In a bid to deepen engagement with Cross Riverians abroad, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu participated in a virtual Town Hall Meeting hosted from Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, September 21st, 2025.
The event, organised by the Cross Riverians in Diaspora-Canada (CRID-CANADA), provided a platform for dialogue, allowing members of the diaspora to interact directly with the State government, share insights, and explore avenues for contributing to Cross River’s development.
In his opening remarks, Barr. Bassey Bassey, Coordinator of CRID-CANADA, outlined the mandate of the gathering to strengthen the role of Cross Riverians abroad in the State’s development drive. He emphasised that the engagement was not just symbolic but a call to action for meaningful contributions.
Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Prince Otu Okor, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of aligning diaspora efforts with the State’s growth priorities. He maintained that diaspora communities must see themselves as partners in the journey towards prosperity.
Governor Otu, in his remarks, delivered a wide-ranging address that touched on health, education, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and security. He described his administration’s mission as building firm foundations today so that Cross River can stand tall tomorrow, both at home and abroad.
The interactive session also featured questions from participants on critical areas such as primary healthcare, youth development, and tourism. Medical professionals in the diaspora sought clarity on how they could receive government backing to support healthcare delivery in the State. Others raised concerns on how young people can be empowered to build skills and sustainable livelihoods, while tourism-related questions touched on sites like Kwa Falls, prompting the Governor to highlight plans for revitalising iconic assets including the Tinapa Resort and the Calabar Carnival.
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On health, the Governor acknowledged that many medical practitioners from the State have migrated abroad, creating gaps in service delivery. He welcomed diaspora interest in supporting healthcare, stressing that partnerships in medical missions, training, and knowledge exchange would be vital to filling existing gaps. He assured participants that his administration was already working to expand healthcare delivery across all levels, beginning with primary health centres.
Turning to education, Governor Otu highlighted investments in teacher training and the building of institutions to raise education standards. He further noted that free education initiatives have been introduced to give children across the State access to learning opportunities without financial barriers.
On agriculture, the Governor described the sector as central to both food security and economic growth. He lamented that farming has lost its appeal among many young people, but assured that his administration is putting policies and incentives in place to make agriculture attractive again, particularly for youths seeking sustainable livelihoods.
Tourism and infrastructure also featured prominently in his remarks. Governor Otu noted that his administration is pursuing a comprehensive approach, ensuring that investments in key sites and facilities are part of a coordinated plan to restore Cross River to its original pride of place as Nigeria’s leading tourism and investment hub. He pointed to iconic sites such as Kwa Falls in Ikom and reiterated his government’s determination to reposition the Tinapa Resort for renewed relevance.
On security, the Governor stressed that his administration has taken bold steps to curb theft, robbery, kidnapping, and other vices associated with insecurity. He further noted that communal clashes across the State have been effectively managed, thereby creating a safer environment for residents, visitors, and investors alike.
He emphasised that Cross River stands out as a prime investment destination, offering unique advantages that continue to set it apart. Calabar, he noted, combines orderliness and tranquillity with immense growth potential. Events like the Calabar Carnival, he added, go beyond mere entertainment as they act as economic catalysts, attracting global attention, generating revenue, and firmly positioning the state on the world map.
In a related development, CRID President, Christopher Lekan highlighted synergy with CRIDCOM to bridge the housing deficit gap for Cross Riverians in the diaspora. He revealed that discussions are underway with developers to build estate facilities tailored for returnees, ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition back home.
Christopher also spoke about the upcoming Maiden Cross River Diaspora Day, urging Cross Riverians in Diaspora to participate, along with other programmes designed to engage and support Cross Riverians abroad.
He further spotlighted the upcoming programme in the Yakurr Local Government Area designed to support and celebrate farmers. He announced that cash rewards and other incentives would be presented, with CRIDCOM playing a frontline role in the event. The initiative, he explained, aims to encourage greater youth participation in agriculture while showcasing the resilience of rural communities.
Diasporans commended the State government for opening doors to dialogue and pledged to align their efforts with the administration’s priorities. The atmosphere throughout the engagement reflected renewed confidence that Cross River’s growth is a shared responsibility.
Governor Otu assured Cross Riverians abroad that his administration is laying the groundwork to welcome those willing to return home. He emphasised that their skills, experiences, and investments would be vital in shaping the future of the State and called on diasporans to remain engaged, noting that their contributions are central to a greater, more prosperous Cross River.
CRIDCOM MEDIA 2025
