The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to digital innovation and technology-driven governance following the Cross River State Geographic Information Agency’s (CRGIA) emergence as a national award winner at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards.
Dr. Odey gave the commendation on Monday when the Director-General of CRGIA, Mr. William Archibong Jr., led a delegation from the agency to present the awards to him in his office. He congratulated the Director-General, management and staff of the agency, noting that the recognition reflected their dedication to improving land administration and deploying modern geospatial solutions to enhance public service delivery across the state.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed Governor Otu’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote digital transformation, transparency and efficiency across government institutions. He noted that the awards would further motivate CRGIA to consolidate its achievements, expand the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across critical sectors and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development agenda.
He urged the Director-General and staff to see the awards as motivation to improve performance and sustain innovation, assuring them that Governor Otu would continue to provide an enabling environment for enhanced productivity and effective service delivery.
Earlier, while presenting the awards to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Archibong highlighted the agency’s commitment to advancing digital land administration and modernising geographical information services in Cross River State. He explained that the recognition reflected CRGIA’s efforts in digital land records, real-time land information systems, geospatial mapping and secure property documentation, as well as the application of GIS technology to broader public-sector needs.
The Director-General also dedicated the honours to Governor Otu, acknowledging his unwavering support, people-centred reforms and the enabling environment provided for institutional development. He noted that GIS technology had become an essential tool for effective governance, with applications extending beyond property documentation to agricultural traceability, social inclusion, environmental protection, infrastructure planning and disaster management.
The 4th Nigeria GovTech Conference, held recently at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, was followed by an Award Presentation Dinner at Zuma Hall, Rockview Hotel Royale, Abuja, where the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) was recognised as the Most Improved State GIS/Digital Land Administration Agency in Nigeria.
The agency’s Director-General, Mr. William Archibong Jr., also received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to innovation, technology adoption, and institutional transformation in the public sector. The awards were conferred by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), under the Presidency, and presented on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, by Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, mni.
Also in the delegation were Mr. Eyibio Asuquo Effiong, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Barr. Kenneth Edet Etim, Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Alice Egere, Human Resource Officer, Mrs. Joy Egbe, Head of Marketing, and Mr. Yemi Nelson.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit,
Government House, Calabar
October 19, 2026
