CROSS RIVER STATE DIASPORA COMMISSION (CRIDCOM)

A WARM WELCOME TO CALABAR! facebook.com/share/16LrQecAw…

HAPPY NEW MONTH, CROSS RIVERIANS AT HOME AND IN THE DIASPORA! facebook.com/share/p/19rayFa…

BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO HIS EXCELLENCY, APOSTLE SEN. PRINCE BASSEY EDET OTU, GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE facebook.com/share/p/19j61qC…

CRIDCOM, Diaspora Women's Forum Explore Partnership on Solar-Powered Water Project facebook.com/share/p/1C2qp8V…

*NIGERIA @ 66: A MESSAGE OF GOODWILL*

CRIDCOM, CALLYWOOD EXPLORE DIASPORA SYNERGY THROUGH FILM facebook.com/share/17woR4WUZ…

CRIDCOM Chairman Commits to Partnership with ISWP on Governor Otu, Tinubu Mobilisation The Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE, has pledged the Commission's readiness to partner with the I Stand With Prince (ISWP) movement in mobilising Cross Riverians in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 elections. The commitment came as the Chairman received the group's leadership on a courtesy visit at the Commission’s Office, during which he welcomed their initiatives and expressed willingness to explore collaborative efforts aimed at supporting Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Responding to the delegation's formal introduction of ISWP's activities, the Chairman underscored the critical importance of stakeholder engagement in advancing the interests of Cross River State. He noted that the Commission's reach within the diaspora community positioned it as a valuable ally in achieving mutual objectives. "Collaboration and strategic engagement are essential to strengthening our collective voice," he said, emphasising his commitment to exploring areas of partnership with the movement. The ISWP delegation, led by Director General Mr. Bassey Effiom, had sought the Chairman's support and backing for the group's mobilisation efforts across the state. The team included the State Coordinator, Calabar South Coordinator, and Biase Coordinator. The delegation emphasised that CRIDCOM’s established networks within the diaspora community were crucial to reaching Cross Riverians abroad effectively ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on behalf of ISWP, Mr. Effiom expressed confidence in the partnership, stating: "The Chairman's commitment to collaboration demonstrates CRIDCOM's pivotal role in mobilising our people in the diaspora. With this partnership, we are confident that our message will resonate across communities and strengthen support for Governor Otu and President Tinubu in the coming elections." CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER Happy New Month, dear Cross Riverians! As we step into September, we remain committed to our shared responsibility to advance our state. The CRIDCOM’s work of strengthening bonds with our diaspora community and driving development is a continuous endeavour. This month, and always, let us channel our collective potential into initiatives that transform Cross River State and create lasting legacies for generations to come. OtuEkong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE Chairman, Cross River State Diaspora Commission

CRIDCOM Trains Newly Recruited Staff on Civil Service Ethics, Regulations The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) has organised an in-house training for newly recruited staff on civil service ethics and regulations. Speaking at the training held on Friday, at the CRIDCOM Conference Room, the Chairman of the Commission, Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE, welcomed participants and thanked the Head of Service for the opportunity. He also commended the Head of Administration for organising the exercise and urged staff to pay apt attention and apply the knowledge gained in the discharge of their official responsibilities. The training was organised in compliance with the directive of the Head of Service, Cross River State, which required MDAs to conduct in-house training for officers newly recruited into the state Civil/Public Service from 2019 to date. The sessions addressed ethics and conduct in the public service, with emphasis on integrity, accountability, transparency, professionalism and other standards expected of civil servants. Participants were also taken through financial regulations and management, including due process, financial documentation, budget clearance and other procedures for the proper management of public funds. Other areas covered included communication in government and record keeping, leave and queries, political participation, Freedom of Information, and planning and budgeting. The training featured an interactive session during which participants sought clarification and made contributions on practical issues, including confirmation requirements, leave eligibility, budget planning and financial procedures. In a vote of thanks, the Information and Public Relations Officer at CRIDCOM, Miss Deborah-Oyo Oyo, appreciated the organisers, particularly the Head of Administration for ensuring CRIDCOM’s participation, while thanking the facilitators for sharing their knowledge and experience and participants for their active engagement. In his closing remarks, Head of Legal at CRIDCOM, Barr. Bassey Otop, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman, called for broader follow-up training involving the Commissioners, management and staff of the Commission to further strengthen capacity across the institution. The facilitators at CRIDCOM included Mrs Ekanem Ukpa, Head of Administration; Mr Ofem Ogbe, Head of Accounts; Mr Bassey Otop, Head of Legal; and Mr Ibita Nnimmong, Head of PRS. CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

CONGRATULATIONS, YOUR EXCELLENCY The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) is happy to celebrate your appointment as South-South Zonal Campaign Coordinator of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council. This is a moment of great pride for Cross River State. Under your leadership, our state has witnessed real progress and development. You have shown that you care about the people and that you can deliver results. This appointment shows that your work is being noticed at the national level, and that people trust you to lead. CRIDCOM wishes you success in this role and prays that God will give you the strength and wisdom to carry this responsibility well. Otuekong Chief Otu Okor Chairman, Cross River State Diaspora Commission

WELCOME TO AUGUST On behalf of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), I wish to convey my sincere goodwill to all Cross Riverians, both within the state and across the diaspora, as we welcome the month of August. It is my hope that this new month will afford us renewed opportunities to strengthen our collective ties and advance the developmental aspirations of our state. OtuEkong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE Chairman, Cross River State Diaspora Commission

C’River Shines at 2026 National Diaspora Day as CRIDCOM Boss Calls for Stronger Health Partnership The Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s health sector and Diaspora medical experts, as Cross River State made a strong showing at the 2026 National Diaspora Day and National Diaspora Merit Award, describing such partnership as central to building a healthier Nigeria. Chief Okor, who is also State Focal Point Officer on Diaspora Matters, made the call while representing Cross River State at the event, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, from 24th to 25th July 2026, on the theme “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.” Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Government and people of Cross River State, Chief Okor said the theme was both timely and inspiring, noting that the knowledge, skills, and global best practices Nigerian medical experts in the Diaspora bring home are assets the country must deliberately harness to close gaps in its local health systems. He reaffirmed that under the “People’s First” Agenda of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Cross River State remains committed to deepening its engagement with Diaspora health professionals through investment, telemedicine, knowledge transfer, medical missions, and capacity building. “CRIDCOM remains dedicated to serving as the bridge that connects our professionals abroad with opportunities to impact healthcare delivery at home,” he stated. The CRIDCOM boss also used the occasion to commend NiDCOM for organising the event and to congratulate the Merit Award recipients, whom he described as true ambassadors of hope for their sustained commitment to national development despite living abroad. He closed with a call to action: “Let this celebration renew our collective resolve to leverage Diaspora capacity for national development. The future of our health sector, and indeed our nation, depends on collaboration between those at home and those in the Diaspora.” The event drew a broad gathering, including His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr George Akume, OON; members of the National Assembly Committee on Diaspora; Development Partners; Diplomats; Diaspora State Focal Point Officers; Diaspora Experts; and representatives of Nigerians in Diaspora Medical Associations. National Diaspora Day is celebrated annually to recognise the contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora to national development and to strengthen institutional linkages between Nigeria and its global citizens. CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

