By: Grace USHORNYE.
The Cross River State Government Tuesday, played host to the United Nations (UN) Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale R.C on a working visit to Calabar.
The UN Resident Coordinator who is head of all Heads of UN Partners in Nigeria was accompanied by other sub-units heads of the United Nations Organs for the launch of the Cross River State International Development Policy.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC), Dr Inyang Asibong eulogized the UN delegation for gracing the occasion of the Policy launch, while pledging the unalloyed commitment of the state government.
Dr. Asibong disclosed that the Policy framework is to address the basic realities of development support that can enable effective cooperation between Cross River and her development partners.
Asibong: “May l welcome you all to this epoch-making event in spite of your busy schedules.
“The Cross River State International Development Policy is a home grown set of guidelines designed to achieve coordination, alignments and coherence in the delivery of partnership development.
“It is also expected to address the gaps identified in development cooperation, based on the realities on ground, regarding local peculiarities, addressing short term issues, while looking forward to the long terms.
“From inception this policy has been supported by UNFPA and World Bank. It is being launched with support from CUSO International and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). It defines the extent we work with partners to align with State Development Priorities.
“His Excellency, the State Governor, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade appreciates you all for providing the needed support for partnership developments”. The MIDC Boss said.
Delivering his remarks, the State Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu acknowledged the efforts of partners to the state, which according to him has had tremendous impacts since the Ministry of International Development Cooperation began interfacing to attract development.
“May l commend the efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly to develop this policy.
“Cross River had over the years enjoyed the support and collaboration of partners. This Policy will further strengthen the cooperation between Cross River and development partners.
“The state government will continue to guarantee a pliable environment for our partners to accomplish their mandates. This is the motive for upgrading from a Department of government to a full-fledged Ministry.
“Our state highly recognizes the support of development partners and pray for more cooperation and coordination”.
The launch, which held at the Conference Hall of Danic Hotels, Calabar was well attended by the Regional heads of UNICEF, WHI, UNFPA, UNOWAS and UNHCR.
Other special guests in attendance were Surv. Getrude Nnanjar Njar; Special Adviser Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Iwara Iwara; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Barr. James Ibor; Principal Counsel, Basic Rights Council Initiative, Dr. Aliyu Yakubu; Programme Specialist, Reproductive Health/UNFPA, Mr. Jerry Nwigwe;Team Lead, CUSO International, Mr. Timothy Akwaji; CRS Head of Service, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong; Director-General, CRSPHCDA, appointees of the government, gentlemen of the Press and a host of others who witnessed the occasion.
