Wife of Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoawan Otu, together with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commissioned the ultra-modern Cross River State Diaspora Commission office complex on Thursday in Calabar.

Speaking while commissioning the project, Otu said the commission will help to connect, engage, and empower Cross River State indigenes in diaspora.

She stated that once the diaspora commission becomes operational in the state, it will help foster global partnerships, investment, and development to promote the socio-economic growth and prosperity of the state.

The First Lady stated that with the commission, Cross River will become a leading diaspora commission that will bridge the gap between indigenes of the state and its global community, catalysing sustainable development, innovation, and prosperity for the benefit of all.

In his remarks, Head of Media, Nigerians in diaspora, Mr. Gabriel Odu, stated, “We in the Diaspora Commission are ready to work with you.
“This will help Cross Riverians in Diaspora to come home and work with you. We have to encourage our brothers abroad to return home and contribute to the growth of the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who commended the state for blazing the trail in establishing a diaspora commission in the country, called on the governors of other states to emulate the Cross River State governor by setting up their own Diaspora Commissions.
“We are not just opening bonds, but connecting doors of opportunities,” Dabiri-Erewa maintained.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the State Diaspora Commission, Mr. Otu Okor, promised a warm reception to the 300 diasporans who were preparing to visit the state to celebrate Diaspora Day, scheduled for November 2025.