•Yakurr community hails gov’s aide over Obudu Ranch uplift

Cross River State Government has implored Nigerians to believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and redouble their support for Governor Bassey Otu, to take the laudable initiatives to 2031 and beyond.

This was as community leaders in Yakurr Local Council of Cross River State hailed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Dr Sunday Michael, for the ongoing transformation of the tourism infrastructure at the resort.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, during the Independence anniversary in Calabar, yesterday, said this year’s event with the theme, ‘Nigeria@65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation’ provided citizens another opportunity to remember the struggles, which gave the nation Independence on October 1, 1960, as well as past leaders that sacrificed to keep the country together as one indivisible entity.

He said the theme aligned with the Otu administration’s ‘People First’ agenda, as the governor had begun the rebuilding and recalibration of the state in a manner that the people were very proud of.

The commissioner said Otu embarked on legacy projects across the state that can stand the test of time and started investing in the future generations through the unique educational reforms, deliberate agricultural policies and programmes, the new information order, recovery of the state’s assets, expansion of the state tourism offerings, wealth creation and entrepreneurship training initiatives.

“Governor Otu has also invested in adequate security, healthcare initiatives, aviation expansion, youth empowerment initiatives, as well as the attraction of the Federal Government’s Special Agro-Processing Zone project for the South-South to the state, reviving the deep sea port project and the hosting right for the 2026 African Trade Fair to Calabar. All these can only come from a leader after God’s own heart,” he said.

Yakurr Progressives Initiatives (YPI) described the turnaround at the ranch as an indication of the aide’s commitment to sustainable development, as well as a catalyst for growth, employment and social progress.

The leaders further stated that their efforts in reviving the moribund tourist haven have positioned Cross River as a hub of innovation and tourism excellence, reflecting a broader vision for Nigeria’s advancement.

Briefing newsmen in Calabar on their activities to mark their five years of existence, Chairman of YPI, Ikpi Emmanuel Ikpi, said there was no better time than now to honour Yakurr sons and daughters who excelled in their responsibilities and have contributed to humanity