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 programme began with a Technical Session on the topic- MPP9: Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders. The PowerPoint presentation was done by the CRS-DMU, Team Leader, Dr. Susan Ohen. This was followed by an interactive session where the participants bare their minds on issues about MPP9 which were before now not clearly understood. There was also a gender presentation by Mrs. Tammie Kammonke, the PMU gender Expert.

The MPP9 programme in Cross River State was flagged up in Calabar by the Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke. In his speech, the Governor acknowledged the complimentary role of donor agencies in the successful realization of government policies and programmes. He also described the programme as timely and directly related to the poverty reduction effort of His administration and coming at a time the Federal government is taking proactive steps in empowering youths in its amnesty programme of the Niger Delta.

The governor also lauded the choice of Calabar, Cross River State as the Programme Management Unit and Etung in Cross River for the pilot programme, stating that the government will continue to provide enabling environment for MPP9 to excel.  Senator Imoke encouraged the programme to ensure best practices; share knowledge and build capacities while urging stakeholders and benefitting councils to ensure maximum cooperation for optimal success of the initiative in the State.

Also speaking, the Head of the European Union Delegation, Mr. Ramon Maria Granda said the MPP9 is aimed at economic and social development of rural communities in the Niger delta through promotion of participatory and equitable local development and empowerment.

In his remarks, the Minister of National Planning commission, Dr. Samshudeen Usman represented by a director in the Commission, Mrs. Laraba Bagaiya said the four year Mpp9 programme is expected to provide over one thousand two hundred basic infrastructure and income generating options, ensure transparency and create awareness on gender, HIV-AIDS, the environment as well as conflict and human rights issues while also reducing social tension in the catchment zone.

The special Adviser, International Donor Support, Mr. Roy Ndoma-Egba said government is working towards a donor basket to compliment its budgetary base to position the State as one of the most friendly donor partners in the region.

The welcome address was presented by Mrs. Margeret Hammer, the PMU Team Leader while handing over to the State Team Leader Dr. Susan Ohen. The State Team leader noted that the programme will focus on supporting the reform process of government to ensure an effective poverty reduction process as well as enhancing efficient service delivery to the citizenry at the grassroots.

The Commissioner for local Government Affairs, Pastor Edem Ekong lauded the wisdom of the European Union and its Federal Government collaborators as well as the State Government commitment in advancing the task of truly reducing poverty and improving governance in the Country.

The occasion featured the cutting of the partnership cake by the Governor assisted by the head of the EU and Federal Government delegation. Events for the State launch workshop were later rounded up in the evening with a dinner in appreciation of the participants.