C/River @50: Despite loss of Bakassi, 76 oil wells we still have cause to celebrate ―Col. Ogar

Despite the loss of 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom state and the Bakassi Peninsular to the Republic of Cameroon Cross River State still has cause to celebrate 50 years after creation, former military Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of Cross River at 50 celebration, Col. P.A.M. Ogar (retd) has said.

Col. Ogar, who stated this on Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists as part of activities lined up for the celebration said the state has recorded landmark achievements since its creation by former military head of state, Gen Yakubu Gowon.

He recalled that marginalization of minority groups in the Eastern Region, lopsided location of projects and discriminatory appointments led to the agitation for the creation of South Eastern State and later Cross River State after Akwa Ibom was carved out of it.

He said the state which had been governed by 12 military governors and 6 civilian governors have made tremendous progress worthy of celebration.

“In terms of agriculture, tourism, education, etc., Cross River has had a glorious era. So, we should acknowledge and appreciate leaders who have played various roles in its development.”

“Cross River State has moved from agrarian and civil service state to tourism. In the past there were 20 hotels in the state but now, there are over 360 and counting. Growth and development are not achieved in one day. It is a continuous process. There have been great strides recorded by the state in the past 50 years,” he said.

He listed various programmes lined up for the four-day event which will kick-start on Wednesday, among which include a thanksgiving service and awards to prominent citizens of the state who were at the forefront for the creation of the state.

State Commissioner for Information and Orientation and Secretary of the central planning committee, Barr. Rosemary Archibong said there was need for “thanksgiving and celebration for our tenacity.

“We lost our oil wells and Bakassi was ceded, yet we did not go to war. We have sustained our character of hospitality, hosted international tournaments, carnivals and the state has produced some of the best in the world in all areas of human endeavour. We have every cause to celebrate.”