Otu Inaugurates Economic Management Team to Boost State’s Fortunes

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River on Monday inaugurated a nine-member Economic Management Team (EMT) to drive initiatives that would berth economic fortunes for the state.

Speaking at the inauguration in Calabar, Otu charged the members to align with the workings and programmes of the Presidential Economic Management Team, for proper synergy.

The team had the governor as the Chairman and Prof. Peter Oti, the State Economic Adviser, as the Alternate Chairman.

He urged the team to critically evaluate any economic model before proposing it to the state.

The governor said that the state’s EMT was inaugurated to strategise and implement economic models tailored to Cross River’s dynamics, for the common good.

According to him, this marks a significant step towards economic growth and development to enhance the standard of living for the people of Cross River.

“The focus is on tangible economic progress, to ensure citizens can access basic needs and create wealth for themselves.

“The informal sector, including Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), are crucial in driving the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said.

Otu said that enhancing the economic fortunes of Cross River and its residents required hard work, selflessness accountability, inclusivity, and a clear focus on delivering measurable outcomes.

He advised the team to seek the support of the citizenry to be successful, Otu said that his administration emphasised a “People First” approach, as the government existed for the people whose cooperation was vital for economic progress.