The Global United Christian Congress of Africa and Diaspora (GUCCAD) has pledged to strengthen ties between the African diaspora and the continent, following a media parley in Calabar on Saturday with the Cross River State Diaspora Commission. The event saw the state extend an open invitation to Nigerians and Africans abroad to invest in its peaceful and supportive environment.
Prince Okor Otu, Chairman of Cross River State Diaspora Commission, used the occasion to assure potential investors of protection and safety, emphasizing the state’s commitment to business interests.
“Cross River State is welcoming and will protect investors as stipulated in the law,” Prince Otu stated. “We encourage those in the diaspora to feel free to invest and be rest assured that their investments will prosper here.”
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Speaking on behalf of GUCCAD, the organisation’s President, Professor Ijoma Nwosu, commended the state Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for the hospitality shown to delegates who attended the event from 18 countries. Professor Nwosu confirmed the organisation’s commitment to reinforcing the connection between Africa and its diaspora community.
“We appreciate His Excellency for the warm welcome,” Prof. Nwosu said. “In the coming years, we hope to bring home even more of our brothers and sisters from abroad.”
Reinforcing this message, Reverend Nneka Amarachukwu Nwosu, the Public Relations Officer of GUCCAD, highlighted the organisation’s core mission to reconnect the diaspora with their roots and inspire investment back home, following successful conferences held previously in Ghana.
Rev. Nwosu stressed the importance of secure policies for returnees, stating, “We are moved by the need for Africans in the diaspora to come home and invest in their roots. But if they must return to invest, there must be clear policies that protect their investments. Most of us work extremely hard to earn what we have.”
She also urged Nigerian leaders to champion integrity and ethical leadership, noting that these values are crucial for rebuilding confidence and attracting diaspora wealth. “For Nigeria and Africa to be better, we must work in integrity and teach our young ones to do the same. When there is integrity, it will be easier for those in the diaspora to invest confidently,” she added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Archibong Bassey, welcomed the GUCCAD members, noting the state’s hospitable nature. “Cross River is a peaceful state with warm and loving people,” she said. “We appreciate the Governor for the warm reception given to our guests.”
