December 18, (THEWILL) – Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has charged the people of the state to always put the state first in the scheme of things. Adding that it is the only way the state can achieve lasting development.
Professor Ayade made the Charge in Ogoja, during the grand finale of this year’s Northern Cross River Cultural Festival – NORTHFEST.
He promised the people of the state that no stone will be left unturned, in his determination to develop the state and that his developmental strides over the years are bearing fruits.
“Always put our State first in the scheme of things as that is the only way genuine and lasting progress will be made across the nooks and crannies of the State.
“No stone will be left unturned in our avowed zeal and determination to create the enabling environment for industrialisation to thrive in Cross River State.
“My developmental efforts in ensuring that the State is placed on a sound economic footing before my exit from power are yielding fruits and shortly, we will reap bountifully from these investment opportunities created since 2015 when I mounted the saddle of leadership in the State”, Professor Ayade said.
The governor made it clear that his policy thrust will continue to be for the overall benefit of the people of Cross River State, who entrusted him with their sacred pledge and political solidarity.
He promised to end on a remarkably sound note, adding that even amid dwindling capital receipts from the federation accounts and a low internally generated revenue base, his administration has been able to prove some viable points in the political, social and economic spheres of the state.
Professor Ayade promised that NORTHFEST will outlive his 8-year administration and continue to draw global and national investors to the many opportunities created for both the people and the raw material components of the northern Cross River extraction.
He equally doled out over N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) in support of the Creative and Agro-Allied Industries that abound in Cross River North as part of measures to shore up those very critical sub-sectors of the State and national economy.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Senior Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ntufam (Chief) Peter Ojie, declared in very clear terms that the entire Northern Cross River is solidly in support of the governor.
The visibly colourful closing ceremony had many interesting side attractions such as performances by upcoming music Artistes, Wrestling and Eating Competitions and very sonorous welcome song by Destiny Kids and a massive purchase of Agro-based produce.
NORTHFEST is a cultural festival and the brainchild of the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade.
The annual festival is aimed at drawing global attention to the abundant agricultural endowments and produce from the Northern Senatorial District of the state.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
