Detailing News

  As part of ways to tackle the challenges facing the healthcare system in Nigeria, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated the Health Sector Reform Committee that was established four months ago by President Muhammadu Buhari. The establishment of the committee is sequel to a Health Sector Diagnostic Review Report developed by a consultant, Vesta Healthcare Partners, and the Federal Ministry of Health. While speaking on the challenges of the health system in the country, Osinbajo stated that Nigeria’s health sector still bears some critical challenges that have resulted in sub-optimal outcomes compared with more developed jurisdictions of the world, a situation that makes the reform of the sector imperative. "Mr. President has in several public statements made it clear that a modern, virile and people-centric healthcare system is fundamental to his own vision for the socio-economic growth of our nation. However, the current reality is that the Nigerian He

  The National Executive Council (NEC) of Cross River University of Technology Alumni Association led by the National President, Comrade Eyam Abeng has debunked the news making around that a factional group led by Comrade Paul Agwu was inaugurated into the University Governing Council yesterday by the Council Chairman and the State Commissioner for Education, describing it as total falsehood and illegality, urging members to remain calm, unperturbed and law abiding. The National President made this known via a Press Release made available to our Correspondent that it is important to state clear the air after news of yesterday purported inauguration went round the media. He noted that his current four year tenure of office which started 12th December, 2019 spans to 12th December, 2023 as such he still remain the National President  of the Association.  The National President further stated that this whole drama started in 2019 during the last NEC  election of the Association when some a

The National Youth Leader of All Progressive Congress (APC), Barr Ishmael Buba Ahmed on Monday at the Cross River State APC Secretariat inaugurated a youth lobby committee for Political positions in the State. The National Youth Leader who was received by the Deputy State Chairman Elect of APC, Prince Eka Williams alongside other members of the State Working Committee stressed on the urgent need for APC in the State to place the youths into strategic offices in order to drive the most desired change that Nigerians yearn for. He opined that the global stage has set youths inclusiveness in her vision and so APC will grow stronger with more youths in the party leadership. Ahmed explained that the Nigerian youth is resilient, energetic and prepared to connect the country to the global stage. He urged the party leadership to pay serious attention to youth inclusiveness in governance. He went further to inaugurate the Cross River State APC Lobby and Strategic Committee headed by Mr Oden Ewa

  The Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, has restated his unalloyed support to Prof. Ben Ayade’s inviolable agenda of returning power back to the southern senatorial district for justice, equity and fairness. Williams made the commitment, today, 25th January, when he received in audience a delegations of All Progressive Congress(APC) Central Senatorial District Chapter Chairmen Forum. Rt. Hon. Williams opined that anyone from the central vying for the office of the Governor is doing that on their own, warning that the central will not support such injustice. The Speaker averred that the Central, in its proclivity to fairness, will support the governor and stand with him on the zoning of the 2023 governorship seat to the Southern senatorial district. The visiting team of chapter chairmen of APC in unison pledged unflinching support to the back-to-south agenda, hinting that Cross Riverians will repeal any attempt to distort the political equation

  The good people of Eniong Abatim Community in Odukpani Local Government Area on Monday held a surprise welcome back ceremony for their son, Commissioner for Finance, Asuquo Ekpenyong and a new year get together event to mark a successful 365 days of love, oneness and unity in the Community. The ceremony served as a rallying point and mass return for the community and also brought together illustrious sons and daughters of Eniong and beyond to show appreciation to Governor Ben Ayade for all the good things he has done for them. Chairman of the reception organizing committee, Mr Toni Ikpeme said the essence of the ceremony is that Asuquo Ekpenyong, by virtue of his reputation and political position as a member of the APC National Youth Lobby Committee and scion of the Asuquo Ekpenyong Dynasty is well loved by his people while the entire Eniong Abatim community also holds the Governor in high esteem hence the decision to come together and accord both a deserved reception. He said apprec

  Cross River State Ministry of Health (CRSMOH) through the office of the Commissioner Dr Betta Edu had set up an anti-quackery Squad in 2020 Led by Dr David Ushie to put an end to quackery, one drug cures all, counterfeit drugs, illegal medical practices, sharp practices amongst others that has led to death of thousands of Cross Riverians. The ministry which had shut down over 11 hospitals in different parts of the state has frowned at the arbitrary and illegal advertisement of herbal medicines and even fake medical outreaches in Cross River State. This action has continuously vexed the the State Government, which through her Taskforce on Quackery and counterfeit drugs has promised to sanitise the health system, especially at a time the quacks have infiltrated some parts of the State selling the fake medicines to gullible members of the public. Addressing the situation on Thursday the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, disclosed that the excesses and unethical advertisement

