By Abasi Ita
Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, has described the conferment of an honorary doctorate by Modibbo Adama University, Yola, and his emergence as The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year on the same day as a renewed call to higher service.
The governor dedicated the two honours to Cross Riverians at home and in the diaspora, as well as development partners who have contributed to the growth of the state.
Both recognitions were received at separate ceremonies held on the same day, with the Sun Newspaper award coming shortly after the conferment of the Doctor of Philosophy degree Honoris Causa at a ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Event Centre, Lagos.
“This honour is dedicated to all Cross Riverians, both at home and abroad, and to everyone who has contributed to where we are today,” Otu said, drawing applause from supporters who accompanied him to the event.
Expressing appreciation to the management of The Sun Newspaper, the governor described the award as a recognition of collective effort and a fresh motivation to deepen his commitment to public service. He noted that the awards initiative has consistently promoted excellence and contributed to national development.
“On behalf of the good people of Cross River State, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. The sustainability of this initiative has added immense value to Nigeria’s development. Over the years, most recipients of this award have contributed meaningfully to building the future of our country,” he said.
Otu commended the leadership of The Sun Newspaper for sustaining the awards tradition, praising its chairman for creating a platform that inspires public office holders and private sector leaders to remain focused on service and national growth.
He described the recognition as a call to greater responsibility, adding that it would further strengthen his resolve to deliver quality governance.
The governor said the dual honours affirmed that his administration’s efforts across key sectors are gaining national attention, stressing that the recognition would further energise him to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
“This shows that what we are doing in Cross River State is being seen and appreciated, and it gives us even more momentum to do better,” he said.
Otu disclosed that as his administration approaches its third year in office, it is intensifying work across all thematic areas with renewed focus, aimed at building a stronger Cross River State while contributing to a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
Several prominent indigenes of the state attended the ceremony to show solidarity with the governor and congratulate him on the achievement. Among them were the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Senators Agom Jarigbe, Asuquo Ekpenyong and Eteng Williams; members of the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar; members of the State Executive Council; and other party leaders and supporters.