By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Government of Cross River State, has solicited ties and cooperation with the Government of Canada for economic development, human empowerment, and other mutual benefits.
Governor Bassey made the call in Calabar while addressing a delegation led by the Country Director, Global Affairs Canada, (GAC), ActionAid Nigeria, Djifa Ahado, and other development partners who were in his office on a courtesy call.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otu, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Governor Bassey lauded the efforts of the Canadian Government in supporting women’s capacity building and economic empowerment in the State.
“We are looking for effective bilateral discussions to improve critical areas like Information and Communication Technology (ICT), agriculture, and agro-allied industry.”
Also, he commended the implementing partners for their enormous impact on Cross River through the support from the Canadian Government.
“We are happy with what you are doing not just in Cross River, but Nigeria at large. We are glad to partner with Canada in the advancement of society.”
He noted that Africa is the next emerging economy that must be considered for greater partnerships, assuring that his administration would continue to partner with the Canadian Government and other relevant agencies to boost economic growth in the State.
In her speech, the Country Director, Global Affairs Canada, (GAC), of the High Commission of Canada, Djifa Ahado, stated that the essence of the visit was to keep the Governor abreast of the efforts of the Canadian Government through the various implementing partners in the last decade in the State, and the desired impact on women and girls as catalysts to poverty and economic growth.
“We are working to enhance women’s political participation, economic empowerment, and many other aspects of women’s lives. Cross River is among the States that have the best impact, so we want to make sure that the Governor is aware of the different efforts we have been making.
“The impact has been very positive and sustainable. We want to see organizations that we are supporting continue to thrive in Cross River and Nigeria at large, hence the need for greater partnership with the State government to sustain already existing programs executed through the support of the Canadian Government,” Ahado remarked.
Also on the team were implementing partners; ActionAid Nigeria, UN Women, and CUSO International.
