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  2020 Christmas, the people of Yakurr II State Constituency of Cross River State  once again have reasons to count blessings and sing praises to God on account of the bold choice they made few years ago when they voted massively for Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Willaims to represent them in the Cross River State House of Assembly and their votes did not only made him a member of the State Assembly but propel him to be Speaker of the 9th Assembly.  Therefore, as part of activities to celebrate his birthday and the glad tidings of Christmas, the Speaker, today, in his Mkpani residence, Yakurr LGA, thought it necessary to extend his benevolence and goodwill to his constituents especially to those who lacked the means to fully share in the joyous moment of Christmas and had lost hope that a blessing of that magnitude could come their way this year.  The event gave special attention to the aged women, youths, PDP family and traditional rulers across the eleven council wards of Yakurr II State Cons

  A University Don and Senior Communication Scholar, Dr. Barr. Ukam Ngwu, has describe the National President of Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Alumni Association, Mr. Eyam Abeng as a Sagacious Leader of the Year and a reference point for the youths of Cross River State and beyond. The renown Communication Scholar eulogized the Alumni President for his steadfastness, courage, purposefulness and tenacity for greater heights, adoring him as the Classical Young Emerging 'Leader of the Year'. The scholar who took to Social Media to celebrate this rare gem, commended the uncommon display of wisdom, gentility, intellectual sagacity and ingenuity by Mr. Abeng which has overtime helped him to sumant and surpass all seeming barriers as well as banana peels on his way to remain outstanding and unbeatable even among equals. "Mr. Eyam Abeng is Clasaical Leader and a reference point in CRUTECH Alumni and beyond. He has proved himself as an ideal leader with unquantifiab

  *When I thought all hope was lost Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr came to our rescue by enrolling us free for FG MSME Payroll Support grant.....Odey George* *I registered under one Marcel Edet in the Commissioner's office for free, I was assured that it wasn't a scam. Today I and my 8 staff have been paid 30,000 for 2 months now........Mrs Angela Okon* In what started like a joke some months ago, precisely October, has turned out to be a thing of joy for over 1000 Cross Riverians across the 18 LGAs who enrolled free of charge for the Federal Government Survival Fund Program  Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises which  includes Payroll Support, Guaranteed Offtake and MSME Grant.  Some beneficiaries across the State have  expressed their feelings in randomly selected testimonials collated by the Office of the Commissioner over the weekend. They noted that they didn’t have to know anyone to benefit from the payroll support grant. According to some of them it was the effort of the Honorable C

The Senator Representing Cross River South Senatorial district, Sen. Gershom Bassey, yesterday, distributed tricycles to his constituents from Biase Local government Area. The groups which benefited from the empowerment include, The voice of Biase(VOB), Biase Youths Movement(BYM), Biase Unity Forum(BUF), the groups were represented by, DG-VOB, Mr Iyom Ukam(BYM) and Barr Mba Ukweni(BUF). While Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Barr Ekpo Ada who represented the Senator urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to the betterment of their members and communities, he also urged the group to promote unity and promised that more groups will be captured in the near future. On their part, the beneficiaries lauded the senator's kind and promised to give him as much political support that he needs to any level. Below is a breakdown of Some of the projects executed by Senator Gershom Bassey in Biase LGA; ROAD PROJECTS: I. Rehabilitation of Akpet Central-Ugbem-Biakpan-

  A member of the National Assembly representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Senator Gershom Bassey is currently making headlines after he shared tricycles worth over millions of Naira to youth in Calabar as part of his plan to empower youth in his constituency. The empowerment which is in segmentation is expected to reach more Local Government Areas, the social reach-out according to the Senator, it is not just limited to Southern Senatorial but it cut across other Local Government Areas in the Central and Northern Senatorial District respectively. Presenting the tricycles (Keke Napep) to the beneficiaries, the lawmaker said the gesture to empower the youth in his constituency was to make them self-reliant and be able to contribute to the development of the state and the nation. “This is in line with the manifesto of our great party, the PDP. During my campaigns l promised to carry the youth along so this is some of my blueprints to empower my people” he said. Below are

