Director General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), Mr. William Archibong.

Today, more residents, regardless of their social status, are benefiting from a faster and less cumbersome process that provides property owners with the legal backing and security they deserve.

A Certificate of Occupancy not only protects ownership rights but also enhances the value of property, making it easier to access loans, attract investments, and unlock economic opportunities.

Over the past three years, the Cross River State Government, through the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), has revitalized land administration across the state. This transformation has reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and created a citizen-friendly system that truly puts the needs of the people first.

Governor Bassey Otu's commitment to efficient governance has brought smiles to the faces of many citizens, with Certificates of Occupancy now processed and made available for collection on a weekly basis. This reflects the administration's dedication to improving service delivery and strengthening land ownership security across Cross River State.

The pictures below capture some of the beneficiaries receiving their Certificates of Occupancy, reflecting the Cross River State Government's continued commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered land administration services.

03/08/2026

Cross River Unveils US$1.075bn Historic PPP Investment Package

The Cross River State Government has unveiled a historic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment package valued at over ₦70 billion and US$1.075 billion, following the approval of sixteen transformative projects by the State Executive Council (ExCo).

The landmark approvals, spanning agriculture, renewable energy, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, reinforce the Otu administration's determination to accelerate industrialisation, attract private capital, create thousands of jobs and position Cross River as one of Nigeria's most competitive investment destinations.

Approving the projects during the Executive Council meeting, Governor Otu said the ratification marked "another defining moment in our determination to reposition Cross River as Nigeria's foremost investment destination." He declared that the projects were "not mere proposals on paper but carefully structured partnerships that will unlock jobs, stimulate industrial growth, expand our revenue base and improve the quality of life of our people." The Governor stressed that his administration remained committed to creating "an enabling environment where private capital can thrive while delivering measurable value to the citizens of Cross River State."

The approved projects cut across agriculture, renewable energy, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental sustainability. They include the Kereksuk Limited Rice Value Chain Development Project in Calabar, Odukpani and Ogoja; the Valuefronteira Limited Oil Palm Development Project in Yala; the 100MW Solar Power Project by Tee Pama Limited across Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja; the Calabar Fishing Port and Fisheries Development Project; the Odukpani Dairy, Livestock and Trawler Fishing Project; electric vehicle manufacturing; statewide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure; the State Transport Company PPP; Creek Town Industrial Park; healthcare diagnostic centres; Municipal waste management facilities; the 60b investment in Obudu cattle ranch, Utanga Lodge and Bebi Airstrip by Living Curation Real Estate Limited; the rehabilitation of the Adiabo Gas-Fired Power Plant; and a lithium battery assembly plant.

Governor Otu described the investments as the cornerstone of his administration's industrialisation agenda, noting that every project had been selected for its capacity to deepen economic diversification and attract long-term private capital. "We are deliberately building an economy that is driven by production rather than consumption," he said. "Our vision is to transform Cross River into a competitive hub for agriculture, clean energy, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy. These partnerships demonstrate growing investor confidence in the future we are building together."

The Governor further explained that the projects would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while strengthening food security and boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). "Our young people deserve opportunities, not promises," Otu stated. "Every investment approved today is designed to generate employment, stimulate enterprise, encourage technology transfer and create sustainable prosperity across our communities. This is inclusive development in action."

ExCo also approved a robust governance framework to ensure transparency and accountability in project implementation. The Governor directed that Project Monitoring Committees be immediately constituted by all contracting Ministries, Departments and Agencies through the Bureau of Public Private Partnerships, with mandatory quarterly performance reports to the State PPP Council. "Our commitment is not only to attract investment but to ensure every agreement delivers measurable outcomes," Otu said. "Every concession and every partnership must stand the test of transparency, accountability and public value."

To accelerate implementation, the Executive Council authorised the Ministry of Justice to prepare, negotiate and conclude all Project Agreements, Joint Venture Agreements, Concession Agreements and other ancillary legal instruments required for immediate ex*****on. Governor Otu noted that strict compliance with the Cross River State Public-Private Partnership Law would remain the guiding principle throughout the contracting process. "We are institutionalising global best practices because investors deserve certainty, while our people deserve value for every partnership entered into on their behalf," he affirmed.

