Detailing News

It was 12 midnight on Sunday with another severely Malnourished child at the verge of death when the Honorable Commissioner Dr Betta Edu was reached with an SOS. Little baby Micha Effiong who was severely anemic with a PCV of 4% was gradually becoming breathless. The level of odema and other complications left the child unable to see, and unable to  walk or talk. The child was immediately rushed to General Hospital calabar yesterday and transferred to UCTH. The attending Doctor got the first shocker when he put a cannula into the veins and just plasma (yellow fluid) came out instead of red whole blood. The bloated child had suffered severe malnutrition and her organs were beginning to fail. Having rescued over 60 anemic and severely malnourished children within two Months across two Senatorial District of the State,  CRS Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has reiterated that the administration of Sen Prof Ben Ayade will not allow any child to die as a result of Malnutrition, on this

  The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Otu Abasi the V and members of his traditional rulers council yesterday  received their first doses of the astrazeneca's vaccine as they call on their followers to support Government in the fight against Covid-19 by embracing Immunization. The first class traditional ruler who made the call during a sensitisation and advocacy  visit by the Cross River State health team to his palace  stated that, as influential figures in the society, the need to  repose confidence in the minds of the people has become insurmountable, hence the choice to be vaccinated publicly. He noted that with the  introduction of the vaccine to the country and it's distribution to states, there is hope for the Eradication of the deadly Corona virus which has affected all sectors of life, he attributed the low incidences recorded in the state to the commitment of the health team to raise awareness across different Communities. He therefore charged his su

   The South East Traditional Rulers Council, after their meeting in early October, 2018 re-stated that the "Eze Ndigbo" title had become a contentious issue among Ndigbo in diaspora.  Through a well circulated newspaper advertorials,  particularly Sun Newspapers, the South East Traditional Rulers  Council had banned the use of the title of "Eze Ndi Igbo" in diaspora by any one.  It described the said title as "impositotry, malicious, vexatious  , offensive and Insulting to the Traditional rulers in South East and the host traditional instutions in the  communities where such exist" The South-East monarchs wondered how any sane man will want to become Eze (king) in another man's kingdom. The council then advised those desiring to be coronated as EZE or IGWE to go back to their respective communities in the south east and aspire to such office and get coronated there.  The decision was reaffirned at the last meeting of South East Traditional Rulers Coun

  “ This is a “thank you” Visit; UNHCR is grateful to the Cross River state Government and His Excellency Sen Ben Ayade for the support to the Cameroonian Refugees resident in Cross River state; The great work and commitment shown by the Cross River State Health sector and Dr Betta Edu in particular, over the years even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have made life Better for the Refugees. We will not create parallel structures but we will work with the state ministry of Health to improve health Care for both the refugees and their host communities.” These were the words of the Country Representative of the United Nations High Commission For Refugees Chansa Kapaya as she and her team held a strategic meeting with the Honorable Commissioner For Health Cross River State Dr Betta Edu in her office. In appreciation of efforts UNHCR Representative Mrs Chansa Kapaya further thanked the government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade for the immense support and show of humanity to the victims no

  Following the call for action to address the youth unemployment crisis and place youth development on top of National and State development agendas, the Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation (AEF) in collaboration with Aldelia Global Manpower (a human resource firm headquartered in London, UK) on Saturday 30th January, 2021 in Calabar organized a forum where more than 200 young minds were orientated on the job opportunities available to them locally and globally.   The Panelist included Prof. Florence Obi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar; Maxine Pittet, Project and Business Development Manager, Aldelia Nigeria; Dr. Francis Ntamu, Cross River State’s Chief Economic Adviser; Asuquo Ekpenyong, Jr. Cross River State’s Commissioner for Finance, while the Panel of discussion was moderated by Elder Eyo Nsa Eyo-Ita, The Chairman, Cross River State Employment and Local Content Bureau.   The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Jr. who flagged off the maiden edition of the Asu

 _"The cold chain equipment will help us store our COVID-19 vaccines. your Commission's presence is felt across the 9 NDDC States of the federation". - Dr Betta Edu tells NDDC._  One of the core mandates of NDDC is to develop key infrastructure to promote diversification and productivity. Amidst the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission has supported Cross River state with important medical items to fight against the spread of the virus as well as to boast functionality of the health sector of the State. The Commission has donated 1,519 typhoid fever vaccines, 2,863 hepatitis B vaccines, Dulas Solar Direct Drive Refrigerator, Porka walking in cold room, and a medical Incinerator. Handing over the items to the State's Commissioner for Health on behalf of the Commission, Mr Ene Okpo Ene-Ita the CRS NDDC Ag. Director stated that the Commission is determined to make a difference in the health sector. He noted that typhoid and hepatitis B are endemic in