  The Management of the University of Calabar in a show of magnanimity has resolved to administer supplementary exams for students of the institution who could not meet up with payment of their 2019/2020 school charges on schedule. A release made available by Management to the Public Relations Unit of the University of Calabar stated that the magnanimity of Management towards the students is to give them another opportunity to adhere to University timelines. The release directed Heads of departments to write formally to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic requesting approval to conduct supplementary exams for the affected students and their outstanding courses The release called on students who had applied for suspension of the academic session to write to the office of the DVC Academic for reversal and take advantage of this offer.

   The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has called on leaders of the University to think and work towards a total digitisation of the university in compliance with technological age. The Vice-Chancellor made the call at an interactive meeting with Deans and Directors held at the Council Chamber of the University. Prof. Obi said by their position as leaders, they must make things work and liken their roles to that of a commander in military circles. She said that with a strategic plan document in place, it is the role of the Deans to guide departments to evolve a workable plan of their own based on the institutional strategic plan. She drew the attention of the Deans and Directors to some pivotal key areas in the plan that are critical to the growth and noted that if Management made up of the current assemblage of leaders can achieve 50% of the plan content, then it will be difficult to circumvent its sustained progress. She called on the foremost facult

  By Blessing Enagu  The Cross River State Forestry Commission and the Cross River National Park have renewed a long standing relationship in order to drive a robust forest conservation programme in the State. This partnership was reviewed recently in Calabar, when the new Conservator of the Cross River National Park , CP Zanna Lawan and his team paid a courtesy visit on the Forestry Commission Chairman. Welcoming the team, the FC Chairman, Chief Tony Undiandeye expressed optimism that working together as agents of government with the common goal of conserving the forests and its rich resources will yield optimal result which will be beneficial to the country and the larger international community. Chief Undiandeye, who appreciated the Park for their resolve to collaborate with the Commission, expressed readiness for the collaboration and assured of a rewarding relationship. The Chairman backed his words by instantly delegating four technocrats from the Commission to closely work with

  By Itam Offor  Cross River Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng J. Williams has promised that the Assembly will continue to promote the good relationship existing between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Williams who said this recently, during a courtesy visit paid him by the new Console General of Equatorial Guinea, Ildefonso Ondo Nchama in Calabar, said both Countries have enjoyed a long lasting relationship especially in the area of trade. The Speaker commended past Console Generals for maintaining the good bilateral relations while assuring that the House will assist the Console General when called upon. He accepted an invitation by the General Console to visit Equatorial Guinea. Earlier, the Console General, who spoke through an interpreter said the aim of his visit was to foster  the good relationship existing between the two countries. "As a new Console in Nigeria, my mission is to reinforce the good relationship that exists between the two countries" he said  He expressed

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has charged commercial banks handling the undergraduates’ registration to be civil and polite in dealing with the students. Prof. Obi gave the charge when she addressed the bank officials and other service providers in the institution. She said the call became imperative, following incessant complaints by students, alleging ill-treatment from most bank officials. She said the conduct of a few banks might be contributing to students missing lectures and assignments and placing undue pressure on them as the registration deadline drew near. Obi charged the banks and other service providers to make their presence positively felt in the institution, adding that “for some, there is poor or no visible corporate presence”. She called on them to support the university, considering its large population and potential benefits they stood to derive in the long run. In a remark, the university’s Acting Bursar, Mr Joseph Odum, ca

  The Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaborations with the Ministry of Health and partners will commence National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDS) across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to combat the Spread of Poliomyelitis. The Response which targets children between the ages of 0-59 months will be administered Orally in all Government Health Facilities and designated temporary posts in our various Communities. Parents and care givers are admonished to bring out their kids and wards for the vaccination execise as health care providers will be moving from house to house, available in churches, schools, recreational centres, markets and other areas.  Date: Saturday 29th January through Tuesday 1st of February, 2022. Note: The Vaccine is free, safe and effective for all children. For enquiry call: 0704 556 3366 or 07036696010. This message is brought to you by Dr Janet Ekpenyong  Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development A

The Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has assured the State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and his team of government support and improved welfare package for Corps members serving in the House. Williams gave the assurance yesterday 17th January 2022 when the State NYSC Coordinator Mr. Zemoh Andrew paid a courtesy visit to him in his office. Speaker said the NYSC scheme is impacting youth across the country positively, hence the House will continue to partner with the Corps to ensure the safety of the Corps members serving in the House. In his remarks, the member representing Boki II State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong stated that the House has been consistent in the welfare of Corps members and commended the Speaker on his commitment to the welfare of the Corps members serving in the Assembly. While Speaking earlier, the Cross River State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Zemoh Andrew explained that his visit was meant to f

  The University of Calabar has held the 2022 Solemn Assembly organised to dedicate the academic session into the hands of God. Speaking at the event that attracted academic and non academic staff, clergymen and students, the Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, said that the Assembly was organised by the management of the institution to hand over the proceedings of the academic year to God Almighty. She said that it was important to start the academic session with God in view of the many challenges that abounds in all sectors of human endeavours. The VC, who solicited the support of staff and students of the institution for her administration, urged them to join hands with her in moving the institution forward.

  Cross River State People's Democratic Party (PDP) Frontline Governorhip Aspirant and senator representing the good people of the Southern Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Gershom Henry Bassey has restated his determination to transform the state if elected as Governor come 2023.  Senator Gershom made this statement when he visited the people of  Obubra Local Government Area to consult Traditional leaders, Party leaders, Civil societies and various community leaders while  declaring his aspiration to run for Governorship come 2023.  The Senator who presented his scorecard of Six years at the Red Chambers, also presented his blueprint for Cross Riverians if elected as the Governor of Cross River State that he will address critical sectors of the economy including health care, infrastructure, unemployment, education, security, tourism and empowerment. The Senator urged the people to secure their voter cards and be determined of the future of Cross River State in 2023 gener

Support to educational progress of Young people in Cross River state has been the star point of humanitarian services offered by Dr Betta Edu to Cross Riverians. It is no news that Dr Betta Edu has religiously paid fees for every child in her ward Adadama for the Last 5 years. In addition she has supported many children to write Jamb and paid school fees in secondary and tertiary institutions for several Cross Riverians I’ve the years. Her numerous achievements in the health sector and commitment to youth empowerment has kept her constantly in the prayers of many including the University of Cross River State Post Graduate Students Association who she has recently extended her scholarship to 20 postgraduate students. Speaking during a courtesy visit the President of the Association Comrade Joseph Isu Liwhu-Liwhu commended the Health Commissioner for her achievements and tremendous efforts that has completely transformed the health sector as well as her passion for the healthy living and

Senator Gershom Bassey, Senator representing Cross River South at the Red Chamber and the Governor hopeful whose entourage included PDP leaders and stalwarts across the three Senatorial Districts consulted the Etung people, declaring his ambition to contest Governorship in 2023. During consultation with the Etung chiefs, Sen. Gershom Bassey appreciated them for the warm reception they offered him and said he came to consult and seek their support to make him Governor of Cross River State in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in 2023. Ntufam William  Ndom Eju, one of the oldest Chiefs said;  The Etung people are pleased that Sen. Gershom, one of the three wise men who has the Cross River State blueprint has come to consult them. In his words; although many have come but Senator Gershom is the first to consult the Etung Chiefs and as such we will reciprocate the gesture by supporting you. We are the voice of the people. Also speaking during the consultation, the Chief of Ajaso Commun

  Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, a member of the Cross River House of Assembly, has called on the Federal Government to improve the welfare for families of slain soldiers who lost their lives while in active service. Bisong, who represents Boki 2 State Constituency in the Assembly, made the call on Saturday in Calabar during the occasion of the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He said that one of the ways to remember the committed service of the slain soldiers was to improve the welfare of their families through improved monetary package and timely payment of their benefits. The lawmaker lauded the Armed Forces for their role in defending the territorial integrity of the nation, thereby calling for prayers for personnel currently in troubled areas in the North East for peace keeping. "When a soldiers dies in the line of duty, it is the responsibility of the government to provide succour for his family and improve their welfare. "In the past one decade, Nigeria had faced myriads of

