Diaspora Commission Office, established by Dabiri-Erewa, officially opened in Cross River State

In a significant move to strengthen ties with the diaspora community, Cross River State has established the first-ever Diaspora Commission office, named CRIDCOM. The inauguration of the CRIDCOM office took place during a two-day working visit to Cross River State by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The event, which was attended by top government officials and commissioners, was described as a remarkable milestone in engaging the state's diaspora community. The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, praised Hon. Dabiri-Erewa for her role in strengthening ties between Nigeria and its diaspora.

Upon her arrival, Prince Otu Okor, a pioneer staff of NiDCOM, who was appointed as head of CRIDCOM by Governor Otu, received Hon. Dabiri-Erewa. The commissioning of CRIDCOM was concluded by the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM herself.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa described Cross River's achievement as historic and noted that the new office would "open more doors of opportunities" for the state. In a light-hearted moment, she jokingly suggested that NiDCOM's headquarters could relocate to Cross River State.

The First Lady of Cross River State, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, was also present at the commissioning. The event deepened Cross River's diaspora engagement agenda, with the establishment of CRIDCOM seen as a strategic step to harness the skills, resources, and investments of Cross River indigenes in the diaspora.

The CRIDCOM office is located in Cross River State and is the first in Nigeria to establish a dedicated state-level Diaspora Commission building. The inauguration of CRIDCOM is a testament to Cross River State's commitment to fostering stronger connections with its diaspora community.