By Beatrice Akpala
The Member representing the politically conscious people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, has applauded the highly commendable and socially impacting developmental initiatives and project conceptualization and actualization of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State.
The federal law maker pronounced the copious applauses recently as part of the fallout of the Groundbreaking ceremony of the 365 km Grandlito Railway project in Cross River State.
He noted that the present administration headed by Governor Bassey Otu, has demonstrated with ample evidence that the State will soon be ushered into the exclusive list of economically viable States in the country.
Rt. Hon. Etaba, who doubles as the Leader of the Cross River State Caucus in the House of Representatives, declared that his unflinching support for the Governor can never be jettisoned, adding that the 8 Members representing the various constituencies in Cross River State in the Federal House of Representatives are solidly behind Governor Bassey Edet Otu in achieving his prosperity framework for Cross River State.
Rt. Hon. Etaba further disclosed that the emergence of Governor Bassey Otu as the helmsman in Cross River State at a time of great State, national and global crisis, is a divine mandate with special attachments of changing the economic and social fabric of the State.
Governor Otu performed the Groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, 13th August, 2024. It is the first of its kind in the history of Cross River State and it covers the entire length from Calabar in the southern senatorial district to Obudu in the northern senatorial district of Cross River State.
Etaba disclosed that apart from being the first intra-state railway project, its take off marks a significant departure from the past where railway services were lacking and bulky transportation of goods and services across long distances were a herculean task to undertake. It is expected to connect the 5 economic zones in the State namely, Calabar, Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu with the expected widening of the trade links with neighbouring States.
Etaba also congratulated all Cross Riverians and reiterated that the Grandlito Railway" will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the economic and social well being of the people of Cross River State and all its inhabitants engaged in businesses and leisure in the State.
He maintained that such huge and seriously impacting projects are the required structure needed to pull Cross River State out of its economic and social shells and usher her onto the pathway of true prosperity
He further noted that he is truly elated by Governor Bassey Otu's efforts in changing the economic and social narrative of Cross River State.
It is expected that with the kickoff of the railway project and similar infrastructural interventions across the State, Governor Otu is poised to usher in the real transformation of Cross River State in all ramifications.