The original building was constructed back in 1968 by former military governor, Brigadier General Udoakaha Jacob Esuene. Over the years, it underwent various modifications, with Donald Duke giving it a facelift during his first term as governor in the early 2000s. However, neglect over time led to its deterioration.
Upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Otu found the office unfit for its purpose and opted to operate from one of the presidential lodges in Calabar instead. He emphasized the need for a modern and digitally equipped seat of power, stating,
“The structure was grossly not befitting of a governor’s office.”
In an effort to bring the office up to contemporary standards, Governor Otu spearheaded a comprehensive refurbishment project. His vision was clear: to create an environment where government operations could run smoothly and efficiently. He expressed his determination to complete the refurbishment before the end of his tenure so that future governors could also benefit from a conducive work environment.
Reflecting on the significance of this transformation, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Owan-Enoh highlighted that no expense or effort was spared in ensuring that only top-tier contractors were involved in the project. This underscores Governor Otu’s commitment to delivering excellence in governance.
“The Cross River governor’s office can now be compared with any other in the world,”
remarked Governor Otu proudly as he showcased the revamped premises to dignitaries and members of the public during its official commissioning ceremony.
Beyond just bricks and mortar, this refurbishment symbolizes a new chapter for governance in Cross River State – one marked by efficiency, functionality, and pride in public service. It signifies a departure from mediocrity towards excellence and sets a high standard for future administrations to uphold.
As residents witness this transformation unfold before their eyes, there is a sense of optimism and pride in seeing their state rise to meet global standards of governance infrastructure. The refurbished governor’s office stands not just as a physical structure but as a testament to progressive leadership and commitment to serving the people diligently.
In conclusion, Governor Bassey Otu’s dedication to revamping the Cross River governor’s office serves as an inspiration for leaders across all levels of government – highlighting how infrastructure improvements can reflect broader ambitions for effective governance and public service delivery.
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