Detailing News

  By Kingsley Agim The Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has organized a one-day training/workshop for personnel as pre-activity of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund-National Health Insurance Gateway on Primary Health Centres accreditation, quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation and enrollment ahead of implementation of the State health insurance programme, otherwise known as AYADECARE. The Director General of the Agency, Sir Godwin Iyala, in his opening remarks, recently at the workshop held in the Agency’s conference hall, said the activity is an initiative of his Agency as part of its obligations towards the implementation of Health Insurance in the State. He further stated that the essence of the exercise was to expedite necessary action towards the implementation of Health Insurance Scheme for all in the State. “The activity we are carrying out is dependent on the implementation of the BHCPF. This BHCPF is the Federal Government’s counterpart funding to a

Sen. Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe, representing Cross River North in the Senate, has inaugurated a 67 kilometres roads in Yala, Ogoja and Bekwarra local government areas in northern Cross River. Inuagurating the road project at Alifokpa community in Yala local government on Saturday, Agom-Jarigbe, said that his constituents deserve nothing but the best. He disclosed that the 65 kilometers Alifokpa-Yache road in Yala was awarded at N1.4billion by the Federal Ministry of Works. He promised to attract more dividends of democracy to his senatorial district with a view to improve the socio-economic activities of his people. "I am at the National Assembly to serve my people and protect their interest and welfare. “I am happy to inaugurate the Alifokpa-Yache road because it will aid economic activities for both Yala and the Benue people as the road is connected from Yache to the boarder of Benue. "The benefiting communities in Yala and Benue are all agrarian in nature and with this road, fa

  By Dominic Kidzu  It is unfortunate that in this life, when big men in high places trample on rules, guidelines and processes, with no sense of propriety or responsibility, it is the small, innocent people that bear the brunt in the end. I have cried a river for the "Employed" but not payrolled staff of UNICAL in the past, on these same pages, and now it is time to reveal the findings of my private investigations.  On the 10th of July, 2019, Mr B.O.C.OMOGO, who is the Director; Organisation, Design and Development in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, responded to a Special Request from the University of Calabar to approve the recruitment of 1,000 Academic and Administrative staff into newly created faculties. The letter granted the former Vice Chancellor's request with the following concrete directives. 1. To employ a total number of 662 Academic staff.  2. To employ a total number of 338 Non - Academic staff.  3. The Approval was based on t

  All Progressives Congress National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu was today honoured as an 'Ambassador' of young women in APC by the Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF) in Abuja.  While delivering her address at the event, the president, Osamaye Seun Bosede said the honour was in recognition of the sterling achievements of Dr Edu and her support for the growth of APC women across the 36 States plus FCT  of the federation.  "You are our Mother and Amazon, this award is in recognition of your outstanding supports and contributions to the growth and development of millions of Progressive Young women forum in the APC and Nigeria. Your efforts at pushing women to achieve excellence is amazing and this is our own modest efforts to appreciate you" Osamaye said.  In her response, Dr Edu expressed her gratitude to them and enjoined them to massively mobilise support for the APC in the 2023 presidential election.  In her words " the coming election will be largely determine

  Eyam Abeng, President of the University of Cross River (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has been appointed as an Adviser on Special Duties and Media Relations to the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo. Recalled that about a fortnight ago, Osifo was overwhelmly voted as the President of TUC during its 12th Triennial National Delegate Conference, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. Recognizing the efforts of Abeng in his emergence, Osifo who also doubles as the  national President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, after his inauguration announced his appointment, noting that he needed his results-oriented attitude to help him deliver on his mandate. Reacting, the elated Abeng said that even though his hands are full with other responsibilities, the opportunity to contribute and continue to learn from the TUC President was one that he can never turn down.  Abeng who is also the Chairman of

