...says Cross River's economic blueprint inspired by Okpara's legacy

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has paid glowing tribute to the exceptional leadership of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, the Premier of Nigeria's defunct Eastern Region. In recognition of Okpara's legacy, his administration is driving an economic renaissance aimed at achieving success in agro-industrialization, infrastructure, education, health, and other critical sectors of the state.

During the annual lecture and award ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday to honor the late Premier Okpara, Governor Otu accepted the honor conferred on him by the Michael Okpara Foundation: “the Premier's Prize 2024 - Leadership Award, Golden Plaque category.”

Speaking at the event, Governor Otu noted that the late Michael Okpara was a visionary and pragmatic leader who 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, “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.”

He further emphasized, “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 disclosed that through strategic partnerships with relevant organizations, such as the Women in Agriculture Empowerment Programme, 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 event was attended by many high-profile dignitaries, including the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; the 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; members of the Federal House of Representatives; industrialists; and traditional rulers.

The Chairman of the Michael Okpara Foundation, Chief Uzodinma Okpara, commended Governor Otu for driving a robust economic, infrastructure, health, and agriculture revolution in Cross River State, particularly highlighting the soil mapping initiative that enables potential agricultural investors to understand soil fertility before planting. Chief Okpara urged the current government and leaders in Nigeria to establish and develop farm settlements to address food security and agricultural development.