AfDB President Promises To Support Cross River’s Health, Agricultural Sectors, Describes Governor Otu As action-driven leader
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has promised substantial investment support for Cross River State’s health and agriculture sectors.
Dr. Adesina made the promise during a state banquet organized in his honor on Wednesday at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC).
He outlined bold plans to support the primary healthcare service delivery in addition to the investments they are already promoting in the state with the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone project.
The AfDB President commended the leadership qualities of the Cross River State Governor, Prince Otu, noting that, “the Governor is indeed a passionate, action-driven, and accountable leader, doing so much in infrastructure.”
He also noted that with what Governor Otu has done in partnership with Afrixem Bank for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, Cross River State would soon be a very important logistics and industrial processing hub beyond Nigeria, covering the entire West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
On healthcare, Dr. Adesina pledged to support the Governor’s efforts in the revitalization of the primary health centres and the state’s health insurance initiative.
“We will help ensure that primary healthcare centres are not only revitalized, but connected digitally to enable seamless access and portability of health records,” he said.
He also advocated for the adoption of a sustainable franchise-based business model for healthcare delivery, designed to improve nationwide access and quality.
The President of AfDB further expressed excitement over the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Cross River State, describing the project as a game-changer for the state’s economy.
Speaking, the Cross River State Governor Prince Otu, reaffirmed his administration’s focus on driving economic independence and reducing overdependence on federal allocations. y
Prince Otu outlined three strategic pillars: security, food security, and energy security, as central to unlocking sustainable development in the state.
The Governor also revealed that several dormant state-owned assets are being recovered and revitalized, significantly improving investors’ confidence and making Cross River State one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.
He also emphasized efforts to integrate Cross River into regional economic corridors with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, while expanding agricultural productivity through large-scale cocoa, cassava, and other crops.
Reflecting on his recent annual vacation, he stated that he felt “younger and more energized,” ready to intensify efforts toward the state’s transformation.
Otu thanked his Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey and cabinet members for their stewardship in his absence and described the state’s progress as divinely inspired.
In his welcome address, the former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, celebrated the banquet as a convergence of visionary leadership.
High Chief Duke described Governor Otu as a “turbocharged” developer and lauded his commitment to infrastructure and economic growth.
Describing the President of AfDB, Dr. Adesina, as, “Africa’s number one technocrat,” he lauded his landmark initiatives like the electronic wallet for farmers and his legacy of driving agricultural transformation across the continent.
The former Minister also lauded Governor Otu and the AfDB President for their alignment in vision and their dedication to inclusive development.
“Dr. Adesina is not just a leader, he is a divine pathfinder, illuminating Africa’s future,” Duke noted.
