Gladness Gideon
In a move to strengthen ties with indigenes living abroad and attract global investment, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has officially inaugurated the Cross River State Diaspora Commission.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at Government House in Calabar on Tuesday, Governor Otu charged members of the newly formed commission to engage Cross Riverians abroad in meaningful ways that would promote the state’s image and drive development.
“I welcome and congratulate you all,” Governor Otu said. “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.”
The commission is tasked with serving as a vital link between the state government and its diaspora population. Its mandate includes fostering unity among Cross Riverians overseas, encouraging cultural and economic exchange, and facilitating strategic partnerships that can drive investments and development projects across the state.
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In his remarks, the newly appointed Chairman of the Commission, Otu Esu Okor, expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the role as a “call to contribute meaningfully to the state’s growth.”
“We are grateful to His Excellency for giving us this platform to contribute our quota to the growth of our beloved state,” Okor stated. “We are already in talks with diaspora partners to attract investments to Cross River. We will not fail.”
The establishment of the Diaspora Commission marks a significant policy shift aimed at leveraging the expertise, resources, and networks of Cross Riverians abroad to accelerate economic and social progress within the state.