The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has commended Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu, for approving the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Bill, describing it as a milestone in promoting the rights and welfare of older persons in the state.
Dr Emem Omokaro, Director General of the NSCC, hailed the new legislation as a significant step towards protecting the elderly, stating that it offers a structured approach to enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens. Her remarks were conveyed through a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications, Mr Omini Oden, in which she praised Governor Otu’s “visionary leadership and commitment to social inclusion, recognizing the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to the state’s development trajectory.”
Omokaro expressed optimism that the law would provide a foundation for improving services and policies affecting older residents in Cross River. She also affirmed the centre’s readiness to work alongside the state government to ensure the law is effectively implemented.
She said, “we commend the Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for assenting to the law, which will strengthen the protection of the rights of older persons; enhance inclusion and access to health as well as improve their economic well-being and generally guarantee better social services in the State.”
Governor Otu formally signed the bill into law alongside two other important legislations: the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, 2025, and the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025. His Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, disclosed that the three laws are part of the administration’s broader strategy to boost infrastructure, regulate the gaming industry, and advance social welfare under its “People First” policy agenda.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu remarked, “these laws are coming at the right time, and I would like to appreciate the Speaker of the House and the entire Assembly members for their good work.”
“The Road Maintenance Agency Law ensures that our roads are constantly maintained and prioritised. The Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is important because without regulation we are losing potential revenue. As for the Senior Citizens Centre, it is a crucial part of our welfarist policy. We are a People-First government and we prioritize everyone,” he added.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, provided further details of the new laws. He explained that the amended Road Maintenance Agency Law introduces a new funding model requiring each of the 18 local government councils to allocate four percent of their monthly Federation Account receipts to the agency, ensuring consistent road upkeep across the state.
On the Senior Citizens Centre Law, Ayambem said the government plans to establish central facilities in each of the three senatorial districts, starting with the capital, Calabar. These centres will cater to the needs of vulnerable retirees and the elderly, with additional sub-centres to be created at local government headquarters across the state.
Regarding the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, the Speaker noted it was enacted in accordance with a recent Supreme Court ruling granting states the power to regulate gaming activities. The legislation, consisting of 12 parts, 102 sections, and two schedules, establishes a comprehensive framework for managing, licensing, and generating revenue from the gaming sector in Cross River State.
These developments underscore the state government’s continued efforts to strengthen governance and improve the quality of life for its residents.
