Cross River State Diaspora Commission

04/06/2026

CRIDCOM Chairman Receives FAHUF, Commends Education-Focused Efforts

The Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Otuekong Chief Dr Otu Okor, FCAI, has commended a youth-led humanitarian group, the Fatherland Humanitarian Foundation, for its interest in community development and education-focused interventions.

He gave the commendation while receiving members of the foundation on a courtesy visit to his office, where he acknowledged their proposed “Back to School” initiative aimed at supporting children from low-income backgrounds.

The Chairman noted that the Commission operates within defined programmes and annual work plans but remains open to engagements that align with its mandate, particularly in education and youth development.

He encouraged the group to properly structure their proposal and continue engagement with the Commission for possible areas of synergy where their activities complement existing programmes.

“As a Commission, we operate within a structured plan, but we are open to ideas and initiatives that align with our mandate and ongoing programmes,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Joy Augustine, who also serves as the leader of the Fatherland Humanitarian Foundation, said the organisation is a non-governmental initiative focused on supporting widows, orphans, indigent persons, and other vulnerable groups through education and social intervention programmes.

She explained that the foundation’s “Back to School” initiative seeks to provide tuition assistance and basic educational support for children and young adults from low-income families, with the aim of reducing school dropout rates.

The group also sought guidance and possible collaboration with the Commission, noting that partnerships with institutions could help strengthen their outreach and impact.

The engagement featured a symbolic presentation of a lapel pin to the Chairman as a token of appreciation for his time and acknowledgment of the foundation’s visit.

CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

03/06/2026

CRS Diaspora Commission Receives NSCPM Delegation, Accepts Invitation to June 5 Inauguration

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) has received a delegation of the North South Central Political Movement of Nigeria, who were on a courtesy visit to present an official invitation for the group’s inauguration scheduled for June 5, 2026, in Calabar.

The Chairman of the Commission, Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged receipt of the invitation.

He said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu had recorded notable achievements within a relatively short period in office, adding that residents across the state had continued to benefit from government policies, appointments and development initiatives.

Okor also sought clarification on the alignment of NSCPM with existing political support structures, stressing the importance of proper coordination and structured engagement among groups operating within the political space.

He confirmed acceptance of the invitation and assured the delegation of the Commission’s participation at the inauguration, while pledging continued engagement with stakeholders ahead of the event.

“We appreciate your visit and the invitation extended to the Commission. We will be part of the inauguration and will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure proper coordination and inclusive participation in activities of this nature,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, the Secretary General of NSCPM, Comrade Sampson Ikpeme, said the visit was to formally notify the Commission and extend an invitation for the inauguration ceremony.

Ikpeme said the movement serves as an umbrella platform bringing together support groups across the country aligned with the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, noting that it currently coordinates about 394 support groups nationwide.

He explained that NSCPM was established to strengthen coordination among support groups and provide a structured platform for collective mobilisation and engagement.

In response to the Chairman’s concerns, Ikpeme assured that NSCPM operates in collaboration with recognised political structures and remains committed to organised mobilisation in support of the administration.

He added that the inauguration would provide an opportunity to deepen unity among support groups and improve coordination of activities.

The inauguration is expected to attract political stakeholders, support group leaders and supporters from within and outside Cross River State.

CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

02/06/2026

Birthday Message to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey
Deputy Governor, Cross River State

Your Excellency,

On this special day, I join family, friends, and the good people of Cross River State to celebrate you and the life of service you lead.

Your commitment to the “People First” agenda and your steady support for purposeful leadership continue to inspire many of us who believe in a Cross River that works for everyone. From the grassroots to the corridors of governance, your presence is felt, and your contributions do not go unnoticed.

As you mark another year, my prayer is that God grants you renewed strength, wisdom, good health, and joy. May the years ahead bring you greater impact, peace of mind, and the fulfillment of every good plan for Cross River and its people.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. Have a wonderful celebration.

Warm regards, Your Excellency

OtuEkong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE
Chairman
Cross River State Diaspora Commission

01/06/2026

28/05/2026

3 YEARS OF PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) joins all Cross Riverians at home and in the diaspora in celebrating His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as he marks his 3rd year anniversary as Executive Governor of Cross River State. What a journey it has been!

Under his “PEOPLE FIRST MANTRA,” Cross River State has witnessed remarkable transformation across every sector:

Full reconstruction of the Governor’s Office, Government House, and the Local Government Service Commission Complex

Completion of the Cross River State Library Complex with a modern ICT Hub

Revitalization of Primary Healthcare Centres statewide with the employment of Medical Doctors and Nurses for effective healthcare delivery

Launch of Operation Okwok and renovation of all military and paramilitary formations to secure the state for business and tourism

Procurement of tractors and farm implements to boost mechanized agriculture, and establishment of a large-scale coffee farm

Reclamation of Tinapa Business Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort, and the Metropolitan Hotel

Expansion of the Cally Air fleet with additional aircraft

Massive road construction and rehabilitation across urban and rural communities statewide

Revitalization of the Calabar Carnival as an economic and cultural powerhouse

Active progress on the Bakassi Deep Seaport Project

And this is only the beginning. Three years of bold, purposeful governance has laid a solid foundation for an even greater Cross River State. With so much already delivered and so much more on the horizon, we look forward with excitement and confidence to the continued transformation of our dear state under Your Excellency’s visionary leadership. The story of Cross River State is still being written, and the best chapters are yet to come.

Congratulations, Your Excellency!

Otuekong Chief (Dr.) Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE
Chairman, Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM)

24/05/2026

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission joyfully felicitates with our distinguished Chairman, Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DRIMALE, on the occasion of his birthday.

Your leadership continues to reflect clarity of purpose, accessibility, and an uncommon commitment to building a responsive and results-driven institution. You have not only guided the Commission with diligence but have also strengthened collaboration, trust, and a shared sense of direction among staff and stakeholders.

As you celebrate your birthday alongside your first anniversary in office, we recognise and appreciate a year defined by steady progress and purposeful service.

May this new year of your life bring fresh vitality, deeper wisdom, sound health, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

Happy Birthday, Sir, and congratulations on a remarkable first year of impactful service.

— From all of us at CRIDCOM.

13/05/2026

CRIDCOM Marks One-Year Anniversary, Reflects on Growth and Milestones

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) has marked its one-year anniversary with a celebration highlighting its journey, achievements, and institutional growth since inception.

Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Commission reflected on the establishment of CRIDCOM, from its inauguration to the commissioning of its office, noting key milestones and activities recorded within its first year of operation. He commended staff for their dedication and commitment, describing their contributions as central to the progress of the Commission.

According to him, “The progress we have recorded within this short period is a reflection of teamwork, dedication, and shared vision. I sincerely appreciate the commitment of all staff, and I remain optimistic that we will achieve even greater milestones ahead.”

The anniversary celebration brought together management, staff, and invited guests, and also featured goodwill messages from staff members, Heads of Departments, Commissioners, and a representative of Zenith Bank, who all congratulated the Commission on its first year and commended its leadership.

The event also included an interactive ballot-based teaser session, where participants responded to questions on the Commission’s history, activities, and achievements, with winners rewarded with cash prizes.

The celebration provided an opportunity for reflection and engagement as CRIDCOM marked its first year of operations and reaffirmed its commitment to diaspora engagement and development-focused initiatives in Cross River State.

CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026