The Senator representing, Cross River Southern senatorial district, Sen. Gershom Bassey, earlier in March,  facilitated the disbursement of N30,000 each to over 150 constituents from the 7 local government Areas that makes up the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State. A stakeholder from Akamkpa local government Area, Mr Asim Paulinus who spoke on behalf of beneficiaries from the LGA  said the beneficiaries were very grateful to the capacity Senator, "God bless our Distinguish Senator Gershom Bassey as about thirty (30) beneficiaries from Akamkpa Local Government Area just received alert of thirty thousand naira (N30,000. 00) as Survival Fund as facilitated by our Capacity Senator. My people are very grateful." He said. Another set of artisans from Akamkpa LGA, were also empowered with start up kits by the distinguished senator. The Senator distributed, machines to proficient vulcanizers across the 10 wards of Akamkpa LGA (Akamkpa 1 & 2 state constituencies). T

After ensuring the successful distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine across the 18LGAs of the State the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu alongside the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Prof Ikpeme, the Chairman Medical Advisory Council Dr Michael Eyong, the DG Primary Health Care Dr Janet Ekpeyong and other health workers have today officially flagged off the vaccination exercise in UCTH where several Health workers have received the Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Speaking immediately after undergoing the necessary processes ok vaccinations the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu said that there is no doubt on the efficacy and safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine as recent research has shown 65% Efficacy and 100% protection from fatal complications like death. There is  no drugs without side effects and for every side effect, they're always remedies/solutions so this shouldn't be exceptional even though we're yet to discover any in

  Abara Etop, The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, has assured that the House of Assembly will honour the invitation to the 34th Convocation ceremony of the  University of Calabar. Williams stated this when the Vice Chancellor of the University  Prof. Florence Obi, led other management members on a courtesy visit to the Speaker's office. The Speaker used the forum to appeal for collaboration between the State Assembly and University of Calabar, in the areas of admission and jobs opportunities in the Institution and however thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi and her team for the visit. He noted that as representatives of the people, the House has the obligation to speak for them, adding that the Assembly must look for a way to resolving the land issues in the Institution. The Speaker maintained that the University of Calabar is a Federal Institution that the people of the State needed, therefore the House must do everything to protec

  In its avowed commitment to improving academic excellence in Secondary Schools across the State, the Calabar Akpabuyo Island Leo Club, Leo Region 4, District 404A2 Nigeria have recently organized a quiz competition for select schools in Calabar. Speaking at the event, the President of the Club, Leo Eyo Cohbam said the essence of the yearly competition was to trigger the get-up-and-go spirit for students to better the lots and strive for excellence in the academic pursuit and beyond. The President, who described the gesture as higher service to humanity, remarked that Leo Club, which is a youth affiliate of Lions Clubs International, concerns itself with services that engender societal development. He further stated that the event is organized in honour of the Club’s active members who are now deceased. He thanked members for their efforts which culminated to the successful hosting of the competition, pointing out that in life’s journey, one must leave worthy legacies that would stand

  By Uchino Amatey The Cross River Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commenced a 9 day ICT training workshop for Public Primary School Teachers in the State. Declaring the event open at the West African Peoples’ Institute (WAPI), Calabar, the Board Secretary CR-SUBEB, Mr. Cyril Itam stated that Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a key role in the 21st century and cannot be ignored. The Board Secretary said the training will be useful to participants to carry out teaching and learning effectively “the importance of ICT in teaching and learning cannot be overemphasized. This is referred to as the Computer age, the children we have here today have a fondness for technology and almost an innate knowledge of ICT. In the next few years if ICT is not prioritized in our schools, by our teachers you will be left behind.” “The COVID-19 lockdown experience was a prime example on why ICT is so importan

The less Privileged, the underserved , the unreached now have guarantee that the can get quality health service without having money in their pockets. It was a thing of Joy to see our people turn out enmass to get registered even into late hours of the night. The Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu have applauded the Local Government council Chairmen and traditional rulers who have played critical roles in the actualization of this health revolution. She encouraged members of the public to key in and get enrolled as soon as possible. The Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, the DG State Health Insurance Dr Iyala and Dr Ushie have continued to engage more communities to turn out for enrollment. “ as we go through communities we see people with several illnesses from Hypertension, to Diabetes, to malnutrition, diarrhea, renal failure etc. they do not go to hospital because the cannot afford care. Even when the visit the hospitals, they are unable to buy the drugs to protect their health

The Mayor of Calabar, Hon. Effefiong Nta Eke, remains an astute supporter of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the Governor of Cross River State. The Mayor made this known during an interview session. He commended His Excellency for his developmental strides in the state, geared towards massive industrialization to reduce the rate of unemployment. In clear terms, he stated that the Governor is in charge of his state, he has team players and Generals, and he is a general in the Governor's camp. Prof. Ayade is the only one who has brought in younger generation into governance, says the Mayor of Calabar. The Mayor also stated the independency of Cross River State and external factors should stop misfiring.

