Says it is a strong Development Catalyst.
By: Akamba Jude, CRS-MOI Officer Reporting from Min. of New Cities Dev.
The people of Okuku Community in Yala Local Governmentt Area of Cross River State have embraced the Governor Ben Ayade’s New Cities Development initiative to develop a Smart Solar City in the community.
A Joint Field Team drawn from the Cross River State Ministry of New Cities Development, Ministry of Lands and Office of the Surveyor General which was led by the Hon. Commissioner for New Cities Development, Hon. Mike Usibe, embarked on a reconnaissance visit to the area to meet with the Landlords of the Okuku Community to practically identify on ground the availability of land as well as intimate them on Government’s intention to develop a Smart Solar City in the Local Government Area.
This development is in line with the Governor Ben Ayade’s vision to transform the State to one of the best industrial hubs in the country,adding that the initiative is a catalyst for greater development of virgin areas to urban centres.
Speaking, on behalf of the Commissioner for Lands, Prof. John Inyang during the visit at the Okuku residence of the Clan Head, His Royal Highness Ogamode Odaji IPUOLE, Hon Usibe said the vision of the Governor,Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade is to create a linear settlement of a ‘Smart Solar City’ which shall utilize innovative state- of -the- art intelligent technology that will enhance quality of life by minimizing waste, optimising energy usage as well as reduce congestion; adding that components of the new city will include a hospital, shopping center, street lights, Police post and so many other state of the art features.
Hon Usibe also maintained that, the Governor cannot actualize this good vision without the support of the host Community , assuring that though the Cross River State Government has already acquired the land, it will put in place measures that will ensure that investments such as farming will not be tampered with,notingvthat modalities will be worked out to address cases of Illegal encroachment so as to see how best government can accommodate what they have acquired and improve on their standards based on the development plan of the locations.
“Government can not commence such developmental project without meeting with the landlord communities to inform them about this great initiative. That is the reason why we are here and we are ready to commence the development of the New Solar City “. Hon. Usibe averrd.
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Yala- His Royaol Majesty, Ogamode Onah IPUOLE said that the people of Yala will always embrace any initiative that is developmental oriented,emphasizing that the proposed New Solar City project is a strong catalyst that will stir up development and bring more employment opportunities to the communities,adding the people of Yala are very appreciative of Government’s laudable initiative.
The Paramount Ruler further expressed his confidence on Governor Ayade’s vision and applauded Hon Mike Usibe for leading the Minsitry at this time.
“I call him my good friend and I have also known from experience that wherever he points his hands better things germinate…”
The Clan Head of Okuku Community, HRH Ogamode Odaji IPUOLE also expressed his delight and warm acceptance of the Governor Ben Ayade’s New Cities Initiative as he thanked the Joint Team for bringing such project to Yala.
The visit climaxed with site inspection led by the Director of Town Planning- Ministry of New Cities Development TPL, Barr. Joseph Adie and the Zonal Surveyor- Livinus Aloho Agi to the proposed project sites at Vetirenary Control Post and the Livestock Breeding and Investigation Areas in Okuku, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
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