Cross River Governor Inaugurates Climate Change, Green Economy Commissions 

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Nsa Gill indicated that the two bodies constituted were State Council on Climate Change and the State Green Economy Commission.

Gill further said, “the two bodies are statutory and expected to provide strategic direction, ensure policy implementation and coordinate intersectoral collaborations to achieve the state’s climate change goals and green economy aspirations, among other responsibilities.”

The two commissions, he noted, have nine members each that would coordinate laid down functions and deliver on the mandates as approved by the governor, Senator Otu.

According to the spokesperson, the governor, Senator Bassey Otu will chair the Cross River State Climate Change Council, while the deputy governor, Dr. Peter Odey would serve as the Vice Chairman.

Other members, he indicated included the Commissioner for Environment, the Chairman Green Economy Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Etim, Mr. Adam Nkanor, Ms. Veronica Jakarasi and Mr. Joseph Onoja as well as Dr. Edu Effiom, who is the Director General of the Council.

Gill also stated that members of Cross River State Green Economy Commission as constitute by Governor Otu included the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Oden Ewa, who will also serve as the Chief Executive of the commission.

He further noted that other members of the green economy commission were Mr.Xavier Eyamba, Mr. Peter Ohiero, Mr.Justin Andoh Eleshi, Mr. Ekpor Erekoro and Mr. Austin Eremi as well as Mr.Stephen Eguba Ekwok.

The commission also has legal practitioner, climate and tax reform advocate, Mr. William Itorok, while Mr. Edwin Usang is to serve as the secretary.

The governor’s spokesperson indicated that the two bodies are expected to strengthen collaborations with development partners and stakeholders on “climate change mitigation, adaptation and green economic growth, among other assigned duties.”

He added, “their functions commenced from the date of this release.”