Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, recently inaugurated the state’s Diaspora Commission, a transformative initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of the people of Cross River abroad to drive state development.
Among the newly appointed members is Barbra Eta, a dynamic leader from Boki Local Government Area, now based in Cypress, Texas, who has been named Commissioner for Investment Drive and Tourism and recently also appointed Chairman of the Local Government Diaspora Desk Offices.
Eta, a seasoned professional in business development and community leadership, brings a wealth of experience working with Nigerian diaspora groups in the United States. Her efforts have focused on education, healthcare access, and small business support, positioning her as a bridge between Cross River State and its global diaspora.
According to Barbra Eta, “This appointment is not just about me—it’s about all of us taking bold steps to shape the future we want for our state.
“Our vision is to make the Cross River State Diaspora Commission a trusted gateway for diaspora-driven development. We aim to transform the emotional connection Cross Riverians abroad feel for home into tangible contributions—in infrastructure, innovation, and investment.”
The Commissioner outlined a three-pillar strategy to drive investment and development in the state, stating, “We are adopting a three-pillar strategy: visibility, viability, and validation. We’ll enhance visibility through targeted outreach campaigns, roadshows, and forums in key diaspora hubs. We’ll highlight viable investment opportunities in sectors like agriculture, tourism, healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. Finally, we’ll validate these opportunities with strong government backing, legal protections, and transparency.
The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of sustainability in the state’s investment model, prioritizing projects that create jobs, transfer skills, and build local capacity. She also highlighted the need to build investor confidence, assuring them that their investments are secure and will yield returns.
On building investor confidence, the Commissioner noted, “One major challenge is building investor confidence—assuring them that their investments are secure and will yield returns. Thankfully, His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu has already made significant policy reforms, provided great tax incentives, and improved the ease of doing business in Cross River State.
Barbra Eta outlined her short-term goals, stating, “In the short term, I aim to mobilize at least five diaspora-backed investment projects within the first 18 months, targeting key sectors like agribusiness, renewable energy, education, and affordable healthcare. Success will be measured by job creation, capital inflow, project sustainability, and stakeholder satisfaction.
In her additional role as Chairman of the Local Government Diaspora Desk Offices, Eta will foster collaboration between local governments and the diaspora, creating structured platforms such as town halls, roundtables, and investment webinars. “We want to listen to our diaspora and co-create solutions that align with their expertise and capital,” she said. These efforts aim to transform emotional ties into tangible contributions in infrastructure, innovation, and investment.
Eta’s inclusive approach prioritizes youth and women as key drivers of change. “We will not work in silos,” she affirmed, promising open communication through liaison offices in key cities and regular stakeholder engagement. The Commission aspires to be a trusted gateway for diaspora-driven development, turning Cross River State into a model of inclusive growth.
Barbra Eta concluded by inviting all stakeholders to join hands with the government, stating, “To my fellow Cross Riverians at home and abroad: this is our time. My appointment is not just about me—it’s about all of us taking bold steps to shape the future we want for our state. The Diaspora Commission is your platform. Let’s work together to turn hope into progress.
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