C’River Acquires Quarry Licences

As part of strategy to reposition its economy, the Cross River State Government recently, obtained exploration license for limestone and quarry from the Federal Government.
The licenses included; quarry lease for granite, exploration license for limestone, clay and shale’s as well as reconnaissance permit.
Receiving the licenses, during the state executive council meeting at the State Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar.
The State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade thanked the Federal Government for the issuance of the licenses.
In his words, “today, we thank the Federal Government for understanding that States should have the liberty to exploit their natural resources.”
The governor maintained that with the licences handy and the availability of the limestone in the State, the next step is the financial muscles to proceed in the exploration to positively reposition the economy of the State.
Reasoning that Cross Riverians were not limited by the challenges of the time the governor averred: “We are rather inspired by the challenges of our circumstances and so we dream and act big.
“Whatever you conceive within the ambits of the fear of God to improve the livelihood of the people, God will surely lead the way. We have a deep understanding of the natural resources of this State and if Federal Government can show this generosity and extend same, and also have a liberal attitude to gas and oil, we will also in the same vein, start our own refinery as a State,” Ayade explained.
To Cross Riverians, the governor said: “Have faith in us, be patient, for we will surely deliver,” adding that “for a sluggish, tall world economy like Nigeria, infrastructure will be a key business in the next 100 years.”
Applauding the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Resources, George O’ben-Etch, for his commitment towards the procurement of the licenses, Ayade promised to work on the eleven kilometers camp two Mbobui road, Ikot Effangha, being a request put forward by the Commissioner for his people.
Earlier while presenting the licenses to the Governor, Oben-Etchi, said the Governor displayed his vision for the State when he created the Solid Minerals Ministry long before the nation realized the need to invest in such a sector, thereby being the first to create such a Ministry.
The Commissioner affirmed that the creation of the Ministry will “transform the economy of the state, create employment, change the lifestyle of the citizenry and boost business activities in the area.”
He added: “Even with lean resources in the State, you, the Governor, gave us funds from your pocket to aid in our drive. We are prepared to do business and hope that our detractors can look at our books and know that the quarry industries cannot belong to one person, but the state.”

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar