Otu: An Exemplar of People-Centric Leadership at 66
By Michael Jegede
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Cross River State Governor, Apostle Bassey Edet Otu, an ex-parliamentarian of note and consummate banker turned politician, celebrated 66 years of fulfilled life dedicated to serving humanity and contributing to nation-building.
Governor Otu, whose life of service exemplifies the profound impact public service can have on others, began the celebration of his 66th birthday on Friday with widows in the state.
In a heartwarming display of appreciation and expression of gratitude to the governor for his leadership and support, a large number of widows reportedly assembled at the Cross River State Library Complex a day before Otu’s 66th birthday to rejoice with him.
The governor’s commitment to uplifting the vulnerable was evident at the event, where he commended the widows for their resilience amidst economic challenges facing families. The event, according to reports, featured the distribution of cash gifts, food items and essential supplies to the widows.
The governor, on Saturday, equally showed love to orphans and the elderly during his visit to the Motherless Babies Home and Old People’s Home. He also visited the Afokang Correctional Centre in Calabar, where he was reported to have presented several food and relief items to the inmates, who seized the opportunity to seek the governor’s intervention in cases of prolonged incarceration and substandard living conditions.
In his response to the request of the inmates, the governor was quoted as saying “We are doing our best within our powers to expedite justice. The last time we reviewed the cases, about 50 persons were released based on merit and readiness for safe reintegration into society. We’ll continue to look into more cases to ensure that those fit to live responsibly among others are given a second chance.”
A gathering of senior citizens, elder statesmen, traditional rulers and clergymen reportedly brought the Saturday activities to a close, as they came together to celebrate with the governor. The three-day celebration for Otu’s 66th birthday ended on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the Voice of God Christian Church, where the governor expressed deep gratitude to God for His grace, favour and protection, while seeking the constant prayers and support of the people of Cross River for lasting peace, stability, growth, and prosperity in the state.
Apostle Otu, a true servant leader, stands out as an exemplar of people-centric leadership, consistently prioritizing the welfare and development of the people he serves. Since assumption of office as Cross River helmsman, he has invariably demonstrated a firm commitment to putting the needs of the people first. His leadership style is characterized by empathy, inclusivity, transparency, open-mindedness and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of his people.
Under his stewardship, Cross River has witnessed significant strides in different areas of the state’s economy, including agriculture, healthcare, education, security, tourism, and infrastructural development. His commitment to people-centric governance has led to initiatives that empower citizens, promote social welfare, and foster economic growth. His people-centric leadership style has earned him the trust and admiration of Cross Riverians.
Otu, a listening leader and grassroots politician, widely known as Sweet Prince, adopted the leadership style that encourages citizen participation in decision-making processes and ensures the voices of all stakeholders are heard and valued in every matter concerning the people. His administration has nurtured strong relationships with community leaders, organisations and groups, thereby fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual ownership in development initiatives.
Governor Otu’s 66th birthday drew special tributes from prominent figures nationwide, while social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from admirers across the state and beyond, reflecting his widespread impact and popularity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) was among many eminent Nigerians who celebrated Sweet Prince on the occasion of his 66th birthday. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed Otu’s commitment to public service and his tireless efforts to serve the people.
PBAT appeared impressed with the remarkable progress and giant strides of Governor Otu, whose leadership and commitment to the ideals of All Progressives Congress (APC) have earned him key party roles, of which he consistently delivered outstanding results.
Tinubu’s statement reads: “The President joins members of the Otu family, friends, and associates of the Governor in celebrating a legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to the public good.
“President Tinubu commends Governor Otu for placing people at the heart of governance through his People First agenda, which prioritises human capital development by making strategic investments in education, health security, food security, and cultural empowerment.
“The President lauds the Governor’s strides in education, including the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship and the College of Agriculture, which are preparing a new generation of skilled professionals to drive sustainable growth in the state.
“President Tinubu extols the Governor’s pursuit of industrialisation through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Adiabo, an initiative supported by the African Development Bank, which aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening value chains, promoting export competitiveness, and creating jobs for Nigerian youth.
