…frowns at slow pace of implementation of APPEALS projects in CRS

…declares CRS APPEALS new offices open

Cross River State Governor, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade on Wednesday declared open, the 7th Implementation Support Mission of the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project, held at Axari Hotel, Calabar.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu calls on the State Steering Committee and the Coordinating Office in the State to be proactive in the implementation of the project’s core aims and objectives in the state.

“APPEALS project is a very important project for Cross River State given that its priority value chain (Rice, Poultry and Cocoa) have industries sited at the Senatorial District of the state to process produce from this value chains which would result in poverty reduction and economic development in the state.

“The Cocoa Factory in Ikom, Ultra-modern Rice Mill in Ogoja and Calachika Poultry Farm in Calabar are established to process the produce from APPEALS project priority value chain in the state” Prof. Esu pointed out

The State Steering Committee Chairman, however, lamented at the slow pace of implementation of APPEALS project and disbursement of funds to trained beneficiaries, which according to him is occasioned by #EndSARs protest which led to the vandalization of public and private property including the project’s office where vehicles, documents, furnitures were destroyed/looted and calls for better strategics and synergy to prompt implementation.

The National Project Coordinator of FGN- World Bank APPEALS project, Mohammed Sani, said the main aims of the 7th Implementation Support Mission is to oversee and assess the overall implementation progress and performance of the projects across board with the view to provide strategic guidance for the project in the state.

The World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Olatunji Oredipe, said the support mission has an overall objective to review project implementation progress across all project component and to provide support in the enhancement of productivity value addition and livelihood support.

The event featured declaring open the Cross River State APPEALS New Office located at number 3 Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong Street, State Housing Estate, Calabar by the Deputy Governor who doubles as Chairman State Steering Committee.

© Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar