The Cross River State Ministry of Lands has pledged to support the Lions Club in its drive to deliver more humanitarian and community development projects across the state, reinforcing government’s commitment to partnerships that improve the welfare of citizens.
The Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, gave the assurance when the leadership of the Lions Club paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar, where the organisation sought the Ministry’s assistance in securing suitable land and obtaining necessary approvals for its ongoing and proposed projects.
Ekpang said the Ministry was willing to work with genuine development-oriented organisations, stressing that such partnerships could complement government’s efforts to expand infrastructure and improve the quality of life of Cross Riverians.
He, however, emphasised that all land-related requests must comply with established procedures, noting that the Ministry was committed to proper planning, documentation and transparent administration of government lands and layouts across the state.
According to him, the Ministry was currently undertaking processes to identify government lands that had been developed, remained undeveloped or were affected by disputes, as part of measures to strengthen land administration and safeguard public assets.
The Commissioner therefore urged the Lions Club to exercise patience while the necessary investigations and administrative processes were undertaken to determine suitable land for its proposed projects. He assured the delegation that requests meeting the relevant requirements would be appropriately considered and that the Ministry would guide the organisation through the required procedures.
Ekpang further stressed that land allocations must be backed by clear agreements and conditions of development to ensure that government land was used for its intended purpose and protected from abuse, abandonment and speculative practices.
He said the Ministry would continue to encourage partnerships that promote development, while remaining committed to opening up properly planned areas across the state and creating an enabling environment for genuine investors and development-oriented organisations to contribute to Cross River’s growth.
Earlier, the President of the Lions Club, Lion Kessington Ogbeide, said the organisation was seeking the Ministry’s partnership to facilitate land access and approvals for humanitarian projects, particularly in healthcare, education and other areas of social intervention.
Ogbeide recalled that the Club had established a Diabetes Centre at the General Hospital, Ogoja, following the allocation of land by the Ministry of Lands. He said the project, valued at over N150 million, was part of the Club’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and supporting vulnerable members of society.
He also highlighted the Club’s involvement in the development of an e-Library project and interventions at the University of Calabar and other public institutions. He disclosed plans to renovate and improve facilities at the General Hospital, Itigidi, including addressing the condition of the hospital’s roofing and other infrastructure.
The Club’s Vice President, Sir Lion Adeojo, stressed that the organisation was seeking land strictly for projects that would provide lasting benefits to Cross River communities, rather than for personal interests. He assured the Commissioner that the Club would obtain the required documentation, planning approvals and other clearances before commencing construction.
The engagement ended with both parties expressing optimism that stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Lands and the Lions Club would facilitate more impactful humanitarian and community development projects across Cross River State. The highpoint of the visit was the decoration of Commissioner Ekpang with the Lions Club badge bearing the inscription, “Wired for Service.”
By Afiong Ndem
