Baskadia

BY ETTAH EMMANUEL O. In a proactive move to address the concerns of border communities, the Director-General of the Cross River State Border Commission (BORDERCOM), Onun Hon. Ngim Okpo, spearheaded a Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment in the Obanliku and Obudu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the Northern Senatorial District. This initiative, conducted on April 30, 2024, aligns with the "People First"

approach advocated by the Governor of Cross River State His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu, emphasizing the well-being of residents. During a town hall meeting, attended by key stakeholders such as Paramount Rulers, clan heads, village heads, youth groups, and heads of security institutions, the Director-General engaged with the community to evaluate boundary needs in conflict-prone areas.

Paramount among the concerns raised were the influx of refugees from Cameroon into Obanliku and encroachment on farmlands by individuals from Benue State, highlighting the potential for communal conflicts if left unaddressed. Stakeholders welcomed the government's proactive stance and emphasized the need for organized border patrol teams to tackle trespassing issues.

They appealed for government sensitivity to their needs, emphasizing the importance of protecting residents and ensuring peaceful coexistence. In response, the Director-General assured swift government intervention, echoing Senator Prince Bassey Otu's people-centric leadership style. He stressed the significance of peace and urged active community participation in the assessment to enhance government service delivery.

The town hall meeting, scheduled to continue on May 1, 2024, will extend its reach to other LGAs in the Northern, Central, and Southern Senatorial Districts. 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, including the Obanliku market project,

skills acquisition center in Obudu, and the Mobile Police Force Barracks in Obudu. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of border communities, fostering peaceful coexistence, and addressing pressing needs through proactive engagement and intervention. #BORDERCOM Media. Name: Ettah Emmanuel O. Brand: NaijaBlaseTv Phone No: +2348161558880 Social Media handles: #NaijaBlaseTv @Naijablasetv.com.ng