Eta Advocates Diaspora Collaboration to Drive Development in Cross River State

Commissioner for Investment Promotion and Tourism of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Barbra Eta, has said the state is seeking stronger engagement with Cross Riverians abroad to harness their expertise, professional networks and investments for sustainable development.

Eta said the initiative would move diaspora engagement beyond financial contributions to include mentorship, skills transfer, healthcare support, business development and participation in policy formulation.

She said this in an interview on efforts to strengthen relationships with Cross Riverians living in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and other parts of Europe.

“For me, it starts with relationships. Through our diaspora associations, community leaders and personal contacts, we can reach Cross Riverians wherever they live,” she said.

Eta, who hails from Boki Local Government Area and has lived in Cypress, Texas, said her experience abroad had given her a better understanding of the needs and expectations of Cross Riverians outside Nigeria.

She explained that digital platforms, including WhatsApp and virtual meetings, would be used to maintain regular contact with diaspora communities and create opportunities for meaningful participation in the state’s development.

“Connection has to go beyond adding people to a group or contacting them when there is an election. I want people to feel heard and to know there is someone they can reach back home,” she said.

The commissioner said the indigenous people of Cross River State living abroad possessed valuable expertise in healthcare, technology, education, business and other sectors that could contribute to the state’s socio-economic development.

According to her, professionals in the diaspora can mentor young people, train healthcare workers, help local businesses access new markets and connect credible investors with opportunities in Cross River.

“There is so much more our people can bring than money. Their knowledge, experience and professional connections can open doors for people at home,” she said.

Eta urged stakeholders to adopt a practical approach to diaspora engagement by identifying the skills, interests and resources individuals could contribute to specific development projects.

“We should be asking people, ‘What would you like to help us build?’ Everyone has something valuable to offer,” she further said.

Eta, who recently assumed the role of Coordinator of the Diaspora Campaign Directorate, said the responsibility provided an opportunity to strengthen diaspora participation, bring their concerns and ideas into campaign discussions and showcase Gov. Bassey Otu’s development efforts to the international community.

“As Coordinator of the Diaspora Campaign Directorate, my role is to connect Cross Riverians abroad with the vision and plans for our state, ensure their voices are heard and encourage meaningful participation,” she said.

“Part of that responsibility is to let the world see the work Governor Bassey Otu is doing in infrastructure development, his efforts to attract foreign direct investment and the opportunities taking shape in Cross River. Our people abroad can help tell that story and connect credible investors and development partners with the state.”

She highlighted the Bakassi Deep Seaport project as a major opportunity to expand trade, strengthen logistics and open up the state’s economy.

“The Bakassi Deep Seaport project holds enormous promise for Cross River. As it develops, it has the potential to open new markets for our businesses and farmers, attract investment and create jobs for our young people. I want our diaspora community to understand these opportunities and see where their expertise, networks and investments can make a difference,” she said.

She identified security, road infrastructure, healthcare, youth opportunities and the ease of doing business as some of the major concerns raised by Cross Riverians living abroad.

The commissioner stressed the need for accountability and effective communication, noting that diaspora investors and professionals needed clear channels through which they could obtain information, resolve challenges and monitor the progress of their contributions.

“We need to share the progress being made, explain what is still ahead and listen to what our people expect. People need confidence that their time and effort will lead somewhere,” she said.

Eta appealed to Cross Riverians abroad who felt disconnected from politics and governance in the state to remain informed and participate in discussions about its future.

She acknowledged that distance, work and family responsibilities could make participation difficult but maintained that engagement should continue beyond election periods.

“We cannot expect people to remain involved if we only remember them during elections. The relationships we build during the campaign must continue afterwards, with regular communication and a clear account of the progress being made,” she said.

Eta said her vision was to build a system that would give the indigenous people of Cross River State living abroad, a stronger sense of ownership of development outcomes in their home state.

“For me, success would be seeing our people abroad say, ‘I helped make that happen in Cross River.’ That sense of belonging and shared responsibility is what I want us to build,” she said.