The Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID) has unveiled an ambitious three-year development plan aimed at improving housing, healthcare, education, water supply and youth development across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State. The group says the initiative is part of its commitment to giving back to the state and improving the lives of residents.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the organisation's leadership for a second term, where the President of CRID, Ambassador Christopher Lekan, said the group would continue to bring together the knowledge, professional skills, experience and financial resources of Cross River indigenes living abroad to support sustainable development back home.
One of the major projects announced is the construction of a Diaspora Estate in Calabar. According to Lekan, the housing estate will provide affordable, safe and retirement-friendly homes for Cross Riverians living abroad who wish to return home or invest in the state. He disclosed that discussions have already begun with property developers, while the organisation will work closely with the Cross River State Diaspora Commission to deliver the project within the next three years.
The organisation also revealed plans to establish a modern specialist healthcare facility in Cross River State. The proposed hospital will be supported by medical professionals in the diaspora and will offer virtual specialist consultations, allowing residents to receive expert medical care without travelling overseas. The group believes the project will improve access to quality healthcare, reduce treatment costs and strengthen the state's healthcare system.
As part of its rural development programme, CRID announced that its Clean Water Initiative will begin in September 2026. The programme will involve the drilling of boreholes across all 18 local government areas, with Biase Local Government Area expected to host the first project, scheduled for completion in November before expansion to other parts of the state.
In education, the organisation plans to expand its scholarship scheme to include pupils in primary schools and students in secondary schools, in addition to its existing support for higher education. It also pledged to continue health outreach programmes, provide support for rural farmers, promote youth sports development and equip young people with digital and information technology skills.
Reviewing the achievements of the organisation, Lekan said CRID has grown from just 12 founding members in 2020 to nearly 500 members spread across Africa, Europe, Asia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. He described the establishment of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission by Governor Bassey Otu's administration as one of the group's biggest achievements, noting that it has strengthened collaboration between the government and Cross Riverians living abroad.
He also highlighted previous interventions by the organisation, including annual medical outreach programmes, environmental sustainability campaigns, educational support, agricultural programmes and a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed with the University of Calabar in 2025 to promote mentorship and academic capacity building.
Lekan called on Cross Riverians in the diaspora to remain united and continue investing their knowledge, professional expertise and resources in the development of the state. He stressed that the achievements recorded by the organisation were made possible through collective commitment and a shared vision for a better Cross River.
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