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Showing posts from October, 2020

Looting our Heroes Past; Speaker Tours Properties Vandalised by Hoodlums

   By Trinity Jesam Cross River State House of Assembly has embarked on-the- spot assessment on various locations and properties Vandalised by hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful End SARS protest in Cross River State. The Speaker Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams who led the delegation of house members on the inspection frowned on the destruction of private and public properties. Eteng said "having gone round, the destruction does not portend peaceful demonstration but an act of wickedness, criminality of our heritage and the labour of our heroes past. In his statement, he added that we don't have Tinapa, CICC, the most envious in the Nation, Garment factory and we have succeeded in sending investors away but he reassured Crossriverians that the state would bounce back again. Eteng also used this opportunity to call on Crossriverians to collaborate with the government in bringing out the destroyers of our heritage and those involved will never go unpunished, that the government wou

Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency commend CRSPHCDA on Sustainable Healthcare, Seek Collaboration To Strengthen Healthcare Delivery

  The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and it's counterpart from Akwa Ibom state are set to collaborate to create a robust health system in the South South geographical region. The resolution was met when a team of  Management  staff  of the Akwa Ibom state Primary Healthcare Development Agency led by the Executive Secretary paid a one day working and experience sharing  visit to Cross River State to seek ways of fostering a more harmonious working relationship and advancement of health services in  both states. Receiving the Executive Secretary and her team, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong applauded the team for the visit as she pledged the state's willingness to offer both capacity and technical support to the agency while also congratulating the new Executive Secretary for taking Healthcare in Akwa Ibom state to the grassroot which has produced Optimal results. She further pledged

C/River Govt, Dr Linda Ayade, MDF, and Pink Africa Walks against Breast Cancer in Calabar

In commemoration of the  Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is Globally observed on October annually, the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade, Cross River State Government, collaborated with Pink Africa Foundation (Convener of the walk) and other partners like Mediatrix Development Foundation, Lions Club International, Aruba Hospital, Nurse’s Association, CRSMOH, Labour Union amongst others held a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Calabar, tagged ‘Calabar gopink day; beyond Walk the Talk. Cross River State First Lady, Dr Linda Ayade who addressed participants at the Calabar Municipality Council Headquarters at the end of the walk disclosed the low level of awareness regarding the disease, its causes and prevention among women and men, coupled with the population not being proactive l enough to leave their comfort zones and go for lifesaving screening for breast cancer. "These are the major reasons for poor prognosis of cancers in our environment and

DG Congratulates Dr Faisal Shuaib On His Reappointment as ED,NPHCDA

  The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Janet Ekpenyong has congratulated the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Faisal Shuaib on his reappointment as the chief Executive officer of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency for another tenure of four years. Dr Ekpenyong said his reappointment was an act of justification and as a result of hard work of total commitment which has seen the  Nigerian health sector  improve on its laurels especially in the fight against various infectious diseases and improving Primary Healthcare services across the country. She wished him luck and more achievements in the next four years as Nigeria commits to the actualization of Universal Health Coverage which will bring healthcare closer to the people,with more affordable, accessible and people oriented Services. On behalf of myself and the entire management and staff of the Cross River State Primary Healt

Peter Odey Facilitates the Renovation of School Blocks at St. Peter's Primary School, Ojerim, Mbube

  Peter Odey is the Leader of Cross River State House of Assembly and respresenting the good people of Ogoja State Constituency.  Odey said "Education remains the bedrock of any society. Without a quality and conducive environment we may never get it right.  He further added that as an Apostle of Education and good governance, He facilitated the renovation of  school blocks at ST PETER'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, OJERIM, MBUBE.   As a Leader he promised not to rest until his desire  towards making Ogoja, his primary constituency the envy of many across the State. Our people deserve the best, and we can not have the leaders of our dreams in the nearest possible future if we do not provide the right learning atmosphere for them... He added The class room blocks have been completed and handed over to the school for use by the pupils. For me, that is what service and leadership is all about. My heart is filled with joy and excitement that I can put smiles on the faces of my people again...

