Spotlight on Governor Otu’s 100 days in office
In a bid to alleviate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu in May, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State in a state-wide broadcast on Friday has announced a series of palliatives for workers in the state.
These measures are aimed at
cushioning the effect of the subsidy removal and providing some relief to the citizens who are currently facing financial hardships.
One of the key palliatives announced by Governor Otu is the payment of a monthly stipend of N10,000 for all workers in the state for the next six months.
This stipend will serve as a supplementary income for workers and help them cope with the increased cost of living resulting from the removal of the fuel subsidy.
This move is commendable as it shows the government’s commitment to supporting its workforce during these challenging times.
Additionally, Governor Otu has also granted two days off for workers from level 13 and below. This decision recognizes the need for workers to have some time off to rest and rejuvenate, especially considering the additional financial burden they may be facing due to the subsidy removal.
This gesture will not only provide some respite to the workers but also contribute to their overall well-being and productivity.
The Cross River State Government’s acknowledgment of the hardship faced by its citizens is a step in the right direction.
The removal of fuel subsidies has led to an increase in the cost of transportation, food, and other essential commodities, making it difficult for many individuals and families to make ends meet.
His words, “To cushion the effect of this unpleasant situation, the government has added hardship allowance for all civil servants in the State. The allowance will be N10,000 monthly for the next 6 months which will commence this September”
As our children deserve access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background the Governor has eliminated tuition fees for public primary and secondary schools aimed at ensuring that no child is left behind.
The governor’s announcement comes as part of his administration’s commitment to improving the education sector in the state. Recognizing the importance of education in the development of any society.
Apart from the current realities, the decision to waive tuition fees for public schools is a significant step towards achieving universal access to education. It will not only alleviate the financial burden on parents but also encourage more children to enroll in school. Education is a fundamental right, and by removing financial barriers, the government is ensuring that this right is upheld.
In addition to the waiver of tuition fees, Governor Otu also highlighted the government’s commitment to paying examination fees for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) students. This move is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents.
The governor emphasized that education is the key to unlocking the potential of the state’s youth and preparing them for the challenges of the future. By investing in education, the government is investing in the development of the state as a whole.
In a bid to improve healthcare services and to ensure the well-being of its citizens, Governor Otu has announced a series of measures aimed at providing free medical care to vulnerable groups. The Governor has revealed that pregnant women, children under the age of 5, and the elderly will now have access to free healthcare services in all state-owned hospitals.
One of the key initiatives introduced by the government is the provision of free antenatal care and delivery for pregnant women. This move is a significant step towards reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring that expectant mothers receive the necessary medical attention throughout their pregnancy journey.
By removing the financial burden associated with antenatal care and delivery, the government aims to encourage more women to seek professional medical assistance, ultimately leading to healthier pregnancies and safer childbirths.
Furthermore, the government has also extended its support to children under the age of 5 and the elderly by offering free medical treatment.
This decision recognizes the vulnerability of these age groups and acknowledges the importance of early intervention and preventive care.
By providing free medical services to children, the government aims to ensure that they receive timely medical attention, vaccinations, and necessary treatments, thus safeguarding their health and well-being.
Similarly, the elderly, who often face age-related health issues, will now have access to free medical treatment, enabling them to receive the care they need without financial constraints.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare and ensuring that every citizen feels the impact of people-oriented governance.
The governor said, “The government has also approved free antenatal care and delivery for pregnant women across the State in all State-owned hospitals. “Free medical treatment for children under the age of 5 and the elderly.”
Governor Otu also constituted the “Palliatives Distribution Committee”
In response to the Fuel Subsidy Removal and its impact on the economy, and the people Governor Otu has taken a proactive step by constituting the “Palliatives Distribution Committee” in the state. This committee is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that they reach the most vulnerable members of society.
The Subsidy removal has brought about unprecedented challenges, with many people losing their businesses and struggling to make ends meet. In such difficult times, the government must step in and provide support to those who need it the most. Governor Otu’s decision to form the Palliatives Distribution Committee is a commendable move toward addressing the needs of the most vulnerable members of the society.
The committee is comprised of individuals from various sectors, including government officials, community leaders, and representatives from non-governmental organizations. This diverse composition ensures that the committee has a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges faced by different segments of society.
The primary objective of the committee is to identify and reach out to those who are most in need of assistance. This includes individuals who had found it difficult to feed, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty. The committee will work closely with local authorities and community leaders to gather information and identify the most vulnerable individuals and families.
The Palliative Committee has a Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh as Chairman.
