Ever wondered why Sen. Otu has not embarked on any new projects
In Cross River State successive administration have embarked on various projects, most completed, abandoned and some left unfinished.
Each of these projects were backed by laudable visions. Take, for instance, the Adiabo Esuku road project, conceived to provide a shorter route into and out of Calabar. For various reasons, it was abandoned and left incomplete.
Now, consider the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, a world-class, integrated hub designed to boost business and tourism in Calabar. The core idea was to create a sustainable alternative to crude oil revenue by developing a strong tourism and trading sector.
I can still remember when former governor Ameachi of rivers state brought his entire cabinet for a retreat in Tinapa. While addressing his cabinet he said, “I brought all of you here to see what Cross River has achieved with a meager allocation, to get you to start thinking outside the box”
Over $350 million was spent on initial development of Tinapa, largely funded through loans. The resort was projected, at inception, to attract three million visitors annually. With each visitor spending about N100,000, it was estimated that it would generate over N300 billion annually for the state.
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, Tinapa became moribund, and was eventually taken over by AMCON.
When Sen. Bassey Otu assumed office in 2023, he shared a powerful insight into Lagos State’s sustained development. In his words:
“When Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office back in 1999, he had his projects, some he completed, and some were incomplete. His successor, Babatunde Fashola came in and completed Tinubu’s unfinished projects and made them functional. He also carried out his own projects, some he completed and some were left incomplete. Fashola’s successor Mr. Ambode came in and completed Fashola’s unfinished projects. That is how it has continued to the present governor. It is the reason you find projects that were initiated by Tinubu over 20years ago still functioning and serving the people”
Inspired by this model of continuity, Gov. Otu dedicated his first term in office to reviving and completing abandoned, unfinished projects including recovering lost state assets.
Some of these projects were funded through loans; loans the state is still repaying till date. It raises the question; Why should we be repaying a loan for a moribund facility when we can bring it back to life and make it work for the state?
In just one year in office, Cross River has reclaimed ownership of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort with investors beckoning. The Adiabo Esuku road abandoned for over 33 years ago is under construction. The Obudu Cargo Airport initiated by former governor Ben Ayade is receiving funding for completion. The Governor’s office, the State Library complex, the Local Government Service Commission complex, and other government facilities are a beauty to behold. Even our lost oil wells are being recovered. The list goes on.
And just over two years, Gov. Bassey Otu has made remarkable progress in restoring the State. With this momentum, Cross River will undoubtedly rank among the top 10 States in Nigeria within the next two years.
©Nate Otaba