Handwashing Day: Preventive measures like hand washing saves life and it’s cost effective....Dr. Linda Ayade

The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr Linda Ayade has called on Cross Riverians to continue the practice of regular hand washing as one of the tool to fight against COVID-19 and other diseases. She made this call during an interactive session with United Purpose, State Ministry of Health, Mediatrix Development Foundation and the Cross River State WASH Media Network in her office on Thursday as part of the activities to commemorate the Global Handwashing Day. She emphasized on regular hand washing as the best vaccine for prevention of diseases caused from bacterias, contamination and other micro organisms. "It takes only 20 seconds of hand washing to get rid of this diseases and costs almost nothing for this activity to prevent the transfer of germs which we easily pick up as our hands touch handrails, door knobs, table tops, animals, toys and when we shake hands with people. According to her, Mediatrix Development Foundation over the years have partnered with United Purpo

Lafarge Africa reiterates Commitment to the economic growth and development of C/River State

  Leading West African Cement producers, Larfarge Africa PLC on Thursday at Cross River State Ministry of Finance reiterated their Commitment to the Cross River State Government with a promise to help grow and develop  the State economy.   This was made known when the Country Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr Khaled El Dokani paid a courtesy visit to the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr at the Ministry of Finance, Calabar.   The CEO of Lafarge was accompanied by Mr Gbemiga Owolabi and Mr Inyang Inyang, the Director Human Resource and Public Relations Officer respectively to the visit.   The Commissioner, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr commended the cordial relationship between Lafarge and Cross River State Government for many years now. He went further to eulogize Lafarge Africa for being a significant contributor to the Gross Domestic Product of Cross River State as well as the State’s internally generated revenue.   The Commissioner restated that what aff

Current Federation Allocation Indices review; Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr Engages RMFAC Team in Cross River

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMFAC team led by Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Usman, Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State on Monday visited Cross River State on a sensitization engagement and the need to provide quality data for the purpose of the review of revenue indices used in the sharing of the Federation’s monthly allocation to the Federal Government, 36 States and the 774 Local Government. According to him, the Commission had done verification exercise in 2018 and all the data that was collected across the country were found to be very spurious, there were a lot of mistakes, discrepancies and inflated data.  "We don’t want any Local Government or state to cheat another local government or state in the federation. We are for equality, we are for justice, we are for fairness. That’s why we are giving all the states and local governments fresh opportunities to assemble their data, so that when we come for the state verification exercise and analyz

C/River State Govt commences performance review of the top 50 Revenue Generating MDAs

  Following the directives of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade for an immediate review of the performance of the top 50 Revenue Generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Cross River State Ministry of Finance and Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has convened a review meeting & strategy session to appraise the performance of the revenue generating MDAs in the State & proffer strategies at raising the revenue profile.  Revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have strategized on improving stakeholder engagements towards increasing revenue for Cross River State. The engagements which are scheduled to hold over a 2 week period kicked off on 13th October, 2020 in Calabar with the Education cluster led by the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Dr Godwin Amanke, in his company were Provost & Bursars of Colleges and Schools in the State as well as Directors and Deputy Directors fr

Dr. Betta Donates Covid-19 Prevention Materials to Private and Public Schools in Cross River State

With the resumption of schools in both Public and Private schools in the State, the State's Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has in her usual magnanimity supported most Private and Public Schools with COVID-19 prevention materials to help protect the returning students as well as their staff. Dr Edu through her Media Aide Engr Ntem Kris visited a couple of Private Schools in Obubra LGA to carryout massive COVID-19 sensitization and to educate both the Teachers and Students on the possible ways of preventing the spread of the virus and the necessary requirements according to the NCDC standard in all schools to ensure safety and a healthy living amongst Students and Teachers. In his words; "Am here on behalf of the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Sen Prof Ben Ayade through the CRSMOH headed by Dr Betta Edu. It has been a difficult moment for you especially the Private School Teachers and the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu understands your plight, share

