By Archibong Jeremiah
The 3rd meeting of the Cross River State Executive Council, held on March 20th, 2024, addressed key areas for development in the state.
Governor Bassey Otu in his opening speech emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving the Boki East-West road, Yahe-Ebo-Izekwe-Wanokom-Wanikade-Benue border road, Oban road in Akamkpa as well as Adiabor-Odukpani-Itu road.
Additionally, the Ogoja Stadium will be renovated, amongst other roads requiring attention in the State.
The Institute of Technology and Management (ITM) Ugep and the Teachers Continuous Training Institute of West Africa (TCTI) Biase will both be given priority while his People First robust agricultural revolution programmes in different crop areas will be sustained.
On boosting agriculture and food security, the exco made a significant decision involving the procurement of 108 tractors for smallholder farmers, promoting mechanized farming and food security.
The Council approved the upgrade and rehabilitation of the Ikom General Hospital and the completion of the Local Government Service Commission Headquarters building.
Furthermore, Ugep’s urban roads will be reconstructed.
To improve power supply and security, the Council addressed power concerns by approving the procurement of transformers to replace burnt substations and the rehabilitation of the Odukpani-Akamkpa electrification network.
Council went on to further approve three Executive Bills for presentation to the Cross River State House of Assembly covering an amendment to the Cross River State Security Trust Fund Law 2010; a bill to provide for the mainstreaming of Climate Change actions and establishment of the State Council on Climate Change and other related matters and a bill for the establishment of Cross River State Green Economy Commission and other related matters therewith.
To revitalize the tourism sector, the Council approved the restoration of the KADA Cinema at the Marina Resort, recently damaged by fire.
Additionally, they approved land development services for the Nigerian Agricultural Mechanization and Equipment Leasing Company (NAMEL), the revival of dairy farms at the Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort, and a 3D digital survey of the resort to prepare for full restoration.