by By Efa Sunday
In a quest to drive the state to a higher level, the Cross River State Government through the State Planning Commision (SPC) has launched a 10-year development plan for the year 2024-2033.
The event was held at Transcorp Hotel Calabar on Thursday 15th August, 2024. In his keynote and official launching address, the State Governor represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey said the plan will serve as a working document to provide a roadmap for the current and successive administrations to build a prosperous and economically viable state.
The Deputy Governor noted poverty, hunger, unemployment and infrastructural deficit, amongst others, as some factors that have necessitated the development plan, hence the timeliness of the document
He however called on the various ministries, departments and agencies of government to consciously plan their respective budgets in line with the state government budget for the year in order to avoid underfunding and project abandonment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke explained that the SDP is a document that focuses on key areas within the state, and they are; Agriculture, Tourism, Solid Minerals, Promoting Clean and Green Environment and a plan to foster dignified and equitable human relationship for all inclusive development.
Dr Duke also noted that the plan will serve as a reference document for successive administrations to continue building economically viable and prosperous state.
In their different goodwill messages, the Chief Field Officer for UNICEF, Ms. Juliet Chiluwe congratulated the state on the launch of its 10-year plan, even as she commended the robust consultation that led to the elaboration of the plan.
Ms. Chiluwe also promised UNICEF’s continued support to achieve the strategic result outlined in the document which are in line with national and global priorities.
On their part, the representative of the World Health Organization, Ms. Edoama Akpan representing the State Coordinator, Mrs Rebecca Olatunde also felicitated the state for setting the pace for growth and all inclusive government, even as she pledged WHO’s support in the area of health development.
Other partner agencies are, UNHCR, CSO, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs and so many others.
The highlight of the event is the official launch of the state development plan by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