STAKEHOLDERS CONVERGE AHEAD OF OCTOBER 27 AYADECARE FLAG-OFF

  By Kingsley Agim Stakeholders, earlier today, converged to put finishing touches to heightened efforts ahead of October 27 flag-off of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, popularly called AYADECARE. Speaking at the meeting which held in her Office, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, said October 27 has been tentatively set for commencement of enrolment into the State Health Insurance Scheme, with 5,000 enrollees being the target for the first day. Dr. Edu, who described health insurance as “serious business,” reaffirmed that the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration is “highly committed to see that Cross Riverians are out of “catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure.” “We need to be sure that we have the supply end ready, the necessary agencies ready and all agreements should have been signed and issued out, Third Party Administrators (TPAs) should be on ground, doing their work on sensitization and mobilization, software and hardware to be used needed to be

COVID-19 Taskforce fumigates Schools in Cross River ahead of resumption

  As the government of Nigeria ordered reopening of all schools, Cross River State Covid-19 Response Taskforce led by its Chairman and Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu and the Secretary, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr, Commissioner Finance over the weekend embarked on supervision of schools fumigated ahead of full resumption. It would be noted that for about 3 months after the easing of lockdown, schools have not reopen to allow students write their examinations.  The Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu said Cross River State Government is fumigating schools as a way of disinfecting the school environment and ensuring safe resumption of academic activities.  "We would continue to give due attention to fumigation in this instance while stressing the importance of addressing more beneficial and sustainable strategies to prevent COVID-19 in Nigerian schools. Secretary of the Taskforce and Cross River State Finance Commissioner, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr disclosed that good hygiene can he

Cross River Trains Teachers Ahead Of COVID-19 Era School Resumption

  Teachers comprising Principals, Vice Principals, Head Masters and Head Mistress under the employ of the Cross River State government have been trained on COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) best practices to adopt as schools  resume after months of closure because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The two days training which started from West African People's Institute (WAPI) Calabar for those in this region, and has moved to the central and northern part of the state; was on  graced  by the Commissioner for Health and Chairman Cross River State COVID-19 Response and Taskforce, Dr Betta Edu. According to her the training is aimed at preventing and reducing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 among school staff and students which will also prevent transmission among students and the wider community. This is also important to create a link between the schools and the LGA/ state rapid response team in their locality. She said every school should have a pla

Experts Seek Proper Dietary For Nursing Mothers and Children to Caution Incidences of Malnutrition

  Adequate and balanced  dietary requirements has been identified as a leading growth stimulants for children ,with all essential nutrients in their right proportion in place,the physical and mental development of children is guaranteed,but when these conditions are not met,the physical and mental well being of there children may be affected. This assesstiin was made by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Agency Dr Janet Ekpenyong at the paediatric unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital on a visit to a two year old child who is said to be suffering from acute malnutrition. Dr Ekpenyong while examing the child identified poor and improper feeding to have caused her under development which also paved way for the harboring of some common illnesses that may have been averted if proper conditions were met, she also charged families to place priorities on children and caregivers daily nutrients requirements to check the growing concern on malnutritio

The Obong Of Calabar Pledges Total Support To The Fight Against Quackery In CRS; Says The Fight Is Long over Due; Calls For Immediate Action

To achieve Universal Health Coverage with access to quality health care, health system strengthening with sanitization of the health system to drive away quacks must be ensured.  Quackery, often synonymous with Health Fraud  is perpetuated by fraudulent or ignorant persons who pretend to have medical skill or even a person who pretends professionally or publicly, to have skill, knowledge, qualification or credentials/license they do not possess; this illegality has become the order of the day in some parts of Cross River state and the Government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade through the Cross River State ministry of Health will leave no stone unturned in its fight against quackery. The State's Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and her team paid the Obong of Calabar and his Council of Etuboms a courtesy visit to inform and seek their support on the new government’s decision to sanitize the health sector, flush out quacks and make them face the wrath of the law, while strengthening the sy

More Communities key into Ayade's vision as Female Clan head Upgrades PHC Akai Effa

  More Communities are beginning to key into Senator Ben Ayade's vision in taking healthcare to the doorstep of every Cross Riverian as the clan head of Akai Effa Community upgrades Health post into a functional Health Centre to encourage clients patronage. The gesture which received commendations from the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong and other stakeholders in the health sector will linger in the minds of Community members in a very long time to come. Commissioning the facility on behalf of the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, the DG Primary Healthcare Development Agency thanked the vision bearer and Clan Head of Akai Effa Community, High Chief Mrs Henrietta Efa-Akpera for keying into the vision of the present Administration in making healthcare available and accessible to all Cross Riverians irrespective of where they are. Dr Ekpenyong thanked her for mobilizing people into the facility as well as championing

