By Dianabasi Effiong

The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has pledged substantial investment support for the health and agriculture sectors in Cross River State.

Speaking at a state banquet organised in his honour in Calabar, Adesina outlined plans to support primary healthcare delivery in addition to the investments the Bank is already promoting in the state with the unveiling of the Special Agro Processing Zone project.

He commended the leadership qualities Gov. Bassey Otu observing that the governor is indeed a passionate, action-driven, and accountable leader, doing so much in infrastructure.

The regional Bank Chief noted that with what Governor Otu has done in partnership with Afrixem Bank for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, Cross River State would soon be a very important logistics and industrial processing hub beyond Nigeria, covering the entire West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

On healthcare, Adesina pledged to support the Governor’s efforts in the revitalisation of primary health centres and the state health insurance initiative.

He said, “We will help ensure that primary healthcare centers are not only revitalised but connected digitally to enable seamless access and portability of health records.”

He also called for the adoption of a sustainable franchise-based business model for healthcare delivery, designed to improve nationwide access and quality.

Adesina expressed his excitement over the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Cross River, describing the project as a game-changer for the state’s economy.

In his remarks, Otu reaffirmed his administration’s focus on driving economic independence and reducing overdependence on federal allocations. He outlined three strategic pillars: security, food security, and energy security, as central to unlocking sustainable development in the state.

According to Otu, several dormant state-owned assets are being recovered and revitalised, significantly improving investor confidence and making Cross River one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.

He also emphasised efforts to integrate Cross River into regional economic corridors with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea while expanding agricultural productivity through large-scale cocoa, cassava, and other crops.

Reflecting on his recent annual vacation, he joked that he felt “younger and more energised,” ready to intensify efforts toward the state’s transformation.

Otu thanked his deputy governor and cabinet members for their stewardship in his absence and described the state’s progress as divinely inspired.

Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, in his welcome address, said the banquet was a convergence of visionary leadership.

He described Governor Otu as a “turbocharged” developer and lauded his commitment to infrastructure and economic growth.

While describing Adesina as “Africa’s number one technocrat”, Duke hailed his landmark initiatives like the electronic wallet for farmers and his legacy of driving agricultural transformation across the continent.

He praised both leaders for their alignment in vision and their dedication to inclusive development.

“Dr Adesina is not just a leader—he is a divine pathfinder, illuminating Africa’s future,” Duke said.

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