By Daniel Bebia
As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the Cross River State Commissioner for Industry, Dr. Matthias Unimke Angioha, has described democracy as a driving force behind the state’s renewed industrial growth and economic aspirations.
In a goodwill message commemorating Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Dr. Angioha extended heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Nigerian people for what he called “steadfast commitment to the ideals of democratic governance that continue to shape the destiny of the nation.”
“Today, we commemorate not just a date in history, but a living legacy — 26 unbroken years of democratic governance in Nigeria,” Dr. Angioha said. “Democracy has given industry a voice and a platform. It has enabled long-term planning, investor engagement, job creation, and sustainable development. Through stable governance and open policy frameworks, our industrial ambitions are finding fertile ground.”
The Commissioner praised the transformative leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, noting that the governor’s “People-First Agenda” is building the institutional and physical foundations necessary to position Cross River as a future hub of innovation, manufacturing, and value chain expansion.
“We owe the present wave of industrial revival in Cross River to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu,” he noted. “Through strategic investments in infrastructure, energy access, public-private partnerships, and value-added processing, the groundwork is being laid for an industrially competitive state that delivers real prosperity to our people.”
Dr. Angioha also commended Deputy Governor Peter Odey and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, for their supportive and collaborative efforts in driving the state’s industrial policy and development roadmap.
According to him, every new factory, every machine that hums to life, and every job created in Cross River is a direct dividend of democratic leadership. He urged citizens and stakeholders to safeguard democracy as the foundation upon which economic transformation is being built.
“As we celebrate this Democracy Day, let us remember that democracy is the engine of our economic future,” he said. “It is through democratic stability that we can continue to attract investment, empower entrepreneurs, and build the industries that will secure a better tomorrow for generations to come.”
