Calabar came alive on Sunday night as Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu led the official switch-on of the 2025 Christmas lights at Millennium Park, an event marked by celebration, reflection and a tribute to the leadership that shaped Cross River State across decades.
Addressing a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, Governor Otu said the illumination symbolised not just the festive spirit but the values of unity, kindness and progress that Cross Riverians continue to uphold. He used the occasion to honour former governors whose contributions, he said, laid the foundation for the state’s development and identity.
The governor paid glowing tribute to former Governor Dr. Clement Ebri, recalling his strides in governance, infrastructure and media development, including the establishment of quality television broadcasting in the state and completion of the State Cultural Centre. He praised Ebri’s humility and leadership ethos, which he described as “aligned with current global governance standards.”
Governor Otu also acknowledged the transformative era of Mr. Donald Duke, crediting him with repositioning Cross River as a world-class tourism destination. He highlighted Duke’s legacy projects—Carnival Calabar, the revival of Obudu Cattle Ranch, the establishment of Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, and the founding of the Cross River University of Technology—describing them as “indelible footprints” that reshaped the state’s global image.
On former Governor Liyel Imoke, Otu commended his focus on education, rural development and strict administrative procedures. He noted that Imoke’s emphasis on renovating schools, reestablishing the College of Education and improving social welfare left a lasting mark on communities across the state.
He further extolled Senator Ben Ayade for his industrialisation efforts, youth empowerment schemes and the creation of Cally Air, which put Cross River’s flag back in the skies. Otu also acknowledged Ayade’s political move to realign the state with the ruling party, a step he said ensured continuity in governance.
Reassuring residents of his administration’s direction, Governor Otu stated that his government is committed to sustaining existing infrastructure, upgrading aging facilities and introducing fresh innovations grounded in human capital development, tourism, rural transformation and industrial growth. “We are translators and transformers,” he said. “We shall not disappoint, as the evidence on ground already shows.”
As the lights came on across Millennium Park, signalling the official start of the festive season, the governor urged citizens to reflect on the state’s journey while embracing a future of renewed hope, prosperity and shared progress.
“Merry Christmas,” he declared, “and may our state shine like a beacon of hope and prosperity, strength and growth, love and progress, now and always.”
