From Judex Okoro, Calabar
Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade has said he has drew an Economic Roadmap that has so far attracted ₦N1.3 trillion worth of investments into the state.
Ayade, who made the disclosure when members of the Traditional Rulers Council from the 18 local governments in the state paid him a courtesy call in his office in Calabar, yesterday, said this projected amount is expected to come from both local and foreign investors.
He said in spite of the “tribulations” of his office, he remains focused and undaunted to provide leadership and to serve the people of the state and for the overall good of the humanity.
“We want to make the state one of the investment hub in Nigeria. So we have drawn an ambitious economic ‘Roadmap’ to gulp about ₦N1.3 trillion investments in the next couple of years.
“This projected amount is expected to come from both local and foreign investors keen to turn around the fortunes of the state economy especially in the area of manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aviation, oil and gas
“We are also looking at the development of key infrastructure such as roads, electricity, seaport as well as human capacity building to face the challenges of the 21st century,” he stated.
The governor maintained that in spite of the tribulations of his office, the citizens should expect a better tomorrow as his administration will continue to pay prompt and regular salaries to workers in the state in the face of dwindling federal allocation.
He urged the people to fast and pray for the well-being and economic prosperity of the state, saying “I know the God I serve that even in recession, God will turn it to blessings.”
Ayade in an emotional laden voice asked, “of what benefit is politics if it is not to serve the people?,” assuring the people that he is determined to lay a solid foundation with a view to decoupling the state from dependence on federal allocation.
Speaking earlier, the state Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers’ Council and the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Local Government, HRH Etenyin Etim Okon Edet, call upon all citizens of Cross River to give their support to the present administration irrespective of political divide.
Declaring total support to Governro Ayade on behalf of the traditional fathers in the state, he said those who are out to cause any form of confusion in the state are playing politics with the lives of the people.
According to him, “God determine the affairs of men, community, state and nation, it is not for man to say” adding that “we are for you, with you and will continue to be with you”.