A NOTE OF APPRECIATION*

The Birmingham gathering was a resounding success. 

On behalf of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID) Organization, I wish to most sincerely appreciate all Cross Rivarians at home and in the Diaspora for gracing the occasion. 

We are particularly excited for having the personalities of ‘People First’ Governor of our dear State, His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dear wife, the First Lady of our State, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Edet Otu (Mma Adiaha) grace the 1st CRID gathering with their presence. 

His Excellency came with members of his cabinet, the Chairman of Cross River Diaspora Commission and his team, Boki Local Government Chairman, elders of the State, and leaders of various persuasions to grace the occasion. 

We are also grateful to the Lord Mayor of Birmingham City, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, whose presence added value to our event.

We cannot forget the contributions of our key note speakers, delegates from Europe, Asia, USA, South America, and the entire world. We are, indeed, indebted. 

Let me most especially thank every member of the Central Planning Committee and the LOC who worked tireless at the background to ensure that every attendee had an eventful experience. May God bless you all. Worthy to note are Dr Justin Udie, Hon Ignatius Oli, Mr Augustin Obi, Mr Kelvin Osim, Mr Davies Davies, Prof Valentine Ntui, Dr Vincent Ogar, Ms Blessing Illifu. Not forgetting the regional coordinators and other leaders who rolled up their sleeves to support such as Mrs Thelma Ogbeche, Chief Jacob Orok, and a host of others whom I apologise if I have not mentioned their names. I will not forget to thank my brother Mr Idagu Odey for sponsoring the Convention Cake which turned out to be the high point of the event. May the good Lord bless you.

Let me also thank the members of the media team for their contributions.

We cannot thank you all enough for attending the event. The Lord will bountifully replenish the expenses you incurred to come and honour CRID and return you safely home.  

The gathering provided us a wonderful opportunity to interact, dine and wine while reflecting on our duty to our dear State – The duty to contribute through Home Remittances (Diaspora Investment Fund) to the development of our dear State. You showed practically during the call at the event for contributions to the development of our State that we can make it –Yes We Can! We are all proud “CRIDians.” 

We look forward to the same robust engagements in CRID’s future events.

The Birmingham gathering has come and gone but the journey to purposeful engagement with our roots; – Think Cross River – has just begun. The executive will meet and come out with a program of action for future engagements. We look forward to your usual cooperation and effective participation. The joining of our ‘People First’ Governor to build a new Cross River State of our dream is a task that must be done. You are all change champions of modern Cross River State.   

Finally, I wish you all the very best as you return to your base. Your contribution in cash and kind for the sake of our motherland will not be in vain. Our president and the entire executives of CRID remain accountable and transparent in our service to you all. We look forward to meeting you again in 2027!

Thank you so very much, and may the blessings of the Lord reside permanently in your domain.

Mrs Patience Oluwaseto Chairman, Convention Planning Committee/Vice President of CRID

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