Otu Signs Health, Education, Sanitation Reforms Bills Into Law

Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has signed four transformative bills into law, marking a major push to reposition the health and education sectors while improving sanitation and overall quality of life in Cross River State.

The laws are a critical milestone in his administration’s reform agenda, designed to respond to the immediate needs of the people with emphasis on strengthening the health system.

“Anything about health is not a joke. These bills will help our people because they ensure we have the right resources and options available to us,” Otu said during the signing ceremony.

The governor praised the Cross River State House of Assembly for its thorough legislative work and constructive debates, noting the synergy has yielded people-oriented policies.

He enumerated the giant stride achieved by the administration which had worked in synergy with the executive arm of government to include the establishment of the Cross River State College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, upgrading the former College of Health Technology to a polytechnic with a broader academic mandate.

The Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law creates a central body to oversee public secondary health facilities and regulates traditional medical practitioners under the Ministry of Health.

The Open Defecation (Prohibition) Law aims to reduce waterborne diseases and improve public hygiene, mandating toilet facilities in homes, business premises, and public places.

“I’ve checked the responses and reactions. Some of the debates have been very good and I believe in a few months’ time, the impact will be felt through these laws,” Otu added, expressing confidence in the transformative potential of the laws.