By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to implement the Proof of Address initiative, describing it as a strategic tool for improving security, governance, and service delivery across the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan Enoh, spoke during a stakeholders meeting on the rollout of the Proof of Address programme in Calabar. He was represented by Rev. Victor Usibe, Director of Administration in the Office of the SSG.
Professor Owan Enoh explained that the initiative will provide verified residential documentation to aid intelligence gathering, crime detection, and rapid emergency response. He added that accurate address data will also enhance planning, service delivery, and access to government interventions.
The Permanent Secretary, Local Government Commission, Mrs Odu Oji, assured participants of the readiness of local councils to support smooth implementation. She emphasized that councils would work closely with relevant stakeholders to boost security coverage and ensure residents benefit fully from government programmes.
Cross River State Proof of Address Coordinator, Ufere Adat Sunday, said the sensitization programme was aimed at aligning Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a coordinated implementation framework. He noted that the initiative will strengthen data integrity, improve revenue collection, and support effective policy execution at both state and local government levels.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Proof of Address initiative, Mrs Isi Okwuada, described the programme as a federal government backed intervention designed to address security and social gaps while improving emergency response systems. She highlighted key benefits, including enhanced identification of residents, stronger security monitoring, faster emergency response, easier access to financial and government services, optimized revenue generation, and more effective governance planning.
Participants at the meeting pledged full support for the initiative, describing it as a timely and significant step toward creating a more structured, accountable, and data driven governance system in Cross River State.