  “If Betta has; small or big, Abi and Cross Riverians enjoys, she is a compassionate giver” - Chief Eval Ezong  It was indeed a merry Christmas for the people of Adadama ward in ABI Local Government, Councilors from the 10 wards in ABI and the party Chapter leadership as they were beneficiaries of the Christmas gifts from Governor Ayade’s Commissioner Dr Betta Edu. As narrated by Chief Eval Ezong, “ Dr Betta Edu has been a blessing to us since 2011 even before she got into any political position. Our Daughter Dr Edu will always come back to either carry out free health outreach or distribute food and clothing items free to our people. She raised the Bar in 2017 when she started paying fees and other Levies for all our children in this ward. Even when she left as DG of Primary Health she still continued to pay the fees before she got appointed  as Commissioner. The Entire ABI LGA is very grateful to Governor Ben Ayade for the gift of Dr Betta Edu as a commissioner, we feel the impact a

  Sen. Gershom Bassey has put a smile on the faces of his constituents this yuletide season by empowering his constituents with tricycles, in order to foster independency and self reliance amongst youths. This is coming after the Senator had facilitated a grant of N473,000 for his constituents, empowered 200 constituents and facilitated the training and empowerment of women in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.  The PDP Chairman, Calabar South Chapter, Hon Felix Offiong while delivering the keys to Mr. Eyo Essien on behalf of Emem Abasi Group, Anantigha, Mr. Rueben Okon Ekpo on behalf of ID Boys, and Hon. Ikpeme Erete on behalf of Gershom Ambassadors, enjoined them to make judicious use of the tricycles to help themselves. The Senator believes in hard work and will be encouraged to do more if the tricycles are put to good use. Sen. Gershom Bassey represented by his DG, Hon Ekpo Ada charged the recipients to use the tricycles to generate income that will supplement their

  Even with the harsh economy, haven joined matrimonially not long ago, the Cross River State Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Patriot (Dr) Okweche Dominic Odey still quizzed out himself to put smiles on the faces of his Officers. The Commandant has distributed rice and other items to Officers at the Command Headquarters in Calabar.  He said, " it is important to call you together and share the little I have with you all as a sign of love and appreciation to God for keeping us alive to witness this day".  The Commandant stressed that "though, this year Christmas is celebrated on a low key owing to the global pandemic but we can't stop being thankful to God". He enjoined all Officer to remain dedicated, dutiful and to desist from all acts of indiscipline.

  By Emmanuel Onwuka  In a bid to tackle the issue of unemployment and to reinvent creative potentials, the Project Development Institute (PRODA) in collaboration with Trans Afrique Logistics Services Limited organised a two-day Entrepreneurship Development Training for women in Southern Senatorial District, Cross River State. The training is sponsored by Sen. Gershom Bassey. The training is to enable entrepreneurs access Agro Small and Medium Investment Scheme and other packages. The training officer, Chris Anyanwu stated that the two-day capacity building training is intended to unlock and reinvent creative potentials and provide another opportunity for entrepreneurs to either start or scale up their existing businesses. He also mentioned that one of the major problems facing youths in the country was employment, hence the need to train youths on businesses. “One of the core values of every effective administration is human capital development, which is the foundation of the socioeco

  Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has called on residents in the state to generously support towards the welfare of the families of our fallen heroes by making donations and purchase of Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem. Sir Ayade made this known on Tuesday while launching the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem in remembrance of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces and make contributions towards the support of their families and welfare of retired men and women of the force at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House,  Calabar. The Governor represented by his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu explained that the fallen heroes are officers and men of the Armed Forces who had paid the ultimate price by laying  down their lives during the first and second world wars, the Nigerian civil war, ongoing fight against insurgents and other peace-keeping operations within and outside the shores of the country to ensure we lived peacefully and secured. "As we celebrate o

  By Onah Agbaje in Calabar Cross Riverians from all walks of life have continued to laud the recent empowerment initiative of the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA)under its Corporate Social Responsibility Social  intervention Programme in which hundreds of people have benefitted in the State.. They have also extolled the philanthropical disposition of the NPA Board Chairman,Chief Akin Ricketts,who they emphasized,is reputed for organizing such empowerment initiatives annually for the less privileged and widows in the last three decades. The Nigerian Ports Authority had last weekend empowered over three hundred very poor and less privileged  persons drawn from the Six Local Government areas of the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State,comprising Abi,Boki,Etung,Ikom,Obubra and Yakurr,all having a combined total of Sixty-six Political Wards.The Empowerment items donated include :100 Brand new Motorcycles,50 Butterfly Sewing Machines while over one hundred widows were gifted Wrappe