“The President expresses confidence that, under Governor Otu’s watch, several ongoing infrastructural projects, including the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport, the 700km coastal highway linking Calabar to Lagos, the 450km Trans-Sahara Superhighway to Abuja, the river port, and the free trade zone will transform Cross River into a significant hub for commerce, logistics, and tourism in West Africa.
“President Tinubu wishes Governor Otu continued good health, strength, and wisdom in the service of his people and the progress of Nigeria.”
In their congratulatory message to Sweet Prince, the South-South governors described him as a patriotic Nigerian and avowed democrat, making meaningful difference in the governance of Cross River State through his people-centric leadership.
In a statement by the Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum (SSGF), Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the governors observed that Otu, a visionary leader, has been committed to rewriting the developmental narrative of his state and the region.
The statement further noted that “Since assuming office two and a half years ago, Otu has breathed fresh dynamism into governance of the state through people-centric policies and projects.
“Governor Otu’s servant-leadership style has given Cross River a new lease of life and inspired many even beyond the state.
“While praising our colleague for his patriotism, the forum notes that Otu is a humble, compassionate and committed democrat that has prioritised the wellbeing of the people and the development of his state.
“We pray for greater grace, wisdom and divine guidance of the Almighty, and urge Otu to remain steadfast while sustaining his vision for Cross River’s economic growth and advancement.”
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, stated in a message of congratulations that at 66 Otu has lived a life of fulfilment and accomplishment.
The legal luminary and influential politician, a former Senate Leader and ex-Board Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said: “I congratulate His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State on his 66th birthday. Yours has been a remarkable, rich and full life of love, service and sacrifice to State, Country, humanity and the Almighty.
“As you were elevated in the service of man you dedicated yourself even more in the service of God so much that you are now an Apostle in His vineyard. As you celebrate your new age, I wish you good health and long life and your future will even be more glorious than your illustrious past.”
The Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Otu, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, averred that the state has witnessed tremendous transformation and significant growth under the proactive leadership of his principal.
The CoS in a special tribute to his boss on his 66th birthday, said: “It was William Shakespeare who said, ‘Heaven doth blaze forth the birth of princes.’ From all we have seen in you, Your Excellency, we believe that on the day you were born, heaven indeed declared—through its customary mysterious language, understood only by the gifted—that you were divinely packaged for a mission.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable strides toward a brighter future. Your forward-thinking approach and compassionate leadership continue to inspire hope and confidence in the path ahead. You have consistently placed the well-being of the people at the heart of your endeavours, and for that, you are deeply admired and respected.
“It is with this understanding that I, on behalf of my family, join other Cross Riverians—and indeed all Nigerians—in celebrating an epitome of selfless service: The People-First Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as he marks his 66th birthday today.
“May God Almighty, who sent you to Cross River State, continue to guide and direct your path.”
The lawmaker representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep Bassey Akiba, described the governor as a transformative leader who has revolutionized governance in Cross River where every individual and zone in the state feels valued and represented.
Rep Akiba remarked: “I am profoundly delighted to join the good people of Cross River State in celebrating your birthday today.
“In the annals of our state’s history, your name shines brightly as a beacon of hope, compassion, and transformation.
“Your decades-long commitment to public service reflects a rare blend of humanity and excellence.
“From the National Assembly to Government House, you have steered the ship of state with vision and purpose.
“Through your ‘People First’ mantra, you have redefined governance, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and tangible impact.
“Under your leadership, Cross River State has witnessed remarkable progress in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development, creating opportunities and fostering hope among the populace.
“Today, we celebrate your purposeful leadership and pray for continued good health, wisdom, and divine guidance.”
The legislator representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Hon Victor Abang, noted that Otu’s 66th birthday offered “a moment of deep gratitude for his outstanding leadership and the remarkable progress witnessed across the state in the past two years.
“From urban renewal and agricultural revitalisation to road infrastructure and human capital development, Governor Otu has continued to translate his ‘Sweet Prince’ vision into tangible transformation—fostering growth and strengthening the bond between the government and the good people of Cross River State.
“On behalf of my family and the constituents of Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, I warmly congratulate you, Your Excellency, on this remarkable milestone. I pray that God grants you continued wisdom, good health, and divine grace as you lead our dear state to greater heights.”
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja
