By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent
The United States Consul General to Nigeria, Mr. John Bray has said that he is impressed with the industrialisation drive of Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade within his three years in office.
Mr. Bray stated this in Calabar on Wednesday shortly after being conducted round several industries built by the Ayade-led administration in the state.
Industries visited included the Cross River Garment Factory, the Rice Seeds and Seedlings Factory where he transplanted some multiplied seeds, the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and the power plant.
“I am really impressed as I have not seen a lot of things like these in Nigeria in my five years in the country. Seeing all these developments in one area is very impressive,” said Mr. Bray.
CrossRiverWatch gathered that Mr. Bray is in Calabar to prepare grounds for some visitors into the state.
He explained that he had to take time out to see investments opportunities in the state and describing what he saw as beautiful, he said he may visit more often.
On possible areas of collaboration between the United States and Cross River, he said the tractors at the Calabar Rice Seedings and Seed manufacturing plant as well as the American engineers at the power plant were evidence that such exists.
He averred that: “There are always areas of collaboration. Seeing the American made tractors in the rice city with United States engineers on ground, that is an evidence of collaboration between the United States and Nigeria, though from a private sector, but there is collaboration already.”
He continued: “It is beautiful because government cannot do everything, so seeing the private sector here and United States products and engineers on ground, it is very great.”
Mr. Ayade in his remarks expressed delight that his efforts at developing the state were being acknowledged by the western world.
He said that: “It is a reflection of the fact that I have a pass mark from America and Germany. Americans don’t mince their words, when they want to say something to you, they will tell you truly how they feel.
“This is my third year in office and we have gone round three factories with many more to go if we had the time. I wanted to take him to the largest banana plantation in Africa few minutes away from here, but I am sure we have other things to do, but one day we will be back and I will take them through.”
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