Former Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, has praised the current administration of Governor Bassey Otu for continuing key infrastructural projects, particularly the Bakassi Deep Seaport. The commendation came as an aftermath of the stakeholders’ engagement held in Calabar for the Bakassi Deep Seaport Project, where Ayade highlighted the significance of the project.
Speaking to our correspondent after the event, Ayade expressed his admiration for Governor Otu’s tenacity in pushing forward the seaport project, alongside other major initiatives like the Ikom Chocolate City and the Obudu International Airport, which were originally conceived under Ayade’s administration.
“Otu has reached a level of steadfastness, a ‘metal currency,’ showing the might of his will to deliver on these key projects,” Ayade said. He noted that the completion of these initiatives would not only transform Cross River State’s economy but would also pave the way for the state to become “independent and autonomous,” moving beyond its current status within the Nigerian federation.
Ayade believes that these projects will enable the state to “leapfrog from the Third World within the 8 years of Governor Otu’s administration,” establishing Cross River as a major economic hub in Nigeria and beyond.
The Bakassi Deep Seaport project, a cornerstone of Cross River’s economic vision, has already secured $3.5 billion in funding from Afrexim Bank and Arise Capital Investment. The project is widely supported by both local stakeholders and national leaders, as it is projected to create thousands of jobs and significantly boost the state’s economy.
As Cross Riverians and investors alike rally behind this project, the seaport is set to become a symbol of the state’s rising economic potential, attracting global attention and investment.
