Otu: My Parents Inspired My ‘People First’ Leadership Philosophy

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has attributed his administration's "People First" governing philosophy to the values of faith, compassion, discipline and selfless service instilled in him by his late parents.

The governor made the disclosure during a memorial thanksgiving service held in honour of his late parents, Elder and Mrs. Edet Okon Otu, at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Cathedral in Calabar.

Addressing family members, government officials, clergy and other worshippers, Otu said the lessons he received from his parents continue to shape his approach to leadership and governance.

"I stand here today not as governor, but as your first child. I learnt from you that a man's greatest worth is not measured by riches, but by the number of lives he touches. Your open-door policy has become our People First Agenda," the governor said.

He described his late mother as an exceptional educator who dedicated more than five decades to teaching and mentoring young people, while praising his late father for his generosity and compassion, noting that their home was always open to the needy and less privileged.

According to Otu, the values of humility, integrity, service and compassion passed down by his parents remain the foundation of his administration and continue to influence policies aimed at improving the welfare of Cross River residents.

He said his government's commitment to education, social welfare, job creation and other people-oriented programmes reflects the enduring legacy of his parents.

"Today, your classroom has become our learning ground. Your legacy lives on in every child we educate, every hungry person we feed, every applicant we employ and every life we uplift," he added.

Delivering the sermon titled Building the Family for Tomorrow, the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, urged parents to intentionally raise children with godly values, discipline and sound moral character.

Drawing lessons from the biblical families of Eli, Hannah and Timothy, the cleric stressed that wealth and social status can never replace responsible parenting. He maintained that enduring legacies are built through integrity, discipline, commitment to God and the intentional nurturing of future generations.

The thanksgiving service attracted family members, church leaders, political associates and government officials who gathered to honour the memory of the governor's parents while reflecting on the values that continue to shape his leadership philosophy.

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