Cross River State Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria Patriot (Dr.) Okweche Dominic has today began a visit to Local Government Areas in the State. He covered Akamkpa, Odukpani, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi Local Government Areas respectively. The Commandant's schedule shows that, all the 18 LGAs in State will be visited. This is to abreast Officers with developments and to ascertain the level of activeness and preparedness towards national development. The Officers were overwhelmingly happy seeing the State Commandant addressed them  with hope courage.  They prayed that, the National Commandant, Ambassador Professor Dickson A.O. Akoh would remain strengthen to continue his Goodwill for the Peace Corps.

By Kingsley Agim In line with the objective of mitigating climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through sustainable forest management, Cross River State has launched her Investment Plan for United Nations’ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD+) Programme. Launching the CRS-REDD+ Investment Plan recently at Transcorp Hotels, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams expressed delight at the level of progress recorded, stating that the REDD+ Programme is one that is dear to Cross River State. The Speaker noted that because of the high regards the State places on the Programme, he sought excuse from his Honourable colleagues at plenary, which is an unusual plea, just to grace the event. Rt. Hon. Williams assured all stakeholders of the 9th State Assembly’s support of the REDD+ Programme, urging them to always call on the  legislature should a need arises for review of laws or legislations that would furthe

The Government of Sen Ben Ayade is strongly committed to the provision of quality health care services at the grass Roots, this will provide succor for the poor and underserved as well as rescue more children from dying of Malnutrition in rural areas. Massive work is going on in several rural areas where a network of community volunteers and frontline health workers have been trained to identify severely malnourished children in communities and report same for immediate support and possible transfer to the nearest General Hospital or Comprehensive health center where they are supported to survive through intensive pediatric care. The Commissioner For Health Dr Betta Edu who has special passion for rescuing the Down trodden recently visited NKO community in Yakurr LGA, she visited the Obol (clan Head) and also engaged with the chiefs and community Leaders  on the need to work with the health sector to overcome disease like diarrhea which we recently had an outbreak in Yakurr , malnutrit

  The VC of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku Obi has paid a courtesy call on Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River State to invite him for the 34th convocation ceremony of the institution, scheduled to hold on March 27th at the Abraham Ordia stadium in Calabar. Speaking during the visit, Prof. Ayade said that the VC has within the short period of assumption of office, demonstrated capability, dedication and leadership to the admiration of all.  "I'm highly impressed with this great daughter of Cross River. She is doing all of us proud as a good Ambassador of women. I have no doubt in my mind that for Prof. Obi,  the Vice Chancellorship of UNICAL is only a stepping stone for higher heights," the Governor said. The VC was received by the Governor, his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu and the State Commissioner for Education. The VC was accompanied on the visit by the Registrar of the University, Amb. Jammy Egbe, Director of CES, Prof. Franca Umo, SA, Tessy Mbu and oth

  The Cross River State Environmental Protection Agency (CREPA), has sought the collaboration of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army in Calabar in the area of security in the enforcement of its laws. Director General of the Agency, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, who led staff of the agency on the visit, told the Commander of the Brigade, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, that the agency was partnering with them for a sustained and cleaner environment in the state Erasmus said that since the agency was saddled with the mandate of arresting defaulters, it was necessary to partner with the Army in the area of security for the agency's protection. He used the occasion to thank the state governor, Ben Ayade, for giving him the platform to ensuring that Cross River State is kept clean and green always. In his response, the Brigade Commander expressed gratitude to the agency for the visit, thereby assuring them of his support in sustaining the beautification of the state. He promised to assist the agenc

BY ITAM OFFOR The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has restated the State's commitment to tourism development despite the challenges facing the industry which led to the cancellation of the 2020 Calabar Carnival. Williams, who said this when he hosted Members of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria during a courtesy call, lamented that Cross River State suffered huge losses during the #EndSars protest adding that the COVID 19 pandemic also greatly affected the Tourism Industry not just as a State but globally. He however, disclosed that he recently held meetings with some Stakeholders in the Tourism sector including the State Commissioner for tourism vith a view to working out modalities to resume the Calabar Carnival. Earlier the National President of the Association Alhaji Saleh Rabo represented by the First National Deputy Chairman, Pastor Nkereuwen Onung expressed empathy with the State over the huge losses suffered dur

