ADDRESS MADE BY THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER
STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. PETER ODEY, (LEKWEL E'MBE 1 OF MBUBE OF CRS NORTH) AT THE
GLOBAL COMPACT ON REFUGEES (GCR) MEETING HELD AT
TRANSCORP HOTEL, CALABAR, ON MONDAY, 4TH DECEMBER,
2023.
I am honored to join you today as we commence this crucial
meeting focused on the implementation of the Global Compact
on Refugees (GCR) in Nigeria. May I begin by extending the
sincere gratitude of the Governor of Cross River State, His
Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, to the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for convening this
gathering. The meeting indeed offers a platform for
collaboration and dialogue.
The purpose of this gathering is to assess the achievements
thus far and deliberate on the way forward. It is therefore
imperative that we recognize the collective responsibility we
share in advancing the GCR at Federal, State and Local levels.
Cross River State, uniquely situated beside Cameroun where
most of the refugee population in Nigeria emanates from,
hereby reaffirms her dedication to contributing meaningfully to
the GCR's successful implementation.
As a state, our commitment to the principles of the GCR aligns
with our national ethos of unity in diversity. We believe that,
together, we can address the challenges faced by refugees and
forcibly displaced persons. This is why Cross River is happy to
play host to 52,000 of the over 84,000 registered Camerounian
refugees in Nigeria. Our administration will not only continue to
provide land in the various host communities but we are also
committed to improving security and social infrastructure
within these communities to promote peaceful coexistence and
integration between the host communities and the Persons of concern.
Once again, I commend the UNHCR for her role as a catalyst in
fostering international cooperation and for providing technical
expertise to guide nations on the path of GCR implementation.
Cross River State is eager to participate actively in the
consultations and assessments, and to share insights and
experiences that may contribute to refining strategies for
enhanced GCR execution.
In closing, I urge us to strive to build a future where the rights
and dignity of all refugees are protected, ensuring that they can
rebuild their lives in an environment of safety, respect, and
opportunity.
I look forward to fruitful deliberations that will shape the futureof refugee protection's in Nigeria.
Rt. Hon Peter Odey ,
Deputy Governor of Cross River State.
Pst Bill Francis Bill Spokesperson to Governor Prince Otu and Ceo Billionaire Bill media Team and Blog.