Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has assured Igbo of his administration’s zeal to partner with them to expand the economic frontiers of the state.

Speaking during the celebration of this year’s new yam festival by the Igbo in the state, the governor stated that their economic acumen and self-entrepreneurial spirit is a strategic factor in his vision of exploring new economic development initiatives.

Otu, who was represented at the occasion by his Chief of staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, assured Igbo of his plans to partner them, especially in the area of intelligence gathering on security matters regarding the creation of a viable and favourable economic environment to secure an enterprising business climate.

He also called on them to be ready for a robust entrepreneurial relationship, as his administration is working out a strategic and all-inclusive economic template for the revitalisation of the state’s economy.

Earlier in his welcome address, the EzeNdigbo of Cross River, Emmanuel Ezenwenyi, told the governor of Igbo’s readiness to diversify their business frontiers by venturing into agro allied development due to the fertile natural environment in the state.
Ezenwenyi appealed to the state government to assist them in the area of land acquisition to avoid unnecessary conflict.

He noted that by nature, Igbo are gifted in self-reliant approach toward survival, stressing that they are ready to demonstrate their readiness to prove that they have found a home away from home in Cross River.

He said that all they need is the state government’s support to enable them to plough their talent into the economic agenda of the administration.

The EzeNdigbo of AkwaIbom, His Majesty, CYC Umeakuka JP, also praised the state government for creating a favourable economic environment in the state, which has attracted their kith and kin to be involved in the economic development of the state.

He appealed to the governor to inform his counterparts across the country to emulate and replicate, in their various states, what is going on in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states on how Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, can co-exist peacefully without rancour and discrimination.

IN another development, the governor has assured foreign nationals, investors, fun and leisure seekers of their security during this year’s edition of Cross River State Christmas Festival.

Otu, who gave the assurance on Sunday, while flagging off the first carnival dry run at the Millennium Park, Calabar, said the state security architecture is intact, hence, it is ready to host the world during the 32-day event.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, remarked that the 2023 Carnival Calabar would be better than every other carnival in the history of Nigeria.

He said: “We are going to have the best carnival, the biggest street party that this country has ever seen this year.” Earlier, Chairman of the state Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, informed that the cultural milieu that has turned around Cross River in the turn of the millennium, changing the landscape of Nigeria, is back.