Detailing News

  The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced an assessment tour of communities ravaged by communal crisis in Yakurr local government area, Cross River State. The leader of the team and NEMA Zonal coordinator South-South, Mr. Godwin Tepikor, said that the spot assessment tour is to enable the agency ascertain the level of damages recorded during the conflict in these communities and provide relief.  “We are here based on the report that was sent to our National office by the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams to the effect that there was a communal crisis that affected these communities resulting in the wanton destruction of lives and properties.  “As a government agencies saddled with the responsibility of disaster management across the country, we felt it was important that we come to see for ourselves and document an on-the-spot assessment of what has happened, the impact on the communities and make relevant recommendations

  Association of the Nigerian Physicians on the America (ANPA), Child Survival and Development Organization of Nigeria (CSDON) and Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation is calling on Cross Riverians to take advantage of the ten(10) days ANPA-CSDON * FREE * Medical Outreach scheduled to hold from April, 30th through to May, 9, 2021 at the Calabar Women and Children's Hospital. The ANPA-CSDON Medical Outreach is a biannual healthcare project that holds in the City of Cross River State and offers free, specialised Medical, surgical, and dental operations to persons in need. Also Pre-Mission Continuous Medical Education (CME) training and re-training programs are organised for Frontline healthcare practitioners by a global team of specialist healthcare instructors to improve human Capacity in the health sector. The Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation foundation hereby implore Community leaders to avail members of their communities who are in serious health challenges that requires medical attention to

  Following the aftermath of last Thursday’s rainstorm, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ivara Esu has assured the Ministry of Justice of immediate intervention on damages caused by the rainstorm. The Deputy Governor made this known while inspecting damages at the Ministry of Justice, Calabar on Tuesday, 27th April, 2021.  Professor Ivara Esu who was visibly sympathetic towards the plight of the Ministry lamented at the level of destruction caused by the rainstorm. He commended the Commissioner, Ministry of Justice, Mr Tanko Ashang for swinging into action by providing remedial measures, describing him as “proactive.” He further promised to respond immediately to the plight of the Ministry by rectifying the damages. Mr Tanko Ashang who thanked the Deputy Governor for his inspection visit appealed for assistance from the State Government as some staff have been displaced from their offices due to the severe damages caused by the rainstorm. Some of the facilities that

  The Cross River State Government has begun a "hang a net " campaign in rural areas of the state as part of measures to actualize a zero Malaria infection rate in the state. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu made the disclosure in Calabar South Local Government Area while marking the 2021 World Malaria Day celebration with the theme : Reaching the zero malaria target. Dr Edu noted that for the goal to be attained households must delibrately imbibe the culture of sleeping under insecticide treated nets, thereby minimizing casualty rates especially as the vector will have little or no access to human bodies. She disclosed the intention of the Government to supply families especially those in the rural areas with nets as part of strategy to eradicate malaria , noting that , in 2018 the state was able to distribute over 2.4  million nets which has resulted in the low index of malaria related death in the state. In her remarks, the Director General of the Cross Rive

April 25 every year is set aside to commemorate the World Malaria Day, with this year's theme "Zero Malaria” and the slogan; Draw A Line Against Malaria, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu during this year's event has commended the Government of his Excellency Sen Ben Ayade for the over 80% coverage of Long lasting insecticide treated net in communities as 2.4 million nets were recently distributed to families in Cross River state.  The Health Boss said for Cross River state to eliminate malaria,  which takes over 229,000 lives in Nigeria yearly, there is urgent need for behavioral Changes/Attitudinal changes amongst our people and the need to improve case management, Advocacy, data management and private sector inclusion. Speaking during the event, the Health Commissioner frowned at the nonchalant attitude of our people especially pregnant women and nursing mothers whose attitude has made it so difficult for this fight to be won. "Let me start by than

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Lagos Zone today elected and inaugurated Comrade Eyam Abeng as Substantive Chairman of the zone. The bye-elections which took place at Solam Event Centre - Ibadan, Oyo State had  a total number of seventy nine (79) accredited voters (delegates) who were carefully selected across the fourty five (45) branches of PENGASSAN, Lagos zone. Announcing the results, the Electoral Committee Chairman, Comrade Jeje Olanrewaju declared  Comrade Eyam Abeng as winner and return elected for the position of the Zonal Chairman after polling the entire 79 valid votes.   Until his emergence as the Substantive Chairman of Lagos Zone, Comrade Abeng  was the Acting Chairman of the zone; a position he held and performed remarkably well  in the last three (3) months following his predecesor's transition from PENGASSAN. Also returned elected and inaugurated today were: Comrade Segun Ebiesuwa and Comrade Ambrose Douglas who were el