Engr Ben Akak's rumoured  Gubernatorial  ambition has received a huge boost from his kinsmen from Ubia Obio village, Ukwa Eburutu Community of Odukpani Local Government  Area, Cross River State.  His kinsmen who were visibly excited that Cross Riverians are clamoring for Engr Ben Akak to join the Gubernatorial race pledged their unwavering support to Engr Ben Akak as they informed him that the entire village is excited that a man like him adorns their landscape.   His kinsmen further demonstrated their support by making a cash donation of N5,000000 ( five million nairas) and billboards for the 18 local Governments of Cross River State.  Engr Ben Akak in his response wholeheartedly thanked his brothers for the huge sacrifice they have made to support the Ben Akak project promising to continue in his developmental projects to the advancement of humanity. Engr Ben Akak is indeed a  movement.  The will of the people is the will of God.

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has expressed readiness that the university is ready to host the 26th edition of the Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA) schedule to hold in March 2024. Prof. Obi gave the assurance while inaugurating  the Preliminaries Committee and the Bid committee for the 2024 NUGA Games with a charge on them to be committed and proactive in the discharge of their duties to enable them achieve their mandate. The Vice Chancellor said that the institution was keen on hosting the NUGA 2024, hence the inauguration of the bid committee to ensure that the hosting right is given to Unical. she said the institution was taking a step of faith, adding that, ''with God on our side, the institution will be granted the hosting right for the 2024 NUGA Games". She gave assurance that the institution would work towards upgrading its sports facilities, which she believed, would brighten its chances of winning the hosting right. Earl

  Lassa fever is a zoonotic, acute viral haemorrhagic illness of 2-21 days duration that occurs in Nigeria with a 1% fatality rate. In recent times the disease have been found in Cross River state and other neighboring states! The disease is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces of the Multimammate Rat. Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures. The incubation period of Lassa fever ranges from 6–21 days. The onset of the disease is usually gradual, starting with *fever, general weakness, and malaise. After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow. In severe cases facial swelling, fluid in the lung cavity, bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure may develop.* Due to varied and no

Director General of Ayade Home Health Care, Dr Genevieve Barnaby has congratulated the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Martin's Orim, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mrs Stella Odey-Ekpo and Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Chief Peter Ojie on their birthday celebration. She disclosed that all of them are  successful Political adminstrators with track records. According to her they are endowed with an uncommon brilliance and amiable personality wrapped up in magnetic mannerism. It seems everything they touch is successful ! They are pragmatic to the core, God fearing and dedicated to the success of Governor Ben Ayade's led administration and  development of the State in general. As we celebrate the great sons and Daughter of Cross River State today , I pray to Almighty God to grant them long life with sound health, divine wisdom and knowledge to be able to do more for their family, community, Cross River State and the Nation at large. 

Today, 1,000 women active in micro & small business received a grant of N50,000 each from a collaborative scheme of the Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI) and Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation (AEF). At the launch of the scheme for 2022 in the commercial city of Ikom, the Wife of Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade, who was full of enthusiasm for the training and support of women in business to boost their productivity commended the Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation for partnering with CROWEI to empower women across the 196 wards of Cross River State. She disclosed that "CROWEI will continue to stand firm with women in all their endeavors while calling for more participation of women in leadership/business positions that would grow the local economy".  The Founder of the Foundation, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong disclosed at the event that he was motivated to inaugurate the project designed to support 1,000 micro & small business women across the stat

  The Management  of the University of Calabar has announced a new date for the commencement of examination as well as closure of the school charges payment and course registration portals. Examination will now commence from Wednesday 19th of January, 2022 and the Fee and Course Registration Portals will be closed on midnight of Saturday 15th January, 2022. A release issued by the University Management and made available to the Public Relations Unit has accordingly called on students to ensure  that payment of School Charges and relevant dues are observed before the portals are closed The release which  stated that students must register courses before exams, added that registration is per course. Examination attendance list will be generated only for the students who have duly registered their courses. The release further reminded students that  registration  is done essentially online using the link http://unicalexams.edu.ng/login and not with lecturers or by cash payment as online 

The Calabar municipality chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has hailed the senator representing Cross River South senatorial district, Sen. Gershom Bassey for his developmental strides recorded in the Senatorial District and across the State. The PDP chapter chairman of Calabar Municipality, Hon.(Dr.) Otop Otop while addressing stakeholders in the event described  Distinguished Senator Gershom Bassey as a man of capacity in term of integrity, accountability and performance in public service. He commended the senator for touching the lives of his constituents through improved primary health care delivery, rehabilitation of roads, and empowerment of youths and women even across the state. The Chairman pledged to educate and mobilise the people, especially those without permanent voters cards (PVC) to register in order to enable them vote in the 2023 election. In the same vein, Member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency in the House of Representativ

