03/08/2026
THINK CROSS RIVER FIRST
AND VALUE EVERYONE INSIDE
From:
A Concerned Citizen
I’m Aniekan Friday Ita aka Vision Xita
I'm from Akwa Ibom by Dad, from Cross River by Mom. I live, work and invest in CRS.
I AM AN EVENT MANAGER AND ARTISTES MANAGER HERE IN CRS.
CEO VISION WORLD ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENT 25 YEARS
CEO VISION WORLD MUSIC 11 YEARS
CEO CALABAR SOUTH EXCLUSIVE MUSIC AWARD 8 YEARS
CEO INSIDE CALABAR MAGAZINE 5 YEARS
I SUPPORT EVERYTHING ENTERTAINMENT HERE IN CRS.
I LOVE YOU Comedian Koboko
I LOVE YOU Thelma Plethora Benson
WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY IN THE STATE IS NOT SOMETHING
We need talk down on anyone.
Cross River State is blessed with rich culture, remarkable people, and immense potential.
The call to “Think Cross River First” is a noble one. It encourages us to support local talent, promote indigenous businesses, and prioritize the development of our dear state. This vision deserves applause.
However, as we champion this cause, there is an important conversation we must not ignore.
Cross River is home not only to its sons and daughters, but also to thousands of non-indigenes who have chosen to live here, invest here, work here, create jobs here, pay taxes here, and dedicate their time and resources to the growth of our state.
Many have spent decades contributing to our economy, education, healthcare, media, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and community development.
These individuals are not competitors to Cross River’s progress they are contributors to it.
Supporting Cross River should never be interpreted as excluding those who have genuinely become part of our development story.
Progress is strongest when it is built on inclusion, merit, collaboration, and mutual respect.
We must be careful that our slogans do not unintentionally create an atmosphere where people feel unwanted simply because they were born elsewhere.
Such perceptions can fuel tribalism, xenophobia, and unnecessary divisions that weaken the very unity we seek to build.
Development does not recognize tribe before it recognizes impact.
Let us celebrate every person making Cross River better whether indigenous or non-indigenous.
Let us encourage partnerships instead of rivalry, cooperation instead of discrimination, and shared prosperity instead of unnecessary competition.
A stronger Cross River is one where everyone with genuine intentions has the opportunity to contribute, innovate, and succeed.
To our indigenous brothers and sisters: continue to rise, lead, and preserve our heritage with pride.
To our non-indigenous residents: thank you for believing in Cross River, investing in our communities, and making this state your home.
Together, we can build a Cross River where diversity becomes our strength, unity becomes our identity, and development becomes our common language.
Let us Think Cross River First but let us also value everyone who puts Cross River First.
Because at the end of the day, the future of our state will not be built by one tribe, one ethnicity, or one group alone.
It will be built by everyone willing to contribute to its greatness.
ONE STATE. ONE PEOPLE. ONE SHARED FUTURE.
Signed:
ANIEKAN FRIDAY ITA - VISION XITA
Event Manager | Artiste Manager | Cross River Stakeholder
I’m Aniekan Friday Ita aka Vision Xita
I'm from Akwa Ibom by Dad, from Cross River by Mom. I live, work and invest in CRS.
Development doesn’t check tribe. It checks impact.
Let’s celebrate both indigenous and non-indigenous people growing CRS.
let’s also value everyone building Cross River.