  From Kayode Lawal Abuja.  A traditional ruler in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Etsu Kwali, Dr Shabban Audu, has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to give assent to the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) Establishment Bill when transmitted to him by the National Assembly. The Abuja monarch enjoined the President not to decline assent to the bill as he did during the eight National Assembly. Speaking at a lecture on "Nation Building and Security Challenges: Advancing an All Inclusive Security Architecture". organized by the PCN to mark the end of year 2020, the traditional ruler claimed that the country needs the Peace Corp of Nigeria to enable it contribute solutions to security challenges. He said that from his interactions, the Peace Corp officers are well trained and highly educated and will do well for the country in the intelligence gathering that will help other arms of the security agencies to combat and curtail the unpalatable security situation in the country

  Happy birthday to you the mother Theresa of our time, a mentor, a Philanthropist, a mother and friend to all. On this occasion of your birth, I must  thank and appreciate you immensely for your motherly love and support towards my personal development,  you are indeed a blessing to me and this generation. Your simplicity, your indiscrimate nature, encouraging words have helped me become a better me, to break limits and keep my head high, truely am a product of your genuity. I have met great and accomplished women, but the tenderness of your love and vast knowledge coupled with the fear of God in you  have placed you top on the rank . You are an epitome of beauty and womanhood worthy of emulation. It's a huge privilege to know you, associate with you and work under your mentorship. As you Celebrate this all important day of your life, I wish you greater peace of mind, more accomplishments, sound health and may all your heart desires come to pass.  Happy birthday Your Excellency, I

Today 23rd Day of December 2020 was truly a day to be reckoned with as the 9th Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams received Eminent Peace Ambassador's Award as end of year gift. The Eminent Peace Ambassador was also bestowed on Rt. Hon. Hilary E. Bisong, for his significant support for peace development in Cross River State, Nigeria and the globe. International Association of World Peace Advocates honours government officials, whose exemplary efforts has significant improvement of lives of others in the society and the world in general. Receiving the Award, the Speaker noted that Cross River State has shown the whole world that we can keep our shoulders for our brothers and sisters to lean on and even in the state we have been able to keep refugees in our state. He also used the opportunity to preach peace by urging everyone to make peace with one another. Speaker assured the body of partnership and the involvement of all assembly members in the organization activities

   It is baffling to truly comprehend the Humanitarian crisis that has and is still bedevilling the whole World because of the surge of the New Corona Virus Pandemic.  We have witnessed the contraction of Major World Economies occasioned by phased lockdowns. This untoward situation has affected immensely the livelihoods of citizens of the World especially those at the lowest rung of the Economic ladder. Nigeria is already a very poor Country in terms of our Human Development Index which is pegged at low. This worrisome circumstance has been exacerbated by the Pandemic; ultimately leading to a Recession in our dear Country. The attendant effect of the aforesaid is evident in the economic turmoil and hardship faced by many Nigerians and Cross Riverians alike.  It is in times like this that the greatest virtues of men are unlocked. These virtues are expressed in the humanitarian efforts of charitable individuals and Organisations to alleviate the sufferings of the poorest in our Country N

Cross Riverians seeking capital to fund a business idea or for money to expand an existing business now have a golden opportunity through the Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation (AEF) in collaboration with the NIRSAL Bank’s approved Entrepreneurhip Development Institute, Moure Consult in the Agric Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme, AGSMEIS, established by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, as an empowerment programme which also benefits all age categories willing to get into agriculture or any other small and medium scale business. This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Mr Emmanuel. According to him Cross Riverians can access a soft loan facility to the tune of N10 million. The loan covers all categories of small and medium enterprises, yet the most interesting part is that the recipients have seven years to pay back the loan and at a concessionary five per cent (5%) interest rate. He commended the applicants for their coordination through out the training

  Cross River Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has condoled with the family, friends, and associates of the deceased state Commissioner of Police, Abudukadir Jimoh.  In a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr. Hope Obeten, the Speaker also extends condolences to the Nigerian Police Force where Abudukadir Jimoh dedicated his life and energy to the unity and peace of the country. The Speaker also recognised the contributions of the deceased towards the enforcement of peace and security in the state in the very short term he served.  “CP Jimoh understood the place of dedication and compassion in public service which earned him admiration and respect in the force as well as from us all”, Speaker said.  He, therefore, expressed the hope that Jimoh’s dedication to duty would continue to inspire colleagues he left behind. “My thoughts are with the Jimoh’s family during this time of mourning. I pray to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and bless him wi

