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By Elijah Ugani – Calabar
The Cross River State Government says it will continue to provide access to developmental programmes for youth and women, as well as create opportunities for sustainable growth for the citizens in line with the visions of His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade.
The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, gave the reassurances during a working visit to the Abuja Headquarters of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
Asibong said the visit was to cement the already established relationship between the State and NEWMAP to improve livelihood and sustain land management and Erosion Control across the State.
The Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee for NEWMAP, expressed confidence on the outcome of the meeting as the State is working assiduously towards reducing poverty, unemployment and environmental related hazards.
Asibong said the Governor Ayade-led administration in has set up several Community Intervention Groups (CIGs) across its 18 local Government Areas with many registered Community Associations by the government coupled with a designed Community Action Plan for funding.
According to Asibong, “Erosion-prone communities across Cross River State have been identified and strengthened, behavioral change campaign on proper disposal of waste have also been conducted and the key takeaway of the exercise is the resolution of improved community hygiene.
“This success story in Cross River State has been applauded by the management of NEWMAP which we have promised to improve upon in the years ahead” she added.
The Project Coordinator of NEWMAP in the State, Dr. Fidelis Anukwa, who accompanied the Commissioner on the visit, said NEWMAP interventions such as behavior change campaign, erosion control and gully improvement, waste management and sub-grant administration has seen communities like Atakpa, Edim Otop, Nyagasang, Ikot Ekpo, Ikot Anwatim, Kasuk, Ikot Ishie, Ikot Abasi Obori, Ikot Ansa and Ikot Nkebre in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality benefiting, amongst others.
