… Accepts good governance award
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu says in appreciation of the sterling leadership records of the late Premier of Nigeria’s defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, his administration is driving economic renaissance to achieve success in agro-industrialization, infrastructure, education, health, among other critical sectors of the state.
Speaking at the annual lecture and award ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday in honour of the late Premier Okpara, Governor Otu also accepted the honour bestowed on him by the late Michael Okpara Foundation; “the Premier’s Prize 2024 – Leadership Award, Golden Plaque category.”
Governor Otu noted that the late Michael Okpara, a visionary and pragmatic leader, left a lasting legacy in good governance, development, and integrity in public service.
“He pioneered the fastest growing regional economy in the world and set high standards for leadership excellence”, Otu said, adding that, “my administration in Cross River State aims to emulate and build upon Okpara’s principles by focusing on agriculture, education, and infrastructure development as key pillars for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”
“The state government is implementing various agricultural initiatives such as soil fertility surveys, oil palm seedling distributions, commercial agricultural funding schemes, and infrastructure development projects to boost productivity, create jobs, and ensure food security.”
“My administration also prioritizes good governance by promoting transparency, participation, accountability, and efficiency in public affairs. It aims to foster a responsive and inclusive government that works in collaboration with the people to drive positive change and development.”
Governor Otu also disclosed that through strategic partnerships with relevant organizations, like the Women in Agriculture Empowerment Programme, his government is empowering women farmers and improving the agricultural sector to enhance food production and economic growth.
He pointed out that challenges such as criminality, deforestation, infrastructural decay, and civil service grievances are being addressed through initiatives like agro-industrial revolutions, anti-deforestation measures, infrastructure renovations, and civil service welfare enhancements.
“By upholding the values of good leadership, governance, and community engagement, the state aims to create a conducive environment for growth, development, and sustainable progress, following the footsteps of exemplary leaders like Michael Okpara.”
The occasion was studded with many high-profile dignitaries, notably, the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma, deputy governor of Ebonyi State, former Senate President, Pius Anyim, former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, former Governors Clement Ebri, Liyel Imoke, Okezie Ikpeazu; Senators and members of the Federal House of Representatives, industrialists and traditional rulers.
The Chairman of the Michael Okpara Foundation Chief Uzodinma Okpara singled out Governor Otu for commendation for driving a virile economic , infrastructure, health and agriculture revolution in Cross River state, particularly the soil mapping initiative that allows anyone interested in investing in agriculture to understand fertility of the soil type before planting.
Chief Okpara charged the present day government and leaders in Nigeria to build and development farm settlement to address food security and agriculture development.
