Cross River Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has said his Economic Roadmap has so far attracted ₦N1.3 trillion worth of investments into the state.
Revealing the cheering news while addressing members of Traditional Rulers Council from the 18 local governments in the state during a courtesy visit, he said the projected amount is expected to come from both local and foreign investors.
He said “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.
“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.
In his remarks, 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.
