Michael Odere News

On the 3rd and final day of the African Women in Business Expo 2026, held at The Dome, Calabar Municipal Council, I served as the keynote speaker at this important gathering of women entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and stakeholders.
The theme was, “Financing SMEs for Global Competitiveness: Unlocking Access to Capital, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth.”

SMEs are at the heart of economic growth, job creation, and innovation across Africa. To compete globally, we must strengthen access to affordable capital, encourage innovation, and create an enabling financial ecosystem that supports sustainable growth.

I was pleased to contribute to the conversation on how we can move from potential to prosperity by ensuring that African businesses, particularly women-led enterprises, have the financing and opportunities they need to scale, innovate, and compete on the global stage.

Yesterday, I participated in the One-Day Consultative Forum for the 2027 Budget Preparation, organized by the Cross River State Government through the Department of Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation, in collaboration with UNICEF.

The forum provided a valuable platform for engaging stakeholders on the priorities, strategies, and policy directions that will shape the 2027 Budget. As we continue to strengthen our public financial management systems, inclusive consultations such as this remain essential to ensuring that our budget reflects the aspirations and needs of the people of Cross River State.

I commend the Department of Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation and UNICEF for facilitating this important dialogue and reaffirm my commitment to supporting a transparent, accountable, and people-centered budgeting process that drives sustainable development across our state.

May you achieve your goals this new month.

Grateful for the trust. Honored by the opportunity to continue serving Cross River State as Commissioner for Finance. The work continues with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Thank you Senator Prince Bassey Otu

Yesterday, I had the honour of welcoming His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, to Bekwarra for the groundbreaking ceremony of the 10km Ochagbe–Okpeche–Ukpah–Ugboro Road, representing His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

I was also pleased to receive the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Pius Ankpo; the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang; Hon. Egbung Odama; the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area; alongside our respected elders, youths, and women of Bekwarra, who turned out in large numbers for this significant occasion.

The groundbreaking of this road project marks another step towards improving connectivity, boosting economic activities, and bringing sustainable development closer to our communities. I appreciate everyone whose presence made the event a success, and I look forward to the successful completion of this project for the benefit of our people.

Happy New Month