The Republic of Ireland has indicated its preparedness to partner Nigeria,
using Cross River State as the pilot state, to ensure it attains
socio-economic and infrastructural development.
This, the Irish government believes, will help address the problem of
youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region.
Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sean Hoy, who disclosed this during a
courtesy call on the governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade,
explained that he was in Calabar, to develop a framework of development
that involves the states and Federal Government in a bid to find the way
forward in their respective developmental strives as well as help curb
restiveness in the Niger Delta region.
Amb. Hoy, who also announced the establishment of a development centre in
Calabar as part of the initiative, said: “We are here to support them,
look at how the development of the Niger Delta can be done better than
before. Resources are not actually the problem, but how to prioritise
issues of development.”
Responding, Cross River State Governor, Prof Ayade, said it was critical
to address the restiveness that had characterised the Niger Delta region
as no development can take place where crisis and tension exist.