By Staff Reporter
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has pledged renewed government intervention in critical infrastructure, education, electricity and economic development across the Northern Senatorial District.
The governor made the commitment during a stakeholders’ engagement with political leaders and other key stakeholders from Cross River North at the Ogoja Local Government Council headquarters.
The meeting provided an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to draw attention to some of the major challenges confronting the region, including roads and bridges, the proposed university, electricity supply and the long-dormant Okuku International Market.
Governor Otu said projects considered urgent and capable of producing significant impact would receive priority attention.
On roads and bridges, the governor stressed that functional infrastructure was essential to keeping communities connected and supporting economic activities. He noted that damaged or missing bridges could isolate communities, prevent farmers from moving their produce and make access to schools, healthcare facilities and markets more difficult.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing a university in the Northern Senatorial District, describing the project as part of his campaign commitments.
He, however, explained that the establishment of a university, particularly one offering specialised programmes such as medicine, must comply with regulatory requirements and meet the necessary standards.
According to him, the proposed institution is expected to contribute to human capital development and help produce more professionals, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Another major issue discussed was the revival of the Okuku International Market, which has remained largely dormant despite its strategic importance to commerce in the region.
Otu described the market as an important economic asset that should not be allowed to remain inactive. He said government was examining measures required to restore its commercial activities.
He also linked the revival of the market to improved road access, noting that farmers, traders and buyers need functional roads to move goods and agricultural produce efficiently.
Electricity supply also featured prominently during the engagement, with the governor acknowledging the importance of reliable power to businesses, industries and young entrepreneurs.
Otu said his administration was engaging relevant authorities over the power situation in the region, stressing that meaningful industrial development would be difficult without dependable electricity.
The governor further urged stakeholders to support efforts aimed at developing Cross River North and called for political reconciliation and unity among leaders and residents.
He said government could not solve every challenge at once but would continue to listen to the people and work towards addressing the problems affecting their communities.
The commitments have renewed attention on several long-standing development demands in Cross River North, with residents now looking to see how quickly the proposed interventions translate from assurances into visible projects across the district.
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