Cross River Strengthens Diaspora Ties for Economic Growth
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Cross River State Government has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to harness the skills, investments, and potential of Cross Riverians living abroad for sustainable development.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Peter Odey, made the appeal during the opening of the 4th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers’ (SDFPOs) Summit at the Mary Ekpoiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar. The event was organized by the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRiDCOM) in partnership with NiDCOM.
Speaking on the theme “Nigerians in Diaspora as Agents for Positive Image of Nigeria and State Involvement as a Platform for Diaspora Engagement in National Development,” Governor Otu described the summit as a gathering of visionary minds committed to advancing one of Nigeria’s greatest assets, its citizens abroad.
He urged NiDCOM, CRiDCOM, and other stakeholders to deepen collaboration and create practical strategies that would inspire Cross Riverians abroad to move beyond remittances and invest in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, real estate, education, technology, and renewable energy.
“True progress begins when our people, both at home and abroad, see themselves as co-builders of our common future,” Governor Otu said. He encouraged the Diaspora to channel their investments into ventures that generate economic returns and create jobs for residents.
Governor Otu also challenged participants to use the summit as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing knowledge, and formulating actionable strategies that strengthen collaboration between NiDCOM, state diaspora commissions, and Nigerians living abroad. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting diaspora engagement as a driver of sustainable development.
In her address, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, described Nigerians in the Diaspora as a vital source of intellectual, financial, and social capital. She noted that more than 17 million Nigerians living abroad are among the most educated immigrants globally and play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s reputation and economic prospects.
Welcoming participants, the CEO of CRiDCOM, Hon. Prince Otu Okor, highlighted that Cross River is the first state in Nigeria to host the summit and the first to establish a diaspora commission modeled after NiDCOM. He said the event provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships between state diaspora offices and Nigerian communities abroad.
Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Aniekan Bassey, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, State APC Chairman, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, and several National Assembly members and top government officials.
The summit continues in Calabar with breakout sessions focusing on diaspora investment mapping, institutional collaboration, and policy frameworks for state-led diaspora engagement.
