Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has wrapped up the final Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, using the occasion to strongly reaffirm his administration's core commitment to empowering people at the grassroots, upholding human dignity, and fostering inclusive development across the state.
A Focus on Human Well-being Over Statistics
Speaking at an event hosted by the Dall·E Foundation right after the council session on December 5, 2025, Governor Otu laid out his governance philosophy. He insisted that the true measure of any government's performance should be the tangible well-being of its citizens, not abstract data or figures on a scorecard.
"What matters to me is the environment we live in," Otu stated emphatically. He rejected models that reduce people to mere indicators, stressing that the dignity and welfare of every Cross Riverian are the ultimate benchmarks of progress.
150 Mini Buses Approved for Economic Empowerment
A major highlight from the council meeting was the landmark approval for the procurement of 150 Daihatsu Hijet mini buses. Governor Otu explained that this intervention is strategically aimed at supporting vulnerable households and stimulating rural economies across the state's three senatorial districts.
"This project is not just procurement; it is empowerment," the governor clarified. "It is about giving 150 families the tools to build micro-enterprises, improve mobility, and participate fully in the economic life of our state." He described the scheme as just the beginning, expressing optimism about the wealth and opportunities taking root in Cross River.
A Call for Unity, Truth, and Active Citizenship
Governor Otu also addressed broader social challenges, cautioning citizens against the dangers of misinformation and divisive narratives passed down through generations. "We cannot chase shadows," he warned, urging people to base their perspectives on evidence and truth rather than inherited stories.
He called for more active civic engagement, stating that building a state requires contribution, not silence or criticism from the sidelines. "We who care about this state must speak, must contribute and must shape our collective destiny. Silence cannot build a nation," Otu asserted.
Reflecting on the state's history of resilience through hardship, the governor framed it as a source of strength. He concluded by reaffirming his administration's resolve to secure the state, strengthen justice, and expand prosperity, measuring success by the improved dignity of every resident.