  Tetanus, one  of the world leading causes of death in women of child bearing age has remained a cocern especially in sub Saharan Africa with an estimate of over  25,000 people dying yearly due to infection. To this end, there is a need for stakeholders to raise awareness and completely take steps to eliminate the disease in  our various Communities. In Cross River State, the Government is reaching out to all stakeholders both in the private and public sector  to ensure that, people are vaccinated and  right messages on prevention also passed across especially to women of child bearing age. Speaking at the Office of the state Commissioner for Education, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong thanked the Commissioner and the ministry for a long lasting relationship which has beared a fruitful partnership especially for health interventions which requires accessing educational facilities in the state. Dr Ekpenyong noted th

  *By Uchino Amatey* To strengthen the fight against corruption and reform the criminal justice system in Nigeria, The British Council through the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (ROLAC) programme in collaboration with the Cross River State Judiciary has organized a one-day workshop for Law Officers on Plea bargain and Sentencing Guidelines. The workshop which was to improve Law Officers’ knowledge on the import and use of the Sentencing Guidelines held recently at Dannic Hotel, Calabar. The Honourable Commissioner of Justice,  Cross River State, Mr Tanko Ashang commended ROLAC and the British Council for organizing the workshop for Law Officers.  Mr Ashang said the plea bargain practice as contained in the administration of Criminal Justice Law of Cross River State is not entirely understood by law enforcement agencies, law officers and the general  public and this training, amongst other things, will go a long way to change that. A Consultant with the British Council, Mrs Mercy Onori

By Kingsley Agim The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu has charged staff of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency(CRSHIA) to remain resolute in achieving the Agency's mandate of entrenching Universal Health Coverage, and engrave their names in gold as progenitors of such feat in the State. Dr. Edu gave the charge in her keynote address presented at the in-house training of staff of CRSHIA, held recently in the Conference Hall of the Agency. The Health Commissioner said that with UHC taking a front burner in international discourse, Cross River State is on course towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good health and well-being) through the provision of quality, affordable and accessible health care for the citizenry. The proactive Health Commissioner lauded the CRSHIA for its commitment which has been palpable  especially at the recent mass enrollment exercise across the State, while urging the Agency's staff to up the ante i

By Blessing Enagu  The Cross River State Forestry Commission Chairman, High Chief Tony Undiandeye has restated his commitment towards putting to rest the lingering contentions among some communities in the State over ownership of Lafarge Africa's Mining lease area. In an interaction with technical managers of the Company in his office recently, the Chairman assurred them that the Commission's decision of serving as a channel of representation between the Communities and the Company is for a more  transparent relationship which will forestall future agitation and contentions between the parties involved. While allaying their concerns, the Commission's Chairman explained that when the recommendations highlighted in the report presented to the Company are implemented, the issues would be put to rest and Lafarge would enjoy a conducive environment needed for maximum productivity. He informed the Lafarge team that the recommendations were made after different engagements with th

Calabar the State Capital of Cross River State had a heavy down pour that came with massive storm and heavy wind, which lasted for over 4hrs causing  severe havoc and damages at the State's General Hospital located at Mary Slessor Calabar. Amongst the very numerous damages that the rain caused so far as vehicular movement was disrupted, trees and electric pools broken down, roofs pulled off and several buildings destroyed, General Hospital Calabar felt the touch for the first time. The rains as a result of the heavy storm didn't only divert the heavy flood of the rain into the Post Natal Ward but also led to the vandalization of the windows at the Theatre Ward as well as pulling of the roofs of most offices/Wards. Activities In the Hospital were disrupted and the attention of the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu was quickly called and in her usual way, she quickly ran out of her weekly Church Service to protect lives and intervene. Dr Edu who arrived the Hospital

The Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry in a bid to support Nigerian States in its efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic has donated valuable items to the Cross River state COVID 19 response team poised to help boast the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking during the presentation of the items, Mr Bappah Babayo who is an official from NNPC appreciated the government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade and his Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu for their efforts towards tackling this Virus in the State as the remain a great success story in Nigeria and africa. The low number of positive cases further shows the work done in the state since January last year via proactive actions, CRS was the last State to have recorded any positive case, a clear indication that there's a right leadership in the State. "Honorable Commissioner Ma, am very proud to say that CRS is one of those States that have shown active commitment in this fight as the State's proactive work during the early pe

