Barr. Agara seems to be the man the cap fits. His vision for Cross River state tallies with that of Gov. Ayade, which is concerned about investing in agriculture and agro-allied industries to generate revenue and create jobs for the teeming youths of the state.
There are many reasons why Barr. Agara should replace Prof. Ayade. Cross River state is one of the states that their pattern of development is consistent with UNDP’s approach of development. Development is about the reduction of poverty in the society. Infrastructure are included in development if they are critical.
Unfortunately, many state governors are only interested in infrastructure of white elephant projects that give attention. Some of them engage in constructing flyover and road projects because they are very visible. But, real development is about industries, critical infrastructure, education, health and empowerment through skills acquisition, small scale business and support.
Agara appears to be the only one who buys such approach to development. As an agriculturist, he understands the role agriculture plays in developing countries economy and he has been instrumental to agric policies and projects of Ayade’s administration.
One of the problems in developing countries has been inconsistency in development programmes. If a nation or sub nation engages consistently in development programme without a disruption, the benefits of such programme would be pronounced and manifest. A successor to Gov. Ayade who has not been part of the vision is likely to disrupt the development programmes of his predecessor and interject it with his own. In so doing, reaping the benefits over time will not be there.
A look at the deep sea ports of Gov. Ayade’s administration needed to be completed for the state to benefit from its economic free zone. These projects need a man that has caught the vision of his predecessor to accomplish.
Barr. Agara has new ideas and some modifications in the old ideas. He believes that education should utilize information technology and as such he intends to build IT centre to serve educational institutions. Also, he intends to create a corridor for entertainment through deployment of cruise boats for traditional boat regatta, cuisines and cultural displays in the area of tourism as well as ensure adequate security in the state and many more programmes as contained in his vision document.
A piece of advice for the delegates and Cross Riverians is that they should not afford to make a mistake they will regret.
Barr Agara promises a future for Cross River state. Supporting him will make a difference.
Lagos is what it is today because of successive good leadership. Truncating that in Cross River will send the state many years back.
Barr. Chris Agara
