Ota Udeh
The Cross River State Government, under the dynamic and people-focused leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has restated its firm resolve to transform Calabar into a modern, well-planned and investment-driven capital city in line with the “Season of Sweetness” Agenda.
This assurance was given on Friday, 21st August 2026, when the Management and Central Planning Committee of the Greater Calabar Capital City Development Authority – GCCDA 2026 Summit paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor-Felix Okon Idem, at his office in Calabar.
Addressing the Commissioner, the Director-General of GCCDA, Hon. Bassey Ekpo noted that the Governor Bassey Otu administration is intentionally repositioning Greater Calabar through deliberate urban planning, sustainable renewal, and clear separation of residential, commercial and industrial zones orderliness and economic growth.
He stressed that the success of the Greater Calabar vision requires strong collaboration with the Seven Local Government Areas. “Local Government is the closest tier to the people. For us to achieve a decongested, resilient, and investor-friendly Calabar, we must work hand-in-hand with the Ministry and the Local Government Councils to ensure compliance, grassroots sensitization, and inclusive development,” he said.
In his address, the Pioneer Director-General of GCCDA and Chairman of the GCCDA 2026 Summit Central Planning Committee, Chief Dr. Kingsley Ita Asanye Ikpeme commended Chief Victor-Felix Idem for his sterling leadership and commitment to grassroots governance. He formally presented the concept and objectives of the GCCDA Summit 2026 to the Commissioner and extended a special invitation to him as a speaker at the Summit.
Chief Ikpeme described the Summit as a strategic convergence of critical stakeholders to brainstorm, harmonize policies, and chart a new roadmap for the actualization of the Greater Calabar mandate “This Summit is designed to complement the giant strides of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. The Governor’s ‘People First’ philosophy has brought back hope, restored investor confidence, and placed Cross River State on a clear trajectory of sustainable prosperity,” he stated.
He further eulogized Governor Otu for his bold steps aim at decongesting the Calabar metropolis, enforcing master plan compliance, and creating distinct demarcations between residential, commercial and industrial layouts a move he described as “the foundation for a 21st century capital city that works for all.”
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor-Felix Okon Idem, expressed delight at the GCCDA initiative and pledged the Ministry’s total support and partnership towards the success of the GCCDA Summit 2026 and the broader Greater Calabar project.
Chief Victor Idem applauded Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his visionary leadership and relentless efforts to restore order in Calabar. “What His Excellency is doing in Calabar is unprecedented. The decongestion drive, the clear zoning of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, and the emphasis on urban renewal are exactly what a modern capital requires. This government means business, and the Local Government Ministry is fully aligned,” he declared.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry will mobilize all Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, and community leaders to participate actively in the Summit and to drive the Greater Calabar agenda to the grassroots.
He further noted that a well-planned Calabar will reduce pressure on infrastructure, attract more investors, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for citizens.
The GCCDA 2026 Summit is expected to draw participation from Government MDAs, Local Government Councils, Security Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Academia, Investors, Real Estate Developers, Financial Institutions, Hospitality industry, Civil Society Groups, and the Media.
Members of the GCCDA 2026 Summit Central Planning Committee present:
- Hon. Bassey Ekpo – Director General, GCCDA2. Chief Dr. Kingsley Ita Asanye Ikpeme – Pioneer DG GCCDA / Chairman, Summit Central Planning Committee
- Prince Eyo Cobham – Board Member
- Mr. Effiom Ephraim – Board Member
- Mr. Onyekwue Charles Obi – CPC Member
- Mr. Ndiyo – CPC Member
