By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, Sunday, honoured his predecessors as he switched on the 2025 Christmas tree and festive lights at the Calabar Cenotaph, signalling the start of the Christmas season and a renewed spirit of unity and continuity in governance.
Addressing a colourful gathering of residents, artistes and dignitaries, Otu said the event was not just about bright lights but about celebrating the leadership legacies that shaped a modern state.
He lauded former governor Clement Ebri as “the father of modern Cross River,” commending his achievements in agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.
He also applauded Donald Duke for “redefining Cross River as Nigeria’s tourism capital,” with innovations such as the transformation of Obudu Ranch, creation of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) and the birth of Carnival Calabar.
Otu further celebrated Senator Liyel Imoke for his “administrative excellence” and deep reforms in education, rural development and social welfare, while acknowledging Prof Ben Ayade for his industrialisation drive, innovation and political courage in repositioning the state at the national level.
“As we illuminate this city, we celebrate their visions and commit to building on them,” Otu said, maintaining that his team will continue to grow Cross River through human capital development, industrialisation, rural transformation and tourism.
Ebri thanked Otu for sustaining a culture of honour, describing the gesture as uplifting while Duke reflected on the 20-year journey of Carnival Calabar, affirming that the festival has remained a unifying symbol.
“The beauty is that it brings all our people, diverse as we are, into one unique event where we celebrate ourselves,” Duke said.
For Imoke, he described the gathering as “heartwarming and nostalgic,” even as he commended Otu for his rare commitment to continuity.
“It is uncommon for a governor to look back, identify what is good and build on it. That spirit keeps institutions alive,” Imoke noted.
Ayade also applauded Otu for bringing all leaders together irrespective of political divides.
“Today is about acknowledging that Sweet Prince Bassey Otu has shown the wisdom to unite us all, beyond party lines,” he said.
