The Cross River State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has sent a warm and hearty congratulatory message to the First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, on the occasion of her birthday. In a statement on Friday, Duke described the First Lady as a "pillar of support, a beacon of hope, and a mother to the state," whose life has been dedicated to the service of humanity and the spiritual upliftment of the people. The NDDC Rep lauded the First Lady’s numerous humanitarian initiatives, particularly her "People First" social welfare programmes which have reached the vulnerable, the aged, and the less privileged across the eighteen local government areas of the state. He noted that her compassion and grace have significantly complemented the developmental strides of the Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu. "On behalf of my family and...
In a political climate where ceremonial roles often overshadow substance, the emergence of Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu as a force for tangible social change in Cross River State stands out as both refreshing and consequential. As she marks her birthday today, it is fitting to reflect not just on the passage of time, but on the depth of impact she has made since assuming the role of First Lady in 2023 alongside her husband, Governor Bassey Otu. From the outset, Bishop Otu has redefined the expectations of her office. Rather than settling into the comfort of ceremonial appearances, she has embraced a hands-on approach to governance support, particularly in the area of women’s empowerment. Across the state, her initiatives have consistently targeted economic inclusion, skill acquisition, and financial independence for women. What distinguishes her efforts is not merely their scale, but their consistency; empowerment programmes under her watch have become a near-monthly intervention, t...