NEWS
Gov Otu Is Restoring Lost Glory Of Cross River, Says Hon Erasmus Ekpang
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang has reaffirmed the commitment of The administration of Sen Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State in rebirthing the state in all its ramifications.
The Commissioner dropped the affirmation during a strategic session with members of Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) in Abuja.
Dr Ekpang stated that the Administration inherited a state that was sarcastically laughed at, mocked at and talked about in negative narratives,
“But today the story is different because we came to rebuild Cross River State and return it to its former glory, the cleanest State in Nigeria, a cultural paradise, the most secure, serene and peaceful. It isn’t about discarding the past, but recovering what was lost and strengthening what we have,” he stated.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang further underscored Sen Bassey Otu’s focus on Recovery Strategy aimed at restoring functionality, reclaiming lost assets, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
Ekpang noted that Cross River State, was celebrated for its tourism potentials and beautiful natural environment, but in recent years suffered visible decline, as crumbling infrastructure, stalled government projects, and environmental degradation, contributing to a general perception of stagnation.
He said Governor Otu unlike his counterparts elsewhere has opted for cintinuity in governance with a more strategic approach, focusing on completing and reviving existing projects, particularly those that had consumed large sums of taxpayers’ money but failed to deliver expected returns.
According to him, “one of the first moves was to recover state-owned assets such as Tinapa Business Resort, which had been taken over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, and the Obudu Cattle Ranch, which had reportedly changed hands outside the public glare.”
“Also on the Governor’s radar is the Deep Sea Port project, a long-proposed maritime hub that remains largely on paper.”
According to Ekpang, by revisiting these legacy projects, the administration seeks to harness their economic potential and reestablish Cross River as an investment destination.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State
“The Governor is not in office to start afresh with abandoned dreams. He’s here to make those past efforts count,” the commissioner stated.
Governor Otu’s commitment to continuity is perhaps most evident in his aggressive asset recovery programme.
In a strategic land recovery move, Ekpang said the government negotiated the buyout of a failed land concession to a private firm, reclaiming 18,000 hectares for potential agribusiness investment. The same land has now been leased to PRC Plantation Ltd, a subsidiary of Wilmar, which employs over 5,000 Cross Riverians.
Dr Ekpang informed that more recoveries were made by takingbover the official lodges of the Speaker and Deputy Governor, once privatized, now fully renovated and reinstated for government use.
The Informatoon Commissioneradded that the cornerstone of the present administration policy thrust is agriculture,
“recognizing the state’s vast arable land and the urgent need for economic diversification, the government launched a comprehensive soil mapping project to assess the fertility and crop suitability of different types across the state,” he stated.
Ekpang noted that the initiative is designed to boost food production, promote agribusiness, and reduce dependency on federal allocations, adding that the ultimate goal is not just food sufficiency, but export-oriented agriculture that can earn revenue and create jobs.
The administration is also working to provide raw materials for agro-processing plants, such as the cocoa processing facility in Ikom established by a previous administration. By connecting agricultural output to industrial use, the government aims to activate value chains that can strengthen rural economies and reduce poverty.
While noting that Agriculture remains central to the administration’s economic agenda, he said with the completion of a soil mapping exercise to guide crop cultivation and expansion of existing processing plants like the cocoa factory in Ikom, Cross River is aiming for food self-sufficiency and export viability.
Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, has significantly improved, growing from N20 billion in 2022 to over N40 billion in 2024, a result of plugging leakages, automating payment systems, and fostering taxpayer confidence. The state is also partnering with Afreximbank to finance the Deep Seaport project, with a $3.5 billion facility on the horizon.
Ekpang stated that another major focus of the Governor has been on improving the physical state of government institutions. Government buildings, including the ministries and the Governor’s office itself, have undergone substantial renovation. Until recently, Governor Otu operated from a temporary office for nearly two years while the official Government House was being refurbished.
“Today, the Governor occupies a revamped, fully functional office designed to meet the administrative and ceremonial needs of the state’s top leadership.
“This wasn’t just about convenience; it was about restoring dignity to governance. A befitting Governor’s office sends a strong message about the seriousness of leadership,” Ekpang said.
He stated further in contrast to high stakes political branding, the Otu administration has quietly pursued its objectives. There have been consultative forums such as economic and policy roundtables to engage stakeholders and draw in investors.
The government is also pushing internal reforms to align ministries and agencies with its broader goals of accountability, service delivery, and long-term planning.
Although it is too early to fully assess the long-term impact of these interventions, but the signs of policy consistency, asset recovery, and administrative reorganization are seen as positive indicators.
