The Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), OtuEkong Chief (Dr) Otu Okor, FCAI, has officially launched the Cross Riverians in Diaspora Support Group for Sen Bassey Otu at a Town Hall meeting in Abuja on Monday, aimed at strengthening diaspora engagement in the State’s development.
Held at Cross River House, Asokoro, the event brought together 62 Cross Riverians living in the Federal Capital Territory to engage with government representatives and discuss initiatives linking the diaspora with State development efforts.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman described the support group as a structured platform for collaboration between the State and its citizens in the diaspora. “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.
Chief Okor also conveyed the goodwill of Governor Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, commending the diaspora community for serving as ambassadors of the State and reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and the oil sector.
Stakeholders at the meeting lauded the Governor’s leadership and offered suggestions to deepen engagement. Mr Tony Ray praised improvements in security and the oil sector. “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.
Mr Ibiam Obongho expressed the diaspora community’s readiness to contribute actively to the State’s development. “As Cross Riverians in Abuja, we are ready to serve and support the growth and development of our State,” he stated.
On her part, Mrs Francisca Ogar called for regular media engagements with the Governor to improve communication and information flow. “We respectfully request regular media parley sessions with His Excellency to keep Cross Riverians better informed,” she said.
The President of the Cross River Indigenes Development Association (CRIDA), Chief Dickson Sankara Unung, delivered the opening remarks, emphasising unity and collective responsibility among Cross Riverians in Abuja.
The Townhall concluded with a vote of thanks from Hon Gabriel Odu, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting State government initiatives and contributing to the overall development of Cross River State.
CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026
