Governor Otu says parents’ values shape his people-first style of governance

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has said the values of faith, compassion, discipline and selfless service instilled in him by his late parents remain the foundation of his people-centred approach to governance.

The governor made the remark on Sunday during a memorial thanksgiving service held in honour of his parents, the late Elder and Mrs. Edet Okon Otu, at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Cathedral, Calabar.

Addressing family members, government officials, clergy and other worshippers, Otu said he stood before the congregation first as the eldest son of his parents before his position as governor, noting that the principles they taught him continue to guide his leadership.

> “I stand here today not as Governor, but as your first child. I learnt from you that a man’s greatest worth is not measured by riches, but by the number of lives he touches. Your open-door policy has become our People’s First Agenda,” he said.

The governor paid tribute to his late mother, describing her as an outstanding educator who dedicated more than five decades to teaching and mentoring young people, while praising his father for his generosity and compassion, which made their home a refuge for those in need.

According to Otu, the virtues of humility, integrity, service and compassion imparted by his parents continue to influence his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Cross River residents.

> “Today, your classroom has become our learning ground. Your legacy lives on in every child we educate, every hungry person we feed, every applicant we employ and every life we uplift,” he added.

Delivering a sermon titled “Building the Family for Tomorrow,” the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, urged parents to deliberately raise children with godly values, discipline and sound moral character.

Drawing lessons from the biblical families of Eli, Hannah and Timothy, the cleric said wealth and social status could never replace intentional parenting, stressing that enduring legacies are built on integrity, discipline and commitment to God.

He also lamented what he described as the erosion of moral values in society and challenged parents to place greater emphasis on the spiritual and character development of their children rather than the pursuit of material wealth.