By Mbah Monday
Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu has called on the workers in the State to reject mediocrity and embrace innovation to enable them take ownership of their careers and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State.
He made the call in a solidarity message on the commemoration of this year’s International Workers’ Day held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Represented by his deputy, Mr John Odey, the Governor noted that his administration is investing heavily in digital literacy programmes, workforce training, and renewed emphasis on merit-based progression for effective realization of the policy objectives of government.
“But this celebration is not just about the past, it is about the horizon before us.
We are entering a new era, a time where technology, innovation, and global shifts will redefine how we work, live, and grow. And in that unfolding era, the strength of our workforce must be not only its loyalty but also its literacy, its creativity, its adaptability. That is why this administration is investing in digital literacy programmes, workforce training, and renewed emphasis on merit-based progression. We must not just be busy, we must be brilliant. We must not only work harder, we must work smarter.
“On this Workers’ Day, as the sun rises and the drums beat in celebration, let us renew our commitment, not only to our jobs, but to one another. Let us commit to excellence, to discipline, to unity.”
Prince Otu charged the workers to consider their work as a calling rather than just an activity carried out for salaries to be earned.
He appreciated them for their devotion “in times of plenty and in seasons of scarcity,” and lauded them for their loyalty to the dream of a greater Cross River, even when the path has been rough and tough.
“Thank you for believing in this administration, not merely out of political alignment, but out of a shared vision for equity, dignity, and prosperity for all.
“International Workers’ Day is far more than a public holiday marked by dates and declarations. It is a sacred tribute to the indomitable spirit of our workers, the spirit that wakes before dawn, that endures in silence, that shapes the visible and invisible foundations of our State. It is a celebration of sacrifice, of discipline, of purpose.”
The Governor assured the workers that their welfare and capacity training would be prioritized and a conducive working environment created to support their operations.
“And as your Governor, I feel the gravity of your expectations. I feel the urgency of your cries for better welfare package, timely promotions, reliable pensions, and an environment that dignifies your noble labour. You have not asked for handouts; you have asked for fairness. You have not demanded privilege; you have asked for recognition. And I give you my solemn assurance: you are heard. You are seen. You matter.
“That is why, from the first day of this administration, we have prioritized the revival and strengthening of the public service architecture. We have re-established the dignity of timely salary payments, reactivated stalled promotions, and commenced the painful yet necessary task of clearing backlogs and gratuity burdens that had long become shadows over the lives of our retirees. We are reforming the structure, not just the surface. We are not chasing applause—we are chasing sustainability.”
While assuring the senior citizens that his government remains committed to ensuring that their retirement is not a death sentence, but a season of rest, dignity, and appreciation, Prince Otu urged the unions and labour leaders in the State to continue to partner with the State government for the common good.
The event featured the presentation of goodwill messages by notable figures in the State public service, cultural dance, and the traditional match pass by union members and State workers.
