World Bank To Partner Cross River In Addressing Unemployment
CALABAR, April 05, (THEWILL) - The World Bank has stated its readiness to partner the Cross River State Government in tackling issues of youth unemployment while also increasing its donor support to the state community and social development agency for sustainable rural development.
Speaking at the occasion of presentation of cheques and awards to beneficiary communities in Calabar, the task team leader of the World Bank in charge of Community Social Development Projects, CSDP, Professor Foluso Okunmadewa said the world body is satisfied with rural development efforts in the state.
He said the decision of his Organization to introduce additional programmes in the state is sequel to the outstanding track record of accomplishments and activities of the state agency for community and social development in rural development and community based participation in governance and thanked government for blazing the trail in that regard.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke in his remarks reaffirmed the determination of his administration to transform rural communities whose inhabitants makeup over seventy percent of the State’s 3.1 million population, through the various agencies addressing infrastructural needs of rural dwellers.
Imoke averred that his administration will continue to strengthen the Agency to deliver on its mandate to enable government achieve focus on the extent to which related sectors of the economy can promote popular participation, people centered and oriented economic goals to the overall objective of poverty reduction.
He emphasized that while government will not hesitate to pay its counterpart funding and support subventions, benefiting communities receiving first tranche cheques for the implementation of their community development plans should use such funds judiciously as his administration will not hesitate to blacklist any community that does not show prudence in funds utilization.
In separate remarks the Board Chairman of the Agency Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong as well as the Agency’s General Manager Pastor Victor Ovat attributed the unequalled successes of the Agency to the high level commitment of stakeholders and overwhelming policy support of government.
They lauded the focus and tenacious spirit of the Imoke – led state administration, which enables the agency get, enhanced budgetary provision with which it increased the number of projects and participating communities in various sectors of the economy.
Twenty nine communities received N37.5 million naira worth of cheques at the ceremony, while individuals were recognized for support and commitment to the project in the state.
The occasion also featured the presentation of the agency’s maiden newsletter, Echoes, by the Special Adviser to the State Government on International Development, Mr. Roy Ndoma-Egba.