Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has described the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree and his emergence as The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year as a renewed call to service, dedicating the honours to the people of Cross River State at home and in the diaspora.

Governor Otu received both recognitions on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Eko Hotels and Event Centre, Lagos. Modibbo Adama University, Yola, awarded him a Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa), while The Sun Newspaper honoured him with its Governor of the Year award.

Speaking at the event, the governor expressed appreciation for the recognition, stressing that the honours reflected collective effort rather than personal achievement.

“This award belongs to the people of Cross River State, both at home and in the diaspora, and to our partners who have worked with us to move the state forward,” Otu said. “I am grateful for the love and support. This recognition challenges us to raise the bar even higher.”

He commended The Sun Newspaper for sustaining an awards platform that promotes excellence, accountability and national development, noting that it has consistently encouraged leaders across sectors to remain committed to public service.

“Over the years, many recipients of this award have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth,” the governor said, praising the newspaper’s management for upholding a tradition that inspires responsible leadership.

Governor Otu also described the honorary doctorate as an affirmation of his administration’s development agenda, saying national recognition of the state’s progress would further motivate his government.

“That our efforts in Cross River State are being recognised nationally is encouraging,” he said. “As we approach our third year in office, we remain focused on delivering across all our thematic areas with renewed determination to build a stronger Cross River State and contribute to a better Nigeria.”

The event attracted a large delegation from Cross River State, who attended in solidarity with the governor. Among those present were the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Senators Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Asuquo Ekpenyong and Eteng Jonah Williams; members of the National and State Assemblies; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar; members of the State Executive Council; popular music artiste Nyanya Mbuk; and other dignitaries.

Many attendees congratulated Governor Otu on the honours, describing them as well deserved and reflective of his leadership style and commitment to the development of Cross River State.