On healthcare delivery, Ekpang said two new oxygen plants have been established in general hospitals, while over 100 primary healthcare centres are undergoing renovations across the state. In Ikom, a new general hospital is being built from scratch.
Recognizing the terrain challenges in reaching remote communities, the state has introduced drone technology for drug delivery. Additionally, the government has upscaled nursing schools in Itigidi and Ogoja and hired 65 doctors and 135 nurses to boost capacity.
A key partnership with an international organization has equipped health centres with laptops and digital tools for efficient data collection and management, signaling a move toward a more tech-integrated healthcare system.
Aviation sector has not been left behind by the governor, as the Otu’s administration is tackling the age-old challenge of flight cancellations and poor air connectivity in Calabar, also continuing work on the Obudu Cargo Airport, raising the completion rate from 60 per cent to nearly 80 per cent. The runway has been extended, and the tarmac is in place.
While larger aircraft under the Cali Air brand struggled to justify operations due to low traffic volume, he said, “the state is now procuring four smaller CRJ-900 aircraft, two have already been acquired, to improve efficiency and revenue generation. The process of regulatory approval and documentation is ongoing.”
“This recalibrated aviation plan complements ongoing renovations at the German Hospital in Obudu and the broader effort to revive the Obudu Cattle Ranch as a tourism and economic hub.
Governor Otu
Ekpang explained that under the leadership of retired military and police experts, Cross River’s security architecture has been overhauled. Drones are deployed to monitor hotspots, resulting in the recovery of arms and arrests of criminal gangs in previously unsafe zones like Biase and Akamkpa.
The government has invested in 100 new security vehicles under the “Operation No Flaw” initiative, empowering joint task forces across the state.
Education sector, according to the state commissioner of information has seen massive renovation of primary schools under SUBEB, automation of student results, and payment of WAEC fees for students all aimed at increasing access and transparency. The state’s digital footprint is growing, with tax payments and other government services increasingly available online.
The government’s prompt salary payments, increase in maternity leave to six months, and digital integration of civil service functions reflect an effort to modernize public service and foster trust in governance.
He said Pensions, long overdue since 2014, are being cleared in batches with a N10 billion approval by the governor. Pregnant workers now receive extended leave, while staff welfare has been prioritized. Despite lean federal allocations, the government was among the first to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage starting December 2024.
On Carnival and Tourism Ekpang said, “Governor Otu has revived the state’s signature tourism brand, Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street party. With early planning, route upgrades, and hospitality incentives, including N20 million grants to hotels for renovations, the 2025 edition is set to boost the local economy and tourism visibility.”
Ekpang also announced that the mountain race and other cultural events are being reinstated as part of a broader effort to reposition the state as a global destination.
On Roads and Electricity, he noted that Infrastructure renewal is ongoing, with over 60 kilometers of roads completed and another 120 km under construction across Calabar South, Boki, and other LGAs. Concrete roads, erosion control in Yellow Duke, solar street lighting, and new transformers are part of the effort to restore infrastructure in neglected communities.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information Dr Erasmus Ekpang concluded thus,
“One of the most striking features of the Otu administration is its emphasis on continuity. Unlike past transitions marked by abandoned projects, Governor Otu has chosen to complete what was started, respecting the investments made and the hopes tied to them.”
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called for transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of tax revenues to infrastructure development as part of the sweeping tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She spoke at the inaugural distinguished parliamentarian lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps with the theme “navigating tax reforms in Nigeria: Insights on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies”.
The lecture was delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives are Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limiter Yakubu Dogara.
The NUJ Chairman said the tax reforms represent bold steps toward modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal system, broadening the tax base, and reducing over-dependence on oil revenues.
She said “Tax reform is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing bold steps aimed at modernizing and strengthening our tax system”.
Ike commended the administration’s commitment, emphasizing that the success of the reforms depends on how well revenues are used to improve infrastructure and the quality of life for citizens.
“We must place emphasis on improved infrastructures, urging the government to deploy taxes effectively,” she noted.
The NUJ FCT Chair stressed the need for clear communication of the policies so Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities.
She said the media has a central role in fostering dialogue and building public trust in the reforms.
“The media must provide accurate, unbiased information and foster public dialogue to build trust in these reforms. Transparency and accountability should guide every stage of implementation to protect the interests of all Nigerians,” she stated.
Ike also urged collaboration among all stakeholders, including lawmakers, the executive, civil society, and the media, to ensure the reforms deliver tangible benefits.
“Our collective goal must be a Nigeria with a robust economy, where tax policies contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life for every citizen,” she added.
