Ayade Unveils Agenda for 2016
In a policy direction that highlights what would be the focus of his administration in 2016, Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has unveiled a 14-point agenda aimed at economically repositioning the state.
While unveiling the agenda in his New Year broadcast, the governor who enjoined Cross Riverians to see the year 2016 as a gift which they must cherish and enrich with their talents and energy after what he said was a very challenging preceding year, listed his blueprint for the year to include: inaugurating of the Calabar Garment Factory, inaugurating the Calabar monorail, activation of the Green Police, completion of the de bushing of the superhighway corridor, completion of the detailed design and securing approval for the deep seaport construction from the Federal Executive Council, commencement of the dredging of the seaport, completion of the detailed design and preconstruction work of Calas Vegas as well as two other new cities, one in each senatorial district.
Other developmental programmes, according to the governor are construction of 5,000 housing units for the no-income and low income earners, reconstruction of the health and education system, establishment of the state microfinance bank to provide soft loans for teeming youths, substantially stabilising power and water supply in Calabar, push to obtain the concession of the Calabar-Itu federal road, creation of new urban forests for climate change as well as finding oil and gas deposits in the state.
While thanking the people for their steadfastness and prayers, which he said have sustained the young administration thus far, Ayade said: “Upon our assumption of office last year, we had sought your support and prayers and urged all Cross Riverians to look inwards and envision the future of our dear state and the role we must all play to make it a better place. I also urged you to stretch your hands along with me that together, we may force the spring of greatness on Cross River State. Today, I thank you for standing by us so far and for the great support we have received from you.”
Ayade noted: “In the past seven months, we have invested our emotions and committed enormous resources and intellect to preserving the great traditions of excellence we inherited and expanding their scope to ensure the emergence of a new and stronger Cross River.”
Lamenting the plummeting global oil prices, which he said has adversely affected revenue accruing to the state from federation account, the governor disclosed: “We have made great efforts to rise above falling oil prices and the declining revenues from the federal government to address some of the most daunting challenges of our time as a people. We have taken up the challenge to re-define Cross River State and make her truly great.”
On where his administration was headed, Ayade hinted: “Fellow Cross Riverians, this administration is on a mission to change the fortunes of our dear state for good. The first seven months, therefore, have been used for foundation laying, knowing that an edifice erected on a woozy foundation cannot endure the vagaries of the weather.
“In the days ahead, we will catalyse the tempo of multi-sectoral turn-around of our dear state as it will become a massive construction site.
Today, I call on all Cross Riverians and our friends to be part of the transformation that will deliver the Cross River State of our dream in no distant time. We need to believe in our potential to achieve the objective for which I have committed my whole being to bring to fruition.”
Assuring the people not to despair in the face of seeming uncertainty, the governor said: “As I wish you a happy New Year, let me do so with this words of encouragement: If life gives us a single reason to go backwards, let us show that we have a thousand reasons to move forward. This is the spirit which we have. Let us shake off all the negativities and march as success stands nearby with open arms to welcome us.
“As we raise a toast to the New Year, with a sparkle in our eyes, and a smile on our lips, may the dreams we weave all come true, and the days abound with richness and contentment.”
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on Jan 5 2016. Filed under Ben Ayade Desk.
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