The Sun Honours Gov Otu as Governor of the Year 2025 for People-Centred Governance

The management of The Sun Newspaper has commended the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for what it described as his “remarkable and people-centred development strides” within two years in office, culminating in his emergence as The Sun Governor of the Year 2025.

Akahi News learnt that the recognition was formally conveyed to the Governor in Calabar when the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Mr Onouha Ukeh, led the newspaper’s management team on a courtesy visit to intimate him of the honour.

Rigorous assessment behind the award

Speaking during the visit, Ukeh explained that the award followed a rigorous, independent and objective assessment of Governor Otu’s performance since assuming office in May 2023.

“We have diligently followed your activities over the last two years, and we are deeply impressed by the pace, scope and quality of development under your administration,” Ukeh said. “From our findings, your leadership reflects vision, commitment and a genuine desire to reposition Cross River State.”

According to him, the selection process focused on leadership impact, sustainability of policies, and tangible improvements in governance and public infrastructure.

Key achievements cited

Ukeh highlighted several landmark projects and initiatives credited to the Otu administration, including the remodelling of the Governor’s Office, the construction of an ultra-modern state library, the development of a botanical garden, and the execution of numerous road projects across the state.

“These interventions speak to deliberate governance and strategic investment in public infrastructure,” he noted, adding that the projects reflect a clear development philosophy rather than ad hoc policymaking.

Akahi News gathered that the award is reserved for leaders whose contributions resonate beyond their immediate jurisdictions and demonstrate excellence in public service.

“This recognition is not merely ceremonial,” Ukeh said. “It celebrates resilience, excellence in governance and tangible contributions to national development. Based on these indices, we found Governor Otu eminently deserving of The Sun Governor of the Year award.”

Otu expresses gratitude, reaffirms service philosophy

Responding, Governor Otu expressed profound gratitude to God and to the management of The Sun Newspaper for what he described as an objective and thorough evaluation of his administration.

“I am deeply humbled to be found worthy of this honour,” the Governor said. “I thank God Almighty and The Sun for taking the time to go round the nooks and crannies of Cross River State to see, firsthand, what we are doing.”

He stressed that the guiding philosophy of his administration remains service to the people, noting that all policies and projects are designed to positively impact the daily lives of Cross Riverians.

“Everything we have done is aimed at improving the lives of our people,” Otu stated. “This recognition will gladden the hearts of Cross Riverians because it affirms that our collective efforts are being noticed.”

Focus on sustainability and the future

The Governor further explained that his administration has concentrated on consolidating and improving on what it met on ground, while laying what he described as “foundational and fundamental structures” for sustainable development.

“We are building deliberately, with the future of our people in mind,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to inclusive growth, infrastructure development and long-term planning.

Akahi News reports that the award adds to a growing list of national recognitions for Governor Otu’s administration, reflecting increasing attention on governance outcomes in Cross River State.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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