By joshua Governor Otu Attributes People-First Leadership to Parents’ Enduring Values
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Sunday said the enduring 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 spoke during a memorial thanksgiving service in honour of his parents, the late Elder and Mrs. Edet Okon Otu, held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Cathedral, 13 Eyamba Street, Calabar, where he paid an emotional tribute to their enduring influence on his life, character and public service.
Speaking before family members, government officials, clergy and other worshippers, Governor Otu described himself first as the eldest son of his parents before occupying any public office, recalling how his upbringing laid the foundation for the leadership principles that now define his administration.
“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,” the Governor said.
He paid glowing tribute to his late mother, whom he described as an exceptional educator who devoted over five decades to teaching and mentoring young people, and to his father, whose generosity and compassion made their home a refuge for the needy.
According to the Governor, the values of humility, service, integrity and compassion imparted by his parents continue to guide his decisions in government, particularly his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Cross Riverians.
“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 entitled: “Building the Family for Tomorrow,” the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, urged parents to intentionally raise children with godly values, discipline and strong moral character.
Drawing lessons from the biblical families of Eli, Hannah and Timothy, the Prelate warned that wealth and social status could never substitute for intentional parenting, stressing that lasting legacies are built through integrity, discipline and commitment to God.
He lamented the erosion of moral values in society and challenged parents to prioritise the spiritual and character development of their children above the pursuit of material wealth.
SOURCE: GOVERNMENT HOUSE PRESS