CALABAR — It is a celebration of style and substance as the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) rolls out the drums for Governor Bassey Otu's 67th birthday, spotlighting a leader whose "People First" mantra has become a badge of honour in the state. The atmosphere was electric on Sunday, 18 October 2026, as family, friends, associates and the entire Cross River populace joined the forum in honouring a man many describe as the embodiment of purposeful leadership.
In a glowing tribute signed by Chairman Hon. Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo and Secretary Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu, the CRSCF poured encomiums on the governor, describing him as a dynamic and visionary leader whose administration has continued to deliver steady transformation. The forum did not mince words in celebrating Otu's achievements, rolling out a dazzling scorecard that read like a society programme: hundreds of kilometres of roads constructed and rehabilitated, long-abandoned projects completed, and rural access roads prioritised in a bold statement of inclusive governance.
The glamour extended to the health sector, where the forum celebrated a doubled budgetary allocation, the revitalisation of over 100 primary healthcare centres, the recruitment of more than 2,000 health professionals, and the introduction of free maternal and child care services — a package the CRSCF described as a gift to the vulnerable. In education, the consistent payment of WAEC fees for tens of thousands of indigenous students between 2024 and 2026 and the establishment of new tertiary institutions drew particular applause, while the agricultural revolution under Project GROW — with its mini-tractors, improved seedlings, crop-specific clusters and offtake agreements — was hailed as a masterclass in economic empowerment.
But the highlight of the celebration was the economic revitalisation drive, which the forum said has restored the state's pride of place. The successful recovery of Tinapa Business and Resort, the expansion of Cally Air, progress on the Obudu Cargo Airport, the focused advancement of the Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the ongoing efforts to reenlist Cross River as an oil-producing state were all reeled out as evidence of a governor who thinks big and delivers. The CRSCF also praised Otu's broader vision of a secured and peaceful state, human capital development, agricultural transformation, tourism revival and the blue economy, which it said continues to inspire hope and chart a clear path toward shared prosperity.
The forum offered prayers for renewed strength, sound health, greater wisdom and divine favour, wishing the governor a new year filled with joy, peace and outstanding success in the service of the people. With the slogan "CRSCF... For History. For Progress. For Equity" ringing through the tribute, the message was unmistakable: in Cross River, Governor Otu is not just a leader — he is the star of the moment, and his 67th birthday was a fitting tribute to a man whose "People First" philosophy has become the pride of the state.
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