Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, praised President Bola Tinubu for what he called the “historic and justice-driven” creation of the South South Development Commission, calling it a long-overdue milestone for the oil-rich region.
“This Commission emerges as a long-awaited dawn for a land abundantly blessed, yet sorely yearning for a framework to translate its riches into enduring prosperity,” the governor said in a statement signed by the state governor on Saturday.
“It is evidence of President Tinubu’s unique vision, his leadership centered on equity, and his strong dedication to the equitable development of Nigeria’s diverse regions.” Otu said.
Otu also complimented the recently established Commission Board, whose members were sworn in by Regional Development Minister Abubakar Momoh on Thursday.
He specifically mentioned Soni Abang and Larry Odey, two Cross River natives who were also selected to the Board.
The two, he said, were “distinguished sons of the soil.” Otu emphasized the importance of their positions and urged them to see their appointments as a spiritual call to serve rather than merely as political advancements.
“Your inauguration today, my brothers Soni Abang and Larry Odey, is not just a political appointment, it is a sacred trust, a call to etch your names in golden letters upon the annals of our region’s renaissance,” the governor remarked.
Otu gave them and their Board members the responsibility of leading with vision, integrity, and purpose in order to make the Commission a symbol of regional unity, inclusive growth, and advancement.
“Your knowledge, skills, and unwavering enthusiasm must now come together to make sure the Commission shines as a lighthouse of development, diversity, and opportunity for all South-South communities. I am incredibly proud of you. Make us proud.
In addition, he called on the leadership of the SSDC to approach their mission with “uncommon fidelity” and to leave behind transformative legacies that would empower young people, strengthen communities, and unite the six states in the region into a single, cohesive development fabric.
“Under your leadership, let the Commission serve as a haven of advancement and a symbol of fairness for future generations,” he said.
To guarantee that the region’s enormous natural resource is eventually utilized for the benefit of its citizens, Otu, however, promised the Board of Cross River State’s assistance and committed to working closely with the SSDC.
“To break cycles of deprivation and set the South South on an irreversible path of inclusive prosperity, our administration is still committed to working with the SSDC,” he said.
