The China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association in collaboration with Hauxing Art Troupe, has bestowed an award of excellence on Cross River Governor Ben Ayade.
The award, which was presented to the governor in Lagos at the weekend, was part of activities marking this year’s China mid- Autumn Festival and National Day.
The President of the association, Mr. Eric Ni said Ayade was picked for the award for encouraging and implementing “Industrialisation between China and Nigeria using Calabar as a hub.”
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Barr Tina Banku Agbor, expressed gratitude for the honour.
Ayade, who also spoke on the topic: “Economic, Industrial Relationship between Nigeria and China: Cross River as an Industrial Hub” said the relationship between the state and the Peoples Republic of China has been of tremendous benefit to the state.
His words: “Let me thank the organisers of this event for inviting me. I also thank them for the award, which is a validation and an acknowledgement of our genuine efforts at industrializing our state.
“It is also a charge to do much more in creating an economy for Cross River that would not depend on federal allocations.”
He said the topic for the event speaks volumes about the blossoming relationship between China and the state.
According to him, “many Chinese experts have in the last four years, made Cross River their home, providing their expertise in our agro-industrial revolution.”
The governor described his industrialisation drive as unprecedented.
“Cross River is indeed an evolving economic hub. We are industrialising at a pace never before attained by any state or region in Nigeria. China is a major support in this regard.”
He congratulated China on its 2019 mid- Autumn festival and National Day celebration saying, “together, China and Cross River will continue to march, hand in hand, in friendship and love for the good of our peoples.”