We’re investing in future with people-centred policies – Gov Otu

…flags off 1,000-unit housing scheme for civil servants

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

Cross River State governor, Sen Bassey Otu, has disclosed that his administration was intentionally investing in the future of the state with the people at the heart of their policies.

The Governor made the assertion on Thursday while flagging off the construction of a 1,000-unit housing scheme for civil servants.

He described the project as a major step toward improving workers’ welfare and securing their future after service.

The project, christened the “People-First Housing Scheme” is located in Ikot Efio-Okon Edem, Akpabuyo Local Government Area and is designed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for public servants across the state.

Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, conveyed that the initiative showcases his administration’s dedication to prioritising the needs of the people, especially those in the civil service, whom he referred to as the “engine room of government.”

His words:” We are intentionally investing in a future where workers can look forward to life after service with peace of mind.

“We want our civil servants to know that their years of loyal service to Cross River State will not be in vain.

“We want them to retire with dignity, with comfort, and with the confidence that they have a place they can truly call their own.

“Civil servants carry the responsibility of translating policies into action and sustaining governance.

“It is only right that we create meaningful interventions that guarantee their comfort, stability, and long-term security,” he said.

The governor noted that the scheme builds on previous efforts, including a 600-unit housing project executed during the administration of Senator Liyel Imoke, which he said provided lasting benefits for retirees now residing in the CROSPIL Estate.

According to him, the new 1,000-unit project is both a continuation of that legacy and an expansion aligned with his administration’s “People-First” agenda.

“It is not merely about building houses; it is about building hope, security, and a better future for civil servants and their families,” Otu stated, assuring that the project would be executed with transparency, speed, and accountability.

On his part, the Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon, said the initiative was conceived to address the persistent challenge of property acquisition among salaried workers.

He disclosed that the scheme represents the first phase of a broader housing programme that will be extended to other senatorial districts in the state.

“This came from a clear recognition of the difficulties civil servants face in acquiring landed property. His Excellency gave us the approval to develop a sustainable model that will enable public servants to own homes,” Okon said.

He added that the current rollout targets the southern senatorial district, while additional phases are planned for the central and northern districts.

In her remarks, a representative of Zenith Bank, Mrs. Magdalene Wilson, affirmed the bank’s commitment to financing the housing scheme.

“Zenith Bank is proud to be part of this initiative. We will stand firmly with the Cross River State Government to ensure the success of this project,” she said, describing the partnership as a long-term relationship aimed at driving development.

The housing scheme is expected to provide not only shelter but also a structured pathway for civil servants to secure post-retirement stability, a concern that has long affected workers in the public sector.