  By Itam Offor The winner of the recent bye-Election for Obudu State Constituency, Mrs Maria Godwin Akwaji has taken the Oath of Office as a Member of the Cross River State House of Assembly. Mrs Akwaji was elected to complete the 4 year tenure of her late husband, Hon. Godwin Akwaji who died in June 2020 after serving for about one year. Administering the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Membership, the Speaker, Rt Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams charged the new Member to abide by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the discharge of her duties. Williams congratulated the new Lawmaker on her victory at the polls and welcomed her to the  9th Assembly. Speaking to Journalists after the swearing-in, Akwaji expressed gratitude to God, the Governor of the State Prof. Ben Ayade as well as her Constituents for the opportunity to serve. She promised to justify the confidence reposed in her by the Obudu people who have given her the mandate to represent them. You m

  Cross River State government's year 2020 maternal, newborn and Child Health Week Begins today the 17th day of December 2020 across the 18 Local Government Areas. This event offers great opportunity for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children to enjoy free medical health care services for the duration of the exercise. Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, Deputy Governor, who was represented by Dr. Betta Edu, Commissioner of Health flagged off the exercise at PHC Mayne Avenue, Calabar South. Edu noted that they have a full integrated package for mothers And children ranging from deworming tablets, HIV test, screening for malnutrition and provision of nutritional supplements alongside antimalarials bed nets. She appealed to all women and children to come out and benefit for this health Christmas package. During interview with Press men Edu in her words" Cross River State is rated by UNICEF as the best state with child survival rate in Nigeria. The under-5 mortality rate in Cross River

  The Hult Prize challenge of Cross River State University of Technology has announced team DC SOLAR STOVE as the winner of hult prize challenge. Hult Prize which theme this year is "Food for Good, for sustainable development".  Hult Prize urged young people to envision their possibilities as leader of Change in the world. This year Crutech Hult Prize challenge was held at the bridge leadership foundation mini hall and the five group that made it to finals include; DC STOVE, JEMK CYCLE Farm, Organic Farm, Ekig Much Boost and Think Hana. All the groups did excellently well, above average and showcased their prowess in entrepreneurship in providing lasting solution in the world they find themselves and beyond. Since in every competition they must be a winner, the DC SOLAR STOVE came out first with a well designed prototype DC SOLAR STOVE for all. During the testimonies of the teams or competitors, they stated their challenges, benefits and experience they had during mentoring s

  The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has conducted verification execise for environmental health officers in the state as a means of boosting and optimizing the services of the unit in the state. Addressing the workers at the Agency's Head office in calabar,the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Janet Ekpenyong urged the workers to cooperate with the screening committee in order to achieve the desired aim of the exercise. The DG who was represented by the Director of Administration Barrister John Odu said,the aim of the execise is to create a unified system where all environmental health officers in the state can be in cooperated in line with the laws guiding their system of operation. Barrister Odu said,the agency having the mandate to provide quality healthcare to 70% of Cross Riverians across the state,can only function effectively if all staff are brought under one control system where regulation of their

  The Campus Director HultPrize Miss Vivian Ubani today, the 9th day of December 2020 said that Cross River University of Technology is to joined Universities around the world to compete for one million dollars entrepreneurship competition in tackling the global food challenges. According to Ubani the competition is coming up on the 15th day of December 2020 and Crutech is the host, with the theme "Food for Good for sustainable Development". Director added that over 3000 compuses are competing from 120 countries around the world and these young people would envision their own possibilities as leaders of change. She opined that Crutech is privileged to be representing the state and hosting this event the second time. Ubani enthused that the competition over the years had enabled students think critically, analyzing topical issues that concern them and their environment, adding that "this gives an opportunity to create the next generation of entrepreneurship Leaders whose

