By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partner private investors for the development of a strong economic base in the state.
The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr Ededem Ani, stated this during the signing of a 25 year concession agreement between the State and Eburutu Fishery Development Limited.
Ani, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General , Mrs Rosemary Onah ,described the ceremony as laudable , explaining that the agreement was signed in the interest of the parties involved.
The Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer MD/ CEO, Eburutu Fishery Development Limited, Madam Margaret Ovonlen, disclosed that the agreement was a 25 year concession in perpetuity which is renewable at the appropriate time.
Ovonlen, commended the state governor , Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for creating an enabling economic which attracted the company to invest in the state, adding that they intend to establish a multi million dollar fishing terminal in the bid to unlock investment.
She described the envisaged project as a modern fishery practice as operated in developed countries which will create wealth and job opportunities,
According to her, “this project will break away from the traditional ways of doing things, create job opportunities as well as expand and attract allied lrelated businesses in that sector and also improve the standard of living in the state”.
The Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Livestock, Fishery and Aqua Culture, Dr, Odey Joseph Ikongha, earlier in his remarks , said the signing of the agreement by government indicated the need to key in because of its potentials in the fishery sector.
Ikongha described the project as a joint as a joint venture between Eburutu and Cross River under a Public Private Partnership..
The Business Manager , First Bank, who commended the partners, noted that he was witnessing for the first time in the state what has been happening in South West Nigeria and pledged the bank’s preparedness to support the project.
A representative of Calabar South community, Muri Ekpenyong Ndiyo, commended the partners for citing the project in the area while assuring them of its safety because of its multiplying effects and developmental potentials.
Those that signed the agreement which was witnessed by state government officials, staff of Eburutu Fishery Development, finance sector, stake holders in fishery industry and community leaders also included Commissioner for Livestock , Fishery and Aqua Culture, Chief Francis Ekpenyong, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Odey Joseph Ikongha, the MD/CEO Eburutu Fishery Development Limited, Madam Margaret Ovolen
