The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), under the leadership of Chairman Prince Otu Okor, has received a delegation from the Odukpani Local Government Council seeking renewed action on a Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500 million) grant opportunity from the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (UNASDG).
Led by council officials, the delegation restated its appeal for the State to pursue the facility, which had earlier been submitted without success.
Prince Okor, while welcoming the team, reassured them that the matter would be given urgent attention. He pledged to convey the request to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, stressing that the opportunity aligns with Cross River’s development agenda. “We will not allow Cross River to be left out of this window; everything will be done to ensure the State benefits,” he stated.
The renewed call comes at a critical moment, as the Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) is scheduled to visit Nigeria between October 4th and 20th, 2025. Stakeholders say the visit provides a strategic window for Cross River to re-engage in the process.
The initiative was introduced by Amb. Dr Evelyn Eyo Honesty, SOAD’s Resident Ambassador to Nigeria, who also serves as Special Adviser to the Odukpani Chairman on NGOs, Donor Agencies and Development Partners. Notably, she hails from Creek Town in Odukpani LGA.
Odukpani’s Executive Secretary, Barr. Alex Asuquo, noted that several States including Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Bayelsa have already accessed the UNASDG fund. He urged Cross River to act swiftly to ensure it does not miss out on the benefits.
According to the Council, the $500 million facility would channel major resources into sustainable development projects across the State, strengthening economic growth and aligning with UN global goals.
By receiving the delegation, CRIDCOM has positioned itself at the centre of the renewed push, with its Chairman’s assurance seen as a key step towards ensuring Cross River takes advantage of the grant while the window remains open.
CRIDCOM MEDIA 2025