Cross River State government has formulated a comprehensive State Development Plan (SDP) between 2024 to 2033 to meet the aspirations of the people of the state.
This is in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and others as development partners.
Unveiling the SDP in Calabar at the weekend, the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, said “the state development plan is a long-term development transformation blueprint with the vision of making Cross River State a thriving, inclusive and sustainable economy by 2033”.
Governor Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, pointed out that “the high incident of poverty, unemployment, infrastructural deficit and other forms of human deprivation have acted as hindrance on state development in the past”.
“These indices are worrisome, hence the need to formulate strategies and measures to address this trend,” the governor said.
“The holistic and comprehensive development plan spanning 2024 to 2033…is unique in the sense that it aligns with national and global looks of the human capital development vision of 2030 and the SDGs. It is expected that the SDP will effectively provide the roadmap for driving sustainable development.
“As a government, our administration is committed to formulating people oriented policies and programs that will promote better living conditions for the citizens,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, commended the robust consultations that led to the elaboration of this plan.
“We are convinced that the implementation would be more robust and inclusive. We are sure this plan would set the state on the path to achieving its vision of a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable economy promoted by good governance to foster human dignity in a clean and green environment. We are positive that the development plan if adequately implemented will enhance the sustainable development efforts of the state,” she said.
