The Resident ambassador of the State of African Diaspora Nigeria, Princess Evelyn Eyo-Honesty, has called on the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, to expedite the signing of cooperation agreement between State Of Africa Diaspora and his administration as done by other governments.
Eyo-Honesty made the appeal on Monday in Calabar, while giving insight on what the state stands to benefit from the cooperation agreement if finally signed.
According to her,the grant would be released via the Central Bank of Nigeria after SOAD Prime Minister, Amb. Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, formalizes the partnership agreement with the State government, adding that the agreement would facilitate the release of a $500m grant to support economic development in the state.
She said, “The grant would be released by the Central Bank of Nigeria after SOAD Prime Minister, Amb. Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, formalizes the partnership agreement with the state government. This agreement would facilitate the release of a $500m grant to support economic development in the state.
“The partnership aims to promote sustainable bilateral relationships and cooperation between Cross River State and State of African Diaspora SOAD”.
Among the projects and infrastructural development that would be tackled by the proposed agreement include,creation of a smart city, solar energy park, and industrial park.
Others include establishment of an agribusiness hub and participation in the Pan-African Agribusiness Commodity Exchange, enlargement of the existing airport and establishment of a Pan-African airline company, to be called Air Bird.
Princess Eyo-Honesty said that the organization would spread its tentacles in the creation of a medical complex with a hospital, faculty of medicine, and pharmaceutical plant.
In education, the resident ambassador disclosed that the organization has plans to establish a university in academic relationships with other tertiary institutions operating in the state. She emphasized that the agreement would be a win-win for both parties, promoting economic development and cooperation.
The ambassador who stated that the organization was established on February 3, 2023, urged state governor to expedite action on the signing of the agreement to unlock the benefits of the partnership.
“The African Diaspora is an entity which was recognised by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by the second ordinary session of the conference of heads of state of the African Union in Maputo,Mozambique in July 11, 2023”,She maintained.
