By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Governor Bassey Otu has emphasised the importance of honouring distinguished Cross Riverians while they are still alive, describing it as a cultural shift that would inspire greater patriotism and sacrifice towards the state’s development.
The Governor made the remarks on Thursday, 2nd October, at the Destiny Cross River Awards 2025, where he received the Destiny Grand Commander Award — the highest honour of the evening — for what organisers described as his “uncommon leadership in rebuilding Cross River and restoring hope for a new generation.”
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, Governor Otu said recognising eminent sons and daughters of the state during their lifetime would motivate others to commit more to service and community building.
“Too often, we wait until our heroes are gone before acknowledging their immense contributions. What you have done today is worthy of emulation because celebrating living patriots strengthens the culture of sacrifice and inspires many more to follow their example,” he stated.
He further urged Cross Riverians to embrace patriotism, sacrifice and collective responsibility, stressing that the future of the state depends on unity rather than political division. Otu commended the inclusivity of the awards, which reflected all three senatorial districts and included gender sensitivity, describing it as “a true symbol of unity.”
The Governor also highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with security agencies, the judiciary and paramilitary institutions to restore public confidence and attract investment to the state. He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding institutions, deepening governance and empowering citizens, adding that the award would motivate him to do even more.
Otu pledged government’s support for future editions of the Destiny Awards, describing the maiden edition as “historic, prophetic, and unifying.”
Presenting the award, Archbishop Josef Bassey, Convener of the Destiny Cross River Awards, praised Otu’s “quiet but determined leadership,” contrasting it with leaders who seek personal glorification.
“Where others saw ruins, he saw opportunity. Where others sought monuments to themselves, he chose renewal for the state. He has quietly gone about repairing the broken walls, refusing to expose the mess of the past but instead courageously rebuilding for the future. That is why tonight, we bestow on him this award as an eternal witness to his legendary patriotism and prophetic submission of Cross River to God,” the cleric said.
Archbishop Bassey described the Destiny Awards as more than a recognition platform, calling it “a prophetic covenant to immortalise sacrifice and inspire a new culture of nation-building.” He likened Governor Otu to a “turnaround manager” who inherited ruins and has begun transforming them into progress.
He added: “When leaders do wrong, we must say so. But when they do right, we must also acknowledge it. This award is given because you are doing well, and we will continue to encourage you as long as you stay true to the path of renewal.”
Other eminent Cross Riverians honoured at the event included Chief Anthony Ani (CON), former Minister of Finance; Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN, CON), former Attorney-General of the Federation; Prof. Kelvin Etta, renowned scholar and administrator; and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, who became the first female recipient of the Destiny Matriarchal Defender Award.
