Ekpang Thanks Gov. Otu for Confidence, Pledges to Transform Lands Ministry

The Commissioner for Lands in Cross River State, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, has expressed profound appreciation to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for the confidence reposed in him following his redeployment from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Lands, pledging unwavering commitment to advancing the administration's development agenda.

In a message of gratitude and renewed commitment, Dr. Ekpang described his appointment as Commissioner for Information as a rare privilege that afforded him the opportunity to project the vision of the People First administration, communicate government policies, and strengthen engagement between government and the people.

He noted that with the Governor's unwavering support, the Ministry of Information recorded remarkable milestones, including the revitalisation of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), the recruitment of personnel to strengthen the ministry, and the comprehensive transformation of the State Newspaper Corporation into a modern publishing organisation built to international standards.

According to him, the achievements underscore Governor Otu's commitment to institutional renewal and his confidence in public servants entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

Dr. Ekpang said his redeployment to the Ministry of Lands represents another vote of confidence by the Governor and an opportunity to deploy his professional expertise in land administration, planning and development towards accelerating the state's economic growth.

He assured that the Ministry of Lands would be repositioned as a key driver of economic transformation through innovative reforms, improved transparency, efficient service delivery, strategic investment promotion and effective land management.

The commissioner further disclosed plans to collaborate with stakeholders and development partners to develop new layouts and modern urban communities across the three senatorial districts of the state. He said the ministry would also open new growth corridors to support housing, commerce, agriculture, tourism and industrial development.

He added that efforts would be intensified to restore orderly physical planning in Calabar, Ikom, Ugep, Ogoja, Obudu and other emerging urban centres, while tackling illegal developments, encroachment on drainage channels and public infrastructure