GOODWILL MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE NATIONAL DIASPORA DAY AND MERIT AWARD 2026 It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I, on behalf of the Management and Staff of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission – CRIDCOM, and the entire Cross River Diaspora community, join the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission – NiDCOM to celebrate the National Diaspora Day and Merit Award 2026. This year’s theme: “HARNESSING GLOBAL DIASPORA MEDICAL EXPERTISE TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL HEALTH SYSTEMS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT” is both timely and inspiring. It underscores the critical role our medical professionals in the Diaspora play in shaping a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Nigeria. As the State Focal Point Officer, I recognize that health is the foundation of all development. The wealth of knowledge, skills, and global best practices that Nigerian medical experts in the Diaspora bring home are invaluable assets we must deliberately harness to bridge gaps in our local health systems. In Cross River State, under the “People’s First” Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, we are committed to building stronger partnerships with Diaspora health professionals through investment, telemedicine, knowledge transfer, medical missions, and capacity building. CRIDCOM remains dedicated to serving as the bridge that connects our professionals abroad with opportunities to impact healthcare delivery at home. To all our Diaspora health experts being honored today with the Merit Award, we celebrate you. Your sacrifice, expertise, and commitment to Nigeria even while abroad are a shining example of patriotism and service. You are true ambassadors of hope. As we gather at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on 24th – 25th July, 2026, let this celebration renew our collective resolve to leverage Diaspora capacity for national development. The future of our health sector, and indeed our nation, depends on collaboration between those at home and those in the Diaspora. Congratulations to NiDCOM for this landmark event. Congratulations to all awardees. Together, we will build a healthier Nigeria. God bless Cross River State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE Chairman, Cross River State Diaspora Commission and State Focal Point Officer on Diaspora Matters 24th July, 2026

*CRIDCOM, UCTH PARTNER TO BOOST HEALTHCARE THROUGH DIASPORA KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER* _As Otu Okor Leads Courtesy Visit to CMD, Ikpeme_ *CALABAR* – The Cross River State Diaspora Commission, CRIDCOM, has pledged to deepen interagency collaboration with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state through strategic partnerships with professionals in the Nigerian Diaspora. The pledge was made on Thursday, 16th July 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of CRIDCOM, *Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE*, and his management team to the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, *Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme*, at the hospital’s administrative complex in Calabar. Addressing the CMD and the management team of UCTH, Chief Okor said the visit was aimed at familiarization and building a sustainable framework for interagency collaboration between CRIDCOM and the foremost tertiary health institution in the state. He informed the hospital management that in line with the “People’s First” Agenda of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commission has already begun facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills from the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Association to health institutions in Cross River State. “In our mandate to engage, mobilize, and reintegrate Cross Riverians in the Diaspora, we have successfully facilitated a partnership that will see medical experts from the Diaspora share cutting-edge knowledge with our people at home,” Chief Okor stated. He disclosed that under the initiative, *five Gynecologists and five Radiologists from UCTH have been nominated to attend an advanced medical training program in Benin City, Edo State*. The training, he said, is part of CRIDCOM’s broader strategy to bridge the capacity gap in critical medical specialties and ensure that Cross Riverians benefit directly from global best practices. “The Diaspora is a huge asset to our dear state. Our job at CRIDCOM is to ensure that their expertise, resources, and goodwill are channeled to support development at home. This training for our doctors is just the beginning,” he added. In his response, the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, *Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme*, welcomed the CRIDCOM delegation and commended the Commission for the initiative. He described the collaboration as timely and strategic, noting that knowledge transfer from the Diaspora will significantly improve clinical outcomes and specialist care at the hospital. Prof. Ikpeme thanked the Commission for nominating UCTH doctors for the training in Benin City and pledged the hospital’s commitment to sustaining the partnership going forward. He, however, appealed for support in the area of infrastructural development to complement manpower training and enhance service delivery at the teaching hospital. “We appreciate CRIDCOM for thinking of UCTH. Training our doctors is key, but we must also match it with the right infrastructure to deliver world-class healthcare. We look forward to more collaborations with the Commission under the leadership of Governor Otu,” the CMD said. The CRIDCOM Chairman was accompanied on the visit by *Mrs. Emily Maduike*, Commissioner for Finance & Account; *Mrs. Ukpa Ekanem*, Director of Administration; *Barr. Otop Bassey*, Legal Adviser; and other management staff of the Commission. Also in attendance from UCTH were: *Dr. Innocent Abang*, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee; *Dr. Maria-Maureen Bassey*, Director of Administration; *Dr. Felix Archibong*, Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (Research and Training); *Dr. Stephen Ogbudu*, Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (Clinical Services); *Mr. William Offiong*, Head of General Administration, Office of the CMD; and *Ms. Roseline Ikpeme*, Head of Department, Corporate Affairs Department. The visit ended with a group photograph. _Signed:_ *CRIDCOM MEDIA*