President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday commissioned two brand-new aircraft in Cross River State. Governor Bassey Otu announced this on his official X account.

“Today, my heart swelled with pride for our dear Cross River State. At the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, commissioned two brand-new Cally Air aircraft, and spoke so warmly about our vision for economic growth, tourism, and aviation initiative,” Otu wrote.

“I am deeply grateful for his commendation, but even more thankful to the people of Cross River whose belief in our shared dream makes days like this possible.”

Otu said from the tourism strides under former Governor Donald Duke, to rural development championed by Liyel Imoke, to industrialization driven by Ben Ayade, Cross River has taken these “three engines” and fused them into a single, powerful drive toward a diversified, self-reliant economy.

With Cally Air now growing from two to four aircraft and three more on the horizon, Otu said his administration is not just expanding a fleet, it is positioning Cross River as an aviation hub for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, and unlocking more opportunities for its people.

“This is our Renewed Hope in action.
This is Cross River Rising,” the governor said.

In another development, together with Shettima, Otu also unveiled the newly remodeled Cross River State Library Complex, now home to a cutting-edge Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Hub for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Shettima launched the MSME Clinic, where he announced the disbursement of ₦250,000 each to outstanding business owners across Cross River State.

“This is part of our broader commitment to empower entrepreneurs, grow our local economy, and position Cross River as a hub for innovation and opportunity,” Otu said.

“The journey to a more prosperous Cross River is in full motion and we are just getting started.”