By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved the appointment of Barr Nsa Ekpo as Chairman of the Cross River Social Investment Programme (SIP) and Dr Calistus Aruku as Chairman of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES).
In a statement from the state government, the appointments were described as part of efforts to strengthen the administration and ensure effective service delivery.
Barr Eyo Nsa Ekpo is a seasoned legal practitioner and public policy expert, while Dr Aruku is an accomplished scholar and development strategist.
Governor Otu said the decision to appoint both men was “a deliberate step towards institutionalising people-centred governance and deepening the culture of merit, capacity, and excellence.”
He charged the appointees to discharge their duties “with diligence, integrity and vision.”
According to the state government, the new appointments reflect the governor’s commitment to building strong institutions and promoting efficiency across key sectors such as social investment and youth development.