By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has reactivated and digitalize hitherto moribund Zonal Offices located in the three Senatorial Districts of the State .
The offices have been renovated, furnished with modern tables and chairs, provided with a brand new motorcycles of high capacity and equipped with the latest digital tools including scanners and GPS machines, as well as safety boots, helmets and rain boots.
Delivering the work tools at the various offices ,Ogoja and Ikom , the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Ntufam, Hon. Effiom-Ekaha Otu, said that the revamping of the Zonal Offices was necessitated by the pragmatic zeal of the State Government to maximally explore the vast natural endowments across the State.
Ntufam Hon. Effiom-Ekaha Otu said that the provision of office furniture as well as the installation of the digital tools was aimed at revamping the offices which had in the past laid fallow denying the desired contributions to the growth of the Ministry.
While commending the State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his pragmatism as displayed in the approval of the project, the Commissioner was optimistic that the present office status would ginger the staff to put in their best for optimal productivity .
He emphasized that with the digitalization of the Zonal Offices and the provision of motorcycles, officers were expected to explore and navigate areas under their jurisdiction to scan and identity natural minerals that abounds and report to the headquarters.
The officers were also expected to monitor mining activities and report promptly to his office for immediate actions.
He advised that on no account should the equipment be put to personal use so as not to attract the wrath of the State government.
In his comment, the Technical Consultant to the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Dr. Otu Archibong commended the Governor for his magnanimity and the Commissioner, Mineral Resources Ntufam Hon Effiom-Ekaha Otu for his visionary approach to the mineral resource development in the State.
Dr Otu expressed confidence that with the modern equipment, exploration of mineral deposits would enhance a comprehensive geographic mapping that would ease investors choice of interest.
Receiving the items, the Zonal Heads of Ogoja , Genesis Ogidi and that of Ikom, Victor Mgbe commended the Commissioner for revitalizing their offices which have for several years been neglected.
They promised to work had to justify the procurement of the electronic gadgets and the motorcycles which would propel efficiency in carrying out their mandates promising not to let the Commissioner and the State down.
