By Magnus Effiong
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has charged the State’s nine-member Economic Management Team (EMT) to drive initiatives that would berth good economic fortunes for the State and its residents.
Speaking while inaugurating the team, Monday, Governor Otu said it was important for the team to align with the workings and programmes of the Presidential Economic Management Team for proper synergy.
He said the inauguration “marks a significant step towards economic growth and development in the State so as to enhance the standard of living for the people.
“The focus is on tangible economic progress, to ensure citizens can access basic needs and create wealth for themselves.”
Governor Otu also noted that the State’s EMT was inaugurated to strategise and implement economic models tailored to Cross River’s dynamics for the common good of the citizenry.
“The informal sector, including Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), is crucial in driving the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he told the team which he presides over as chairman.
He further emphasised the need to harness the potential in the State’s economic blueprint in order to improve the living standard and unlock the State’s potential, which he said, would rest on the inaugurated team.
He urged the team, which has the State Economic Adviser, Prof. Peter Oti as the Alternate Chairman, to critically evaluate any economic model before proposing, and that the assignment would require hard work, selflessness, accountability, inclusivity, and a clear focus to succeed.