Cross
River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade left for Dublin, the capital of the
Republic of Ireland where he is expected to meet with key Irish investors as
he continues his drive to industrialize the state.
The
Irish trip was preceded by a courtesy call on the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria,
Mr. Sean Hoy with a request for stronger partnership that will engender growth
and prosperity for his state and the Republic of Ireland.
While
acknowledging the strong Irish heritage of the people of the state given their
association with Irish missionaries, Ayade said the time has come for a more
economically productive partnership between Cross River and Ireland.
The
governor said he would want Ireland to take advantage of the vast arable land
in the state and invest in agriculture, especially in diary, feed milling,
cultivation of tomatoes and potatoes for export.
“In
Cross River, we have a strong Irish heritage, especially in Calabar. I really
will like to see a stronger Irish presence in Agriculture. I want Irish
companies to take advantage of the potentials our state offers,” the governor
stated, even as he made a strong case for the establishment of a brewery in the
state.
In
his remarks, the Irish Ambassador, Sean Hoy disclosed that Calabar has been
home to most Irish missionaries and expressed his desire to visit Calabar.
Hoy
informed the Governor of plans by the embassy to bring Irish musicians to
perform in Calabar.
While
disclosing that one of the most celebrated rights activists in his country once
served in Calabar as a young officer, he further revealed that even the uncle
to his country’s current Foreign Minister was a missionary in Calabar.
He
stated the willingness of his country to invest in Agriculture in the state,
disclosing that his country currently produces ten times what it consumes.
He
praised Cross River for being a stand out state in the country, adding, “I have
heard about your Cattle Ranch. It is amazing that as big as Nigeria is,
everybody keeps talking about only one place; Calabar and the Ranch Resort.”
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