- We’re shrinking in national relevance – Ntufam Eta
- Sen Eno tasks young Cross Riverians on innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship.
- CROSSJOF honours Sen Jarigbe, presents Panorama Magazine
BY EDMOND ODOK – Governor Bassey Edet Otu says Cross River State is making remarkable progress against great odds, insisting that suggestions about the State being sidelined at the federal level due to lack of efforts are “uncharitable”.
He also maintained that all federal appointments are at the discretion of Mr President and must be understood within proper statutory and political contexts rather than perceived sly intent.
Governor Otu made the bold declaration in view of claims by the Chairman of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Governing Board, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, that the State’s political and economic fortunes are dwindling under the current administration.
The Governor, who was the Special Guest of honour at the Cross River Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) Day and official unveiling of the Panorama Magazine in Abuja, also rebutted assertions that not having the State’s indigenes on the initial list of ambassadorial nominees reflects diminished federal footprints.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Nation’s capital, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, the governor warned against spiteful insinuations aimed at discrediting efforts made to move the state forward on all fronts.
While blaming some Abuja-based Cross Riverians for subverting the State government’s initiatives to turn things around for good, Governor Otu said, “Let nobody tell you it is for lack of efforts”, adding that many vacancies still exist in federal boards, parastatals and agencies nationwide and the State will enjoy its fair share.
According to him: “A house divided against itself cannot stand. We have individuals working tirelessly against the state’s interest, even instigating crises back home”.
Prince Otu said among remarkable achievements recorded in the last two years include the rehabilitation of key infrastructure such as the Cross River State Library, State Cultural Centre, Cross River Newspapers Corporation and the revival of Carnival Calabar’s sponsorship by major brands among others.
Confidently, he said “Cross River State is on the move” with projects like revamping TINAPA as well as ongoing upgrades of general hospitals and health centres across the State.
He also disclosed that the State has recorded about 106 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), even as it remains Nigeria’s most media-friendly State.
With assurances that his ‘People’s First’ administration remains committed to sustainable development, Governor Otu said: “Hold us to account; we are not afraid of scrutiny”, and would certainly enjoy a “resounding return come 2027” based on ongoing reforms and positive performance.
In his remarks at the event, Chairman of NYSC’s Governing Board, Ntufam Hiliard Eta, had voiced concerns about what he termed the vulnerable position of Cross River’s economic and political relevance in recent history.
Urging citizens and leaders to embrace accountability and bold actions to reverse the decline, the former Vice Chairman, (South-South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) lamented that the State is currently grappling with deepening poverty, shrinking opportunities, and an absence of entrepreneurial growth despite enjoying significantly higher revenue accruals in recent years.
Ntufam Eta, who chaired the event, claimed that “Cross River has never been as weak as it is today”, alleging that the State’s economy has regrettably remained stagnant despite the remarkable upsurge in monthly revenue from the Federation Accounts.
He also expressed surprise at assertions that the State’s IGR is on the increase, saying his recent visit to Calabar only confirmed widespread hardship and lack of economic opportunities for the people.
Eta said an intentional shift from the age-long dependence on the civil service jobs is required to build a new generation of entrepreneurs in Cross River, adding: “Our young people must see personal development outside politics and the civil service. But it is the political leadership that must create the enabling environment for this to happen.”
The APC Chieftain, who noted that the challenges facing the state are worsened by failure to hold leaders accountable, said: “Ask anyone here how much Cross River received last month, even journalists may not know.
“In the last two years and nine months, the State has earned more than it did in the entire eight years of the previous administration, yet development does not reflect it.
On the perceived shrinking national relevance of Cross River, Eta pointed at the recent ambassadorial nominees’ list, saying: “We have 36 states and more than 36 ambassadors, yet Cross River was not considered. That tells you how we are viewed in Nigeria today.”
He described the State’s inability to produce the head of any major federal agency in years as “a political tragedy” fuelled by silence, complacency, and inaction.
