The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has promised significant investments to enhance the health and agriculture sectors in Cross River State.
During a state banquet held in his honor, Dr. Adesina outlined ambitious plans to bolster primary healthcare services alongside ongoing projects such as the Special Agro Processing Zone initiative in the state.
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He praised Cross River’s Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, calling him a “passionate, action-driven, and accountable leader” who is making great strides in infrastructure development. Dr. Adesina highlighted Governor Otu’s collaboration with Afrixem Bank on the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, which is set to position Cross River as a vital logistics and industrial hub for West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
On the topic of healthcare, he committed to aiding the Governor’s efforts in revitalizing primary health centers and advancing the state health insurance initiative. “We will support the enhancement of primary healthcare facilities and ensure they are digitally connected for seamless access to health records,” he stated. He also recommended using a sustainable franchise-based model for healthcare delivery to improve access and quality nationwide.
Looking forward, Adesina expressed enthusiasm for the implementation of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Cross River, labeling the project a transformative opportunity for the state’s economy.
Governor Bassey Otu reiterated his administration’s aim to foster economic independence and lessen reliance on federal funding. He outlined three key areas: security, food security, and energy security, as essential for achieving sustainable development in the state.
He disclosed efforts to recover and revitalise several underutilised state assets, which are enhancing investor confidence and positioning Cross River as a premier investment location in Nigeria.
Additionally, Governor Otu highlighted initiatives to connect Cross River with regional economic corridors involving Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, while boosting agricultural output through large-scale production of cocoa, cassava, and other crops. He humorously noted feeling “younger and more energized” after his recent vacation, ready to further the state’s transformation, and expressed gratitude to his deputy and cabinet for their leadership during his absence, citing the state’s progress as divinely guided.
Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, welcomed attendees by celebrating the event as a gathering of visionary leadership. He characterized Governor Otu as a “turbocharged” developer dedicated to infrastructure and economic growth. Addressing Dr. Adesina, Duke referred to him as “Africa’s number one technocrat,” commending his groundbreaking initiatives, including the electronic wallet for farmers and his influence on agricultural reform across the continent.
Duke praised both leaders for their shared vision and commitment to inclusive development, stating, “Dr. Adesina is not just a leader—he is a divine pathfinder, illuminating Africa’s future.”
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