and sustainability.
The governor made the appeal at the maiden Diaspora Convention held in Birmingham, United Kingdom, themed “Diaspora Contribution to the Development and Sustainability of Cross River State.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Otu emphasised the importance of diaspora involvement in shaping policies and driving progress in critical areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and mentorship.
He noted that the collective input of Cross Riverians abroad is vital to unlocking the state’s full potential.
To strengthen this collaboration, the governor announced the establishment of a Diaspora Engagement and Development Desk, which will serve as a central hub for coordinating diaspora-led initiatives and partnerships across key sectors.
“This government is not only about those at home—it is about all our people, everywhere,” Otu said. “The talents, capital, and experiences you have acquired abroad must find expression back home. Come, invest in your state, build in your communities, and help us write a story of sustainable transformation.”
Otu described members of the diaspora not as outsiders, but as essential stakeholders and architects of Cross River’s future, urging them to see themselves as part of the state’s long-term development journey.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, advocated for maternal health and girl-child education, stating that “every Cross River girl deserves a global sister looking out for her.”
She called for collective responsibility from the diaspora to uplift vulnerable populations across the state.
President of the Cross River State Diaspora Forum, Mr. Christopher Lekan, described the convention as the “rebirth of a long-silenced but powerful voice.”
He praised Otu for bridging the gap between the state and its diaspora population, saying, “You have broken the jinx of detachment and built a new bridge of inclusion.”
Lekan also announced plans to establish a Diaspora Investment Fund aimed at mobilising financial contributions from Cross Riverians abroad for strategic projects in health, information technology, and youth entrepreneurship.
“We no longer want to send only remittances—we want to return with ideas, technology, and capital. We want to move from the margins of development into the mainstream,” he added.
The convention drew participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, and marked a significant step towards building stronger ties between the state government and its diaspora community.
