CROSS RIVER STATE: PRINCE OTU AND THE VERY TOUGH JOB AHEAD POST 2023_Micheal Nsan

Akpabuyo : While listening, savouring and even dancing to the tune of the popular gyration by one of the APC Support Groups which has been trending on social media, xraying the feeling of joy and happiness over the overwhelming victory of Prince Bassey Edet Otu in the Guber elections, and the outstanding performance of the APC HoA Candidates across the 18 LGAs of Cross River State, I stepped out of this momentum to catch a glimpse of, and ponder the work that lies ahead.

The expectations and indeed expectations on the Governor-Elect, Prince Bassey Edet Otu is enormous, vast and full of hope for a total messianic revamp of Cross River State, its institutions, its civil service, its security, lifestyle and so much more. This is putting it lightly…

The work that lies ahead is very tough. Our Governor – Elect will have to muster all his strength to tackle the abysmal State of affairs in all.sectors.

A reorientation of the very teaming youth has to.be put in place to succeed. For the past 8yrs, its been Food on the Table, a policy of laissez-faire. The youth have become extremely lazy. Food has always been provided on their tables without any work, without utilising their thinking or craft, without any efforts, just wait for alert, and they go dancing and merrying…

But the New Cross River State desires much more.

No more food on the table . We need to grow. Starting with our attitude to work, our thinking, our strategies and our implementation. Everything has to change.

Otu will face severe challenges in the next few years in trying to implement his People First Development Template that carries past projects of past administrations and his proficient ideas, policies and strategies into a workable plan.

This template will have challenges of financing, given the very high debt burden he has inherited from previous administrations, dating as far back as 1999.

Rather than focus on the problem that our dear State has, I will only share simple workable ideas that can fix some of the pertinent problems.

This is intended to add a little value to decisions, plans, policies and projects Post 2023.

The following Ideas are hereby shared.

TEAM CRS.
As a norm, after elections, winners and lobbyist emerge. Rumours of who gets what and when will fill the political and business gossip space… The Governor-Elect will be under immense pressure from everybody and anybody for positions and Appointments. This pressure, with all intent can make or mar the incoming administration because some positions may be awarded based on pressure not competence. Such cases make it difficult for the Governor to function above board if his team isn’t competent or professional.
Also, reward for loyalty may influence some.positions and appointment. To tackle these seeming challenges, the Governor will have to :

1. Train Train and Train his team members. Instill work ethics, his policies and vision into every member of his team.
2. Partnerships with Private organisations and multinationals for transfer of knowledge, technology, strategies and finance. This cannot be overemphasised. INVESTMENT
   Governor Otu will need robust investments and investors to facilitate his projects, development and growth of Cross River State.

His Technology and Agricultural Policies require both Foreign Direct Investments ( Investors) and Local or Indegeneous investments.

He can choose a model amongst many available models to to woo partners and Investors, eg allowing tax reliefs, ensuring security and other incentives will encourage investments.

AMONG INVESTORS HE CAN WOO ARE

1. Cross Riverians in the diaspora. These very wealthy Cross Riverians are found everywhere around the globe, they can come and partner with CRSG to bring the desired investments back home. CRS Can be a tax Heaven of some sort with many additional benefits to Investors and the citizens. CALABAR PORT
   Meet with all stakeholders in Ports Management and Investments. The Calabar Port can be conceded to Investors with great incentives . This concession can be 20, 30, or even 50years to the best Ports Managers or Investors. This will bring in unlimited opportunities for international trade through Calabar, inter state trade between Cross River State and neighbors , save money, time, and increase the CRS Revenue base.

Lagos, thrives because of its port. All countries that have functional ports thrive in investments revenue growth, technology, trade, tourism etc etc… Our Ports would give us the edge, that comparative advantage over all other states in the region.

Governor Otu should be deliberate about Ports management, dredging or concession. Its our win win asset.

TOURISM
Cross River Tourism Sector can thrive better if its existing policies are followed to the letter. Implementation and enforcement by the Tourism Bureau leaves much to.be desired. For starters, the building or office location for such a prestigious agency is abysmal, way below expected standards, how then can they enforce Tourism Standards to existing facilities within the state. The Bureau should be given targets on revenue generation and open partnerships. The sector as it is only exists during Carnival Calabar .

This sector needs restructuring and proper professional drive. Tourism thrives on holiday seekers and Tourists. That’s what should be offered. Year in Year out.

LOTTERY
Cross River State has a Lottery Act that established the Cross River State Lottery Commission. But today, we cannot find its office or any staff of such a agency that has so much potential. A visit to Lagos Lottery Board will make anyone wonder what happened to CRS Lottery Commission.

The lottery sector everywhere in the world is a Cash Cow.
Great institutions like Cambrige University, the great Wall of China and so many Armies have been funded by lottery monies.

The Lagos Lottery Board makes hundreds of Millions for Lagos State monthly, and that’s as regulators.
Cross River Lottery Act is even richer and combining Lottery with Tourism, the sky is our starting point…

We have online Lotteries, local Lotteries etc that can bring in revenue from as far as Canada, America and around the world.
With a proper management of this sector, CRS can generate between 300 to 500million DOLLARS yearly. This is a fact.

GRANTS
There are loads of grants given to developing economies. Cross River State can tap into these and build its capital base for investments.
Agricultural Grants, Technological Grants and Social Endearment Funds are available in surplus.

CRS can work with African Development Bank, World Bank, and similar institutions on available grants and partnerships to further boost our economy.

REAL ESTATES INVESTMENT.
This is another cash cow.
CROSPIL can invest in real estates outside the shores of CRS and Nigeria and seriously have huge returns on investments.
Acquiring of properties in prime areas and fast developing places were properties have value can be a priority.

Real estates investment will increase revenue of Cross River State for decades.

Other sectors such as sports, entertainment, arts and culture, infotech, etc can be revamped to meet the desired Cross River State of our dreams.

In all, there is hope, as Cross Riverians keenly await the excellent leadership of Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

Long Live Cross River State
Long Live Us All…