NIGERIA, CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the appointment of Barrister Eyo Nsa Ekpo and Dr. Calistus Aruku to lead key state empowerment programmes.
A statement signed on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, said Ekpo will serve as Chairman of the Cross River Social Investment Programme (SIP), while Aruku will head the Cross River Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES).
Obogo described Barr. Ekpo as a seasoned legal practitioner and public policy expert whose background aligns with the administration’s social investment vision.
Dr. Aruku, according to the statement, is an accomplished scholar and development strategist with a track record of promoting youth development and economic inclusion.
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Governor Otu said the appointments were “a deliberate step towards institutionalizing people-centred governance,” emphasizing that his administration values “merit, capacity, and excellence.”
He urged both appointees to discharge their duties with integrity and diligence, assuring that their leadership would shape the success of ongoing empowerment and social welfare initiatives.
“The future of governance lies in strategic empowerment and human capacity development. We are building institutions that truly serve our people,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Otu reaffirmed his commitment to expanding opportunities for youths, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups through structured programmes that drive inclusive growth.
The governor’s media aide noted that the appointments take immediate effect, adding that the administration remains focused on translating policies into measurable impact across all 18 local government areas.
Obogo expressed confidence that Ekpo and Aruku would deliver results that align with the governor’s “People First” development agenda.
