The Cross River State Government has launched the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) as part of efforts to promote inclusive governance and harness diaspora investment for local economic growth.
The commission was officially unveiled in Calabar by the deputy governor, Dr. Peter Odey, who described it as a strategic initiative to connect with Cross River citizens abroad. "This commission is designed to serve as a bridge between government and our people in the diaspora willing to invest back home," he said.
Dr. Odey urged the commission to identify economic opportunities in agriculture, mining, technology, education, and healthcare, and called for collaboration with Cross Riverians across the globe.
Chairman of the commission, Prince Otu Okor, said the launch marked the start of a new era in diaspora engagement, focused on investment, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Key stakeholders including NIDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa, IOM Chief of Mission Sharon Dimanche, and leaders of Cross River diaspora groups pledged support for the commission's goals.
They noted that CRIDCOM aligns with both Governor Bassey Otu's "People First" agenda and President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope" vision, with the potential to connect local development efforts to global opportunities.
