(DDM) – The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has approved the release of over N339 million to fund the registration of thousands of students for the 2026 West African Examinations Council examinations.
The intervention is expected to cover 12,589 indigenous students across the state, ensuring they are able to participate in the crucial secondary school examination without financial barriers.
Governor Otu described the initiative as part of his administration’s broader commitment to expanding access to education and supporting young people in achieving academic success.
He emphasised that no student should be denied the opportunity to sit for national examinations due to economic hardship.
The approval was announced during the first 2026 Executive Council meeting held at the State Council Chamber in Calabar.
The meeting was presided over by the governor and attended by the Deputy Governor, senior commissioners, and other top government officials.
Beyond education, the council also approved several infrastructure projects aimed at improving road connectivity across the state.
These include emergency repairs on a 10-kilometre stretch of the Ikom-Obudu Road and rehabilitation work on five kilometres of the Oban-Ekang Road.
Additional road projects are planned across multiple local government areas, including Akpabuyo, Abi, Biase, Bekwarra, Obanliku, Odukpani, Etung, Obudu, Bakassi, and Calabar South.
The government stated that the road developments are intended to enhance economic activities and improve access to rural communities.
In another major decision, the council approved the construction of a Nigerian Air Force hangar and apron at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
The project is expected to strengthen aviation infrastructure and support security operations within the region.
The council also endorsed the commencement of work at the Calabar International Convention Centre in preparation for AFSNET 2026.
A total allocation of over N790 million has been earmarked for these projects, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development.
Governor Otu further urged political appointees to increase their presence in local communities to attract investors and stimulate economic growth.
He stressed the importance of grassroots engagement in boosting internally generated revenue and expanding business opportunities within the state.
The governor also directed heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to submit detailed reports of their achievements over the past three years.
The reports are expected to be submitted by May 1, 2026, ahead of the administration’s third anniversary.
In addition, political appointees with ambitions to contest in the 2027 general elections were instructed to resign on or before March 26, 2026, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The decisions taken at the council meeting reflect a combination of social investment, infrastructure expansion, and political restructuring as the administration prepares for future milestones.
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