Barrister Fabian Awhen
Economic or political power in the modern setting is to a very large extent dependent on the level of industrialization of a state or a country.
In other words, industrialization is synonymous with power.
Perhaps, it is based on this understanding that every State in the federation is making deliberate efforts at providing necessary structures for industrial take-off or advancement.
However, without the involvement of all the relevant institutions such as Banks, investment companies, and other allied institutions, such dreams could hardly be realized.
That is why the effort of the state administration in beefing up economic activities at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, the development of Obudu Ranch Resort, and the TINAPA should be seen as a breakthrough in administrative sagacity.
This effort has equally been crowned with the springing up of new banks in the State to serve as a springboard to economic development.
Put differently, it can be said, and rightly too that the State now has the necessary institutions to redefine its position and work itself safely to the industrial map of the country.
The truth remains that these structures and other facilities of economic growth currently being put in place cannot on their own develop without the full participation of Cross Riverians in the economic activities of the State.
This therefore puts a challenge on Cross Riverians who have the resources and connection to revert the trend by getting fully involved in the economic emancipation of the State.
Indeed, we cannot continue to talk of the economic stagnation of the State when it is glaring that wealthy Cross Riverians with the necessary wherewithal have refused to invest meaningfully in the State, but prefer to leave everything to the government.
After all, we are endowed with all that could have been given to the most successful of all races. Indeed, the state has the largest undisturbed rain forest in the country, coupled with several tourist attractions states-wide.
Furthermore, it is in our power to attain anything that we may have set out to achieve, but today we are lagging behind other states because we lack that commitment and driving force.
Today, we have the Free Trade Zone, more banks and other financial institutions, and improved infrastructure such as good roads and communication systems, where therefore lies the problem.
It is gratifying that the state administration is taking far-reaching measures to invite investors which should brighten our hope for a new economic horizon.
We can only benefit from these investors by showing equal commitment and readiness to participate in the socio-economic development of the state.
The time of playing the role of a spectator and armchair critic is over. Let all of us today join hands for the development of the state through our active involvement in the economic programmes of the state administration which are essentially tailored towards creating an effective private sector-driven economy.
This is one way of making ourselves relevant in the new economic order of the state.
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