By Onwa Ekor
CrossRiverians in the Diaspora (CRID), recently inaugurated its new executive committee through zoom under the watchful eyes of the Chairman, Electoral Committee, Dr. Justin Udie, while Barr. Michael Nkwam administered the oath of office on the new executive members who are to pilot the affairs from 2026 to 2029.
The new executives are Amb. Christopher Lekan ( President), Prof. Josephine Etowa (vice president), Barr. Iseone Lawal ( Secretary General), and Mr Kevin Osim as assistant secretary.
Others are, Paulinus Onah as treasurer, Idagu Odey as project coordinator, Deborah Inyang as Public and membership relations officer as well as Dr Esu Ezeani as financial Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Lekan who was elected to serve for a second term said: “Today, I stand before you with gratitude, humility and renewed determination as I formally
assume office for a second term as President of the Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID)
Organization.
“First and foremost, I give all glory, honor, and adoration to Almighty God for His
grace, protection, and faithfulness throughout our journey and thank every member of CRID across the globe for the confidence you have reposed in
me by re-electing me to serve for another term,” he said.
He applauded the efforts of the
outgoing Executive Committee for their unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to
the progress of our organization, the Board of Trustees for their wise
counsel, guidance, and steadfast support as well as Regional Coordinators in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, the United
Kingdom, and the United States, for bringing CRID closer to the people across the continents
.
Tracing memory lane, the new president recalled that CRID which started with 12 members was established in 2020 by patriotic sons and daughters of Cross River living abroad, registered in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and with the Corporate Affairs
Commission of Nigeria.
He announced that one of the group’s greatest milestones was inspiring the establishment of the Cross River Diaspora
Commission (CRIDCOM) by the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, to create institutional bridge
between the diaspora and the homeland in order to forge meaningful engagement and sustainable
development.
He remarked that his first tenure did not stop at establishing regional structures across different
continents, making CRID a truly global organization but successfully organized several environmental, agricultural, sports, power, water, educational and
healthcare support initiatives, offering scholarship to indigent citizens, disclosing that this year’s CRID Health Outreach Program will take place in Ogoja local government area in December.
Lekan who remarked that CRID will establish an estate to provide affordable, secure and retirement-friendly housing for
Cross Riverians living abroad, thanked members for all the support he received during his first tenure.
