As a leader, your words must bear resonance, or your actions mirror your words in order to be seen as walking your talk.
When the echoes of “People First” governor of Senator Bassey Edet Otu began wafting through the political firmament over a year ago, it was not a promise or an assurance that there would be a disbursement of free money into the pockets of Cross Riverians, but an intentional policy to ensure the people feel the impact of governance just as the pulse of the people is equally felt by the government.
Anything to the contrary will be an antithesis.
So as the spirit of the Yuletide season, marked by joy, love, and giving pervades the state’s social landscape, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has spared no effort to usher in a transformative and profoundly impactful initiative that reflects his humanity, compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to the well-being of his people.
Christened the “Season of Sweetness Free Transport Service,” this gesture stands as a reverberating testament to the governor’s incisive empathy, uncommon kindness, and genuine concern for the welfare of his people grappling with the challenges of rising transportation costs and economic hardship.
Remarkably, Governor Otu’s introduction of free transportation services across Calabar metropolis and other key parts of the state is more than a government initiative—it is a lifeline, a swift and empathetic response to a muted, but deafening SoS call.
By opting to target critical transportation routes and hubs, Governor Otu has demonstrated an acute understanding of the pulse of the people, ensuring that his intervention meets the most pressing needs of the populace. This initiative is particularly significant as it comes at a time when many Nigerians are feeling the weight of economic challenges, especially during a festive season that traditionally brings increased financial demands.
For many families in Cross River State, a state twice the size of the entire South East region of the country, the high cost of transportation has been a persistent burden, making the simple act of moving from one location to another a source of stressful and haranguing experience.
By launching this free transport service, Governor Otu has directly alleviated this pressure, allowing residents to redirect their limited resources towards other essentials such as food, clothing, and festivities for their families.
The program strategically covers Calabar metropolis and key far flung locations in the Central and Northern Senatorial Zones of the state.
These locations are not just arbitrary choices; they represent the major arteries of movement within and beyond Calabar, connecting communities and ensuring inclusivity. Whether it’s students traveling home for the holidays, traders transporting their goods, or families visiting loved ones, the governor’s initiative caters to diverse demographics, reinforcing the broadness of this act of kindness.
The vehicles, marked with “Season of Sweetness Free Transport Service” stickers, are easily identifiable, ensuring seamless access for beneficiaries. This meticulous planning underscores the administration’s dedication to transparency, organization, and equitable service delivery.
Senator Bassey Otu has long been recognized for his people-oriented leadership style, characterized by a deep connection with the grassroots and a relentless pursuit of policies that uplift the common man. The “Season of Sweetness Free Transport Service” is yet another feather in his cap, embodying his philosophy of governance as a tool for service and humanity.
In a time when many leaders might prioritize infrastructural projects or policies that garner immediate political acclaim, Governor Otu has chosen a path less trodden—investing in the social and emotional well-being of his constituents. This initiative is not merely about transportation; it is about restoring dignity, fostering unity, and bringing smiles to the faces of Cross Riverians during a season synonymous with joy.
Beyond the immediate relief provided to commuters, this initiative carries broader economic implications. By removing the cost of transportation for thousands of residents, the program indirectly stimulates local economies. Families with more disposable income can now patronize small businesses, purchase festive items, and engage in recreational activities that they might have otherwise foregone due to financial constraints.
For traders and artisans, the initiative ensures uninterrupted access to markets and customers, boosting commerce and reinforcing Cross River State’s reputation as a hub for tourism. Stretching the gesture further, the programme serves as a morale booster, reminding citizens that Governor Otu is attuned to their struggles and actively working to address them.
The timing of the “Season of Sweetness Free Transport Service” could not have been more apt. Christmas is a season that emphasizes love, sharing, and community. By launching this initiative, Governor Otu has not only addressed a practical need but has also reinforced the core values of the season.
In a society often highlighted by ethnic, linguistic and socioeconomic fault lines, this initiative serves as a unifying force. The sight of individuals from diverse backgrounds boarding the same free buses, sharing stories, and exchanging smiles is a powerful reminder of the shared humanity that binds Cross Riverians together.
Governor Otu’s gesture is not just an isolated act of kindness; it is a touchstone, setting a precedent for what governance should embody—compassion, responsiveness, and a focus on the people.
In a clime where public trust in leadership is in rarity and often eroded by unmet promises and unfulfilled expectations, gestures like this restore faith in the social contract between the government and the governed.
The “Season of Sweetness Free Transport Service” is a model that other states and leaders can emulate, particularly during festive seasons when the burden on citizens tends to be crushing. It challenges the narrative that government interventions must always be grandiose or capital-intensive to make an impact, proving that even seemingly simple initiatives can yield profound results when executed with thoughtfulness and sincerity.
The true measure of the success of any initiative lies in the testimonials of those it impacts. Across the state, residents have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Otu for his timely intervention.
For Mary, a trader in Calabar South, the free transport service means she can visit her family in Ugep for Christmas without worrying about the cost of transportation. “This is the first time in years that I can travel home with ease,” she says. “Governor Otu has truly brought sweetness to our lives this season.”
Similarly, Agaji and Atelhe, both from Cross River North and students at the University of Calabar, share how the initiative is a balm to their travel plans. “As a student, transportation costs have always been a challenge, especially during the holidays. This program has taken a huge load off my shoulders, and I am deeply grateful,” Agaji allows.
These stories, multiplied across thousands of households, paint a picture of the tangible and far-reaching impact of Governor Otu’s vision.
As Cross Riverians bask in the warmth of this thoughtful gesture, it is clear that Governor Bassey Otu’s legacy will be defined not just by infrastructural achievements but by the humanity and empathy he brings to governance. The “Season of Sweetness Free Transport Service” is a glow of how leaders can bridge the gulf between policy and people, creating interventions that resonate deeply and enduringly.
With the Yuletide five days away, this initiative will not only alleviate transportation burdens but will also remind every beneficiary that they are valued, cared for, and celebrated. Indeed, Governor Otu has made this Christmas a truly sweet and memorable one for the people of Cross River State.
As one grateful resident quips: “The aroma of this season is not only in the gifts or festivities; it is in the love and kindness our governor has showered on us. May God preserve him Cross River and Nigeria.”
This heartfelt sentiment encapsulates the essence of the initiative—a gift of sweetness, humanity, and hope that will linger in the hearts of Cross Riverians long after the season has passed.
Thank you, Sweetest Excellency, Merry Christmas, Cross Riverians.
Obogo is Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Media and Publicity.
linusobogo@gmail.com
The views expressed are the author’s.
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