Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has declared that the state is on an upward trajectory after weeks of engagements with Cross Riverians in the Diaspora.
He made the assertion while speaking with newsmen at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, on his return from a Cross River Indigenes Convention in the Diaspora (CRID) in Birmingham.
He said the meetings were aimed at strengthening synergy between the people at home and abroad in line with the demands of a globalised world.
“I first had to meet with our people in the US; we had a good interface, and they are pleased with what is happening at home. After that, I moved to the United Kingdom to meet with our diasporans there. We shared ideas and prospects. Cross River is on the proper track, and there is no stopping it,” he said.
The governor stressed that his administration was focused on consolidating the “building blocks” of development before politics takes centre stage.
He noted that the state has recorded GDP growth, job creation, and improvements across key health, education, agriculture and infrastructure sectors.
“Every sector you look at, we have added value,” Otu said, adding that the next quarter of the year would bring even greater improvements as opportunities are maximised.
On receiving the prestigious Mayor of Birmingham’s Award during his trip, Governor Otu said the honour was for all Cross Riverians, reflecting the respect the state now commands internationally. “It adds to the building blocks of where we are taking the state,” he said.
Also speaking, the First Lady, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu said her engagements with women in the diaspora had rekindled hopes for increased collaboration in education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
“There’s hope that our people abroad will come home more frequently to synergise, mentor, and support initiatives like girl-child education and improved health facilities,” she said.
The First Lady noted that many diaspora women were eager to return, encouraged by the state’s improved security and governance, and have already scheduled a December homecoming.
“I can’t wait to see December; it is going to be awesome, ” the first said.
Governor Otu’s trip is expected to open fresh channels for investment, cultural exchange, and social development, as the state continues its drive to integrate home-based and diaspora resources for inclusive growth.
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