From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Out has returned to Calabar after a three-week annual leave, declaring that he is back with “Renewed vigor and a double dose of energy” to accelerate the transformation of the state.

Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters and government officials who thronged the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his administration’s development blueprint, stating that the short break had recharged him for even greater service.

“I thank God for His grace, because the strength He has given me is immeasurable, unimaginable,” he said, adding that: “We had a manifesto to deliver to our people, and to some extent, I believe that in this second year, we can already boast that some of those promises are coming to fruition.

Continuing, the Governor said: “I truly missed each and every one of you, and I’ve come back with more strength and clarity of purpose.”

He revealed that part of his time away was spent on a critical state assignment—inspecting and conducting due diligence on two aircraft acquired to ease the travel burden of air passengers in and out of Calabar. The process, he noted, was rigorous, involving over 200,000 pages of documentation and detailed physical inspections.

“We had to go through every bolt, every screw. It was painstaking but necessary to ensure safety and accountability,” Otu explained.

He disclosed that both aircraft are in the final stages of clearance and are expected to arrive in the state within a few weeks.

Otu further assured that the solid foundation his administration has laid is beginning to yield results. “We have planted the seeds. Now we must nurture them to harvest,” he said.

He also highlighted the arrival of major federal projects in the state, including the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone initiative and the long-anticipated flag-off of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The Governor described these as historic milestones that will fully integrate Cross River into the national economic grid.

“Cross River has long been projected as a major evacuation corridor,” he said. “We are finally stepping into our rightful place in Nigeria’s economic structure.”

The Governor emphasized that his administration is strengthening agricultural value chains to boost exports, food production, and economic inclusion.

He announced that the President of the African Development Bank and Nigeria’s Vice President are scheduled to visit the state for the groundbreaking of a new Export Processing Economic Zone—a transformative project that will redefine Cross River’s economy and open up new frontiers for jobs and investment.

Reassuring the people of inclusiveness, Governor Otu said, “There will be open doors for everyone to participate in this economic revival. The sky’s the limit for Cross River.”

The Governor returned alongside his wife, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, to a rousing welcome by government officials, traditional leaders, residents, and well-wishers at the airport.