Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to economic diversification with the inauguration of two new aircraft for the Cross River State Government and a state-of-the-art ICT hub/library designed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event, held in Calabar, the state capital, was attended by top government officials, legislators, royal fathers, and business leaders.
Governor Bassey Otu explained that the new aircraft will strengthen the state’s aviation sector, crucial to tourism development. With two aircraft already flying, the state is adding two more and plans to acquire three more, creating an aviation hub that will serve Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and the Gulf of Guinea. This move is part of the state’s strategy to consolidate the three major “engines of growth” initiated by previous administrations: tourism, rural development, and industrialization.
The ICT hub and library, dedicated to supporting MSMEs, aligns with the state’s strategy to empower citizens through education, entrepreneurship, and technology. Governor Otu stated that the facility forms part of the “Season of Sweetness” initiative, which keys into the Renewed Hope Agenda. The state government is determined to build a subnational economy that will serve both Cross River and Nigeria at large. Notably, the Federal Government has promised to deliver two additional ICT hubs to the state.
The state’s development priorities, including food security, energy security, and economic independence, are in harmony with President Tinubu’s vision. Governor Otu emphasized that the state’s economy is changing, with food prices dropping, and ongoing infrastructure work expected to reduce transportation costs. This initiative reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on economic diversification and sustainable development.
The Renewed Hope Agenda, a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming Nigeria across various sectors, prioritizes economic stability, social development, and good governance. By investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, the administration aims to create a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians. The agenda’s emphasis on economic diversification, industrialization, and digitalization is expected to drive growth and create new opportunities for citizens.
