By Abasi Ita
Calabar
The Cross River State Government has called for stronger strategic collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to harness the potential of Cross Riverians living abroad for sustainable economic growth and development.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Peter Odey, made the call on today during the opening ceremony of the 4th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers’ (SDFPOs) Summit held at the Mary Ekpoiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar.
The event was organized by the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRiDCOM) in collaboration with NiDCOM.
Speaking on the theme “Nigerians in Diaspora as Agents for Positive Image of Nigeria and State Involvement as a Platform for Diaspora Engagement in National Development,” Governor Otu described the summit as a gathering of visionary minds dedicated to advancing one of Nigeria’s greatest assets,her citizens in the Diaspora.
He urged NiDCOM, CRiDCOM, and other stakeholders to deepen collaboration and evolve practical strategies that would inspire Cross Riverians abroad to go beyond remittances and invest sustainably in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, real estate, education, technology, and renewable energy.
“Here in Cross River State, we believe that true progress begins when our people, both at home and abroad, see themselves as co-builders of our common future,” Governor Otu said.
He encouraged Cross Riverians in the Diaspora to channel their investments into ventures that yield economic returns and create employment opportunities for citizens.
He also challenged participants to use the summit as a platform for idea exchange, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of actionable strategies that would strengthen collaboration between NiDCOM, state diaspora commissions, and Nigerians living abroad. Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting diaspora engagement as a major driver of sustainable development.
In her remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, described Nigerians in the Diaspora as a critical source of intellectual, financial, and social capital for national development. She noted that more than 17 million Nigerians living abroad are among the most educated immigrants globally and play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s global reputation and economic prospects.
Welcoming participants, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CRiDCOM, Hon. Prince Otu Okor, expressed delight that Cross River State is the first in Nigeria to host the summit and also the first to establish a Diaspora Commission modeled after NiDCOM. He said the summit provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships between state diaspora offices and Nigerian communities abroad.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Senator Aniekan Bassey, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs; Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora; Barr. Alphonsus Eba, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor; and several members of the National Assembly and top government officials.
The summit continues in Calabar with breakout sessions focused on diaspora investment mapping, institutional collaboration, and policy frameworks for state-led diaspora engagement.