Following his recent redeployment to another Ministry, the newly appointed Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, has expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his continued confidence and trust.
Dr. Ekpang, who previously served as the Commissioner for Information, described the new assignment as a strategic call to service that aligns directly with his core professional competence, technical expertise and administrative experience in land management, planning and development.
In a message of appreciation titled “Message of Gratitude and Renewed Commitment,” Dr. Ekpang described his appointment as Commissioner for Information as a rare privilege that gave him visibility, broadened his leadership experience and offered him the opportunity to contribute to the success of the ‘People First’ administration.
He noted that with the Governor’s support, the Ministry of Information recorded landmark achievements, such as the revitalisation of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), the recruitment of new staff to rebuild the Ministry and the complete overhaul of the State Newspaper Corporation into a modern, world-class publishing organization billed for commissioning on August 12, 2026.
Dr. Ekpang said his redeployment to the Ministry of Lands is not just a routine posting but a strategic opportunity to deploy his professional expertise in a sector central to economic development.
“As a professional whose core competence aligns with land administration, planning and development, I consider this assignment both an honour and a call to greater responsibility,” he said.
The Commissioner assured the Governor that he will reposition the Ministry of Lands as a major catalyst for economic transformation through innovative reforms, transparency, improved service delivery and effective land management to attract investment and expand wealth creation.
He disclosed plans to collaborate with stakeholders and development partners to develop new, well-planned layouts and modern urban communities across the three senatorial districts, open up new growth corridors and restore orderly physical planning in Calabar, Ikom, Ugep, Ogoja Obudu and other emerging urban centres.
According to him, illegal developments, encroachment on drainage channels and public infrastructure and unapproved construction will be decisively addressed in line with the law and global best practices.
“Land remains one of the greatest economic assets of any government. Under your visionary leadership, we shall unlock its immense potential through modern land administration, digital innovation, strategic partnerships and sound urban planning,” Ekpang stated.
He pledged unalloyed loyalty to the Otu administration and reaffirmed his commitment to deliver results that will justify the confidence reposed in him, adding that on behalf of his family and the entire Boki nation, he remains grateful to the Governor.
