22nd April, 2024
In a move aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth and development, Governor of Cross Rivers, Bassey Otu, has appointed Dr. Bong Duke as the Secretary of the Cross River State Economic Management Team, with the Governor serving as Chairman.
Dr. Duke, a seasoned economist and financial expert, is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various capacities in the state’s economic sector. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to drive the state’s economic agenda and implement policies aimed at improving the standard of living for citizens.
As Secretary, Dr. Duke will work closely with the Governor and other members of the Economic Management Team to develop and implement economic policies, attract investments, and promote sustainable development in the state.
The Governor, while congratulating Dr. Duke on his appointment, expressed confidence in his ability to drive the state’s economic growth and development.
“Dr. Duke’s expertise and experience make him an ideal candidate for this role. I look forward to working with him to achieve our economic goals,” the Governor said.
Dr. Duke, however, expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the economic prosperity of Cross River State.
Profile of Dr. Duke
Bong Duke is an alumnus of Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea, where he studied Strategic Planning and Economic Development Strategies.
– He has a postgraduate degree in Economics from the University of Calabar, Nigeria.
– He is a celebrated awardee of a Doctorate in Divinity at Zoe Life Institute, Philadelphia, USA.
– He has over 25 years of experience working in diverse sectors, he has served in several Government Administrations in Cross River State, working closely with the Governors.
– He served as the CEO of Donald Duke Vendors, during the Administration of Governor Donald Duke.
– He served as Personal Assistant to Governor Liyel Imoke on ICT Development for four years, Special Assistant to Governor Liyel Imoke on Strategic Planning for another four years.
– Technical Consultant to Duchdorbon®️ in charge of ICT Infrastructural Development for the Government of Rivers State of Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, technically supporting the Governor of Rivers State on ICT Development.
– Technical Consultant (Data Management) to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Geneva – Switzerland, executing projects in Namibia, Togo, Mali, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.
– National Investment Consultant to DFID on the Organization for Economic Development’s (OECD) Policy Framework for Investment (PFI) toolkit in Cross River State.
– International Consultant to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Research and Data Management, in Guinea Bissau.
– Work-Flow Management Consultant to the Presidency, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, Abuja – Nigeria.
– He worked as an International Consultant on the End Project Evaluation of Enhancing Women Workers’ Access to Market (EWAM) in Pakistan, funded by the Embassy of Netherlands.
– Bong Duke served as a Special Adviser to the Government of Cross River State on eCommerce between January 2020 and May 2023 in the Administration of Governor Ben Ayade.
– Bong Duke is well endowed with knowledge of Cross River State Governance.
– Bong Duke was Deputy Secretary and Head of Secretariat of the Cross River State Transition Reports Review Committee 2023, and a major contributor to the People-First Governance Blue Print of Governor Prince Bassey Otu.