His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State Otu, with Abike Dabri Erewa
Cross River State will in October host the Nationwide Diaspora Focal Individuals Summit, an occasion that’s anticipated to attract stakeholders from throughout Nigeria and worldwide companions to Calabar.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday throughout a courtesy go to by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman/chief govt officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NIDCOM), to Governor Bassey Otu on the Governor’s Workplace, Calabar.
Otu, whereas receiving Dabiri-Erewa, counseled her pioneering position in strengthening Nigeria’s ties with its residents overseas, noting that her management has helped cut back unfavourable perceptions about Nigerians within the diaspora. “The velocity with which we established the Cross River Diaspora Workplace was due to your monitor document,” he mentioned. “Earlier than you got here on board, there was a disconnect between Nigeria and different international locations. At the moment, the story has modified.”
The governor described Cross River as one in every of Nigeria’s most secure and most tasty locations, highlighting strides in infrastructure, well being, tourism, and agriculture. He assured that the state is absolutely ready to host the forthcoming summit and leverage it to showcase its financial and funding potential.
Otu welcomed the partnerships and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating the summit successful. “Internet hosting this summit right here will showcase our potential to the world,” he mentioned.
Dabiri-Erewa lauded Cross River for being the primary state in Nigeria to ascertain a state-level Diaspora Fee constructing, describing it as “spectacular and historic.” She praised Governor Otu’s management and expressed delight on the lively position the state performs in diaspora affairs. “Once I noticed your diaspora workplace, I even joked that NIDCOM’s company headquarters could possibly be moved right here,” she mentioned.
She enjoined the state to actively take part in nationwide diaspora actions akin to Diaspora Day (July 25–26) and the Diaspora Benefit Awards, which acknowledge Nigerians excelling overseas whereas contributing to growth at dwelling.
Earlier, Otu Okor, chairman of the Cross River Diaspora Fee (CRIDCOM), mentioned the upcoming three-day summit would consolidate new and ongoing partnerships, noting that inside simply 4 months of its institution, CRIDCOM has engaged with the Worldwide Group for Migration (IOM), renewed ties with the State of Maryland, USA, and initiated talks with the British African Union Group.
“With His Excellency’s approval, we are going to tomorrow signal a proper partnership with the IOM, additional positioning Cross River as a hub for diaspora collaboration,” Okor disclosed. He careworn that internet hosting the summit in Calabar will venture Cross River as a mannequin state for diaspora-driven growth.