Further alluding to his appointment as the Governing Board Chairman of NYSC, Ntufam Eta noted that the Board is comatose and yet to be inaugurated almost one after.
He said it is unfortunate that “Nigerian politics does not reward gentility. If you stay silent, others will act as though you do not exist. We have been too gentle, too docile, too unengaged as Cross Riverians.”
Challenging citizens to step out of their comfort zones, speak up, and reject political exclusion, Ntufam Eta said, “If we must create an environment where the next generation can thrive, whether in business or national leadership, then we must abandon certain habits and confront issues boldly.”
For his part, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, tasked young Cross Riverians to embrace innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme: “Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs In Cross River State”, the Minister charged the youth to be diligent and work hard to shape the economic future of the State and Nigeria in general.
He described Cross River’s unique cultural, creative, and natural resources as a fertile ground for enterprise, stressing that the fast-changing global economy, technological disruption, and emerging sectors like renewable energy, agri-tech, tourism tech, and digital services demand problem solvers and innovation-driven entrepreneurs.
Senator Enoh, represented by his Special Adviser (Cotton, Textile and Garment), Ms Emeh Bassey, said, “Traditional career paths alone cannot absorb the aspirations of our young people”, adding that, “The next generation of business leaders will not come from inherited structures, but from those who can innovate, adapt, and collaborate.
“What happens in Cross River does not stay in Cross River. Innovation here has a ripple effect across Nigeria”, the Minister said, even as he encouraged youths to start small, dream big, and seize the opportunities before them to make exploits in different field.
Going forward, Enoh said with the abundant human and material resources, Cross River and Nigeria must embrace new waves of innovation and enterprise to drive sustainable economic growth and development.
However, he said realizing this dream depends heavily on effective management, good governance, and institutional quality of the leaders.
On journalists’ dual role of informing the public and holding institutions accountable, Enoh said, “Journalism is not merely a production; it is a public trust that informs, enlightens, questions, and strengthens the social fabric of a nation”.
He praised Nigerian journalists for their resilience and courage in uncovering facts despite challenges, while urging them to always celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, especially in the youth populace, which includes creativity, innovation, and risk-taking.
The Minister said inspiring the next generation should focus on encouraging, motivating and showcasing the achievements of young entrepreneurs while also highlighting successful ventures, providing mentorship and training, and creating platforms where many can learn from experienced individuals and gain the skills and confidence to pursue their business ideas.
Highlights of the occasion were the conferment of an Excellence Representation Award on Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North in the National Assembly, and the unveiling of ‘The Panorama’ magazine.
Chairman of CROSSJOF, Francisca Ogar said the award is designed to encourage Cross River lawmakers who distinguished themselves in quality performance, effective and meaningful representation of their constituencies at the National Assembly.
She said there is wide-spread discontent among Cross Riverians back home, particularly in some constituencies where elected representatives remained distant from the people and cannot openly advance information on their constituency projects execution and performance.
Ogar singled out Senator Jarigbe and Hon. Peter Akpanke, who under scrutiny, were bold and confident to open their doors and publicly acquit themselves with people-driven investments, impressive performance and positive outcomes that met and in some areas, exceeded their people’s expectations.
The CROSSJOF Chairman appreciated the Governor Bassey Edet Otu-led administration for its constructive actions, in terms of development and increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
She however said the Forum will keep speaking truth to power, especially against the backdrop of disturbing issues around the quality of education as seen in the quality of graduates being churned out, the high cost of living cum high level of unemployment, drug abuse, insecurity and gender based violence among others in the State.
According to her, CROSSJOF will be part of the solution through agenda setting and effective reportage of activities across the state while holding leaders accountable to the people, in line with their mandate and electioneering campaigns promises.
On the Forum’s publication, she said, “We present to you today our magazine, ‘The Panorama’, both online and offline which will serve as our tool for awareness creation, especially with 2027 in sight.”
