Otu commits to gender equality, more opportunities for women

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reiterated his commitment to continue supporting women’s advancement and encouraging gender equality in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The governor made the pledge in his message to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in Calabar, on Saturday.

Otu noted that “Globally, several women have continued to inspire hope, unity, and peace across diverse endeavors. Here in our dear state, I am continually inspired by great women who have proven themselves in their assigned responsibilities, either in the public or private sector.

“For us in Cross River State, we will continue to push for women’s advancement and support the rights of every girl child to make it easier for more women to make positive advancements in their different fields of endeavor.

“As we join the world to celebrate women today, I also use this opportunity to call on all women to step forward, engage, and negotiate for opportunities to serve in more public offices.”

He lauded his wife Bishop Eyoanwan Otu for the tremendous work she has been doing through her various pet projects, particularly Humanity Without Borders, a programme that has touched many less privileged individuals.

The governor maintained that his administration will continue to unbundle complex political spaces to make it easier for more women to participate in public governance.

In another development, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has felicitated former Senate leader of the 7th Senate, Victor Ndoma Egba, SAN, on his 69th birthday.

The Governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, described the former Senate leader and senator representing the Central Senatorial District as a distinguished scholar and lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, elder statesman, and nationalist who has strategically placed the state at the fulcrum of national development.

“Your impeccable credentials and a sterling record of service to the state, even at the age of 28 as commissioner, are eloquent testimonies.

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“Your relentless commitment to board and committee assignments has never left anyone in doubt that, as a thoroughbred professional and a son of a distinguished professional and disciplinarian, a better Cross River State and Nigeria is always your priority.

He, therefore, prayed God to continue to endow him with the requisite knowledge and experience to plan and execute a Cross River State of dreams, good health, and sound mind.