Cross River State aims to achieve continuous developments in the economic, social and cultural spheres. With the cooperation of the Diaspora, to devise a state and national strategy and a working plan, for the universal recognition of the Diaspora. The intention is to contribute to the advancement of Cross Riverians in the diaspora, and to benefit in the process.

Sector specific goals cover areas of Politics, governance, and the Economy (Legal concerns; Licensing, taxation, investment requirements and ; Finance). We intend to make impact in the areas of culture, education; science; arts and literature and; media amongst others.

There are goals which will directly be of benefit to those Cross Riverians in the Diaspora. The objectives are mainly targeted at preserving the cultural identity of Cross Riverian communities in the Diaspora through moral and material stimulus.

The following traditional tools have been utilized as essential and necessary elements in the formation of the Cross Riverian identity:
a. Cultural heritage: as a source of pride through past achievement.
b. Language: as a means of communication and symbol of bond
c. Cultural associations and clubs: satisfying the spiritual needs and desires.

Cross River State has agriculture as its major source of income. This forms over 70% of her GDP. The state also has as another major source of income her tourism industry. The state is the premier destination for tourists in the West African sub region. The state has an international airport and sea port which are open to business. Cross Riverians in the Diaspora are encouraged to take advantage of these services.

Also prime in Cross River State is Tinapa which is Africa's premier business resort. Tinapa is a free trade zone and operates under the free trade zone rules which include duty free importation, warehousing and trade amongst other incentives. We encourage all Nigerians in the Diaspora to take advantage of all of these opportunities.

We may yet be our brother’s keeper. Cross River State is significantly involved in the caring for her own, particularly those who are not ordinarily capable of taking care of themselves. This is exemplified in such social projects as the Social Safety Net project, which has as its target the under 5’s (fives) and the elderly as well as free health care for pregnant women.

Other such projects include the Mothers Against Child Abandonment (MACA) a pet project of Her Excellency the first lady of Cross River State. MACA focuses of taking the abandoned children who are left to die by mothers who are not capable of caring for these children. The state also invests significantly in educational grants and scholarships at all levels of education for its citizens. While a lot is being done currently there is yet more that can be done, and there are needs to be met.

Philanthropy need not be only financially but may be through volunteer activities to the state as part of our Diaspora Homeland Involvement Initiative.

You may contribute to the current efforts by volunteering your skills in health outreaches, getting involved in scholarship schemes, or becoming an active donor to any of the states philanthropic endeavors including initiatives for the homeless, refugees and HIV/AIDS intervention programs.

Cross River State intends to tap from its enormous human resources in the Diaspora in the development of human capital. Those key areas of development form major elements in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) centering on Health and Education and can be quickly surmounted in a synergy. The health and education sectors can be raised to world class standards with the working together of all parties skilled in such areas.

The state runs several educational institutions ranging from the basic to the tertiary institutions. The state owned university as well as the secondary health care institutions can benefit from the skills and knowledge of health professionals and education experts in the Diaspora. These facilities are currently in evolution with the provision of standard ancillary facilities. These would help to further these institutions.

There are skill needs also in the areas of management beyond just the health and education sectors, with needs in the Information Communication Technology and Tourism development, the state would benefit from these skills which we know exist.

Senator Liyel Imoke, the pragmatic visionary Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria strategically targets the Diaspora for economic development of Cross River State, Nigeria.

Our Mandate
To mobilize Cross Riverian Nigerians and their sustainable partners in the Diaspora to contribute value added support in the development of Cross River State, Nigeria.

In August, 2009 Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor Cross River State, Nigeria appointed Dr. Ikpeme Ben Ebong with 34 years of professional excellence in the United States of America as his new Special Assistant ON DIASPORA MATTERS. Dr. Ebong’s experience in public policy implementation, commerce and industry, community and economic development stands him in good stead to help turn things around for the State. His quintessential experience and unparallel professionalism will be invaluable. Dr.. Ebong in his first couple of weeks in office has already rolled out a Working Master Plan to help direct the State on Diaspora Matters.

Nigeria is the most populated Black Country in the world. Nigerians in Diaspora are generally defined as Nigerians who live outside the shores of Nigeria while still maintaining contact. The realization that many of our best men and women, for lack of opportunity at home, have had to work outside our shores has given birth to the strategic idea of reaching out to this Target Assets of Our Community.

We believe that this strategic program on Diaspora Matters will challenge Nigerians of Cross River descent who live abroad to return home and contribute to the ongoing efforts to rebuild and reposition the state for greater glory. The government has made giant strides in the areas of infrastructural development, human capacity building, industrial, commercial as well as tourism goals.

Governor Liyel Imoke has in a few short years brought about the positive realization that Cross River State is for Cross Riverians, Nigeria and the world. He is therefore, mobilizing the Diaspora to come home to the “people’s paradise”. The Government has already put in place enabling environment and tools, with which they will be able to give this state and Country the full benefit of their education, training and experience.

History has it that the Chinese in Diaspora rebuilt China’s economy, the Jewish Diaspora rebuilt Israel, while the Indians in Diaspora rebuilt India’s economy. The case of Nigeria should not be different. We are confident that Nigerians which include our sons and daughters of Cross River State in the Diaspora can contribute tremendously in our state and nation building.