23 August 2020
Cross River State Government has expressed its readiness to create an effective partnership with Civil Society/ Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the state that will guarantee public service engagement and delivery.
Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong made this known when the Civil Society Organizations and the Department of NGOs’ visited her office recently to foster collaboration and development in the State.
According to the Commissioner "To guarantee the intention of His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade in ensuring engagement of Civil Society Organizations/NGOs including women and youth as critical stakeholders for effective service delivery that will promote peace, security and development of the state, there is a need for partnership with the department, and the role of CSO/NGOs will continue to grow with this partnership".
Dr Asibong also called for mutual cooperation between the Ministry and the Department to make Government programmes relevant to the grassroot, saying the ministry will be willing to strengthen the CSO/NGOs’ capacity and the environments in which they operate.
She charged them to enhance the partnership with effective communication as the MIDC needs to critically evaluate the means by which it engages with the department, recognising both the possibilities and constraints of the department, and create a strategic framework for partnerships.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Society/NGOs, Hon. Sonnie Okem thanked His Excellency for appointing Dr. Inyang Asibong as the MIDC Commissioner to strengthen the Ministry, and that the department of CSO/NGOs is confident in her given her track record.
The Special Adviser and his team called for effective partnership with the MIDC in addressing issues of peace, security and development in Cross River State through accessibility to partners and donors to organize thematic high levels engagement.
Also present were Directors and other relevant staff from both MDAs.
