The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Bakassi Local Government Area on youth empowerment and tourism development initiatives.
The Chairman of the Commission, Prince Otu Okor made this known when he received the Special Adviser to the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government on Tourism, Mr Mike Andem, and his team during a courtesy visit to CRIDCOM headquarters in Calabar.
Reacting to the Bakassi Team's presentation titled “Catch Them Young,” designed to empower young people through skills training and educational scholarships in partnership with Don Bosco University the Chairman commended the initiative ,saying CRIDCOM was open to such partnerships that aligns with its vision of creating opportunities for young Cross Riverians. He revealed that the Commission is finalising plans for exchange programmes focused on technology transfer and innovation, with Cross Riverians in the United Kingdom expected in Calabar by December 2025 to facilitate training sessions and other empowerment activities.
“We welcome collaborations that directly empower our youth and strengthen community development,” he stated. “Through partnerships like this, we can connect our diaspora network to opportunities that inspire growth at home.”
He further directed the Bakassi delegation to submit a formal proposal on the Don Bosco University partnership, explaining that it would enable CRIDCOM to engage relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Establishments and the Ministry of Works, to support the project and promote youth empowerment awareness across the State.
Prince Okor also recalled that CRIDCOM, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)team, had earlier embarked on a courtesy visit to Bakassi on 13th July, 2025 where they visited orphanages and tourism sites, emphasizing that the IOM had pledged to support empowerment programmes and establish a Resort for displaced persons, as part of on-going tourism development efforts in the area.
The visit concluded with both parties agreeing to maintain close collaboration and pursue the outlined areas of partnership.
Deborah-Oyo Oyo
