By Edem Ekpo Calabar
The Cross River State Executive Council has approved a series of critical infrastructure, economic empowerment, and health sector projects worth billions of naira following its 8th meeting of 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, at the Governor’s Office Complex, Calabar.
Presided over by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Peter Odey—on behalf of Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu-the council deliberated and ratified far-reaching decisions aimed at accelerating development across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas.
Dr. Odey, in his opening remarks, charged Commissioners and key government functionaries to remain committed to delivering the “People First” agenda of the Otu administration. He emphasized the need for diligence and proactive implementation of council resolutions.
Emergency Road Infrastructure Gets Green Light
Top on the agenda was the approval of emergency repairs on failing portions of the Calabar-Ikom Highway, particularly the Awi-Uyanga-Okomita axis.
The move is expected to ease transportation for commuters traveling through the central and northern parts of the state.
Additionally, the council approved emergency remediation at three gully erosion sites threatening the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, alongside intervention on short roads in Ekorinim 2, which are now to be handled by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure under direct labour.
In a broader push to revamp road infrastructure, EXCO approved a multi-phase rehabilitation of critical roads across the state. The first phase includes:
25km section of Mfom-Okpoma Road in Yala LGA
10km Ndok Junction–Mbube–Okubushuyu Road in Ogoja LGA
Phase two will see construction works on:
Boki East-West Road
John Okpa Road, Obubra LGA
Obot Oko Road and Adiabo-Akani Obio Ukpahata Road, Odukpani LGA
Several roads in Calabar Metropolis including Oma Street, Esuk-Atu Avenue–Agom Close, and God’s Heritage–Prof Francis Bassey Crescent
Uyanga–Ifumkpa Road in Akamkpa LGA
Flood control channelization near the Governor’s Office
Internal road maintenance and clearing of the UNICROSS Pavilion in Calabar Campus
Economic, Health, and Institutional Reforms
The council approved a strategic restructuring of the Cross River State Microfinance Bank, with over N2.5 billion earmarked to reposition the bank for enhanced service delivery and financial inclusion.
In support of agriculture and youth empowerment, EXCO okayed the disbursement of N445 million as cash support for 200 trained farmers under the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. It also endorsed an amnesty training programme for reformed militants in collaboration with CSS Global Integrated Farms, Nasarawa State.
Healthcare infrastructure received a major boost with approval for the renovation and upgrade of:
General Hospital, Ukem, Odukpani LGA
Cottage Hospital, Oban, Akamkpa LGA
General Hospital, Akpabuyo LGA
The council further authorized the release of N1 billion as counterpart funding for the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), co-funded by the European Investment Bank.
Legislative and Tourism Enhancements
EXCO adopted a draft bill proposing the creation of the Cross River State Secondary Education Board, which is to be forwarded to the House of Assembly for legislation.
In a strategic tourism drive, the council approved the acquisition of KADA Cinema premises and assets in Calabar at N220 million, aimed at revitalizing the state’s leisure and entertainment sector.
According to the state commissioner for Information,Dr Erasmus Ekpang:”The resolutions are in line with Governor Otu’s commitment to delivering impactful governance through inclusive development, infrastructure renewal, and empowerment initiatives to drive sustainable growth”