By Janefrances Chibuzor
The 2025 Christmas lights switch-on ceremony in Calabar became more than a festive ritual as Governor Bassey Edet Otu turned the night into a reflective tribute to past governors and a renewed call for continuity, development and people-centered governance.
A Night of Lights, Legacy and Leadership in Calabar
The annual Christmas lights switch-on in Calabar took on an unusually reflective tone on Sunday night as Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu wove together celebration, gratitude and state history in a feature-worthy address that honoured former leaders while projecting a forward-looking vision for Cross River State.
Before a cheering crowd and a skyline waiting to be illuminated, the governor performed what he called a “tripartism”—addressing the people, honouring predecessors and activating the symbolic Christmas lights that traditionally usher in the festive season in the state.
A Tribute to Clement Ebri: “Patriot and Champion of Champions”
Governor Otu began by paying homage to Dr. Clement Ebri, describing him as a patriot whose leadership laid solid foundations across education, health, agriculture and media development.
He credited Ebri with completing the long-abandoned State Cultural Centre, initiating quality state television broadcasting and setting a governance tone defined by humility and simplicity. According to the governor, these values “continue to resonate with current global governance standards.”
Donald Duke’s Era of Audacity and Tourism Reinvention
The ceremony quickly shifted into a historical reflection as Otu turned to the transformative era of Governor Donald Duke. He described Duke as energetic, stylish and audacious—attributes that led to the birth of Carnival Calabar in 2003, now one of Africa’s largest street carnivals.
Otu highlighted Duke’s revival of Obudu Cattle Ranch and his bold pursuit of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, calling both projects pivotal in elevating Cross River to international tourism relevance, despite challenges that hindered their completion.
He also acknowledged Duke’s establishment of the Cross River University of Technology (now UNICROSS) with multiple campuses across the senatorial districts, a move that expanded access to higher education.
Imoke’s Development Footprint in Education and Rural Communities
Governor Otu’s tribute extended to Senator Liyel Imoke, whom he described as an economist, lawyer and administrator with deep experience in national governance. Imoke’s leadership, he noted, was marked by substantial investments in education, the reestablishment of the College of Education, statewide school renovations and liberal scholarship programmes.
He said Imoke’s tenure brought renewed commitment to rural development, social welfare and healthcare, adding that his strict adherence to procurement processes positioned Cross River as a model of administrative discipline during his years in office.
Ayade’s Unorthodox Drive and Industrial Push
The governor also recognised Senator Ben Ayade, calling him “stylish, unorthodox and highly spirited.” Otu cited Ayade’s “food on the table” policy, which incorporated thousands of young people into the governance process, and described his tenure as one that delivered the highest number of industrial projects in the state’s history.
He also referenced Ayade’s launch of Cally Air and his political defection to the APC, which realigned Cross River with the federal ruling party—a decision Otu said preserved a long-standing tradition of seamless political transition that he personally benefitted from.
Otu’s Vision: Translating Legacy into People-Centered Growth
Drawing inspiration from T.S. Eliot’s classic reflections on tradition and innovation, Otu said his administration is committed to sustaining existing infrastructures, renewing aging ones and delivering new developments that improve the lives of residents.
He emphasised a governance model anchored on human capital development, tourism, rural advancement and industrialisation, noting that his team’s duty is to “translate and transform” the legacies of past administrations into practical benefits for the people.
“We have taken stock of your great deliveries in diverse clusters,” he said, “but we are directing all the benefits and results to the people first.”
Lights On: Calabar Enters the Festive Season
The climax of the night came when Governor Otu activated the Christmas lights, instantly illuminating major streets and public spaces across Calabar. The crowd erupted in applause as the city transitioned into its characteristic holiday ambience, marking the official start of the December festivities.
The governor wished residents a Merry Christmas, expressing hope that the season would bring peace, strength, prosperity and progress to the state.
