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Beyond the Gaming Revolution: Why Governor Otu’s Second-Term Bid Is Crucial to Sustaining Cross River’s Developmental Strides

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 Governments should not be judged only by what they start, but by what they are able to sustain, consolidate and turn into lasting institutions. That is why the debate over Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s second-term bid should go beyond politics. It should be about continuity and whether the foundations being laid across Cross River can be strengthened enough to deliver lasting benefits. The Cross River State Lottery and Gaming Agency is one example. As its pioneer Director-General, I witnessed its transition from an idea into a regulatory institution, supported by the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025. Its significance goes beyond gaming. It represents an effort to regulate an emerging industry, protect consumers, create jobs and develop legitimate revenue opportunities for the state. The next task is consolidation-modernising its systems, improving compliance and positioning it to become a stronger contributor to Cross River’s revenue architecture by 2031. But ...
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The Gospel Truth

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 It has become increasingly difficult for me to post anything these days. I have so much strategy to share about my work, so many ideas waiting to be expressed, yet my mind keeps returning to the same painful reality. I cannot stop thinking about the children kidnapped in Oyo State, and the countless victims of insecurity across Nigeria. Fathers. Mothers. Children. Families robbed of peace, dignity, and, in some cases, life itself. Something is deeply wrong. For years, through different administrations, we have watched insecurity evolve rather than disappear. From one government to another, the promises have changed, but many of the challenges remain. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping—these threats continue to adapt, spread, and entrench themselves in our national life. At times, it feels as though the roots of these problems run deeper than we are willing to admit. Despite enormous financial resources, military operations, international partnerships, and intelligence sup...
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"RECAP ALERT! "A Walk in the Clouds" Healthy Billionaires Obudu Mountain Fitness Walk 5.0

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 "RECAP ALERT! "A Walk in the Clouds" at Obudu Mountain Resort on June 15th was an unforgettable experience! Healthy Billionaires OMR 5.0 pushed us to new heights - literally! We conquered breathtaking landscapes and scenery that rivaled the heavens themselves! This ultimate fitness test and weekend tour was like no other! We walked like gods in the clouds, feeling invincible and free! If you missed it, don't worry - we'll be back with more thrilling adventures! But for now, let's relive the magic and get ready for the next challenge! #AWalkInTheClouds #HealthyBillionaires #OMR5.0 #ObuduMountainResort #Fitness #Adventure #Travel #Wellness"
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Abitto Ferry launches Calabar to Uyo route in Marina Resort Calabar Cross River State,Nigeria.

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 All is set for the launch of Abitto Ferry, a transport service company that ferry Passengers through the waterways from Calabar to Uyo and vice versa. The grand launching and unveiling ceremony will hold on Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at the Marina Resort in Calabar by 10am Special Guest of Honour: Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC @abittoferry
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South-South Nigeria Technovation Champions Emerge!

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 South-South Nigeria Technovation Champions Emerge! Brainyhive, Sunshine Girls, and other talented teams emerged victorious at the recently concluded 2024 Technovation Girls Regional Pitch Event for South-South Nigeria. Hosted by iKapture Networks in collaboration with the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), the two-day event empowered young girls to become the future leaders in technology. The event featured a range of inspiring activities, including a panel discussion. Ewono-Abasi Okon, General Manager, Enterprise Development at CRSMEDA, delivered a captivating keynote address titled "Emerging as Female Tech-entrepreneurs in the 21st Century." Ms. Okon emphasized the vast opportunities available for women in the tech industry, declaring, "the future is female, and technology is the pathway."  This event further solidified the State Government's commitment to fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit a...
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*Healthy Billionaires Obudu Mountain Fitness Walk 5.0: Odey Received Organizing Committee In Calabar.*

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 *Obudu Mountain Fitness Walk 5.0: Odey Received Organizing Committee In Calabar.* The Deputy Governor of Cross River State,  Rt Hon. Peter Odey, Monday, welcomed Mr. Thomas Ikpeme, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the Healthy Billionaires (HB) Fitness Walk 5.0. Mr. Ikpeme, accompanied by other distinguished members of the LOC, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Calabar.  In his remarks, Odey praised Healthy Billionaires (HB) for their commendable initiative and pledged unwavering support towards the realization of the organization's predetermined goals and objectives, thereby ensuring its success.  While acknowledging the importance of HB and their efforts in promoting tourism and sporting activities in Cross River State and Nigeria, which according to him have earned the admiration of many, he encourage them to continue their good work in showcasing the state's  tourism potentials.  Speaking earlier, Mr. Ikpeme said t...
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Otu secures $3.5bn Afreximbank funding for Bakassi Deep Seaport.

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 *Otu secures $3.5bn Afreximbank funding for Bakassi Deep Seaport*  Cross River State government, has secured a $3.5 billion funding from the Pan-African multilateral financial institution, African Export-importbank (Afreximbank) for some of its key infrastructure projects in the state. Governor Bassey Otu, who was in Egypt, last week for a workshop, also visited the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo, to explore partnership in key infrastructure projects to be undertaken in the state.  The workshops held during the visit, which culminated in the signing of a project preparation facility for the development of a deep seaport estimated to cost $3.5 billion. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution with the mandate of financing and promoting intra-and extra-African trade. Securing the funding at a workshop attended by the governor as well as some of the key members of his government, at ...
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