Former governor of Kano State and Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has applauded Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State for his commitment to good governance and massive infrastructure development.

Ganduje gave the commendation in Calabar during a state banquet organized in his honour by the Cross River State Government while on a facility tour of the state.

The FAAN boss said his long years in public service had exposed him to different models of governance across the country, adding that some states are better governed than others.

He said Cross River under Governor Otu has distinguished itself in democratic governance, creating an open environment where citizens can engage government and seek solutions without bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“I have always had a high regard for the Governor. The duty of government is not to divide the people, but to serve them, and this the administration of Governor Bassey Otu is doing, and doing very well,” Ganduje said.

The former Kano governor particularly lauded the Otu administration’s road construction projects and urban renewal drive, noting that Cross River has remained a leading light among the comity of states in infrastructure.

He observed that despite its growing population, the state has maintained its status as the cleanest in Nigeria.

According to him, sustainable infrastructure must take local environmental realities into consideration to ensure public investments endure and continue to benefit communities.

Ganduje pledged the support of the FAAN Board to Cross River in advancing its aviation sector, describing aviation as critical to tourism and investment drive.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Otu commended Ganduje for his wealth of experience in public administration, politics and party management.

Otu said effective party management requires experience, perseverance and the ability to accommodate diverse interests and tendencies — qualities he said Ganduje has demonstrated over the years.

The governor disclosed that Cross River is preparing to host a major African conference expected to attract over 900 participants, including heads of state and high-ranking officials, saying the state is scaling up preparations in security, airport facilities, transportation and other critical infrastructure.

“Security is very, very important,” Otu stressed, calling for effective measures to protect lives and property and ensure that both residents and visitors feel safe.

He thanked Ganduje for visiting the state, describing the engagement as an opportunity to deepen discussions on development, investment and broader cooperation between the state and federal aviation authorities.