C’River gov honours predecessors at Christmas tree lighting

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has formally switched on the 2025 Christmas tree and festive lights on the Calabar Cenotaph, signalling the beginning of the festive season and celebrating a spirit of unity and continuity in governance.

In an announcement made out there to PidomNigeria On-line on Monday, addressing residents, artistes, and dignitaries, Otu stated the occasion was a possibility to honour the management legacies that formed the state.

He praised former Governor Clement Ebri as “the daddy of contemporary Cross River,” commending his achievements in agriculture, training, well being, and infrastructure.

He additionally lauded Donald Duke for “redefining Cross River as Nigeria’s tourism capital,” with improvements such because the transformation of Obudu Ranch, the creation of Cross River College of Know-how (CRUTECH), and the beginning of Carnival Calabar.

The governor additional celebrated Senator Liyel Imoke for his “administrative excellence” and deep reforms in training, rural growth, and social welfare, whereas acknowledging Senator Ben Ayade for his industrialisation drive, innovation, and political braveness in repositioning the state on the nationwide degree.

“As we illuminate this metropolis, we have a good time their visions and decide to constructing on them.

“My group and I’ll proceed to develop Cross River by means of human capital growth, industrialisation, rural transformation, and tourism,” he stated.

He urged residents to embrace the season with hope: “Might our religion shine as a beacon of renewal and prosperity.”

Former Governor Clement Ebri thanked Otu for sustaining a tradition of honour, describing the gesture as uplifting.

Donald Duke, reflecting on the 20-year journey of Carnival Calabar, stated the pageant has remained a unifying image.
“The wonder is that it brings all our peoples, various as we’re, into one distinctive occasion the place we have a good time ourselves,” he stated.

Imoke described the gathering as “heartwarming and nostalgic,” commending Otu for his uncommon dedication to continuity. “It’s unusual for a governor to look again, establish what is nice, and construct on it. That spirit retains establishments alive,” Imoke famous.

Former Governor Ben Ayade additionally applauded Otu for bringing all leaders collectively, no matter political divides.

“At present is about acknowledging that Candy Prince Bassey Otu has proven the knowledge to unite us all, past get together strains,” he stated.