Cross River Governor’s Wife Unveils State Diaspora Office
The wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop (Rev.) Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu, has officially unveiled the state’s Diaspora Office, describing it as a landmark initiative to connect Cross Riverians abroad more closely with the development agenda at home.
The unveiling took place in Calabar during a courtesy visit by Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who praised the state for being the first in Nigeria to establish a fully dedicated diaspora office. Dr. Dabiri-Erewa described the move as “impressive and historic,” adding that it underscored the seriousness with which the Otu administration is approaching diaspora engagement.
Governor Bassey Otu said the office would serve as a bridge between the state and its global citizens, providing a structured channel for investment, knowledge transfer, and collaboration.
He commended NIDCOM for its support, noting that the rapid establishment of the office was inspired by the federal body’s guidance.
The new office builds on recent steps taken by the state. Earlier this year, Governor Otu inaugurated the Cross River State Diaspora Commission to institutionalize engagement with citizens abroad.
The commission has since launched its official logo and organized international conventions, including the 2025 diaspora gathering in Birmingham, United Kingdom, which attracted participants from across Europe, North America, and Africa.
Cross River has also begun exploring partnerships with the International Organization for Migration and renewed ties with the State of Maryland in the United States.
Officials say these collaborations are designed to channel diaspora contributions into sectors such as education, healthcare, renewable energy, and agriculture.
With the establishment of the new Diaspora Office, the state hopes to consolidate these gains and position itself as a model for diaspora engagement in Nigeria.
The initiative is expected to not only strengthen emotional ties with Cross Riverians abroad but also convert those ties into tangible investments and opportunities that will benefit the state’s economy and communities.
