…Receives letter of nomination as Man of the Year
By Ebriku John Friday
Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen Prince Bassey Otu has formally endorsed the hosting of the 6th edition of the prestigious Yala Achievers Summit and Awards 2024 and he is set to grace the event taking place in Calabar, the state capital as Special Guest of Honour.
This is just as Governor Otu received a letter of nomination as Yala Achievers Award Man of the year 2024. The letter was presented by the founder and CEO of Moj’s Entertainment Limited, Mr Odey Jacob (aka Odey D Uncommon Comedian) in his office in Calabar on Friday, May 3, 2024.
With the theme, “Celebrating Your Immense Contributions To Humanity And Promotion Of Harmony In Our Communities”, the Summit seeks to converge influential sons and daughters of Cross River to brainstorm on ways towards the development of the state.
Being packaged by Moj’s Entertainment Ltd, the event will have as the Chairman of the Occasion, Former Commissioner For Works in Cross River State Chief Hon. Dr. Ochim Julius Okputu.
It is with great pleasure we humbly write to His Excellency, to express our sincere and profound appreciation of the great job you are doing to transform Cross River State as the Executive Governor in less than one year in office.
The Governor’s nomination as Man of the Year followed assessment, findings and responses from Cross Riverians within the State and beyond about the performance by the administration in line with his ‘People First Agenda’, and the impact it is making indicating that Cross River is in safe hands.
The Yala Achievers Summit and Awards highlighting the drive of Governor Otu in repositioning Cross River State, said, “Based on your people centred programmes, projects and policies we have seen across the State, hence carrying everybody along irrespective of their different inclinations and affiliations, the Yala Achievers Award which is an annual and prestigious event has deemed it fit to honour you with the highest Award christened, ‘Yala Achievers Award Man of the Year’.
“The Award is not far-fetched, but basically in recognition of immense impact as a democratically elected Governor whose patriotism and allegiance remains with the people of Cross River State, and particularly the developmental projects executed in Yala nation and environs, which include the restoration of Cross River State back into the league of oil producing States in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region after many years the State was delisted as oil producing state in the Niger Delta region, as drilling is hope to start in few weeks’ time.
“Historically, since the inception of Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation in 1999 and the trajectory of politics in the state, this is the first time Yala LGA has three Commissioners appointment into sensitive ministries to deliver on the mandate of the People First Agenda under Your Excellency’s proactive and dynamic leadership.
“Cross River State under the present leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, has experienced tremendous and astronomical increase of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, to the tune of N31 billion from N22 billion within 10 months, which we see as a foretaste of increased IGR the State will witness for rapid transformation and sustained progress.
“Aside from the stupendous rise in IGR, other notable developmental projects in various sectors include; Agriculture; Land acquisition to cultivate economic trees including cocoa and oil palm; Establishment and commencement of College of Forestry, Obubra in October 2024; Introduction of Smallholders’ Cocoa Scheme in Akamkpa; Restoration of Dansa farms in Oban; Akamkpa Rubber Estate reinvigorated; and Resuscitation of popular Obudu Cattle Ranch.
“In infrastructure, revival of popular Tinapa; Calabar- Itu Road construction; Ugep and Ogaja positioned as urban centres. Aviation sector; Obudu Airport near completion; and Acquisition of five more aircraft for Cally Air.
“Glaringly, the Education sector is also experiencing drastic reforms under a capable hand as Commissioner, and also the Cross River State University will soon have a Department of Medicine.
“Your Excellency, we are grateful to see the new face of Cross River State development, and greater within this first tenure of your administration. Indeed Cross River State is back!”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Barr. Stephen Odey Ph D will be the keynote speaker.
Guest speakers include, Commissioner For Housing in Cross River state, Hon. Dr. (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe, former Commissioner for local government affairs, Cross River State, Hon. Dr. (Mrs) Stella Odey -Ekpo, Former Chair, Nigeria Bar Association Calabar Branch, Dr. Paul Ebiala Esq and host of others.
Coming up on Sunday, 28th July at 5:00pm, Yala Achievers Summit Awards take place at Transcorp Hotel Calabar, the state capital.
The event will have in attendance other prominent sons and daughters of Cross River will feature massive entertainment and display of cultural heritage of the people.
