Cross River Entrepreneurs Back Otu, Deputy For 2027

A coalition of entrepreneurs led by De‑Ofuka Cocoa Development and Consultancy Services, together with Cross River’s cocoa farmers have endorsed Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The endorsement was announced at the Central Senatorial District carnival held at Ikom Township Stadium yesterday, where the group urged voters to re‑elect Otu in the upcoming polls.

The CEO highlighted Otu’s swift response to both infrastructural and human‑capital challenges.

“Look at the state library complex, Gov Otu has given it a facelift,” he said, pointing to visible improvements across public facilities as evidence of the administration’s commitment to tangible progress.

A major pillar of Otu’s agenda is the Deforestation‑Free Policy, launched early this year. stressing that the

initiative attracted international partners like and positioned Cross River as a leader in climate‑smart agriculture.

“By opening premium markets for cocoa, coffee and oil‑palm, the policy also safeguards over half of Nigeria’s remaining rainforest,” he said.

Ofuka noted a 22 % rise in rice yields on pilot farms under Otu’s Integrated Farm programme ran in partnership with the Cross River Basin Development Authority, stressing that the scheme trains young engineers in irrigation, solar‑powered water systems and agribusiness, directly tackling the food insecurity that has long plagued the state.

He stressed that Otu’s Infrastructure development has gained momentum, with the dredging of the Calabar‑Oron waterway and the near‑completion of the Cross River Bridge renovation.

“These projects have shortened travel times and boosted trade, a trend supporters argue would stall without a second term to finish the work.

“Security on the state’s waterways has improved thanks to Otu’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy.

“The recent rescue of 20 crew members from a burning vessel, coordinated by NNS OSE, underscored the governor’s proactive stance in protecting maritime assets and ensuring the safety of seafarers.”

He averred that good governance initiatives, including a transparent public‑finance portal and merit‑based civil‑service recruitment, have earned praise from anti‑corruption watchdogs.

“As the 2027 election cycle approaches, elders, farmers, youth groups and business leaders agree that re‑electing Governor Otu is the most reliable path to consolidating the state’s economic, environmental and security gains, ensuring Cross River stays on a trajectory of sustainable growth,” he said.