The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, has assured the Nigeria Navy of optimal cooperation and support in their effort to secure the nation’s waterways.
Sen. Otu gave the assurance when the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral O. K. Oluwagbire, paid him a courtesy visit, Wednesday, in Calabar.
Otu said Cross River State is intertwined with the Navy in terms of security, saying, “As a coastal state, we are all partners in the business of safety for our people and we will provide all the needed support.
“No business can thrive with insecurity. We want our waterways secured. Over the years, our waterways have been threatened by external and internal influences, I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Navy in providing the needed safety.
“We will continue to synergize with you, and request for greater synergy to ensure the needed safety for our state.”
Speaking earlier, Rear Admiral Oluwagbire commended the governor for his support, assuring that the Navy will continue to provide the needed security in the state.
“We will provide the needed support to all civil sectors in order to make Cross River one of the safest states in the country”.
Meanwhile, Gov. Bassey Otu, also reaffirmed committed to making the University of Cross State one of the leading tertiary institutions in the country.
The governor made the commitment when he received the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Austin Angba, and his management team on a courtesy visit.
According to Otu, a society’s academic foundation must be securely established for it to advance.
“For any society to progress, the academic foundation must be solidly entrenched. That is why I facilitated the building of a befitting administrative block to provide the needed comfort for staff and lecturers.
“My administration will continue to work to ensure that UNICROSS becomes one of the leading tertiary institutions in this country and beyond,” the governor said.
In light of the current economic difficulties, Governor Otu indicated that he will review the monthly subvention to them to ensure some structural changes in the institution.
“The challenges you face, I already know. We will review the monthly subvention in the light of current challenges and will continue to work together to resolve the issues.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Austin Angba, while congratulating the governor on his assumption of office, commended him for facilitating the building of the administrative block of the university while serving as a senator, expressing confidence that he will do more as the Chief Executive of the state.
“Many years ago I drove to UNICROSS and beheld the administrative block you facilitated when you were at the National Assembly. It speaks of a man who loves education. We thank you for facilitating that project, because we know that as governor, you will do more for the institution.”
The VC disclosed that in recent ranking of universities, the University of Cross River State emerged as 7th Best University in Nigeria and 37th in sub-Saharan Africa.”
While noting that the university academic calendar has been stabilized, he asked for more support from government.
