As part of activities to mark Nigeria 63rd independence anniversary, the Cross River State Governmment has held interdenominational thanksgiving service in Calabar.
Speaking at the Thanksgiving service, held on Sunday at The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddle Parish, the Governor of Cross River State Sen Bassey Edet Otu, said as a government, its has pledged to prioritize the welfare and well-being of the citizens.
Otu who was represented by the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Peter Odey, with a gut feeling of having made a good decision said his administration have promised a ‘People- First’ approach to governance.
As the governor rapidly laid out the issues of the Nigerian Labour Union and why they should sheath their sword, he used the occasion to plead with them to give Governmments a chance for more dialogue.
“I want to assure you that your commitment to the development of our state remains unwavering.” He told them that his government is determined to create an environment where businesses can thrive and create job opportunities for our people.
Not wanting to debate further, the Prelate, His Eminence Ekpeyong Akpanika Ph.D who earlier spoke at the event noted that the state of the nation calls for reflection.
As he explained that both the government and people are involved in building a legacy for the next generation, the enormity of what had happened to the nation became clearer when he said “it is with mixed feelings of Joy and sadness that we celebrate the independence.”
Reminiscing on the once organized state of the educational, transportation and vibrant middle class, the Clergy called on leaders at all levels to rise up and become generational thinkers with actions to build a good legacy for the next generation.
On the present administration’s achievements so far, the prelate commended Governor Otu for frequent evacuation of waste in the metropolis, intervention in the area of Security and Her Excellency Rev. Eyoawan Otu’s welfare visits to the home of the aged, motherless and less privileged in the society.
While advocating for the revival of sports as a way of empowering the youth, he did also reminded him to take advantage of the fertile land and invest massively in agriculture as well as technological know how to meet up with the competitive world.
He prayed for the success, guidance and sustianance of Otu’s administration saying “may the Lord surround the Governor with men and women with vision to grow the state to the next level.”
Truth Live News reports that the event attended by the Speaker of the House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Chief Judge of the state, His Lordship, Justice Akon Ikpeme, the Obong of Calabar and members of the Obong’s Council, the Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, also featured members of the State Executive Council, Service Chiefs, top government functionaries, elder statesmen among other dignitaries.