The approvals reinforce Governor Otu's broader economic blueprint of leveraging strategic private-sector partnerships to drive sustainable development across Cross River State. With investments spanning agriculture, energy, transport, manufacturing, healthcare and environmental management, the administration believes the projects will reshape the state's economic landscape, position it as a preferred destination for domestic and foreign investment, and consolidate its emergence as a leading centre for innovation, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

30/07/2026

https://converseer.com/cross-river-wont-be-blackmailed-over-disputed-lg-recruitment-commission/

The Cross River State Government has declared that it will not succumb to pressure or blackmail over the controversial recruitment into the Local Government

27/07/2026

26/07/2026

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SeaExpress Limited, Dr. Thompson Eja, presenting a commemorative plague to His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, during the latter's inspection visit to the Calabar Marina Business Hub, at the weekend in Calabar.

Our Waters Safe for Investment, Otu Assures Maritime Investors

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to securing the state's waterways and creating an enabling environment for maritime investments.

Otu declared that Cross River's coastal corridor remains a safe and profitable destination for local and international investors. The Governor gave the assurance on Saturday during an inspection visit to the Calabar Marina Business Hub, where he toured the newly introduced MV-Eja, a ferry owned by SeaExpress, now operating on the Calabar-Cameroon commercial route.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham; the Special Adviser on Blue Economy, Ms. Melodie Lebo; and other maritime stakeholders, Governor Otu expressed delight at the scale and quality of the investment, describing it as a clear demonstration of growing investor confidence in Cross River State.
He noted that the state's strategic location and expanding blue economy present enormous opportunities for economic growth and regional trade.

Speaking during the tour, Governor Otu lauded the promoters of the project for choosing Cross River as their investment destination despite having opportunities elsewhere across the globe. He assured the management of SeaExpress Transit of the full support of his administration in safeguarding the investment and providing the necessary government backing to ensure its success.

"We are proud of this investment, coming down from the United States just to invest in your motherland," the Governor declared. "You could have chosen anywhere else, so on that note, we owe you all the necessary support as a people and as a government to ensure that this huge investment is not in vain. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses like yours to thrive."
Addressing concerns over maritime safety, Governor Otu reiterated that the protection of lives, property and investments remains one of the cardinal responsibilities of government. He stressed that his administration has demonstrated an uncompromising stance against criminality through sustained investments in security architecture across the state.

"Security is the core responsibility of government," he stated. "This administration has zero tolerance for any form of criminality. That is why we have invested heavily in strengthening security across Cross River. You have our full backing, and I assure you that you will never regret investing in the maritime sector of our state."

The Governor further seized the opportunity to invite prospective investors to take advantage of the vast commercial opportunities embedded in Cross River's expansive waterways within the Gulf of Guinea, particularly the Calabar-Cameroon trading corridor. According to him, the state's blue economy remains one of the most promising frontiers for commerce, transportation, tourism and regional integration, with government fully committed to unlocking its immense potential.

Responding on behalf of SeaExpress Transit, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Thompson Eja, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otu for personally visiting the facility and reassuring investors of government support. He commended the Governor's firm declaration of zero tolerance for insecurity, describing it as a confidence booster for businesses operating within the maritime sector.

"We are deeply encouraged by Your Excellency's visit and your unequivocal commitment to securing investments. We look forward to partnering closely with the Cross River State Government to enhance service delivery and further expand maritime transportation in the region," Eja said.

The visit climaxed with the presentation of a commemorative plaque of honour to Governor Otu by Dr. Eja in recognition of the Governor's support for the maritime industry and for boarding the MV-Eja. The symbolic gesture underscored the growing partnership between the Cross River State Government and private investors in advancing the state's vision of becoming Nigeria's leading hub for the blue economy and maritime commerce.