She commended the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for making the lecture a reality, describing it as a platform that will enrich public policy engagement.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran said taxation has become one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today, with multiple narratives circulating about petroleum tax, data tax, and requirements such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for bank operations.
He said the newly introduced Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture is designed to bridge the gap between the legislature and the public by simplifying parliamentary activities and clarifying national issues.
“As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” he said.
The Press Corps chairman explained that the aim of the lecture is to create a platform where distinguished parliamentarians, past and present, can share knowledge and provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature.
“This is vital, because the legislature remains the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria,” he added.
Onadiran described the inaugural guest lecturer, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, as a statesman whose insights would enrich discourse on tax reforms and national development.
“As Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, he presided over the passage of historic bills, set legislative records, and distinguished himself as a bridge-builder committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture, Philip Nyiam, said the initiative marks a new chapter for the Press Corps, positioning journalists as agenda setters and contributors to national development beyond routine reporting.
Nyiam said the Press Corps was determined to expand its role by enlightening Nigerians on issues of national interest.
“This is a novel in the history of the House Press Corps. It is part of efforts to change the narrative where journalists are seen as only reporting press releases, statements and conferences. As the watchdog of society, we are also agenda setters and we also enlighten society on key issues of national interest,” he stated.
He explained that the lecture was organised to demystify President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which has sparked apprehension and debate since the law came into effect.
According to him, the event provides a platform to address controversies around the reforms and their place in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
“This will be the contribution of the Press Corps to the growth of our nation and the sustenance of democracy and good governance,” Nyiam added.
He said the choice of the guest lecturer, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives and current Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd., was deliberate, given his experience, courage, and record of legislative achievements.
Nyiam expressed confidence that the deliberations would enrich national discourse on tax reforms and governance.
...Backs Governor Idris, President Tinubu’s Security Drive
Members of Kebbi State Caucus of the National Assembly on Friday called for the arrest and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami over the breach of public peace which occurred last week.
Speaking on behalf of the Caucus during a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator representing Kebbi Central, Senator Adamu Aliero who responded to the baseless petition dated 10th September , 2025 initiated by Malami, pledged support for Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on his tiredness efforts to maintain law and order in the State.
Senator Alero who was flanked by two Senators and Members of the House of Representatives Kebbi State Caucus, said: “The attention of the Kebbi State APC National Assembly Caucus has been drawn to a petition authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, dated 10th September 2025, in which he alleged that His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), Governor of Kebbi State and other political actors are involved in Importation of Political Thugs, Foreign Mercenaries and Clandestine Arms Deals in the state.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, unfounded and politically motivated. They represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.
“Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital. These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor.
“Their actions led to violent clashes with APC supporters — an unprecedented development in Kebbi politics, which has always been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state.
“At no time has the Kebbi State Government, nor the APC family, been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously signed personally by the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with security agencies and the overwhelming support of our patriotic citizens. It is important to note that the state Governor has demonstrated great Capacity and performance in the Security sector above all expectations and this is responsible for the Peace that the state has enjoyed compared to other states since the Governors assumption of Office
“We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is — a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance. Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation.
“The Caucus further urges security agencies to focus their efforts on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics. We reaffirm our unwavering support for all security agencies working tirelessly to keep our borders safe and our communities peaceful and this sort of negative narratives are designed to undermine the efforts of the security agencies. We urge you not to be deterred. We also urge you to invite to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations.
“As elected representatives of the people of Kebbi State, we stand solidly behind Governor Nasir Idris and the APC administration. Together, we remain committed to delivering good governance, strengthening democracy and protecting the peace and dignity of our state.”
On his part, Senator representing Kebbi South, Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki who described APC as a peaceful party, said: “We want to put it on record that Malami’s house is less than 50 meters from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, and that sequence to that convoy.
“The national chairman of the INEC actually has warned that the political campaign has not started. It’s a campaign style moving in order to provoke our people. And we challenge him to produce evidence to you that there are… He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it, that our party is importing weapons. We are not a dangerous people.
“We do not support any dangerous activity towards Nigeria. We do not support We do not support terrorism in whatever form and manner. And we are against it. We are going to fight it.”
Senator Maidoki also applauded President Bola Tinubu efforts in the fight against insecurity, saying: “The President has done so well in the fight of banditry today. Before we came in, in my own constituency, we have more than 100 villages that have been abandoned and evacuated.
