The government of Cross River State has introduced an ambitious State Development Plan (SDP) aimed at transforming the state between 2024 and 2033 to better serve the needs of its people.
This initiative is being rolled out in collaboration with global partners such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
At the unveiling ceremony in Calabar over the weekend, Governor Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, explained that the SDP is a long-term strategy designed to shape Cross River State into a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable economy by 2033.
Governor Otu highlighted that the state has faced challenges such as widespread poverty, high unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, which have hampered its development in the past. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues through strategic interventions.
“The state’s development has been impeded by poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure gaps,” said the governor. “To overcome these challenges, we have developed a comprehensive and far-reaching plan that is designed to align with both national and global human capital development goals for 2030, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Governor Otu affirmed his administration’s dedication to implementing people-centered policies and initiatives that will significantly improve the living conditions of the state’s residents.
In her address, Juliet Chiluwe, the UNICEF Chief Field Officer for Enugu, praised the extensive consultations that shaped the development plan. She expressed confidence that the plan’s execution would be both inclusive and effective, ensuring that the state makes substantial progress toward becoming a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable economy driven by responsible governance and environmental sustainability.
She concluded, “We believe that with proper implementation, this development plan will significantly advance the state’s sustainable development agenda.”