  People Democratic Party (PDP} Party leaders across Odukpani Local Government Areas and stakeholders have urged Sen Gershom Bassey, the Senator representing Cross River South, to contest in the 2023 Gubernatorial election, assuring him of their total support.  The Odukpani Chapter Chairman, Hon Barr Alex Asuquo said he will lead the Odukpani block to give Sen Bassey all the support he needed to win during the Primary election and the General election Ntufam Ekpo Okon, ex-PDP chairman in Cross River State declared total support for the gubernatorial ambition of Senator Gershom Bassey. According to the ex-PDP state Chairman, his total support for Gershom is based on his track record of excellence, integrity, and accountability in public service. The former  PDP state leader extolled the good virtue of Bassey as one of the founding fathers of PDP in Cross River State, developer, and season administrator who has demonstrated leadership experiences to qualify him to emerge as the next Gove

  By Uchino Amatey The newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB), Senator Stephen Odey has pledged his commitment to effectively discharge his duties without fear or favour to improve the Basic Education Sub-sector in the State. Sen. Odey made this known during his official inauguration ceremony held today, Tuesday, 4th January, 2022 at the State Ministry of Education, Calabar. Expressing gratitude to Governor Ben Ayade for finding him worthy and reappointing him as SUBEB Chairman, the SUBEB Boss reiterated his commitment to the transformation of the Basic Education Sector in Cross River State. Appealing for the Commissioner’s continuous support, he further expressed gratitude to the Quality Education boss for the goodwill and support the Board has always enjoyed from the Ministry of Quality Education. While inaugurating the Executive Chairman CR-SUBEB, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke expressed confidence in

The outgoing Cross River State Head of Service, Barr. (Mrs.) Geraldine Akpet-Ekanem has congratulated Mr. Timothy Ogbang Akwaji on his recent appointment as her Successor. Mrs. Akpet-Ekanem, who described the appointment as “well-deserved,” said Mr. Akwaji’s elevation did not come as a fluke, but by dint of hard work through a career that is reminiscent of service to the State and Country. The outgoing technocrat further stated that her successor is replete with the requisite capacity to succeed, likening his emergence as “a round peg in a round hole.” She called on the State workforce to give the incoming Head of Service the utmost support to better the Service in particular and the State at large. She further stated that in line with the Public Service Rules, she is due to retire from the State Civil Service, effective 12 January, 2022; after 35 years of meritorious service to her dear State. The consummate technocrat also revealed that in view of her statutory retirement as Head of

Nigerians and Cross Riverians, we have a lot to be thankful for in 2021, and much more to look forward to in 2022. I thank all Cross Riverians and Nigerians for the honor and privilege to serve you as a Senator. You have shown me love and affection. You challenged my ideas, actions, and inactions, thereby, giving me new ideas and directions. For all of this, I am humbled and sincerely thankful. The year 2021 was full of memorable events in our lives as an individual and collectively as a nation. I know as much as you do that our nation is passing through tough challenging times socially, politically, and economically.  The insecurity and economic instability of our dear nation in the last year have threatened our national unity and heightened our worries and concerns. There has been a serious awakening among Nigerians in the state of the polity than ever before. With no doubt, this has taken us many steps ahead of our fortune as a nation. Having come this far, I strongly believe the da

   By Florence Kekong  Cross River Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. has commended Hon. Legor Idagbo, Member, representing Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku  Federal  Constituency, for placing welfare of the people above politics. The Commissioner who witnessed the end of year ceremony that held at Bekwarra on Wednesday, described it as a "Longstanding Empowerment Programme, most consistent and impressive" While calling on the other politicians to take a cue from Hon. Idagbor's laudable initiatives, Ekpenyong Jr. equally charged the Constituents to show their appreciation by way of offering continuous support to their son, who he furthered described as having result-orientated representation records at the Federal House of Representatives. "There is no doubting the fact that Hon. Legor Idagbo is on the right path of development  as he has placed people orientated empowerment programmes as a major priority. 'I am optimistic that with the unalloyed supp