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Gov. Otu declares Open 4th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers’ summit in Calabar
The Cross River State Government has called for stronger strategic collaboration between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRiDCOM), and global citizens to develop practical strategies that will inspire Cross Riverians in the Diaspora to go beyond remittances and invest sustainably in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, real estate, education, technology, and renewable energy.
The call was made on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by the State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Peter Odey, during the opening of the 4th Summit of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs), organized by CRiDCOM in collaboration with NiDCOM, held at Mary Ekpoiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar.
Speaking at the event themed “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 convergence of visionary minds dedicated to advancing one of Nigeria’s most valuable human assets, her citizens in the Diaspora.”
He called on NiDCOM and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in promoting and harnessing the skills, capacity, and resources of Nigerians abroad , particularly Cross Riverians, to drive the holistic growth and sustainable development of both the state and the nation.
“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,” the Governor stated. He further encouraged Cross Riverians in the Diaspora to focus on sustainable investments that not only yield economic returns but also create jobs and opportunities for citizens.
He urged participants to leverage the summit as a platform for idea exchange, knowledge sharing, and the development of actionable strategies that would strengthen collaboration between NiDCOM, state diaspora commissions, and the Nigerian diaspora community. Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s firm commitment to promoting diaspora engagement as a vital driver of sustainable national development.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, commended the potential of Nigerians in the Diaspora, describing them as a vital source of intellectual, financial, and social capital for national development. She noted that over 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora are among the most educated immigrants globally and have a critical role to play in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Welcoming participants, the Chairman/CEO 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 emphasized that the summit provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships between state diaspora offices and Nigerian communities abroad.
Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Aniekan Bassey, Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs; Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora; other members of the National Assembly; Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Barr. Alphonsus Eba, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor; and several top government officials.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar.
October 7, 2025
