By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has promised urgent government intervention in roads, power, education and commerce in the Northern Senatorial District, including the establishment of a medical university.
Otu gave the assurance during a stakeholder engagement at the Ogoja local government council headquarters recently, where traditional rulers, political leaders and community representatives raised concerns over bad roads, collapsing bridges, epileptic power supply and the stalled Okuku International Market.
“We have listened to you and we understand the concerns that have been expressed here,” the governor said, maintaining that “government must listen to the people, understand their challenges and work towards solutions that will improve their lives.”
He said priority attention would be given to critical roads and bridges, which he noted were cutting off communities and crippling trade.
“When communities are cut off, farmers cannot move their produce, traders cannot access markets and people struggle to reach schools and healthcare facilities.
“A road is more than asphalt and a bridge is more than concrete. They connect people to opportunities,” he said.
On the Okuku International Market, the governor described it as a strategic asset that should not be allowed to remain dormant, pointing out that ongoing road projects around the market and efforts to reopen the Ijegwu axis were aimed at restoring its commercial vibrancy.
Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing a university in the Northern District, with focus on medicine and other professional courses to address the shortage of doctors and skilled personnel in the state.
“The university is still very much alive. It is part of the commitment we made to our people.
“Setting up a university is not something that can be done overnight. There are processes and standards that must be met, but significant progress has been made,” Otu assured.
He also said his administration was engaging relevant authorities to resolve the region’s electricity challenges.
“We cannot talk about serious industrialisation without talking about power,” the governor said, adding that, “our businesses and young entrepreneurs need reliable electricity to grow.”
Otu expressed optimism that Cross River’s restoration as an oil-producing state would unlock new economic opportunities for the state.
He further called for political reconciliation and a more inclusive party structure anchored on performance and grassroots support.
“We must learn to forgive one another and put the past behind us. Cross River is bigger than any personal interest. We want a system that recognises commitment and performance. Those who have genuinely worked and demonstrated the capacity to deliver should have a sense of belonging,” the governor stated.
