…Urges Cross Riverians to Embrace Patriotism, Self-Reliance, Unity and Collective Responsibility
Cross River State Governor, Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has called on Cross Riverians to uphold patriotism, integrity, religious tolerance, self-reliance and other national values as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Governor Otu made the call in his goodwill message to the people of the state at the anniversary celebration held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, described Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, as a significant milestone achieved through the sacrifices, resilience and patriotism of the nation’s nationalists and activists. He said the anniversary should go beyond official ceremonies and fanfare, providing an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the nation’s journey and reflect on the true meaning and responsibilities of independence.
According to him, the national ethics enshrined in Chapter Two, Section 23 of the 1999 Constitution, including patriotism, integrity, self-reliance and religious tolerance, should guide citizens and institutions. He said his administration had adopted these values as part of the state’s governing ethos, citing the peaceful coexistence of Christian and Muslim communities in Cross River as an example of religious tolerance.
Gov. Otu said his administration had continued to promote fairness and equity in the distribution of public amenities and political appointments, respect for human rights and the rule of law. He added that the government remained inclusive and participatory, providing opportunities for qualified Cross Riverians to serve irrespective of political affiliation.
On self-reliance and economic development, the Governor highlighted youth apprenticeship programmes, training and start-up support for local entrepreneurs, as well as interventions in agriculture. He said farmers had benefited from loans, grants and mechanised farming, while rural feeder roads were being graded to facilitate the evacuation of farm produce.
He further stated that the state was supporting agro-based cottage industries to process agricultural products into semi-finished and finished goods, stressing that agriculture remained central to the state’s economic prosperity because of its extensive value chain. According to him, the administration’s target is to move Cross River from food sufficiency to absolute food security, describing the effort as a form of “Food Independence.”
Governor Otu said the progress recorded in the state represented part of the responsibility of government to consolidate the gains of Nigeria’s independence by strengthening local capacity and reducing dependence on external sources.
He, however, stressed that the task of building the state could not be left to government alone. Using an orchestra as an analogy, the Governor said governance requires every citizen to play a constructive role, noting that the desired harmony in the state could only be achieved when government and citizens work towards a common purpose.
He therefore urged Cross Riverians to shun distrust, ethnic bias, disharmony and other anti-social tendencies, calling instead for constructive engagement, unity and a shared commitment to the peace, prosperity and development of the state.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Pst. Ekpenyong Cobham, described Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices, hopes and aspirations that have shaped the nation’s journey since independence. He welcomed guests to the celebration, noting that the anniversary provided an important moment for citizens to renew their commitment to patriotism, unity, peace and the collective responsibility of building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
Pst. Cobham also highlighted the development strides recorded in Cross River State under the People First agenda of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, particularly in agriculture, human capital development, transportation and the emerging digital economy. He called on Cross Riverians to sustain their support for initiatives that promote self-reliance, productivity and inclusive development, while urging citizens to reject division, ethnic distrust and other tendencies capable of undermining the peace and progress of the state.
According to the Commissioner, the progress recorded across various sectors underscores the importance of collaboration between government and citizens in advancing the state. He urged Cross Riverians to remain hopeful and united, stressing that the responsibility for building a better future extends beyond government to every citizen.
The ceremony featured the inspection of the guard of honour, a march-past, the presentation of certificates, and the cutting of the 66th Independence Day Anniversary cake by the Deputy Governor and selected officials who graced the occasion.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
October 1, 2026
