The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that promotes economic growth and improves the quality of life of citizens across the state.
Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this known on Saturday during the official flag-off of the construction of the 10km Ugboro-Ukpah-Afrike Road in Bekwarra Local Government Area.
Addressing residents and stakeholders at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor described the project as another milestone in the implementation of the Governor’s People First agenda, noting that it reflects the administration’s resolve to fulfil its promises to the people. He said the road would improve access to rural communities, facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, stimulate commerce, enhance access to healthcare and education, and create new economic opportunities for residents.
Rt. Hon. Odey commended the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Egbung Odama, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, and the Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang, for their commitment and collaborative efforts in facilitating the commencement of the project.
He called on community leaders, youths, and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the project. He also charged the contractor to prioritise the use of local content by engaging qualified local labour and sourcing materials locally where practicable.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Egbung Odama, described Governor Otu as a promise keeper whose administration continues to translate campaign promises into tangible development. He noted that the road project reflects the Governor’s commitment to addressing the long-standing infrastructural needs of the Bekwarra people.
Hon. Odama expressed appreciation to the Governor for including Bekwarra in his development agenda, describing the project as a clear demonstration of the administration’s People First philosophy. He expressed confidence in the successful completion of the road and appealed to the state government to also consider the construction of the Abuochiche–Akwurinyi Road.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Dr. Pius Ankpo Edet, assured residents that the project would be executed in line with approved engineering standards and completed within the lifespan of the present administration. He called on the benefiting communities to continue supporting the contractor throughout the construction period.
On his part, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, affirmed that the Governor Otu administration had put in place adequate funding arrangements to guarantee the uninterrupted execution of the project until completion.
In their goodwill messages, the Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang; former Head of Service, Mr. Timothy Akwaji; the Paramount Ruler of Bekwarra Local Government Area; and the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, commended Governor Otu for the strategic intervention. They pledged the full cooperation of the people and assured the government of a peaceful environment that would enable the contractor to complete the project on schedule.
The high point of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting performed by the Deputy Governor, formally marking the commencement of the project.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar.
July 5, 2026
