By Onwa Ekor
In recognition of his administration’s outstanding contributions to enterprise development, job creation and the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has been nominated for a prestigious national honour at the 2026 National MSME awards and public presentation of a compendium of MSME activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The nomination was formally conveyed through a letter addressed to the Director-General of the Cross River Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency, Great Ogban, notifying the governor of his selection as one of the distinguished awardees at the national event scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Conference Centre, State House, Abuja.
According to the correspondence, Otu’s nomination reflects the significant strides recorded by Cross River in promoting entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, expanding economic opportunities and implementing people-focused policies that align with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
It added that the award presentation will be done by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima.
“You have been nominated as an awardee at the 2026 National MSME Awards,” the letter stated, adding that “the award will be presented by His Excellency, the Vice President, at the award night.”
The communication further highlighted the national significance of the event, which will showcase achievements and innovations that have strengthened Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem.
The nomination comes as a strong endorsement of Otu’s economic vision and deliberate investments in enterprise development since assuming office.
Through strategic interventions, business support initiatives, access-to-finance programmes and youth empowerment schemes, the administration has continued to create a more enabling environment for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses across the state.
Stakeholders in the MSME sector described the honour as a fitting recognition of the governor’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.
“Otu has demonstrated a clear understanding of the critical role small businesses play in driving development and creating jobs,” a development expert noted, maintaining that it remains a reflection of the positive impact his policies are making on livelihoods across Cross River.
The National MSME Awards and Compendium Presentation is expected to attract senior government officials, development partners, business leaders and enterprise stakeholders from across the country.
For Cross River, Otu’s nomination represents yet another milestone in the administration’s efforts to position the state as a leading destination for investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
