by By Elijah Ugani – Calabar
The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade has directed the State Border Communities Development Commission to embark on a baseline survey and needs assessment of border committees in Cross River State.
This was disclosed by the Director General of the Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong who averred that the exercise is geared towards the birth of a 5 year Strategic and multi year operational plan as well as a guide in budget preparations for the years ahead.
Ugbong stressed that “the development of Border Communities is key to the Ayade-led visionary administration of rural transformation”
Recall that just recently, the governor demonstrated a high level of commitment to his passion for Bakassi with the handing over of housing units.
The DG posited that “border
communities shall have the full attention of the Governor, who is poised to reach out to this communities in the areas of their greatest needs”
On the importance of the baseline assessment, the Director General held that “the data obtained from the exercise shall be useful in collaborative development of border communities with Federal Agencies like National Border Communities Development Agency NBCDA, Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and other Development Partners.
“With the dwindling revenue accruing to the State, it becomes imperative for the commission to build a business case capable of attracting support from outside the State and to strengthen support from International Organizations”
The Baseline Survey according to the DG is to commence from Bakassi Local Government Area on Tuesday, 17 June 2020.
