Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has said that his decision to celebrate his birthday with the most vulnerable segments of society, including widows, prison inmates, orphans, and the elderly, was inspired by a deep sense of compassion and a lifelong conviction to share love with those most in need.
The three-day event, which began on Friday, featured the distribution of food items and essential supplies to widows across the state, reflecting the governor’s consistent commitment to improving the welfare of the less privileged and promoting shared happiness amid current economic realities.
Speaking to journalists during his Saturday visit to the Afokang Correctional Centre in Calabar, Governor Otu said his choice of celebration stemmed from empathy for those whose circumstances have denied them comfort and freedom.
“I decided that this particular birthday should be dedicated to people who, for one reason or another, do not have the opportunity to enjoy full freedom or comfort,” the Governor stated. “Given the current economic hardship in the country, if those outside are struggling, how much more the vulnerable and the less privileged?”
The Governor, who also extended his goodwill to orphans and the elderly by visiting an orphanage and a home for the aged with generous gifts, said the gesture was in line with his administration’s People First philosophy, one built on compassion, inclusiveness, and human dignity.
“As the people’s first governor, it is my duty to reach every segment of society, to let them know they are not forgotten and to bring them into the sweetness of this season that we all celebrate,” he added.
Governor Otu further disclosed that his administration was taking concrete steps to reform the justice system and decongest correctional centres across the state to ensure fair and timely trials.
“We are doing our best within our powers to expedite justice. The last time we reviewed the cases, about 50 persons were released based on merit and readiness for safe reintegration into society. We’ll continue to look into more cases to ensure that those fit to live responsibly among others are given a second chance,” he said.
The Governor’s wife, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoawan Bassey Otu, who accompanied him to the correctional facility, described her participation as both a spiritual and moral duty.
“Like I have always said, this is a personal conviction. The correctional centre is my constituency,” she remarked. “The Bible commands us to remember those in prison and to show kindness to the needy. From time to time, any true Christian should obey this commandment in practice, not just in words.”
When asked for her prayers for her husband, the First Lady said:
“My prayer is that he continues to live long in good health, sound mind, wisdom, and understanding to direct the affairs of the state and lead Cross River to greater heights.”
The Saturday activities concluded with a modest but elegant after-party attended by elder statesmen, traditional rulers, and clergy, a symbolic reflection of unity and shared gratitude within the Otu-led administration.
The celebration rounded off on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the Voice of God Christian Church, where Governor Otu expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace and sought the continued prayers and support of Cross Riverians for sustained peace, progress, and prosperity in the state.
