A nine-member Economic Management Team has been inaugurated to drive initiatives of the Cross River State Government.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nsa Gill, the team was charged to critically evaluate any economic model that, when implemented, would transform the financial status of the people and government.
Nsa stated that Governor Bassey Otu, who is the chair of the team, performed the inauguration ceremony at his office in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria
He indicated that Governor Otu appointed the Cross River State Economic Adviser, Professor Peter Oti as the alternate chairman, while the Executive Vice Chairman of the state’s Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke will serve as secretary.
The Chief Press Secretary further indicated that the governor charged the members to urged careful examine relevant economic models best suited to uplift the people from the current status to the next before proposing such to the executive council for implementation.
He also indicated that Otu stressed the importance of aligning with the Nigerian Government’s Presidential Economic Management Team for greater benefits of the people.
Nsa quoted Otu stating, “this marks a significant step towards economic growth and development in the state, aiming to enhance the standard of living of the people. The focus is on tangible economic progress to ensure citizens can access basic needs and create wealth for themselves.”
The spokesperson noted further that the governor said: “The informal sector including Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) is crucial in driving the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The task ahead is to also ensure that the economic models align with this administration’s People First agenda.”
Harnessing The Blueprint
The Chief Press Secretary maintained that Governor Otu emphasised the need for the team to harness the potentials of the Cross River Economic blueprint to achieve its mandate, pointing out the essence of “hard work, selflessness, accountability, inclusivity, and a clear focus on delivering measurable outcomes.”
In a brief response, the alternate chairman of the Cross River Economic Management Team, Professor Peter Oti expressed appreciation to the governor for the privilege and pledged to deliver the assignment within the stipulated time.
Other members of the team include the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani; the Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo Jnr and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oden Ewa.
Still others include the Director-General, Cross River State Bureau for Public Private Partnerships, Dr. Francis Ntamu; and the Senior Special Adviser, International Development Cooperation, Reverend Victor Edet.
