By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has bagged the Silverbird Man of the Year award, describing it as a clarion call to higher service.
He further dedicated the prestigious honor to the resilient people of the state.
Speaking at a gala held Sunday, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Otu expressed gratitude to the Silverbird Group, admitting that he remains highly elated, deeply humbled and gratefully honored.
He noted that receiving such recognition from one of Nigeria’s foremost media organizations carries significant weight, hence cannot be viewed as a personal trophy.
“This award belongs to the collective sacrifices and unwavering support of Cross Riverians,” the governor said, maintaining that, “it is their resilience that fuels our administration’s drive.”
Accompanied by members of his cabinet, Cross River National and State Assembly members, local government chairmen and other government officials, Otu used the moment to applaud his team members for their various dedication and commitment which has placed the state in its current momentum.
Reasoning that with increased national visibility comes a higher standard of accountability, the governor said, “our actions are now under a greater spotlight as this recognition is a mandate to do even more.”
Reaffirming his administration’s ‘People First’ mandate and the ‘Season of Sweetness’ philosophy, Otu who earlier bagged The Sun Governor of the Year award, explained that the state’s economy is becoming increasingly competitive.
He argued that Cross River remains Nigeria’s premier destination for investment and tourism, promising to sustain the trajectory in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He further thanked the Chairman of Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, for the honour done him, while pledging that the state would continue to be a beacon of excellence.
“You will never regret this award, we will continue to build, strengthen, and advance the development of our nation,” the governor assured.
