Cross River State Micro project programme in the Nine Niger Delta States (MPP9) programme State Launch Workshop held on 5^th November, 2009.

The official launch of the Cross River State DMU of MPP9 took place at the Ashbury Hall of the Mirage Hotel, Calabar by His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke, the Governor of Cross River State. The European Union and the National Planning Commission were present at the Launch. At the Launch were Mr.Ramon Reigada representing the European Commission Delegation and Dr. Maryam Abdu, the Project Officer, Rural and Social Development (EC delegation). The NPC was represented by Mrs. L.D. Bagaiya, Head of International Unit of National Planning, Abuja and Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, the MPP9 Desk Officer. Also present were members of the State Executive Council, LGA Chairmen, Community Leaders, Members of the Press, Representatives of various Government ministries and parastatals, Civil Society Organisations, banks and communities.

The MPP9 programme was officially kicked off on the 18th of June, 2009 in Calabar, Cross River State. The programme was introduced to the Cross River State Governor – Mr Liyel Imoke unbehalf of the Governors of the Niger Delta.Dignitaries at the occasion were Minister of National Planning and National Authorising Officer - Dr Shamsudeen Usman, Mr Denis Thieulin the acting head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Nigeria. Others include Mr A. A. Taiwo and Mr Ibrahim Abubakar of National Planning Commission, and Dr Maryam Abdu of the EC Delegation, Mrs Margareth Hammer – MPP9 Team Leader and Mr Leif Nilsson – MPP9 PMU Finance & Contract Expert.