  A bill establishing the Cross River State Polytechnic scaled second reading in the House of Assembly today, the 8th day of December 2020. The Bill, if passed and assented to by His Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade would provide facilities for courses of instructions, training and research in science and technology, tourism, management and other fields of studies. Sponsor of the bill, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member representing Ogoja State Constituency explained that the state polytechnic would by the bill provide a better technological education. According to Odey, during press briefing noted that there was a polytechnic before now and it was changed to a university and the House is not against the Bill that changed the polytechnic to a University. Odey added that for now technological advancement is lacking and no state grows outside its technological advancement. Leader opined that with the industrialization drive of the State Gover

  Cross River State Government has unveiled strategic plan 8! Partnership with the United Nations Fund and Population Agency (UNFPA)  to achieve Global Program for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Strategic Partnership was sealed during a two-day 2020  end of the Year review and 2021 annual work plan  event held in Calabar. Declaring the meeting open, the State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, *Inyang Asibong*,called on all partners to assess the extent of UNFPA’s program implementation and results achieved in relations to the planned intervention in 2020 associated with COVID-19 pandemic. Asibong said the partnership  will also unveil a 2021 strategy which would serve as post-COVID-19 recovery plan across board.  She added that "The strategic plan should be in tandem with the State Government’s priority and the UNFPA key agenda on 2030 principles to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, focusing on women, adolescent

Professor David Ekundayo Irefin, formerly of University of Maiduguri but now former Dean of Art's and Social sciences Federal University Lokoja, is an Archbishop and international president of Christ Universal Missionary Crusade Fellowship. He has travelled widely on both missionary and academic trips. In this interview, he looks at array of problems besetting Nigeria and proffers his own type of solution. Excerpts... Q. Everyone is worried about the political state of Nigeria. Are you worried, too? A. I am. Nigeria is currently witnessing nepotism, corruption, division, discrimination, tribalism, religious intolerance and wickedness. This current political state has led to chaos, woes, banditary, violence, kidnapping, senseless killings, lawlessness, and uncertainty. Today, Nigeria is ranked the third most dangerous place to live on earth. Politicians, religious and traditional leaders and ordinary citizens are calling on the president to sack service chiefs. It is worrisome. Q. W

  Cross River State Government under the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency on Monday, the 7th Day of December 2020 flagged-off MENINGITIS "A" Vaccination in the state in order to protect children against the disease. The father of immunization, Deputy Governor of Cross River State Prof. Ivara Esu who was ably represented by the Commissioner of Health Dr. Betta Edu flagged off the exercise at Ediba Primary Healthcare facility, Calabar. Addressing Men of the Press after the flagged-off, Edu said meningitis is a deadly disease that can kill people in their numbers in a short period of time, adding that" we are not taking chances because the well-being of our children is paramount to the Cross River State Government and Nigeria at large. She went ahead to promised 100% success in the exercise and stated signs and symptoms of MENINGITIS which includes; severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, convulsion and loss of consciousness. Commissioner opined that the state

 The Director General  of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Janet Ekpenyong has felicitated with the first female Vice Chancellor Of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi describing her as a "Staid" and "strong willed" Academician.  In a message she signed and made available to the public,Dr Ekpenyong described the new Vice Chancellor as an Erudite Scholar whose hardwork and landmark achievements in areas of  research over the last 30 years have paid off with this historic elevation to the post of the Vice Chancellor and the first woman to occupy the exulted office. She further wished her a smooth 5 years at the seat of power piloting the great afffairs of the University while also charging younger girls to follow the footpath of the renowned Professor to actualize their goals in life. The statement reads: "Congratulations to one of the most illustrious daughters of the great Boki nation,you have shown balance between yo

  By Kingsley Agim Barrister Onor-Obassi Egim Tawo, the founder of Okares Sickle Cell Foundation and author of a new book – “Rate Your Pain” – has stated that her work,  a collection of short non-fiction stories on her experience living with sickle cell disorders, will “give a nudge on awareness creation towards a sickle cell free Nigeria.” Barr. Tawo, who made the remarks, during the launch of ‘Rate Your Pain’, which held recently in the Conference Hall of Hotel 45 in Calabar, said sickle cell disorder is the most prevalent genetic disorder and a global public health concern, citing the World Health Organization, that over 300, 000 babies are born with severe forms of the disorder and the majority of them found in  developing countries, particularly the Sub-Sahran Africa, with Nigeria sitting regrettably as the capital of sickle cell disorders in the world. Decrying the negligible attention given to sickle cell disorder in Nigeria, the Cross River-born author quipped that if the atten