Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has promised more welfare packages and skill acquisition empowerment for the staff of Calabar Urban Development Authority CUDA, particularly the street sweepers to make them self-reliant.

The governor made the promise, Wednesday, at the endorsement rally by Street Sweepers in the state organised by the Executive Secretary of Calabar Urban Development Authority, Dr Effiong Ayi to express support for the re-election bid of Governor Bassey Otu and Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Governor Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba stressed that his administration remains committed to the welfare of those that are ensuring a cleaner city and secure environment.

“My administration is determined to enhance the welfare of Street Sweepers among others in recognition of their dedication to a clean, green and healthy environment in Cross River State, ” Otu stated.

He said the support has become imperative given their good performances at the state and national levels, stressing that re-election of Governor Otu in Cross River State and President Bola Tinubu at the Federal level would raise the bar of more commitment to the environment and economic growth through the sector

He recalled that Wife of the state governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, successfully cleared 11 months of unpaid stipends owed to 1,234 women sweepers of the Urban Development Authority across the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts and also distributed 170 Point of Sale POS Machines, an initiative, he described as a demonstration of commitment, a show of support and recognition for their dedication to keeping the streets of Cross River State clean and green.

The Executive Secretary stated that direct labour efforts reunited 12 mentally deranged persons with families and rehabilitated over 80 others.

He said nearly 30 streets have been attended to, with 2,000 sweepers and 1,000 refuse evaluators on payroll, before moving a motion endorsing Otu, seconded by Director Cobham.

If not for the timely intervention of your Government, many lives would have been lost in the State. We thank you for the efforts all geared toward the well-being of the people.

The Executive Secretary of CUDA, Dr Effiong Ayi in his address, said, “There is hardly a better opportunity for the sweepers to express appreciation to our exceptional leaders, Senator Bassey Otu and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, than this demonstration of overwhelming support for their 2027 ambition.

“Since one good turn deserves another, it is only worthwhile that CUDA has mobilized its personnel in hundreds and thousands, for APC’s victory in 2027 elections.

“As an emerging mega city, Cross River State needed to solve the challenge of solid waste management, and the administration of Senator Bassey Otu as governor is confronted it frontally.

“Through successive stages, CUDA has evolved over time, wading through challenges, but ultimately leaving our environment and the cityscape the better for it”.

Ayi listed improvements under Otu, including restored traffic lights, desilted drainages, cleared street urchins, and rehabilitated infrastructure.

He noted refuse evacuation remains laborious but is government-funded adding CUDA employs over 3,000 staff, including 1,000 sweepers and waste evacuators, all registered voters expected to turn out “en masse in 2027.”
The Executive Secretary stated that CUDA is collaborating with Ikom, Ugep, and Obudu Urban Development Authorities to ensure Otu’s return.

Ayi dismissed criticism of drainage cleaning, arguing that debris “naturally washes in during rains.” He added that “only a witch” would oppose Otu’s re-election, citing the rehabilitation of Adiabo Road as proof of performance.

The Executive Secretary stated that direct labour efforts reunited 12 mentally deranged persons with families and rehabilitated over 80 others.

He said nearly 30 streets have been attended to, with 2,000 sweepers and 1,000 refuse evaluators on payroll, before moving a motion endorsing Otu, seconded by Director Cobham.

Ayi therefore urged everyone to vote massively for all APC candidates throughout the country to galvanize development across

“On this note, the executive resolved we are openly endorsing you for a second term and we are presenting this letter to you as a symbol of our endorsement,” he stated.

Director of Open Space Akabom described Otu as a result-oriented leader who is very passionate of the welfare of the people, while the Taskforce Chairman said “even the heaven is in support of him.” Female sweepers thanked Otu for a salary increase and declared they are “solidly behind Otu in 2027.”

He listed broader achievements including the Zoo Garden forest converted to a tourist site, Tinapa now accessible, revival of the State Library Complex, and ongoing work on the Bakassi Deep Seaport and Presidential Lodge in Ogoja.

They urged APC faithful to back Otu and Tinubu to enable them complete projects like the Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway, warning against being “tempted by the devil” as in past administrations.