A group, Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID), has unveiled an ambitious three-year development agenda for Cross River State, with plans to establish a Diaspora Estate in Calabar, build a modern healthcare facility and commence a statewide borehole programme aimed at improving the welfare of residents in 18 local councils. CRID is global network of indigenes and professionals working to foster unity and drive socio-economic development back home.

President of CRID, Amb. Christopher Lekan, disclosed this while delivering his inaugural address after assuming office for a second term, saying the organisation would continue to mobilise the expertise, resources and investments of Cross Riverians living abroad to drive sustainable development in the state.

Lekan said the proposed Diaspora Estate would provide affordable, secure and retirement-friendly housing for Cross Riverians in the Diaspora.

He disclosed that discussions had commenced with property developers, while the organisation would collaborate with the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) to bring the project to fruition over the next three years.

He also announced plans to establish a modern healthcare facility in the state, supported by Diaspora medical professionals, alongside virtual specialist consultation services to enable residents access quality healthcare without travelling overseas.

According to him, the healthcare initiative would improve access to specialist medical services, reduce treatment costs and strengthen the state’s healthcare system through the knowledge and expertise of Cross River professionals living abroad.

The CRID president further announced that the organisation’s Clean Water Initiative would commence in September 2026, with the construction of boreholes across the state’s 18 local councils, beginning with Biase Local Council, where the first project is expected to be completed in November.

He added that CRID would expand its educational scholarship programme to include pupils in primary schools and students in secondary schools, while sustaining health outreach programmes, agricultural support for rural farmers, youth sports development and information technology training.

Reviewing the organisation’s achievements, Lekan said CRID had grown from 12 founding members in 2020 to nearly 500 members across Africa, Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

He described the establishment of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission by the administration of Governor Bassey Out as one of the organisation’s landmark achievements, noting that it had strengthened engagement between the government and Cross Riverians living abroad.

Lekan said CRID had also implemented several development initiatives over the past three years, including yearly health outreach programmes, environmental sustainability campaigns, educational interventions and agricultural support schemes across the state.

He added that the organisation signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Calabar in 2025 to promote academic mentorship and capacity building.

As part of the transition to a new administration, Lekan dissolved the outgoing Board of Trustees, standing committees and regional leadership structures in line with the organisation’s constitution before announcing new appointments to oversee the organisation’s activities during his second term.

He urged Cross Riverians in the Diaspora to remain united and continue contributing their knowledge, professional expertise and resources towards the sustainable development of the state, stressing that the achievements recorded by CRID were the product of collective commitment and shared vision. (The Guardian)

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