Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has congratulated his predecessor, Prof Ben Ayade, on his 57th birthday, praising his transformative leadership and contributions to the state’s development.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, Otu commended Ayade’s tenure from 2015 to 2023, highlighting his achievements in governance, industrialization, infrastructure, and human capital development.
Otu described Ayade as a visionary leader who heralded a new political revolution, redefining governance and paving the way for the people-first administration. He noted that Ayade’s policies and projects remain valuable assets to the current administration, adding that “many of your foresighted projects remain pivotal to the sustainable development of Cross River State, and we are proud to build upon the legacies of innovation and progress that you established.”
As Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has been focused on building on the legacies of his predecessor, while also introducing new initiatives to drive development in the state. Recently, he proposed a budget of N498 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, with a focus on capital expenditure and recurrent expenditure. The budget proposal includes allocations for key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Otu’s administration has also been working to build a strong team, with the nomination of 26 commissioner nominees for approval by the State House of Assembly. The list includes some persons who served in the administration of former Governor Ben Ayade. This move is seen as a strategic effort to tap into the expertise and experience of seasoned professionals, while also injecting fresh perspectives into the administration.
As Ayade celebrates his 57th birthday, the people of Cross River State and beyond are acknowledging his contributions to the state’s development. Ayade’s legacy in Cross River State is marked by significant achievements in industrialization, infrastructure development, and human capital development. His administration initiated several landmark projects, including the Calabar Deep Seaport, the Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the 260km superhighway connecting Calabar to Katsina-Ala.
The celebration of Ayade’s birthday has also sparked reflections on the importance of leadership and governance in Nigeria. As the country navigates its development challenges, the need for visionary leaders who can drive transformation and progress has become increasingly clear. Ayade’s legacy serves as a reminder of the impact that effective leadership can have on the lives of citizens and the development of a state.
The celebration of Ben Ayade’s 57th birthday is a testament to his enduring legacy in Cross River State. As Governor Bassey Otu and the people of Cross River State honor his contributions, they also acknowledge the importance of building on his achievements to drive further progress and development in the state.