*Gov Ben Ayade inaugurates the 17-member CSDA Board; World Bank to Ayade: This is your best foot forward*

His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, today inaugurated a 17-member committee into of the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) Board to further improve on the Human Development Index and Gross Domestic Product of the State.

The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of His Excellency goaded the members to carry on with the mandate of this administration in ensuring a trickle down of development across the State. Also present was the Permanent Secretary, GAO, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Innocent Eteng.

“The World Bank has commended the Cross River State Government led by His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade, for the CSDA initiative as it is the best way to bring development across the State, especially in the hinterlands.

So far we’ve carried out well over 30 (Thirty) micro-projects across the State this year ranging from potable water supply, to solar-powered LED street lights, lavatories to cub open defecation, renovation of classroom blocks and employment of youths and vulnerable people within our communities, she concluded.

The board which is Chaired by Chief Toni Joe Ikpeme, with the Secretary being the Acting GM of the Agency, Mr Fidel Udie, thanked the State Government for the opportunity to serve and promised to give their best in the discharge of their duties collectively.

The board also has four non- statutory members, the Permanent Secretaries from the ministries of Finance, Works, Women Affairs, Local Government Affairs, Social Welfare and Humanity, International Development Cooperation, and the State Planning Commission, and four representatives from Civil Society Organizations.