…as Obudu Council Chairman lauds Gov. Otu for progress on Obudu Airport.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, has assured citizens that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains fully committed to placing the welfare of the people at the heart of governance in line with the ‘People First’ mantra
Odey gave this assurance during a stakeholders’ engagement session in Obudu Local Government Area on Sunday, as part of his ongoing Northern Senatorial District tour. He emphasized that every policy, project, and program under the Otu-led administration is designed to uplift lives across both urban centers and the most rural communities in the state.
He emphasized that despite economic challenges and inadequate allocations due to the state’s exclusion from the 13% derivation benefits as a littoral state, the government has consistently ensured the progression of the Obudu Cargo and Passenger Airport project. Additionally, investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, support for local economies, and ongoing rehabilitation of rural roads under the RAMP initiative have been prioritized, with Cross River State fulfilling its obligations by providing the counterpart funding.
Addressing concerns raised by stakeholders, including women, youth, and traditional rulers regarding road infrastructure, youth unemployment, and border security, Odey assured the populace, particularly in the Northern Senatorial district, that Governor Otu’s administration will remain accountable and responsive to their concerns. The administration will continue to engage with relevant authorities and partners to improve the socioeconomic status of its people.
He commended the Obudu community for their pivotal role in supporting the current administration and encouraged them to maintain their support for a government that has their best interests at heart now and in the future.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. (Amb.) Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, praised Governor Otu for the significant progress made at the Obudu Cargo and Passenger Airport, the government’s efforts in resolving long-standing boundary disputes with neighboring Benue State and other areas, and other infrastructural projects undertaken by the Governor Otu-led administration.
He commended Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for initiating the senatorial tour, which coincides with the New Yam Festival celebrated across the LGAs in the North, highlighting several pressing concerns about the poor state of the Bekwarra-Obudu, Utugwang-Mbube East Road, rising youth unemployment, and persistent insecurity stemming from unresolved boundary disputes between Obudu and Vandeikya in Benue State
In separate remarks, Member representing Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu in the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Chairman of Utukalu, PJ Ekunke, Community Leader Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, as well as Women and youth representatives among others, expressed satisfaction with the inclusive and people-oriented leadership style of Governor Otu.
Furthermore, they also praised Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his hands-on approach to governance and for bringing the government closer to the grassroots through the ongoing senatorial tour. They described engagement as a strategic and inclusive model that fosters direct communication between the government and the people.
The high point of the event was the donation of N30 million by the Deputy Governor, part of which was in support of the upcoming New Yam Festival scheduled for September 6, and a portion designated for women farmers to acquire agricultural inputs and boost local food production.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit,
Government House, Calabar.
