by By Elijah Ugani – Calabar
The Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM) Mr. Noel Ugbong, revealed that Governor Ben Ayade attached great premium to the Baseline Survey/ Needs Assessment being undertaken by BORDERCOM in border communities of the state as fulcrum upon which the development of those Communities now and in the future hinges.
Mr. Ugbong stated this on Thursday 18 June, 2020 when he led a team of senior personnel of the commission to visit the Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, Mrs. Esther Bassey.
In attendance were the Vice Chairman of council, Leader and other members of the Legislative Council, as well as other top officials of the Council.
Ugbong said that the governor is resolved to bring development to the people of the Local Government.
He disclosed that the exercise as ordered by governor Ayade is targeted at bringing out a 5-year development plan for all border communities in Cross River, which will serve as a guide for the preparation of budgets for the years ahead that will adequately incorporate the interests of the state’s border communities.
The DG further explained that “the exercise will provide the Federal Border Development Agency, National Boundary Commission and other Development Partners accurate information and data for intervention in our border communities. This exercise will help to stem the tide of misplacement and duplication of projects.
“The exercise will help government to verify the workability of previous projects executed by the Commission and Partners, guide other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies with accurate information requisite to the situation of projects as well as help to attract development to our border communities”
The head of Planning, Research and Statistics BORDERCOM, Mr Nnimmong Ibita highlighted the projects that the commission had carried out in Calabar South to include; Six Classroom Block and a borehole in Idang community, Health Center and a Staff Quarters, a Borehole and supply of medical equipments in Idimita Community, among others.
Earlier, the chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon. Esther Bassey welcomed the DG and staff of BORDERCOM and commended Governor Ben Ayade for paying close attention and interest for the development of the LGA
Mrs. Bassey used the opportunity to thank the governor and the people of Calabar South local government area for the confidence reposed on her and promised to do her best to attract development to Calabar south as she posited that “this is coming at the time we need it most. I will support your team to ensure that the communities involved gets projects of their priority interest”
The Council boss expressed sadness that Calabar South is bedevilled by activities ranging from cultism to kidnapping and further expressed hope that the visit by BORDERCOM team will bring enormous benefits to the people of the area.
The BORDERCOM Team rounded up the visit by carrying out on the spot findings and visiting all the border communities in Calabar South.
