Governor Otu Dedicates Awards To Cross Riverians, Pledges Greater Service

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has described his recent national honours as a renewed call to greater service, saying the recognitions have further energised his administration to deliver more dividends of democracy.

Governor Otu spoke at the weekend after receiving an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) from Modibbo Adama University, Yola, and the Governor of the Year Award from The Sun Newspaper—both conferred on the same day.

The awards were presented on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at a ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Event Centre, Lagos.

Dedicating the honours to the people of Cross River State at home and in the diaspora, as well as partners who have contributed to the state’s progress, the governor expressed deep appreciation for the recognition.

“This award is dedicated to all Cross Riverians, both at home and abroad, and to everyone who has worked to bring us this far,” Otu said. “I deeply appreciate the love and support.”

He described the honours as both recognition of collective effort and a renewed charge to serve, commending The Sun Newspaper for sustaining an awards initiative that promotes excellence and national development.

According to the governor, the recognition affirms that his administration’s efforts across key sectors are receiving national attention, adding that it would further motivate his government to do more.

“This recognition shows that what we are doing in Cross River State is being seen and appreciated. It gives us even more momentum to deliver,” he said.

Governor Otu stressed that as his administration approaches its third year in office, it remains focused on its thematic development agenda with renewed energy, committed to building a stronger Cross River State and contributing to national growth.

The ceremony was attended by several prominent Cross River indigenes, including Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Senators Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Eteng Jonah Williams, members of the National and State Assemblies, Chief of Staff Emmanuel Ironbar, members of the State Executive Council, and other dignitaries.