By Eniola Ambosege
The Cross River State Diaspora Commission has launched a diaspora support group in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between citizens living outside the state and the government.
The initiative, unveiled at a town hall meeting held at Cross River House, Asokoro, brought together no fewer than 62 Cross River indigenes residing in the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairman of the commission, Dr Otu Okor, said the platform was designed to harness the expertise, resources and influence of Cross Riverians in the diaspora to support development efforts in the state.
He described the support group as a strategic bridge between the government and its citizens abroad, noting that diaspora engagement remained critical to economic growth and sustainable development.
“The Cross Riverians in Diaspora Support Group is a platform created to bring our people closer to government, harness their skills and resources, and channel them towards the development of our dear state,” he said.
Okor also conveyed the goodwill of Governor Otu, commending Cross Riverians in Abuja for representing the state positively and contributing to national development.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and the oil industry, stressing that government would continue to create an enabling environment for investment and growth.
A stakeholder, Tony Ray, commended what he described as improvements in security and progress in the oil sector, noting that both areas were vital to the state’s economic advancement.
“We commend His Excellency for the noticeable improvements in security and the progress being made in the oil sector. These are critical areas for the growth of our state,” he said.
Another participant, Ibiam Obongho, expressed the readiness of Cross Riverians in Abuja to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
“As Cross Riverians in Abuja, we are ready to serve and support the growth and development of our state,” he stated.
Also speaking, Francisca Ogar called for regular media interactions between the governor and citizens to enhance information flow and public engagement.
“We respectfully request regular media parley sessions with His Excellency to keep Cross Riverians better informed,” she said.
In his opening remarks, President of the Cross River Indigenes Development Association, Dickson Sankara Unung, emphasised the need for unity and collective responsibility among indigenes, urging them to remain committed to the progress of the state.
