Governor Bassey Otu, has inaugurated the Cross River State, CRSDC, Diaspora Commission for the purpose of effectively engaging with citizens of Cross River extraction in the Diaspora for the overall development of the state.
Speaking during its inauguration in Calabar, Governor Otu emphasized the strategic role of the commission in mobilizing both human and material resources across the state’s global diaspora community.
“I welcome and congratulate you all. You have an important job to do: manage our people in the diaspora and build the image of Cross River on a global scale. The task is crucial, and I encourage you to give it your best shot. We expect you to start work immediately and build on the foundation we have laid.”
Governor Otu describes the Commission as a bridge between the state government and citizens of Cross River State in the diaspora.
He maintenaned that, as part of its mandate, the commission will foster investment, cultural exchange, and strategic partnerships that would contribute significantly to the development of the state.
On his part, the Vice Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke said after undergoing through a rigorous screening process in the state House of Assembly, he confident in the capacity of the team to deliver on the mandate of the commission.
“I feel fulfilled today. We’ve worked hard to bring this vision to life, and I’m confident that this team will deliver on the job.”
Responding, the newly inuagurated Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Otu Esu Okor, expressed gratitude to the governor for his appointment describing it as a call to service, while also promising to justify the confidence reposed in him
“We are grateful to His Excellency for giving us this platform to contribute our quota to the growth of our beloved state. We are already in talks with diaspora partners to attract investments to Cross River. We will not fail.”
The newly inaugurated Commission members comprise Mr Otu Esu Okor as Chairman, Elizabeth Greene, Secretary, while Mr. Eyobong Ita, Mr. Douglas Agba, and Dr. Maggie Inde are to serve as members. Other members include Mrs. Emily Madueke, Mrs. Anita Pascal, Mrs. Barbara Eta, and Dr. Ignatius Oli.
Source: Michael Akpang, FRCN, Cross River
