By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has 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 made the remarks on Sunday during a memorial thanksgiving service held in honour of his late parents, Elder and Mrs. Edet Okon Otu, at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Cathedral, 13 Eyamba Street, Calabar.
He paid an emotional tribute to their lasting influence on his life, character, and public service.
Addressing family members, government officials, clergy, and other worshippers, Governor Otu said he stood before the congregation first as the eldest son of his parents before being Governor, recalling how his upbringing shaped 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, describing her as an exceptional educator who devoted more than five decades to teaching and mentoring young people.
He also praised his late father for his generosity and compassion, noting that their home was always a refuge for the needy.
Governor Otu said 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 titled “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 can never substitute for intentional parenting.
He stressed that lasting legacies are built on integrity, discipline, and commitment to God.
He lamented the erosion of moral values in society and challenged parents to prioritise the spiritual and moral development of their children above the pursuit of material wealth.