Otu opening up Cross River for investment opportunities – Akiba

Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State on General Duties, says the governor is leaving no stone unturned to open up the state for investment opportunities that will be beneficial to the people in fulfilment of his campaign pledges.

Akiba, who stated this in an interview, declared that the steps so far taken by Otu were indications that the progress and prosperity of Cross River State is guaranteed under his leadership.

Speaking on the recent Executive Governor’s Roundtable with diplomats and development partners, held in Abuja and organised by Cross River State government, Akiba said Otu has further demonstrated his resolve to fast track the development of the state through the attraction of investors for the purpose of investments in all sectors of the economy.

His words: “Let me start by saying that under the leadership of the Governor, Most Distinguished Senator Bassey Otu, I can assure all that a safer and a prosperous Cross River is guaranteed. And I say this with all amount of sincerity. I’m saying this because the governor is very determined and very resolute in terms of his plans and mission in recovering the state back to its pride of place.

“Cross River has all it takes to be able to sustain itself and populate the value chain for a productive economy. We have all the channels for economic development. Is it the land? Is it the air? Is it the sea, the water? So that roundtable was timely because you are talking about engaging with other nationals, engaging with top diplomats, engaging with the who is who in terms of business expectations and investments, and having the opportunities to bring back confidence and rebuild trust among all stakeholders that are critical for development.

“So for me that is one major step His Excellency has taken as a governor, creating the opportunity for investors, for business owners, for other major stakeholders in nation building to understand the readiness of Cross River as a state to do business, to also remind them of our wealth, our resources and what we are good at doing. So all we need to say is congratulations to His Excellency for keeping to his campaign promises when he said he is coming to sustain and build on all the gains of democracy in the state.”

He added that “The governor’s engagement with the diplomats and development partners has also reawakened the consciousness of investors globally to the readiness of Cross River as a state to open their windows and doors for investments.”

On the responses of the diplomats and development partners, the special adviser said: “Those diplomats who came were happy to be part of the roundtable. And they are also optimistic that in the coming months they will be investing in Cross River.

“Most of them were already in Cross River before now. Due to certain situations they left. Certain situations that could not be managed led to their departure. So coming back to this roundtable is a kind of rekindling, reawakening and reassuring that the new Cross River under the people-first governor (Bassey Otu) is ready to create that ambience of partnership, relationship and cooperation to enhance development that the essence of this cooperation and collaborations will be commended. So, In terms of assurances we had it from them (the diplomats and development partners).”