…Otu Returns Home
L-R : Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu at the CRID 2025 International Convention in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River indigenes in the Diaspora, last weekend, converged in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in what was clearly a new chapter of collaboration with the state government for the development of the state.
With the theme: “Diaspora Contribution to the Development and Sustainability of Cross River State,” the maiden edition of the Diaspora Convention, signaled a pivotal moment for the state’s international community and its deepening relationship with the home government.
A release from the Press Unit of the Governor, said the event, which drew participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and across Africa, was graced by the state governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu and his wife, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, both of whom received a rousing ovation upon arrival at the convention arena.
Addressing the large audience, Governor Otu who delivered an emotionally stirring keynote said: “My dear brothers and sisters in the diaspora, this gathering is more than symbolic; it is strategic. We are here because the bridge home has finally been built—and I, your governor, have come to walk across it with you.”
He continued: “You have shown that though distance may stretch across oceans, your hearts have remained anchored to the banks of Calabar, Obubra, Bekwarra, Obanliku, and every inch of Cross River soil. I salute your enduring love, and I declare to you: Cross River needs you now more than ever.”
Governor Otu emphasized that under his People First governance agenda, the state is actively creating room for diaspora involvement in policy shaping, investments, healthcare, education, and mentorship.
“This government is not only about those at home—it is about all our people, everywhere. The talents, capital, and experiences you have acquired abroad must find expression back home. Come, invest in your state, build in your communities, and help us write a story of sustainable transformation”, he said.
In a particularly impassioned moment, the governor who was presented with an award by the Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, declared: “You are not outsiders. You are stakeholders. You are not mere observers of Cross River’s destiny—you are architects of its future. Let no one tell you that home is behind you. Indeed, home is in you.”
Echoing like a promise sealed across oceans, Gov Otu charged the gathering: “Let this not be the last time we gather like this. Let Birmingham be the beginning, not the peak of our journey homeward. The world may have you, but Cross River still claims you. Come home—not just to visit, but to build.”
He announced the creation of a Diaspora Engagement and Development Desk to streamline collaboration and facilitate diaspora-led projects across key sectors. “From Obudu’s rolling hills to Bakassi’s coastal hopes, from our cocoa valleys to our digital dreams—we want your hands, your hearts, and your hopes.”
The First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, also addressed the gathering, urging women in the diaspora to champion maternal health advocacy and girl-child education. “Every Cross River girl deserves a global sister looking out for her”.
Earlier in his address, President of the Cross River State Diaspora Forum, Mr. Christopher Lekan, hailed the event as “the rebirth of a long-silenced but powerful voice.”
He praised the governor for “breaking the jinx of detachment and building a new bridge of inclusion”, saying , “this convention is not just about handshakes and photos. It is the beginning of a robust, structured partnership for development. We have watched the renewal happening under your leadership, and we are ready to take our place.”
Gov. Otu on arrival from Birmingham at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar on Friday.
Lekan further revealed plans to launch a Diaspora Investment Fund, an initiative to pool financial resources from Cross Riverians abroad for projects in health, ICT, and youth entrepreneurship back home.
“We no longer want to send only remittances—we want to return with ideas, technology, and capital. We want to move from the margins of development into the mainstream”, he said.
Panel sessions throughout the day dissected opportunities for diaspora contributions in sectors such as education reform, digital governance, medical outreach, infrastructure development, tourism, and culture preservation. Several attendees committed to return-home projects, including rural telemedicine schemes, school library refurbishments, and agribusiness cooperatives. Among the keynote speakers was Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong Snr.
Meanwhile, Governor Otu on Friday returned home from the Diaspora engagements, saying the state is on the upward trajectory following weeks of strategic engagements with Cross Riverians in the Diaspora.
Speaking to journalists at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, upon his return, Governor Otu said the meetings with the diaspora community were aimed at strengthening synergy between citizens at home and abroad in line with the demands of a globalized world.
“I first had to meet with our people in the US; we had a good interface, and they are very happy with what is going on at home. After that, I moved to the United Kingdom to meet with our diasporans there. We shared ideas and prospects. Cross River is on the proper track, and there is no stopping it,” he said.
The governor stressed that his administration was focused on consolidating the “building blocks” of development before politics takes centre stage. He noted that the state has already recorded gains in GDP growth, job creation, and improvements across key sectors such as health, education agriculture and infrastructure.
“Every sector you look at, we have added value,” Otu said, adding that the next quarter of the year would bring even greater improvements as opportunities are maximized.
On receiving the prestigious Mayor of Birmingham’s Award during his trip, Governor Otu said the honour was for all Cross Riverians, reflecting the respect the state now commands internationally. “It adds to the building blocks of where we are taking the state,” he said.
Also speaking, the First Lady, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, said her engagements with women in the diaspora had rekindled hopes for increased collaboration in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
She said, “there’s hope that our people abroad will come home more frequently to synergize, mentor, and support initiatives like girl-child education and improved health facilities”..
The First Lady noted that many diaspora women were eager to return, encouraged by the state’s improved security and governance, and have already scheduled a December homecoming.
“I can’t wait to see December; it is going to be wow,” she enthused.
