(A MUST READ): Moving Cross River Economy to positive Next Level ~ Development Expert.

Kanjal Awam

Economic development are driven by robust policies anchored by strong political will. Exchange of ideas, collaborative engagement, inclusive participation are building blocks for sustainable development.
All development plans, like the Asian Tigers can not thrive without a resolute political will. When there's disconnection between policy formulation and implementation, the aspirations and future of unborn generations are aborted. From the outset, we lack the drive to implement policies, just like vision 2000, 2010 etc.

Asymmetrical rise in population without a corresponding policy framework to cushion poverty, unemployment and mortality rates are all indices of underdevelopment. Keeping life expectancy at the mercy of hunger & starvation.

John Jullens leader of emerging markets for the capabilities-driven strategy platform, outlined some of the lessons from the East Asian Development model. An alternative known as the BEIJING CONSENSUS--a combination of state capitalism and a decidedly nondemocratic political system as its most salient features. As opposed to liberalism or free markets--the first step is to implement household base land redistribution programs & other productivity improvement initiatives, such as increasing irrigation and the use of fertilizer. The resulting surplus can then be channeled into subsidising a more productive manufacturing activities of simple, cheap, and labour intensive goods for export markets by facilitating urbanization.

Replicating the East Asian model in Cross River is possible through AYADE-NOMICS--economics of agricultural industrialization. Implementation of micro economic policies, sustainability of Cross River funding architecture through legislation, boosting revenue generation, blocking leakages, efficiency in tax administration and reducing dependency on local and foreign loans.

In realizing our huge agricultural potentials in line with Prof. Sen. Ben Ayade industrialization drive, the state can become the hub for agricultural exports in West Africa. The cocoa sector taking the lead with Dr. Oscar Ofuka pioneering policy initiatives, rehabilitating moribund estates, opening new estates to boost revenue and create jobs for our teeming youths.

The health sector under Dr. Beta Edu of Primary Health Care Dev. Agency and Dr. Norbert Mogar Chairman Private Hospitals Regulatory Board was not left out in implementing policies that have improved service delivery. More should be done to improve on this strides.

Measuring our development index based on the ease of doing business should be improved by dismantling bottlenecks in revenue collection, eliminating touting to a minimum. Improving on best practices by removing multiple taxation, and enhancing trade and commerce, dedicated service delivery.

Through exchange of ideas, assembling a robust team for the next phase. To set the ball rolling, a conscious and deliberate efforts should be done to capture technologically savvy, vibrant, versatile and dynamic young men into various field of governance. Our political recruitment should dwell more on ideas utilization and policy implementation. The Special Adviser Project/Programme Monitoring & Evaluation, Engr. Thomas Aruku can liaise with the transition team in this task.

Using Dubai in 1990 and 2017 as case study.

Above all, placing the interest of CROSS RIVER STATE above SELF is the only parameter for measuring our development when the administration of Prof. Sen. Ben Ayade comes to a close in 2023.

Long live CROSS RIVER STATE!

©Kanjal Awam
Devt. Consultant.
For JFC NETWORKS.