By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Cross River State Government says it is ready to privatize some of it’s businesses including several of the industries initiated by the Ben Ayade administration.
John Odo, Chairman of the State’s Privatization Council flanked by other members of the Council told journalists in Calabar that, the State Governor was keen on sustaining his industrialization drive in the State.
According to Mr. Odo, the decision to privatize the industries was because of the State Government’s desire “to record more successes and in continuation to provide food on the table and in a wider dimension to provide employment to Cross Riverians, which is part of dividends of democracy and a cardinal program of the Ayade’s administration.”
Among the industries that will be privatized according to the Council includes, Cally, Tinapa, Garment Factory, Obudu International airport and CalaPham.
Others are, songhai farms, marina resort, tooth pick factory, marina tank farm etc.
According to the Council, Cross Riverians are to key into the initiative by referendum either online by visiting www.crspc.org or getting the form from their various LGA Chairmen.
The Parchment reports that, Commissioner for Industry, Peter Egba who called on Cross Riverians to key into the idea, said the initiative is a noble and rare one.
“Cross Riverians will benefit in terms of employment. This exercise is important because it will help put the State in the world map and push us out of unemployment.” Peter said.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Commerce, Rosemary Archibong said the Governor knew that businesses could only thrive well in the hands of private people and not really Government.
She said, “Investors are already waiting even from those outside the country. But we felt Cross Riverians should be given the opportunity first. The Governor felt this initiative should be thrown open for citizens of the State to have the opportunity to key into it.”
Chairman of Akpabuyo, Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, who spoke behalf of other Local Government Chairmen said Ayade is a blessing to the State. He urged Cross Riverians to key into the initiative. Stressing that the State may soon become a business hub in the entire gulf of guinea.
Cross Riverians have continued to express worry over the state of the industries put up by the current administration since it’s inception. While many of them have been left unattended to, only a few of them are known to be working.