The Senator Representing Cross River South and Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, Sen. Gershom Bassey has donated and installed additional three transformers to Esuk Ekpo Eyo, Ikot Nakanda and Ifondo communities in Akpabuyo LGA, CRS. It can be recalled that recently, the Senator had facilitated the delivery of 300KVA and 500KVA transformers to CROSPIL Housing estate along Navy Road by Phase 2, St Joseph Hospital, Idundun Efita, Eto Mkpe Archibong Edem and Ikot Edem Ndarake communities of Akpabuyo, of which they have all taken delivery.  The Director General(DG) Senator Gershom Bassey Campaign Organisation, Hon. (Barr.) Ekpo Ada while monitoring the installation of the transformers in Ikot Nakanda, Ifondo and Esuk Ekpo Eyo urged the communities to take ownership of the projects by securing them to avoid vandalization. He added that the project is part of the Senator's campaign promises to the people in bringing unprecedented development to the constituency. The DG also assured oth

  The University of Calabar has sought the collaboration with the Cross River Ministry of International Development Cooperation in the areas of capacity building and partnership with relevant international partners and agencies. Vice-Chancellor of Unical, Prof. Florence Obi, who paid a courtesy call on the Commisioner, Dr Inyang Asibong in her office in Calabar, said that the Ministry was the face of Cross River before international partners and donor agencies. Prof. Obi stated that in view of the Ministry's partnership with international organisations and agencies, it was important for the University to collaborate with them and create a synergy for development. According to her, the University has the needed manpower and technocrats who can as well develop the capacity of staff of the ministry in the areas of report writing, budget presentation, reseach, project evaluation among others. She told the Commissioner that the University has capable hands who were also handling interna

  By Uchino Amatey The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB) in collaboration with Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commenced the second phase of leadership training for Head teachers in public primary schools in the State. Speaking at the training centre in West African people’s Institute (WAPI) Calabar, the facilitator, Dr Eunice Nsor said the 6 days exercise was to train participants on how to effectively carry out their role as Head teachers.  Dr Nsor explained that while the first phase of the training which was done in 2020 focused on lesson observation, learning strategy for pupils,  the second phase is training Head teachers on interpersonal relationship with staff and promoting learning time to ensure a smooth teaching and learning experience in public primary schools. According to her “We are here with Head teachers from the Southern Senatorial District as a follow up to what we did in phase one sometime last year.  In this second phase t

An ever compassionate and generous leader, Sen Prof Ben Ayade who has supported many Cross Riverians financially and otherwise to access quality health care services that the ordinary would never have afforded, has again proven his milk of kindness beyond measures. This was captured in a message of gratitude from Mr and Mrs Livinus & Beatrice Adoga Parents of the sick child as they received the financial donation of the Governor from the Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu “We are sincerely grateful to H.E Gov Ayade for his kind Support towards baby Awesome's Heart Surgery. We pray God almighty to grant all his Heart desires too in  Jesus name. Amen” The Governor Sen Ben Ayade has always made his stance on health and health care delivery very clear to everyone. In his words Health comes First, Health comes Second, Health comes Third before anything else. His compassionate antecedents can be traced to his days as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where he brought bot

  At a National meeting between key stakeholders in the health sector and the media on best strategy to change the negative narrative around maternal and child mortality as well as poor indices in the health sector of the country, while Taking into consideration some success stories from states like cross River state, Lagos state, Jigawa etc which will serve as best practice for the rest of the country, the Federal Ministry of Health launched the operational plan for RMNCAEH + N 2021 to jump start the system. It is no news that maternal mortality as well as death in children have continued to raise in Nigeria in spite of Government effort and donor support to the country. There is urgent need to reduce maternal and child mortality as well as build a health system that can clearly change the present  picture. These were the issues on the front burner as Nigeria held its First Quarter 2021 meeting of the Nigeria Reproductive Maternal Newborn Adolescent Elderly Health plus Nutrition (RMNC

  By Mark Eneng Metrowireblog The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation  *Dr Inyang Asibong*, has urged UNHCR, the United Nation's Organization in charge of Refugees to evolve new ways of partnership with the state with a view to bringing about proper response to refugees challenges. The Commissioner made this known when Officials of UNHCR paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry. Receiving a team of UNHCR Officials in her office,  the Commissioner said as a Ministry that mediates between the State Government and International Organizations working in the State, it was necessary to profile the activities of the Organization as it relates to refugees. Dr Asibong emphasized that as a body that handles affairs of the displaced persons especially within the African region, UNHCR owes it as a duty, to make available their programs and projects.  "I want to say welcome, and thank you.  UNHCR has been working in Cross River State, I know that you'

