By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 National MSME Award in recognition of his administration’s contributions to enterprise development, job creation, and the advancement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
The nomination was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Director-General of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency, informing the governor of his selection as one of the distinguished recipients at the 2026 National MSME Awards and Public Presentation of a Compendium of MSME Activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event is scheduled to take place on June 27, 2026, at the Conference Centre of the State House in Abuja.
According to the organisers, Governor Otu was selected for his administration’s efforts in promoting entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, expanding economic opportunities, and implementing policies that align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The award is expected to be presented by Nigeria’s Vice President during the ceremony.
The nomination letter noted that the event would celebrate achievements, innovations, and interventions that have strengthened Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and contributed to economic growth nationwide.
Governor Otu’s recognition comes amid ongoing efforts by his administration to stimulate economic development through strategic investments in enterprise support, access-to-finance programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and policies designed to create a more business-friendly environment across Cross River State.
Stakeholders in the MSME sector have described the nomination as a reflection of the positive impact of the governor’s economic policies on entrepreneurs and small business owners in the state.
A development expert said the recognition underscores Governor Otu’s commitment to inclusive growth and his understanding of the role of MSMEs in driving employment, innovation, and sustainable development.
The National MSME Awards and Compendium Presentation is expected to attract top government officials, development partners, business leaders, and key stakeholders from across the country.
For Cross River State, the nomination is seen as further validation of ongoing efforts to position the state as a hub for investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
