By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has solicited stronger ties and cooperation with the Government of Canada, for economic development, human empowerment and other mutual benefits.
The governor made the call, Thursday, while addressing a delegation led by the Country Director, Global Affairs Canada, (GAC), ActionAid Nigeria, Ms. Djifa Ahado, and other development partners who were in his office on a courtesy call.
He lauded the tremendous efforts of the Canadian Government in supporting women capacity building and economic empowerment in the State, pointing out that, “we are looking for effective bilateral discussions to improve critical areas like information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, agro-allied industry.”
Commending the implementing partners for their enormous impact in Cross River through the support from the Canadian Government, the governor expressed a sense of pride in the beneficiaries, noting that they have indeed been working above board.
“We are happy with what you are doing not just in Cross River, but Nigeria at large.
“We are glad to partner with Canada in the advancement of society,” the governor remarked.
Otu noted that Africa is the next emerging economy that must be considered for greater partnerships, assuring that his administration would continue to partner with the Canadian Government and other relevant agencies to boost economic growth in the State.
In her speech, the Country Director, Global Affairs Canada, (GAC), of the High Commission of Canada, Djifa Ahado, stated that the essence of the visit was to keep the Governor abreast of the efforts of the Canadian Government through the various implementing partners in the last decade in the State, and the desired impact on women and girls as catalysts to poverty and economic growth.
“We are working to enhance women political participation, economic empowerment and many other aspects of women’s lives.
“Cross River is among the states that we have the best impact, so we want to make sure that the Governor is aware of the different efforts we have been making.
“The impact has been very positive and sustainable. We want to see organizations that we are supporting continue to thrive in Cross River and Nigeria at large, hence the need for greater partnership with the state government to sustain already existing programmes executed through the support of the Canadian Government,” Ahado maintained.
On the team were implementing partners; ActionAid Nigeria, UN Women and CUSO International.
