By Pastor Bill Francis Bill
The initiator of the Evidence Campaign Group, Hon. Edem Bassey Otu, has taken the Evidence Campaign Group’s development-focused engagement to Obanliku Local Government Area to assess and document the ongoing projects of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State. During the engagement, the Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area Hon. Sunny Ayang highlighted the remarkable developmental strides of the Otu administration, particularly the strategic infrastructure projects transforming the area. He expressed profound satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the approximately 15-kilometre Samkwala Ring Road, which extends towards Bayaga, the village of the Paramount Ruler. According to the chairman, the road project represents a significant intervention that will improve accessibility, strengthen connectivity, and stimulate socioeconomic activities across the benefiting communities. He noted that these tangible developments have given the people renewed confidence in the administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects.
The chairman further highlighted the renewed activity at the Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku, describing its revival as a major breakthrough for a facility that had remained largely abandoned for years. He recalled that aircraft had previously operated from the airstrip during earlier administrations before the facility fell into disuse. However, he expressed excitement over recent aircraft arrivals, reporting that planes had landed at the airstrip on two separate occasions within the period under discussion. He also disclosed that the state government was facilitating arrangements for the rehabilitation and renewed use of the facility, including the involvement of a German company, as stated in his account. According to the chairman, the development raises hopes of improved air connectivity, tourism, commercial activities, and investment opportunities for Obanliku and neighbouring communities. He emphasised that the Bebi Airstrip is situated in Obanliku, just as the Obudu Mountain Resort is geographically located in the same local government area, notwithstanding the resort’s established name.
In addition, the chairman commended Governor Otu’s efforts towards revitalising the Obudu Mountain Resort, disclosing that a 25-year agreement had been entered into with an Indian company in connection with the resort’s redevelopment and investment plans. He described the combined progress on the Samkwala Ring Road, Bebi Airstrip, and Obudu Mountain Resort as a source of tremendous joy and renewed optimism among the people of Obanliku.
According to him, these interventions provide the people with concrete development projects to showcase as political activities intensify, while offering prospects for tourism growth, employment, improved transportation, and broader economic opportunities. He reaffirmed the community’s appreciation of the governor’s developmental efforts, stressing that the projects have direct implications for the welfare and future prosperity of Obanliku residents. The Evidence Campaign Group’s engagement underscores the importance of documenting development initiatives and communicating their potential impact on communities acr
oss Cross River State. The chairman’s remarks reflect the growing expectation that these projects, once completed and fully operational, will strengthen Obanliku’s development profile and advance the People First agenda of the Otu administration.
AMBASSADOR PASTOR BILL FRANCIS BILL His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, SA on Community Communications and
Senior Chief Media Consultant to Evidence Campaign Group.