Govt, UNICEF, others float 10-year development plan for Cross River

Cross River State Government has formulated a comprehensive State Development Plan (SDP) between 2024 to 2033 in order to meet the aspirations of the people of the State.

BusinessDay reports that the Cross State Government in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and others as development partners are being mobilised to implement the State Development Plan of the State.

Unveiling the SDP at the weekend in Calabar, the State Capital, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, said “the State Development Plan is a long-term development transformation blueprint with the vision of making Cross River State thriving, inclusive and sustainable economy by 2033”.

Governor Otu, who was represented by Peter Odey, his deputy, pointed out that “the high incident of poverty, unemployment, infrastructural deficit and other forms of human deprivation, have acted as hindrance on State development in the past. These indices are worrisome, hence, the need to formulate strategies and measures to address this trend”.

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He added “the holistic and comprehensive development plan spanning 2024 to 2033 is unique in the sense that it aligns with national and global looks of the human capital development vision of 2030 and the SDG. It is expected that the SDP will effectively provide the roadmap for driving sustainable development.

“As a Government our administration is committed to formulating people-oriented policies and programmes that will promote better living conditions for the citizens”.

Juliet Chiluwe, the UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Enugu State, commended the robust consultations that led to the elaboration of this plan, saying, “we are convinced that the implementation would be more robust and inclusive.

“We are sure this plan would set the State on the path to achieving its vision of a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable economy promoted by good governance to foster human dignity in a clean and green environment. We are positive that the development plan if adequately implemented will enhance the sustainable development efforts of the State.”