The Cross River state government has inaugurated the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRSDC), to engage its indigenes abroad on policies and development projects.
Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday in Calabar, Gov. Bassey Otu, said that the commission would play a strategic role with its people living across the global diaspora community.
“You have an important job to do which is to 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,” he said.
He said that the commission would also serve as a bridge between the government and indigenes of the state in the diaspora to foster investment and strategic partnerships for the state’s development.
Similarly, Dr Bong Duke, Chief Executive officer of the State Planning Commission, expressed satisfaction with the successful inauguration, after due screening and clearance of the members by the State legislature.
He said he felt fulfilled because they had worked hard to bring the vision to life, and was confident that the team would deliver.
On his part, Mr Otu Okor, Chairman of the CRSDC, described the appointment as a call to service.
“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 and we will not fail,” Okor said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission will serve as an arm for foreign relations and investments between the state and its indigenes abroad. (NAN)
