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| Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State |
CALABAR — Governor Bassey Edet Otu has stressed the importance of honouring distinguished Cross Riverians while they are still alive, describing it as a cultural shift that will inspire greater patriotism and sacrifice for the state's progress.
The Governor gave the charge on Thursday, October 2, at the Destiny Cross River Awards 2025, where he was decorated with the Destiny Grand Commander Award, the highest honour of the evening, for what organisers described as his "uncommon leadership in rebuilding Cross River and restoring hope for a new generation."
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, Governor Otu said recognising eminent sons and daughters of the state during their lifetime would encourage others to give more of themselves in service to humanity and society.
"Too often, we wait until our heroes are gone before acknowledging their immense contributions. What you have done today is worthy of emulation because celebrating living patriots strengthens the culture of sacrifice and inspires many more to follow their example," he stated.
The Governor further urged Cross Riverians to embrace a culture of patriotism, sacrifice, and service, noting that the future of the state lies not in the politics of division but in a renewed covenant of collective responsibility. He commended the inclusivity of the awards, which reflected all three senatorial districts of the state and included gender sensitivity, describing it as "a true symbol of unity."
Otu also highlighted his administration's deliberate efforts to strengthen ties with security agencies, the judiciary, and paramilitary institutions as part of measures to restore public confidence and attract investments into the state. He pledged his continued commitment to rebuilding institutions, deepening governance, and empowering the people, adding that the award would spur him to do even more.
The Governor further assured of government's support for future editions of the Destiny Awards, describing the maiden edition as "historic, prophetic, and unifying."
Presenting the award, Archbishop Josef Bassey, Convener of the Destiny Cross River Awards, praised Otu's quiet but determined leadership, contrasting it with leaders who seek personal glory.
"Where others saw ruins, he saw opportunity. Where others sought monuments to themselves, he chose renewal for the state. He has quietly gone about repairing the broken walls, refusing to expose the mess of the past but instead courageously rebuilding for the future. That is why tonight, we bestow on him this award as an eternal witness to his legendary patriotism and prophetic submission of Cross River to God," the cleric declared.
Archbishop Bassey stressed that the Destiny Awards were not just another recognition exercise but a prophetic covenant to immortalise sacrifice and inspire a new culture of nation-building. He likened Otu to a "turnaround manager" who inherited ruins but has begun transforming them into progress.
According to him, the award was also a call to accountability: "When leaders do wrong, we must say so. But when they do right, we must also acknowledge it. This award is given because you are doing well, and we will continue to encourage you as long as you stay true to the path of renewal."
Other eminent Cross Riverians honoured at the event included Chief Anthony Ani (CON), former Minister of Finance; Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN, CON), former Attorney-General of the Federation; Prof. Kelvin Etta, renowned scholar and administrator; and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, who made history as the first female recipient of the Destiny Matriarchal Defender Award.
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