Cross River State Diaspora Commission

18/10/2026

BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO HIS EXCELLENCY, APOSTLE SEN. PRINCE BASSEY EDET OTU, GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE

On behalf of my family, and the entire Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), I join millions of Cross Riverians at home and in the diaspora to heartily celebrate our leader, our father, and our Governor, His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu on the occasion of his birthday.

Your Excellency, you have redefined leadership with compassion, faith, and people-first governance. Your unwavering commitment to the restoration and repositioning of Cross River State through your People First mantra has rekindled hope and pride in every Cross Riverian, both home and abroad.

You are not just a Governor, you are an Apostle of good governance, a father figure, and a beacon of hope for the next generation.

As you celebrate today, I pray that God Almighty will continue to strengthen you with divine wisdom, robust health, and boundless grace to lead our dear State to greater glory.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency! Live Long and Prosper.

OtuEkong Chief Otu Okor FCAI, Dr1MALE
Chairman, CRS Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM)

17/10/2026

CRIDCOM, Diaspora Women's Forum Explore Partnership on Solar-Powered Water Project

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) has expressed readiness to support the Cross River Women in Diaspora Forum (CRWIDF) on a proposed solar-powered water project for rural communities in the state.

The Chairman of CRIDCOM, Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE, who received the Forum's delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission's office in Calabar, commended the Forum for its initiative and willingness to contribute to the state's development.

He encouraged the organisation to partner with the Commission in areas of mutual interest and to bring other stakeholders on board.

He advised the Forum to implement the project in phases, beginning with the northern senatorial district before extending it to the central and southern districts, so that communities across the state benefit.

The Chairman stressed the importance of shared responsibility in development, noting that citizens and organisations can complement government efforts by initiating projects that address community needs.

“We commend the Forum for this initiative. Development is a shared responsibility, and when citizens and organisations identify community needs and act on them, they complement the efforts of government. We are ready to work with you, and I advise that the project be implemented in phases, beginning with the northern senatorial district, so that communities across the state benefit,” he said.

Earlier, the President of the Forum, Mrs Precious Otu Okor, said the organisation was committed to contributing meaningfully to the state's development, particularly in areas affecting women, children and other vulnerable groups.

She described the water project as the Forum's first major initiative, designed to improve access to clean water in rural communities. She added that the Forum has members in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and France, whose networks it hopes to leverage in support of development efforts in the state.

Mrs Otu Okor appealed to CRIDCOM to support the actualisation of the project and reaffirmed the Forum's commitment to working with the Commission to improve residents' welfare.

The visit also featured the presentation of an award of recognition to the CRIDCOM Chairman in appreciation of his efforts and service to the Commission.

CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

30/09/2026

*NIGERIA @ 66: A MESSAGE OF GOODWILL*

On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, I heartily felicitate with all Nigerians as we celebrate 66 years of our nation's Independence.

As we mark this historic milestone, I specially wish *His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*, and *His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State*, a happy and peaceful Independence Day celebration.

66 years of our journey as a nation reminds us of our strength in unity, resilience in diversity, and hope in our collective future. I commend our President for his bold leadership and our dear Governor for his people-first governance that continues to transform Cross River State.

May this 66th Independence inspire us to remain united, patriotic and committed to building the Nigeria of our dreams - One Nation, One People, One Future.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
God bless Cross River State!

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

30/09/2026

CRIDCOM, CALLYWOOD EXPLORE DIASPORA SYNERGY THROUGH FILM

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) and Callywood have explored opportunities for stronger synergy with Cross Riverians in the diaspora, particularly in film production, creative partnerships and investment.

The discussion formed part of a courtesy visit by the Chairman of CRIDCOM, Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE, to the Callywood Department in Calabar, where the delegation was received by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Callywood Studios, Hon. Eric Iso Anderson.

Okor highlighted the potential of the creative industry to connect Cross Riverians in the diaspora with opportunities in the State, particularly through partnerships and investment.

He also noted the role of film in projecting Cross River’s culture, people, food, festivals and other distinctive features to audiences beyond the State and in the diaspora.

Anderson spoke on Callywood’s activities and the need to tell authentic Cross River stories through films and documentaries while taking such productions to wider audiences.

He highlighted the possibility of creating events around film productions, including premieres, as well as developing films and documentaries around the State’s stories, culture and festivals.

The discussion also touched on developing young talents by exposing secondary school students to filmmaking, acting, production and content creation from an early stage.

Anderson further highlighted opportunities for collaboration with filmmakers and other creative professionals outside Nigeria through training and masterclasses, as well as possible funding and partnerships for film productions.

CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

21/09/2026

07/09/2026

CRIDCOM Chairman Commits to Partnership with ISWP on Governor Otu, Tinubu Mobilisation

The Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE, has pledged the Commission's readiness to partner with the I Stand With Prince (ISWP) movement in mobilising Cross Riverians in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 elections.

The commitment came as the Chairman received the group's leadership on a courtesy visit at the Commission’s Office, during which he welcomed their initiatives and expressed willingness to explore collaborative efforts aimed at supporting Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Responding to the delegation's formal introduction of ISWP's activities, the Chairman underscored the critical importance of stakeholder engagement in advancing the interests of Cross River State. He noted that the Commission's reach within the diaspora community positioned it as a valuable ally in achieving mutual objectives.

"Collaboration and strategic engagement are essential to strengthening our collective voice," he said, emphasising his commitment to exploring areas of partnership with the movement.

The ISWP delegation, led by Director General Mr. Bassey Effiom, had sought the Chairman's support and backing for the group's mobilisation efforts across the state. The team included the State Coordinator, Calabar South Coordinator, and Biase Coordinator.

The delegation emphasised that CRIDCOM’s established networks within the diaspora community were crucial to reaching Cross Riverians abroad effectively ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on behalf of ISWP, Mr. Effiom expressed confidence in the partnership, stating: "The Chairman's commitment to collaboration demonstrates CRIDCOM's pivotal role in mobilising our people in the diaspora. With this partnership, we are confident that our message will resonate across communities and strengthen support for Governor Otu and President Tinubu in the coming elections."

CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

01/09/2026

WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER

Happy New Month, dear Cross Riverians! As we step into September, we remain committed to our shared responsibility to advance our state. The CRIDCOM’s work of strengthening bonds with our diaspora community and driving development is a continuous endeavour. This month, and always, let us channel our collective potential into initiatives that transform Cross River State and create lasting legacies for generations to come.

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

01/09/2026

CRIDCOM Trains Newly Recruited Staff on Civil Service Ethics, Regulations

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) has organised an in-house training for newly recruited staff on civil service ethics and regulations.

Speaking at the training held on Friday, at the CRIDCOM Conference Room, the Chairman of the Commission, Otuekong Chief Otu Okor, FCAI, DrIMALE, welcomed participants and thanked the Head of Service for the opportunity. He also commended the Head of Administration for organising the exercise and urged staff to pay apt attention and apply the knowledge gained in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

The training was organised in compliance with the directive of the Head of Service, Cross River State, which required MDAs to conduct in-house training for officers newly recruited into the state Civil/Public Service from 2019 to date.

The sessions addressed ethics and conduct in the public service, with emphasis on integrity, accountability, transparency, professionalism and other standards expected of civil servants.

Participants were also taken through financial regulations and management, including due process, financial documentation, budget clearance and other procedures for the proper management of public funds.

Other areas covered included communication in government and record keeping, leave and queries, political participation, Freedom of Information, and planning and budgeting.

The training featured an interactive session during which participants sought clarification and made contributions on practical issues, including confirmation requirements, leave eligibility, budget planning and financial procedures.

In a vote of thanks, the Information and Public Relations Officer at CRIDCOM, Miss Deborah-Oyo Oyo, appreciated the organisers, particularly the Head of Administration for ensuring CRIDCOM’s participation, while thanking the facilitators for sharing their knowledge and experience and participants for their active engagement.

In his closing remarks, Head of Legal at CRIDCOM, Barr. Bassey Otop, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman, called for broader follow-up training involving the Commissioners, management and staff of the Commission to further strengthen capacity across the institution.

The facilitators at CRIDCOM included Mrs Ekanem Ukpa, Head of Administration; Mr Ofem Ogbe, Head of Accounts; Mr Bassey Otop, Head of Legal; and Mr Ibita Nnimmong, Head of PRS.

CRIDCOM MEDIA 2026

24/08/2026

CONGRATULATIONS, YOUR EXCELLENCY

The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) is happy to celebrate your appointment as South-South Zonal Campaign Coordinator of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council. This is a moment of great pride for Cross River State.

Under your leadership, our state has witnessed real progress and development. You have shown that you care about the people and that you can deliver results. This appointment shows that your work is being noticed at the national level, and that people trust you to lead.

CRIDCOM wishes you success in this role and prays that God will give you the strength and wisdom to carry this responsibility well.

Otuekong Chief Otu Okor
Chairman, Cross River State Diaspora Commission