Business
Hon. Minister of State for Industry Flags Off Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim Waterfalls Road Project
Ikom, Cross River State – In a landmark event held on January 8, 2025, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, officially flagged off the construction of the much-anticipated Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim Waterfalls road. The project, initiated under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to address decades of challenges faced by the region, enhancing connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.
During his speech at the flag-off ceremony, Senator Enoh highlighted the historical and economic importance of the route, which links the four government-owned cocoa estates established during the late Michael Okpara administration. He emphasized that this project is not just about building a road but about addressing longstanding issues and fostering development for the people of Cross River State.
“The importance of this route cannot be overstated,” the Minister remarked. “From boosting tourism at Agbokim Waterfalls to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and local traders, this project will transform the region.”
The Minister expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support and transformational leadership. He lauded the President’s initiative in naming the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which includes this road, as a critical federal project, thereby cementing Cross River State’s inclusion in national infrastructure plans.
Senator Enoh also thanked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for taking decisive steps to redeem the region’s infrastructure legacy. He acknowledged the initial setbacks faced by the project, including poor contractor selection in 2012, and praised
the current leadership of the NDDC for ensuring a fresh start with competent contractors and a renewed commitment to quality and timely delivery.
Reflecting on the personal significance of the project, Senator Enoh shared his emotional connection to the road, which has been a subject of controversy and delays for years. “For me, public service is about delivering happiness and excitement to the people,” he stated, adding that the successful commencement of this project marks the end of a longstanding jinx.
The road is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region by improving access to the renowned Agbokim Waterfalls, one of Nigeria’s most famous natural attractions. Additionally, the project is poised to enhance economic activities, particularly in agriculture and trade, benefiting local communities along the route.
The ceremony witnessed a large turnout of community members, stakeholders, and government officials, all united in their excitement and optimism for the positive impact the road will bring.
As the construction begins, the people of Cross River State look forward to the fulfillment of this transformative vision, one that promises to strengthen infrastructure, foster economic development, and create a lasting legacy for the region.
Business
NEXIM Bank Advances Inclusive Growth Through Women and Ethical Leadership
Joel Ajayi
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Export-Import Bank, Mr. Abba Bello, has positioned women, ethical standards, and strong institutional values as central pillars of the Bank’s strategy to drive inclusive growth and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Month, Bello emphasised that empowering women goes beyond symbolism, describing it as critical to societal stability and economic productivity.
Represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Ibrahim Gaga, he stressed that women remain indispensable to both family and national development.
According to him, the role of women in society cannot be overstated, urging a shift in perception and greater respect for their contributions. He noted that when given leadership opportunities, women consistently demonstrate diligence, precision, and high performance.
Reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to institutional excellence, Executive Director, Business Development, Stella Okotete, highlighted the importance of workplace values in building trust and sustaining growth.
She linked inclusion directly to development outcomes, noting that when women support one another, institutions become stronger, communities more stable, and nations progress faster. She reaffirmed NEXIM Bank’s commitment to empowering women across Nigeria’s export value chain.
Offering a private sector perspective, Chief Executive Officer of Kulu Abuja, Hauwa Abdulkareem, advocated collaboration over competition among women.
Drawing from her experience, she emphasised the power of support networks, referrals, and visibility in advancing careers.
She challenged women to prioritise value creation over financial gain, encouraging a mindset focused on impact and contribution.
On governance and ethical leadership, legal practitioner and clergy, Sally William Chinedu, presented a three-pronged framework centred on values, ethics, and active sisterhood.
She described values as actions taken even in the absence of oversight, while defining ethics as a safeguard for reputation. She further called for intentional inclusion, urging organisations to amplify women’s voices and eliminate exclusionary practices.
Chinedu outlined practical steps for cultural transformation, encouraging individuals to uphold integrity, speak up for what is right, and actively support female colleagues in the workplace.
In her welcome remarks, Manager, Corporate Communications at NEXIM Bank, Lohya Mamven, reiterated the institution’s commitment to inclusivity.
She stressed that investing in women is not only a matter of equity but a catalyst for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
The event, themed “Give to Gain: Shaping Women for Leadership and Legacy,” underscored a clear policy direction: embedding strong values, enforcing ethical accountability, and promoting collaboration as key drivers of institutional performance and inclusive growth.
At its core, the message from NEXIM Bank was clear—“Give to Gain” is more than a theme; it is a governance approach aimed at building integrity, strengthening trust, and unlocking the full potential of women in advancing Nigeria’s economic future.
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