  By Kingsley Agim In recognition of his goodwill, purposeful leadership and outstanding contribution to legislative processes, the Etung State Constituency and the State at large, the Member representing the good people of Etung Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-Ogar has been crowned with the traditional title of 'Ntufam Onor' by the Ntufams' Council of Osomba Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area. Receiving his diadem and other royal regalia at the coronation ceremony, yesterday, in Osomba - Akamkpa, Hon. Mbu-Ogar, who was represented by Hon. Abang Attah thanked the traditional institution for following political developments in the State and finding him worthy of such noble recognition. The Etung-born lawmakers, regarded as one of the most politically adept solons in the State legislature, averred that the recognition would serve as a nudge to do more for the benefit of his immediate constituency, the State and the nation at large. The

 _"My loyalty is to Sen Prof Ben Ayade and the Development of Cross River state; am committed to improving the health sector"_- _Dr Betta Edu_ The Cross River State Chapter Chairmen's Forum led by their chairman Hon. Kingsley Ntui of Etung LGA paid the honorable commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu a courtesy visit to thank and commend her for her sterling performance that has continuously improved the health sector especially during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The Chapter Chairmen commended her loyalty to Achieving Sen. Ben Ayade’s Vision and driving the health sector while pledging total loyalty to the Governor who is the Leader of the party and his industrialization drive which spreads into the health sector!. "Honorable Commissioner, let me first on behalf of my fellow chairmen thank you for this warm reception and hospitality accorded us as this has again proven your high level of magnanimity and respect for institutions. We're here under the

  *By Kelvin Obambon* Rovers are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that they secure promotion to Nigeria's elite football league, the NPFL by the end of the 2021 Nigeria National League season. This is as the team pipped one of Nigeria's oldest football clubs, the Stationery Stores of Lagos, in an exciting encounter that ended 1-0 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Saturday. The win is crucial because it has enable Rovers move to number two spot on the Southern Conference group B1 table, as the NNL goes into mid season break, commencing from April 13th to April 23rd, 2021. The Saturday game brought out the eagerness in the two teams, as they tried to make the moment count to their advantage, but at the end of regulation time, only one winner had a cause to celebrate. The slim scoreline is indicative of how competitive the match was, though the homers got several of their chances to widen the margin blown off. The first of such chances came early in the 4th minute, when

  The Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has assured residents of Agoi Ibami of his determination to create access road for the Community and its neighbours. The Speaker gave the assurance in Agoi Ibami during the funeral service in honour of Late Chief Mathias Obono Ekpe. He said the cooperation of everyone is very important in the delivery of the project, while seeking for partners that would see to the actualization of the project. He highlighted the two important projects in Agoi Ibami Community to include the construction of the road and rural electrification. Conveying his condolences to the deceased family, Rt. Hon. Williams described the death of Late Chief Mathias Obono Ekpe as 'irreplaceable', following the footprints he has left on the sands of time. "Late Chief Mathias Obono Ekpe KSJI is a role model to us and if it were to be in some certain society, we should be celebrating him, because he had done more than enough, alw

By Trinity Jesam Today, April 7, 2021, marks the World Health Day with the theme “Together for a fairer, healthier world”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), universal health coverage (UHC) is the organization of health-care system in a way that provides a specific health-care benefit package to all members of a defined population, through provision of financial risk protection in the course of accessing necessary health-care services. UHC means that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care across the life course. And that's where Ayade care comes in to deliver these services with adequate and competent health care workers across the state with optimal skills mix at facility, outreach and community service. With the Ayadecare, people are protected from finan

  By Kingsley Agim April 7 of every year is commemorated globally as the World Health Day, with this year's event themed “Together for a fairer, healthier world”. On this occasion, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to eliminate health inequities and mobilize action to attain better health for all and leave no one behind. Disparities and inequities have always existed. Despite relative improvements in health outcomes globally, these gains have not been shared equally across different countries, especially in our communities in Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic has had grave consequences for people already experiencing inequities. The pandemic has had a disproportionate knock on those people already socially, economically, or geographically disadvantaged, and evidence shows a worsening trend of disparities and inequity across the African Region. Health is a fundamental human right. Every person deserves to live a healthy life regardless of their age, gender

  World Health Day is celebrated on every 7th day of April every Year, with the Theme for this year being; *Building a Fairer, Healthier World.* The State's Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu has on behalf  of the  Governor Of Cross River State Sen Ben Ayade promised Cross Riverians a swift shift and revolution in the health sector that would lead to attainment of Universal Health Coverge. She  used this day to commend on the efforts and support of all her Health workers across the State thanking most especially the health pro Governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade whose effort has left the State at the top as far as health issues are concerned. Reminiscing on the journey so far and how much of results/achievements has been recorded within a short period of time as Health Commissioner even in the midst of the world's most challenging pandemic COVID-19 outbreak and endsars protest that halted major activities across the Country, Dr Edu reiterated that she's not one who makes excuses as r