By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu and Etinyin Dr. Asuquo Ekpenyong have been honored with Excellent Performance and Community Impact Award.
The award was received during the maiden edition of the Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID) annual 2025 convention held at the new Bingley Hall, 1 Hockley Circus, Birmingham, United Kingdom on August 1, 2025.
Dr. Julius Uti Nchor, the Chairman Board of Trustees, CRID, in his welcome speech said they are united not just by a shared heritage, but by a collective ambition to reimagine the future of Cross River through the strategic mobilization of their skills, capital, and global partnerships.
“This room holds extraordinary potential: among us are policy makers, business leaders, economists, development experts, inventors, digital innovators, medical consultants, educationists, and impact investors, a formidable assembly of Cross Riverians and friends of our state who are ready to champion a new chapter of inclusive growth, investment and development.”
He reflected on how far they have come, not as individuals, but as a united community.
“Over the years, our shared unity has grown in strength, forged by common purpose and nurtured by the belief that when Cross Riverians come together, greatness follows. What began as scattered conversations and informal networks has matured into a structured and visionary organization, Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID).”
He noted that his leadership has refined their organizational vision and mission and built a trusted platform that unites Cross Riverians.
“This progress was not achieved by leadership alone, it was built on the sacrifice, dedication, and belief of good men and women across our diaspora community. From London to Toronto, Calgary to New York, and Manchester to Munich. Our people have rallied, volunteered, contributed, and organized with one goal in mind to give back to the land that gave us our name,” he said.
He noted that the Cross River State Investment Protection and Promotion Agency, currently being drafted into law, with the aim of being an autonomous institution that facilitates and safeguards investments, ensures a stable investor framework, offers dispute resolution, develops key sector opportunities, and partners strategically with the diaspora through CRID and CRIDCOM, hoping for Otu to structure the agency.
He called on Otu to consider the formal establishment of the Investment Protection and Promotion Agency under law, the appointment of a credible Director General with technical independence, policy acumen, and international exposure; the formation of an Investment and Innovation Advisory Council, composed of diaspora experts, to serve as the state’s global economic think tank.
Dr. Ekpenyong, who delivered the keynote address on “The Pathway to Sustainable Innovation and the Future of the Youths in Cross River State,” was applauded for his outstanding commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development initiatives across the state.
Governor Otu, who presented the award to Dr. Ekpenyong, was himself honoured by the diaspora community with the Award for Excellent Performance, acknowledging his impactful leadership and people-oriented governance since assuming office.
The Governor attended the convention as Special Guest, accompanied by the First Lady, Her Excellency Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu. Etinyin Ekpenyong was also present with his wife, Elder Dr. Mrs. Iquo Asuquo Ekpenyong.
Leave feedback about this