Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has officially ushered in the 2025 Christmas season with a symbolic ceremony that also served as a historic tribute to the state's former leaders. The event, held at the Calabar Cenotaph, saw the governor switch on the festive Christmas tree and city lights, marking the start of the Yuletide celebrations.
A Gathering of Leaders and Legacy
The ceremony was notable for its gathering of past and present leadership. Governor Otu was joined by his predecessors: former Governor Clement Ebri, former Governor Donald Duke and his wife Onari Duke, Senator Liyel Imoke, and Senator Ben Ayade with his wife Linda Ayade. In his address to residents, artists, and dignitaries, Governor Otu framed the event as more than just a festive lighting but a celebration of the foundational legacies that built modern Cross River State.
He took time to honour each former governor individually. Otu described Clement Ebri as "the father of modern Cross River," praising his pioneering work in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure development. He then lauded Donald Duke for "redefining Cross River as Nigeria’s tourism capital," highlighting transformative projects like the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the creation of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), and the iconic Carnival Calabar.
Celebrating Administrative Excellence and Courage
The governor's tributes continued with Senator Liyel Imoke, whom he commended for his "administrative excellence" and deep reforms in education, rural development, and social welfare. Finally, he acknowledged Senator Ben Ayade for his drive for industrialisation, innovation, and the political courage he demonstrated in repositioning the state on the national stage.
"As we illuminate this city, we celebrate their visions and commit to building on them," Governor Otu declared. He outlined his administration's focus on human capital development, industrialisation, rural transformation, and tourism. He urged citizens to embrace the season with hope, adding, "May our faith shine as a beacon of renewal and prosperity."
Former Governors Hail Gesture of Unity
The honoured former leaders expressed appreciation for the recognition. Clement Ebri thanked Otu for sustaining a culture of honour, calling the gesture uplifting. Donald Duke, reflecting on the 20-year journey of Carnival Calabar, noted its power as a unifying symbol. "The beauty is that it brings all our peoples, diverse as we are, into one unique event where we celebrate ourselves," he said.
Senator Liyel Imoke described the gathering as "heartwarming and nostalgic," praising Otu for a 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. Former Governor Ben Ayade also applauded Otu for bringing leaders together across political divides. "Today is about acknowledging that Sweet Prince Bassey Otu has shown the wisdom to unite us all, beyond party lines," he stated.
The event, held on December 1, 2025, successfully blended the festive spirit of Christmas with a powerful message of political unity and respect for legacy, setting a tone of collaborative progress for Cross River State.
