In line with Senator Prince Bassey Otu’s “People’s first” mantra, the Director-General of the Cross River State Border Commission (BORDERCOM), Onun Hon. Ngim Okpo, conducted a Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment of border communities in Obanliku and Obudu LGAs in the Northern Senatorial District of the State on April 30, 2024.
During a town hall meeting attended by key stakeholders such as Paramount Rulers, clan heads, Village Heads, youth groups and Heads of Security institutions in the LGA, the Director-General engaged with the community to evaluate the boundary needs in conflict-prone areas. He conveyed the Governor’s commitment to the State’s development and the well-being of its residents, particularly those in communities facing challenges.
The survey will utilize a detailed questionnaire format to assist in planning for peaceful coexistence between communities and their neighbors.
Stakeholders welcomed the initiative, praising the government for its proactive approach. Concerns raised included the influx of refugees from Cameroon into Obanliku and encroachment on farmlands by individuals from Benue State, potentially leading to communal conflicts if not addressed. They requested the establishment of organized border patrol teams to address trespassing issues and further appealed for government sensitivity to their needs to protect residents.
The Director-General assured them of government swift intervention aligned with the people-centric leadership style of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu. He emphasized the importance of peace and urged the communities to actively participate in the assessment to enhance government service delivery.
The town hall meeting will continue on May 1, 2024, with visits to other LGAs in the Northern, Central Senatorial and southern senatarial District.
Accompanying the Director-General were the Agency’s Director of Research/Planning, Mr. Ibita, and the media team.
Event highlights included interactive sessions, light refreshments, group photographs, and inspections of BORDERCOM projects like the Obanliku market project, skills acquisition center in Obudu, and the Mobile Police Force Barracks in Obudu.
#BORDERCOM Media.
