By Chief Jacob Oroks, CEO, ibSpotlight.com

Calabar, September 5, 2025 – In a landmark development for Cross River State’s diaspora engagement strategy, the newly constructed Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) office was formally commissioned on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Calabar. The event marked the culmination of a two-day working visit by Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and signals the state’s decisive move to strengthen ties with its global diaspora.

Warm Welcome Heralds a Momentous Occasion

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa received a fruit-laden traditional welcome upon her arrival in Calabar, greeted with drums and cultural performances by local women at Margaret Ekpo Airport, a festive reception that underscored the significance of her visit.

At the formal commissioning ceremony, which was led by the wife of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Bishop Eyoawan Otu, the new CRIDCOM complex was unveiled as the first purpose-built diaspora office in any Nigerian state.

Bishop Otu described the office as a “bridge between indigenes of the state living abroad and their home communities,” elaborating that once fully operational, it would catalyze global partnerships, investment, and development to advance socio-economic growth across Cross River.

NIDCOM Lauds Cross River’s Visionary Leadership

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa commended Cross River for blazing the trail among Nigerian states by establishing a state-level diaspora office. “We are not just opening bonds, but connecting doors of opportunities,” she declared, urging other state governors to follow suit.

She further described the move as “impressive and historic,” even joking during a courtesy meeting with Governor Otu that NIDCOM’s federal headquarters could be relocated to Calabar.

Governor Otu Emphasizes Progress and Preparedness

Governor Bassey Edet Otu praised Dr. Dabiri-Erewa’s pioneering accomplishments in reconciling Nigeria’s relationship with its diaspora. He remarked:

“The speed with which we established the Cross River Diaspora Office was because of your track record. Before you came on board, there was a disconnect between Nigeria and other countries. Today, the story has changed.”

He further underscored Cross River’s standing as “one of Nigeria’s safest and most attractive destinations,” citing the state’s infrastructural, healthcare, tourism, and agricultural advancements. Governor Otu affirmed that Cross River is well poised to host the National Diaspora Focal Persons Summit in October, designed to bring together stakeholders and international partners in Calabar.

CRIDCOM’s Vision: Partnerships, Engagements, and Diaspora Day

Prince Otu Okor, Chairman of CRIDCOM, expressed readiness and enthusiasm in leading the state’s diaspora outreach. He revealed that within just four months of CRIDCOM’s establishment, the commission has already initiated partnerships with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), renewed ties with Maryland (USA), and opened talks with the British African Union Group.

Approved by Governor Otu, CRIDCOM is poised to sign a formal agreement with IOM, further consolidating Cross River’s emerging role as a hub for diaspora-driven development.

Prince Otu also announced that approximately 300 Cross River indigenes living abroad are expected to visit the state in November 2025 to participate in the state’s Diaspora Day celebrations, an event designed to deepen diaspora connection and foster home-town investments.

Congratulatory Message from CRID-USA

In response to this milestone, Chief Jacob Oroks, Servant-in-Chief of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID-USA), extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Otu and the people of Cross River State:

“On behalf of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora, we celebrate this historic achievement and salute the visionary leadership of our dear Governor, Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for making this possible. This commissioning is not just a building, it is a beacon of unity and progress for all Cross Riverians at home and abroad. Three happy cheers to our Governor for this milestone that will forever strengthen the bond between our diaspora and our homeland.”

Significance: A Milestone in Diaspora Engagement

The commissioning of the CRIDCOM office stands as a pivotal milestone in Cross River’s efforts to institutionalize diaspora engagement. By creating a dedicated state agency, Cross River is enhancing its capacity to nurture diaspora investments, cultural exchange, and policy collaboration.

This initiative is timely and strategic, amplifying the state’s voice within national and international diaspora frameworks. As Cross River gears up to host the upcoming summit, the state is positioning itself at the forefront of diaspora-conscious governance and economic development.