CRSPHCDA to Partner State House of Assembly for the amendment of law to Check Maternal Mortality in the state

The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency  and the state House of Assembly are set to collaborate for the amendment of laws limiting Cultural and orthodox Birth practices as a means of checking the rising figures of maternal Mortality in the state. This was part of the communique reached when the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly alongside members of the House committee on Health at the Assembly Complex in Calabar, Cross River State. The DG who enumerated various efforts made so far by the state to discourage the patronage of the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) by pregnant women, disclosed that delibrate measures are to be taken  over the continuous threat to life of pregnant women by these local birth centres within their neighborhood. She therefore called for a legislation to empower the Agency and State to prosecute illegal birth

World Sight Day: Ekpenyong Calls For Improved Awareness And Enlightenment On Common Causes of Blindness

  As Cross River State join the rest of the world to mark world sight day, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Janet Ekpenyong has Called on all citizens to consider regular  eye check-up part of their yearly and routine of health management practices. She made the call in Calabar during an interactive section with  members of the Cross River State optometrists Association in her office who came to seek for improved partnership between the group and the Agency. Dr Ekpenyong said aside the flourishing business of quackery by some unlicenced eyes service providers, enlighnment should as well  be carried out in all villages to ensure that people don't compromise the quality of their sights by the use of unhygienic objects  and unprescribed substances. "People should begin to make conscious efforts in checking their eyes as often as possible, One of the challenges people face  is lack of proper information on how to manage their e

2020 World Sight Day; Cross River State Eye program. Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) Develops First Eye Health Policy in state. Offers free eye services

The Cross River State Government In Collaboration with the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) a non profitable, professional society for Ophthalmologists is today celebrating her 2020 World Sight Day with the theme "HOPE IN SIGHT." In commemoration to this day that is always set aside for the second Thursday of every October, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu who spoke on behalf of the Government has assured Cross Riverians that it will go the extra mile to bring eye care services to their door step providing solutions to those with eyes challenged. the government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade understands that the eye is the window to the body and the World as such will sustain and improve on the eye care program in the State. "As a State we had started the “Ayade 1000 Free Eye Surgery and Free Eye Checks” that we successfully carried out in two Local Government Areas, Akampa and Biase, before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will still cover the

Cross River State Government Flag off Modified Improved Medical outreach program to enhance Immunization and PHC services

  The Cross River State Government has flagged off the Modified Integrated Medical outreach program (M-IMOP) commencing the radical and nation wide holistic  approach towards improving Immunization and other primary health care services across the country. The exercise which is  the brain child if the national primary health care development agency is poised to expanding PHC services to hard to reach areas and local government council's which are challenged by some constraints limiting access to health workers during outrrach programs. Flagging off the exercise at the  Calabar Municipal area council of Cross River State,the state's deputy governor,Professor Ivara Esu said,the exercise will as much as possible meet the health needs of the people. On her part,the state Commissioner for Health,Dr Betta Edu urged health workers to make themselves available to assist parents and children who are in various hard to reach areas in the state. According to her, the flag-off ceremony of

Cross River Digitalizes Health Response as Deputy Governor Unveils Health Situation Room At Ministry Of Health

Every war must have a war room; a situation room where the gladiators meet to plan, strategize, analyze, update, brief and effectively mange response to any issue. The health challenges in the country and indeed the state has called for this war room approach to effectively respond to health challenges, gather Data, monitor staff and facility performance as well as link communities to health services, there is need for the Health response in the state to go digital and that is exactly what the Government of Governor Ben Ayade has done! The World has gone digital and the CRS Health Sector is not left behind. Today the State's Deputy Governor Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu has unveiled the State's Health Situation Room located at the Cross River State Ministry of Health an idea and vision of the workaholic Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu aimed at digitalizing the  health response in the state. The State Commissioner for Health who played host to His Excellency welcomed the dynamic and he