Other members are:
Mr. Mike Odere, Commissioner for Finance – Member
Dr. Helen Isamoh, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs – Member
Hon. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information – Member
Bishop Margaret Ene-Ita, Commissioner for Social Welfare – Member
Maj. Gen. Obono Okoi Ubi (Rtd), State Security Adviser – Member
Others are, Comrade Olaji Gregory, Stae NLC Chairman – Member
Comrade Monday Ogbodum, State TUC chairman – Member
Mrs. Angela Ode, DG, SEMA – Member
Barr. Ekpeyong Akiba, Special Adviser, General Duties – Member
Mr. Esoso Anah Esoso – Member
Barr. John Orim – Member
Mr. Peter Akpere – Member
NACRISS President – Member
Representative of Traditional Ruler – Member
Representative of Religious Organizations – Member
Gov Otu has also enumerated some of his achievements for the past 100 days of his administration during his maiden state broadcast.
He said, “Fellow Cross Riverians, gentlemen of the Press, permit me at this juncture to present to you some sectoral accomplishments and plans so far made by this administration since its inception on May 29, 2023.
INFRASTRUCTURE: The bedrock of any economic and social development is the availability of relevant infrastructural facilities. To this end, the State Government has within 100 days in office, achieved the following milestones.
i) Upgrade and completion of the ultra-modern Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) which hosted the recently concluded International Cooperation and Investment Summit.
ii) Completion of 1.2km concrete-paved Nyong Edem Street, Calabar South.
iii) Rehabilitation of Edet Ansa Farm Access Road and Etap Ayip Road, in Calabar Municipality.
iv) Rehabilitation of 3km Bebuasuan Rural Access Road in Obudu LGA.
v) Rehabilitation of 3km Ketting Community Road in Obanliku LGA.
vi) Re-modeling and renovation of the Governor’s Office Complex (ongoing).
vii) Construction of 39km Ukelle Road in Yala LGA (ongoing).
viii) Award of contract for the renovation/equipping of the State ultra-modern library complex, Calabar.
ix) Restoration and beautification of the Millennium Park Recreational Garden, Calabar.
x) Reconstruction of State Emergency
Management Agency (SEMA) and Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP) warehouses.
AGRICULTURE: As we are aware, agriculture is the area where Cross River State has a comparative advantage over many States of the federation. Prime attention is therefore given to this sector with the following achievements so far.
i) The present administration has attracted $ 15 million in private sector investment into the Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estate, with multiple effects on employment and growth of State GDP.
ii) The government has also developed a 6-year N30bn agricultural credit guarantee fund for rice, maize, fisheries, and livestock farmers.
iii) To ascertain with precision, the soil texture for specific crops in the different zones of the State, the Government has commenced the State-wide Digital Soil Fertility Mapping. This will translate to greater yields of different crops.
iv) In partnership with the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (ORGAN), the State Government has commenced the planting of 3.5 million hybrid oil palm seedlings in 13 identified locations across the State.
v) In agric-related human capital development, the State Government has sponsored indigenes of the State to participate in the cassava-bio value chain conference in Asaba-Delta State for the subsequent establishment of a cassava-bio fuel factory in the State, as well as a workshop on sustainable oil palm economy.
vi) 50 starter rice growers have been given free rice seedlings, fertilizer, and pesticides, while 30 starter-livestock farmers have been assisted with day-old chicks, feeds, etc.
AVIATION: To transform the State into a transit hub and evacuation corridor, the following have been achieved.
i) The State Government has attracted an Irish Aviation Company to build and run an Aviation Training School in Bebi, Obanliku. The State Government will undertake the payment of full tuition fees for all the indigenes of the State enrolled in the institution.
ii) The sum of N3.7bn has been made available by the State Government for the completion of the Obudu Cargo and Passenger Airport.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION:
a) On assumption of office, we inherited a 40-ministry structure, but to align our lean resources with the reality of the times, we have been able to restructure and compress the ministries to 31.
b) On our debt portfolio, the State Government has successfully restructured our debt repayment to give room for development projects.
c) For the first time in the recent past, the State Government has fully mobilized our contingent to the forthcoming National Sports Festival billed for Asaba-Delta State. This mobilization is in the areas of camping, training, allowance, logistics, etc. This is a glowing testimony to the fact that this administration is youth-friendly.
d) I am also glad to announce to the teeming Cross Riverians that the recently concluded International Cooperation and Investment Summit yielded good results with over $1bn financial commitment to be invested in the State by way of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The governor said.
The media parlay was a reflection of the governors’ 100 days in office.
The event took place on Friday at the temporary Ggovernor’s Office, Governor’s Lodge, Moor Road, Calabar. The event was attended by Journalists, Commissioners, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service as well as APC party faithful.
WRITTEN BY: AKPAN WILLIAMS
CALABAR CORRESPONDENT