  Management of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital has pledged its support to fighting Vaccine hesitancy among health care workers as Cross River State Government prepares to kick start state wide vaccination of Frontline workers across the the 18 Local Government Areas. The Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme made the declaration in his office  during a courtesy visit by the Cross River State Covid-19 response team led by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to seek wide acceptability of Covid-19 Vaccines by Health workers in the institution and beyond. Professor Ikpeme who assured the team of his support to reach a wide range of health workers, commended the state Government for taking holistic approaches in redeeming confidence in the hearts of the people especially through the Covid-19 management as he disclosed that, prior to now, there were high level of expectations from health workers on the administrat

  By Kingsley Agim The steadfast resolve of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency in midwifing Health Insurance in the State has gained further impetus, as the Commander, 13 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General M. A. Abdullahi,  today, assured of the Army's readiness to partner with the Agency to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and the smooth conduct of enrollment and other activities of the Scheme. Brigadier General Abdulahi gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit, today, on the Management of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency in Calabar. Congratulating the State on the flag-off of AYADECARE, the Army Commander commended the CRSHIA for the well-organised event, adding that the essence of his visit was, partly, to tap into the Midas touch of the Agency. The 13 Brigade Chief cautioned against large crowd at enrollment centres, while calling on the Agency to adequately furnish security agencies whenever it becomes necessary an

  In a special way to mark her 100 days in office, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar Prof Florence Banku Obi has successfully completed the setting up of an Ultra Modern Holding Bay/Isolation Center for the Institution. The ground breaking ceremony which took place about 3 weeks ago by the dynamic Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has yielded results as the structural edifice of the Male and Female Holding Bay built by the University of Calabar is completed. Speaking before the commissioning  of the center, the Vice Chancellor Prof Florence Obi has reinstated her commitment to protecting the lives of the students under her care. With the global  Pandemic and the return of student to the campus there is need to put in place all precautionary measures to protect them. this is why the school has invested massively in providing hand washing facilities, infra Red thermometers and now the holding bay/ isolation center.  The VC applauded the support of Sen Prof Ben Ayade thr

Health insurance comes with a huge benefit ranging from the provision of access to quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents of CRS, to protecting all from financial hardship associated with huge medical bills as well as minimizing out of pocket expenses at the point of accessing care with a standard and improved healthcare services for all. This is the vision and drive of Sen Prof Ben Ayade when he signed the Health insurance bill into law in 2016. 5 years down history is made as the AyadeCare has finally started enrollment. At the Flagging of the enrollment into the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme and BHCPF the Executive Governor of CRS Sen Prof Ben Ayade called on all cross riverians to take advantage of this scheme and get registered while calling on political elites to bear the responsibility of registering their constituents who are less to do.  In his words; "As a leader I want to put to an end that crying child who can't sleep everyday a

  History was made on Thursday as Cross River State commenced vaccination and Cross Riverians volunteered themselves to be among the first sets of Frontline workers to be vaccinated against the dreaded Covid-19 virus using the Astrazeneca Vaccines. The 53, 840 dose vaccines which arrived the state capital Calabar late Wednesday, March 10th 2020 has witnessed strict supervision by all regulatory bodies and partners including UNICEF, WHO and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency for vaccine potency and handling. First on the recipient list was the Director of Laboratory Services in the Doctor Lawrence Henshaw Infectious Disease Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Mrs Magdalene Nkang after her biometrics were gotten and stipulated fit for the vaccine adminstration . Reacting to the huge turn out and voluntary registration by health workers, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong applauded the Frontline workers

Cross River State Begins COVID-19 Vaccine Registration And Administration For Front line Health Workers With the State's Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and the Speaker of the CRSHOA Hon. Eteng Jones receiving the COVID-19 Vaccines for the State earlier yesterday, The State has immediately commence the registration and administration of the Astrazeneca Vaccines to her front line health workers in line with the PTF directives. Speaking to news men during the exercise, the honorable commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu who admitted the recipient of over 58,840 doses of Astrazeneca Vaccines yesterday stated that in line with the PTF directives, the first phase of the vaccine administration will be for front line health workers who are always in the front line.  today we've commenced the registration and administration of the vaccines to our front line health workers The second phase will cover the old, vulnerable and those above 50, while the third phase will be for the gener

  By Itam Offor The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has assured Organised Labour that the State Assembly will reject the proposed bill seeking the transfer of the National Minimum wage from the Exclusive Legislative list to the concurrent Legislative list, sponsored by Honourable Datti Mohammed (Kaduna State) at the House of Representatives. Williams who was speaking when Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress ( TUC), Cross River State branch were at the Assembly's Complex for a peaceful protest emphasised that the State Assembly will reject the concurrent confirmation of the bill adding that the House was in total solidarity with them  over the matter. He said, "If the so-called bill comes to us for a concurrent confirmation, we will reject it. We work for the people, we are elected by you, so if you say the bill is anti-people, the Cross River State House of Assembly will not support it. I wi