Otu Launches Cross River State Development Plan

By Ukongikwen Adie

In line with his resolve to provide a roadmap for the fulfilment of the collective aspirations of the people of Cross River State, the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, launched the State Development Plan (SDP) on Thursday, 15th August 2024, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.

In his keynote address at the occasion, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, reiterated the resolve of his administration to tackle the high incidence of poverty, unemployment, infrastructural deficit and other forms of human deprivations that have hindered the State’s development initiatives in the past.

Otu seized the opportunity to commend the various development partners, particularly UNICEF, that had agreed in 2023 to support the Cross River State Government in the formulation of a holistic and comprehensive 10-year development plan spanning the period 2024-2033.

Also commended were the management and staff of the State Planning Commission for their great sense of duty and proactive efforts in coordinating the entire process of the SDP.

“As a State government, our administration is committed to formulating people-oriented policies and programmes that will promote better living conditions for the citizens”.

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Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman/CEO of the State Planning Commission, Dr Bong Duke, said the event is another milestone in the collective and well-coordinated efforts in broadening development outreach and impact through the launching of the 2024-2033 State Development Plan which is supported by UNICEF Nigeria.

Dr Bong Duke added that the development plan is geared towards reinforcing social protection to enhance the welfare of vulnerable and marginalised persons while providing them with the opportunity to enjoy basic quality services that will add credence to development at the grassroots.

Goodwill messages were presented by representatives of development partners like WHO, UNHCR, UNICEF, CSO, heads of international bodies and organisations.

Dignitaries who graced the launch were members of the Cross River State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General, Heads of Local Government Administration, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office and other team members.

The highlight of the occasion was the launching of the State Development Plan by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D.