by crossriverwatch admin
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River has been honored by the Bankers Committee for the State’s tremendous hospitality which has contributed to its determination to strengthen and reform the banking industry.
According to Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman Retreat Sub Committee, they have found Calabar to be the appropriate and proper place because of its peaceful and serene nature devoid of any distraction.
Presenting a present to Imoke as a special recognition, Aig-Imoukhuede, said based on the warmth reception of the government and people of the state, “We look for many more years of such tremendous hospitality.
Speaking, Imoke commended the committee’s effort towards revamping the nation’s economy, saying that it has made concerted effort to reposition agriculture which emanated from its 2011 retreat in Calabar.
According to Imoke, “Your effort and approach have attracted more funds to the agriculture sector, but there is need also for you to look at the real sector and your inputs in this direction will create the expected difference.”
He said that their deliberations will not only affect the nation’s economy but will attract external attention because the whole world is listening, adding that many people might not appreciate the outcome of the present administration, but the fact remains the economy is being effectively managed.
“This is through your efforts because you are serious minded people and are committed to your work.
“I see you as a good people because the industry is transforming but there is a lot to be done in terms of public sector funding which calls for review because we in Cross River, our focus is on the people. People love to celebrate infrastructure but not people and this is a challenge to the nation.
“We focus on more funding for development of our people and much of it comes from our development partners,” while appealing that the retreat must continue beyond the present administration of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“The retreat has made tremendous impact on the economy and its outcome has made some meanings,” he said.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed that his progress had been wonderful for leaving the banking industry and becoming a regulator which gave him opportunity to understand the system the more to get results.
Sanusi, who is retiring as CBN Governor and also attending the retreat for the last time, noted that all the credits recorded in his tenure is derived from working together as team and not remembering there is a difference between the operator and the regulator.
According to him, “The best of relationship between the operator and regulator has helped to build the economy.
“One of the amazing things I saw in CBN when I got there was the kind of quality of personnel I met there and we were able to organize ourselves and set to see the reforms through.”
He disclosed that the committee started in Enugu in 2009 and the plan was to rotate from 2010 retreat in Calabar, and since then they have not had any cause to go to another place.
The Governor said through their association with Cross River they expect all states to follow suit and not depend on oil and instead look inwards, adding that the economy fails not because people do not have oil but do not know the way ahead.
Sanusi noted that the retreat has become a bond despite the competition amongst commercial banks as there has been a healthy collaboration and as such it must continue to debate and deliberate on matters intellectually.
Various speakers who spoke of Sanusi noted that he has had a successful tenure and that his leadership quality and humor provided the right atmosphere to be serious and do away with boredom.
They said they will miss him greatly and that no matter who takes over from him they will still need him.
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