Rotary 40th Installation Ceremony:Dr Janet Ekpenyong Receives "Community Service Award

The Rotary Club Calabar has awarded the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Janet Ekpenyong an award of "Community Service" in recognition to the numerous services she has offered to people especially in the grassroot. The award was part of the Club's 40th installation Ceremony of it's President and Officials held at the 520 ,Kolanut and Events Centre,Calabar the Cross River State Capital had in attendance business tycons, technocrats , Academicians as well as professionals in all fields of endeavors. While presenting the award of recognition on behalf of the group,the newly installed President of the Club,Dr Peter Ojie described Dr Janet Ekpenyong as an achiever whose services to various communities across the state has impacted immensely in the lives of the ordinary people. "Rotary recognize the role Dr Janet Ekpenyong is playing,She has come as a very strong force In the last few months. she has been at the forefr

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE HON SPEAKER, CRSHA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA'S 60TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

  I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,  all the 36 State Governors especially, Sen. Prof. Ben. Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, on the Occasion of the 60th Independence Anniversary of our great Country, Nigeria. I appreciate  all those who fought for Nigeria's Independence and indeed to every Nigerian, I say congratulations. It is not easy to attain 60 years of age. A man at 60 is a matured man and for Nigeria, we have had uninterrupted Democracy from 1999 to date and I must say democracy is the best option of governance"  Our Independence represents freedom from oppression and I wish to also use this auspicious occasion to advise every Nigerian to stay closer to God.  Nigerians  should think of what to do to better the lives of fellow Nigerians. We must all; think Nigeria, think Cross River!  God bless Nigeria! Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, Speaker, CRSHA

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE MEMBER REPRESENTATING ETUNG STATE CONSTITUENCY

  I Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar, member representating Etung State Constituency, in the 9th Cross River State House of Assembly, and the Chairman House Committee on Commerce,Industry, BPPP, Investment  promotion and Privatization, as well as the extraordinary Adviser, to The Right Honourable Speaker. May I on this  occasion of Nigeria's 60th Independence day Anniversary celebration to felicitate with the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohamadu Buhari GCFR, the Vice President, Prof.Yemi Osinbajo, (GCON)  May I also commiserate with His Excellency, the Super Digital Governor of Cross River State Sen. Prof Ben Ayade. Our humble Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu. The Rt.Hon.Speaker, Eteng Jona Williams and my dear Colleagues Honourable members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, to this ospicious and historic occasion. For my Constituency, the very Excellent people of Etung State Constituency, please note that t

Ekpenyong Felicitate with Senator Ayade and Cross Riverians On The Occasion of Nigeria's 60th Independence Celebration

  The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong is felicitating with the Cross River State Government and it's people   on  the occasion of the nation's Diamond Jubilee Celebration. Dr Ekpenyong who commended the current  state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, past  Governors and their team for laying a great foundation for the state, urged Cross Riverians to remain hopeful inspite of the challenges we are facing as a nation. She therefore call on all Cross Riverians to leverage on the gains of the current administration in areas of Improved Healthcare delivery, as she read out praises to  the Governor for prioritizing health for the citizens. "It has been 60 amazing years for us as a nation, we have had our ups and we have had our downs as well, but where we are heading to is more glorious than where we are now. we must appreciate the efforts of our founding fathers especially the current Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, o

Nigeria @60; CRS Finance Commissioner, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr Calls for More Enterprising Innovations from Citizens

  The Cross River State Commissioner For Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr has called on Cross Riverians to use the 60th Birthday Anniversary of Nigeria and reflect on their innovative minds towards creating an enabling economy that will salvage the current world financial situation worsened by COVID-19 Global Pandemic. He made this known through a press release personally signed by him on the 60th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria. The Statements reads.. Let us rejoice in happiness and indulge in celebration of our nation at 60, while Saluting them who made it possible, and heroes and heroines who made Nigeria stand high and mighty. Let us make them our inspiration. Our free life today is the result of 60 years of struggle and sacrifice of many thousands. We are proud to be Nigerians and we are proud to be a part of this glorious nation. Let us celebrate the glory of Nigeria and Cross River State by upholding the Pride and Honor of being a Nigerian. Let us remember to be more creative