“But to the glory of God today, all the villages have gone back. That is not to say we don’t have challenge. We still have a long way to go. But we have done progress and we are expecting more progress. We will not be associated with any banditry. We reject that call. And we ask him to produce the results.”
NEWS
BTO Renewed Hope Media Team Commends President Tinubu’s Achievements, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Transformative Impact
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what it described as “bold, transformative reforms” that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued on Monday, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that are reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural, and institutional landscape.
The statement highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, which have freed up resources for national development and sent strong signals to investors about Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline. It also cited the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the ₦100 billion Sovereign Sukuk loan, describing these steps as evidence of responsible economic management.
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team gave special commendation to the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, applauding what it called his “transformative contributions” to effective governance. It particularly praised the ministry’s “historic feat” of clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, a move it said has restored citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.
“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement read. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”
Beyond passport reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has also spearheaded an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system. Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.
In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has repeatedly stressed this in his policy drive: “I don’t want our correctional centres to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitatory, and, of course, reformatory, and that’s what I want to see,” he said, reiterating his resolve to redefine the role of custodial facilities in national development.
The Abakaliki NOUN Special Study Centre embodies this philosophy in action. Inaugurated by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche, the centre was made possible through collaborative partnerships between government, private foundations, and development organisations. The building housing the facility was fully renovated and furnished by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, while the Sudan Mission Foundation in the Netherlands equipped the centre with modern educational tools, ensuring that inmates have access to resources on par with regular university campuses.
During the inauguration, the Controller-General noted that the initiative signifies a shift in priorities for correctional management in Nigeria, emphasising that corrections should focus on redeeming lives rather than condemning them. He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for sustaining the partnership that has so far established 15 correctional study centres nationwide, giving inmates across the country access to quality higher education.
The impact of this initiative is already evident in Abakaliki. Twenty-eight inmates have enrolled as pioneer students, 25 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while three are working toward their master’s programmes. The state controller of the correctional centre, Offem Bessie, described the development as “the opening of new doors of hope, opportunities, and transformation.” She highlighted that inmates now have the chance to upgrade their educational status and reshape their futures while serving their sentences, aligning with global best practices and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised the determination and resilience of the enrolled inmates, commending them for embracing education despite their current circumstances. He pledged that his foundation would fully support the pioneer students by covering tuition, books, and other learning materials to ensure they complete their studies without financial obstacles. “Being an inmate should not deprive anyone of the right to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that education remains one of the most powerful tools for reform and reintegration.
Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, the National Coordinator of NOUN Special Study Centres, provided further insight into the scale of these reforms. According to her, over 2,000 inmates across Nigeria have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programmes, with 207 graduating from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 12 custodial centres. With Abakaliki Correctional Centre now becoming the 15th facility approved by NOUN, more inmates than ever before will gain access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship opportunities.
These strides in prison education are complemented by other innovative reforms introduced under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. One of the flagship initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated showroom in Maiduguri, where products handcrafted by inmates are displayed and sold to the public. Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the programme equips inmates with vital vocational skills, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while generating income.
The broader vision is clear: to create a correctional system that produces reformed, skilled, and responsible citizens capable of reintegration and positive contributions to the national economy. This approach has earned Nigeria commendation from international partners, who have lauded the ministry’s commitment to aligning correctional practices with global standards while upholding human dignity and promoting second chances.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms reflect a deliberate shift from punitive incarceration to restorative justice. Rather than merely punishing offenders, the government is investing in programmes that equip inmates with education, vocational expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and provide rehabilitated individuals with pathways to meaningful employment and self-reliance upon their release.
The synergy between the Ministry of Interior, NOUN, international partners, and local stakeholders has proven to be a catalyst for change. From transforming correctional centres into learning hubs to empowering inmates with practical skills, these reforms are reshaping the country’s justice and rehabilitation landscape. The Abakaliki study centre is a shining example of what is possible when reform-driven leadership is matched with collaboration and innovation.
For many inmates, the NOUN centre represents more than just classrooms and books; it symbolises hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. It underscores the government’s belief that every individual, regardless of past mistakes, deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.
Beyond the Ministry of Interior, the team highlighted other landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which grants zero-interest loans to tertiary institution students, the creation of new federal universities in Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, and the rollout of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project to deliver 6,612 housing units nationwide.
It also pointed to major infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and significant upgrades within the aviation sector, alongside President Tinubu’s legal victory over Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, which saved Nigeria a staggering $11.5 billion.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” the statement added. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with dedicated public servants like Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians are seeing concrete results, improved services, and governance that truly delivers.”
The team concluded by expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and deliver even more transformative dividends to Nigerians in the years ahead.