  DePaul University, Chicago, USA, is partnering with University of Calabar to deliver Global Learning Experience Programme. The Team from University of Chicago USA visited the Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi on the 27th of July, 2022 to further conversations on the Global Learning Experience Programme. Representatives of DePaul University, Chicago, that are to pilot the Programme are Prof. Margaret Workman and Prof. Isiodoh.  The University of Calabar will be represented by Prof. P. C. Okafor, (Director of External Relations), Prof. Anthony Akpan (Director ICT), Prof Ajake (Dean of faculty of Environment), Associate Prof. Rapheal Offiong (UNICAL Carbon Innovation Center), Prof. Pauline Essoka (HoD of Geography and Environmental Sciences), Dr. Paul Tawo Bukie (Department of Computer Science) and Mr. Jude Bepeh (Public Health Department). During the programme, students of University of Calabar shall take online courses together with students of DePaul

  The Cross River State Government in collaboration with Society for Gastro Enterology and Hepatology in Nigeria and lions club International  joined the global Community in marking this year's, "World Hepatitis Day" across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state with street Awareness/road show  Screening and Vaccination of citizens against the disease.  In Calabar, the state capital, the procession was led by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong who represented the wife of the state Governor, Dr Linda Ayade as she led  the sensitization  across adjoining streets in Calabar Municipal Council. Speaking to newsmen after the street awareness and campaign to enlighten the general populace of one of the World deadliest diseases, Dr Ekpenyong disclosed that, the prevalence of  Hepatitis particularly Hepatitis Band C in the state,calls for intensified Sensitization and precautions in order to effectively manag

   By Kingsley Agim A team of Independent Verification Assessors (IVA) is in Calabar for the States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability 2021 Annual Performance Assessments (APA). Speaking while welcoming the IVA team to Cross River, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation, Comrade Otu Otu Ita said the State under Governor Ben Ayade has strengthen fiscal responsibility in Public Finance Management  The State Budget Adviser assured the IVA officials and state actors including the technical committee a seamless assessments of the State’s financial management system. Also speaking, the Accountant-General of the State, Sir Joseph Adie noted that with the State reputed for its strict financial policy, the State, even this time, will achieve the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) 2021 benchmark. According to the AG, the strengthening of the State’s Internally Generated Revenue collection, implementation of biometric verification to stem

I feel it is proper to make frank attempt to chronicle a brief profile of one of Obudu born Nigerian whose life is an inspiration to me and a lot of Nigerian Youths globally.  Before the long storyline, let me a very warm happy birthday wishes to a brother, friend, associate and mentor, pray that God almighty continue to bless and grant him good health and the very best in all his Undertakings. To the best of my knowledge, Dr Justin was born in Kakum town, Obudu LGA. As it is the case with most Obudu families to ensure children receive the required education, Justin started his educational pursuit at St Theresa’s Primary School, Ipong, Obudu LGA, where he obtained his FSLC before proceeding to Government Science School, Ipong and later Government Science School, Akamkpa where he sat for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2001.  Justin was admitted into the University of Calabar to study for a Bachelor of Science (BSC) degree in Genetics and Biotechnology, where I met h

  The President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo has approved the appointment of Comrade Eyam Abeng  as the Special Adviser on Special Duties & Media Relations with immediate effect. Announcing the appointment at a Stakeholders meeting in Transcorp Hotel Abuja, the TUC President noted that the appointment was based on merit and in recognition of the meritorious support of Comrade Eyam who doubles as the Zonal Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Lagos Zone and National President, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Alumni Association. Comrade Osifo described Comrade Eyam as a diligent, dedicated, focused, intelligent and committed personality who is ever ready to give is best in the service of humanity. Accepting the new appointment, Comrade Eyam Abeng appreciated the gesture of the TUC President and the uncommon confidence reposed on him, assuring him that he will deliver this mandate effectively

  By Ofem, Jesam (Trinity)  The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams on Tuesday received the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and Various labor unions in Cross State House of Assembly.    Williams thanked the leadership of the union for their patience. Noting that NLC this is too late. When your child is crying, you don't need to wait too long. ASUU is your child and you waited for too long to react. " What you are doing is your right and nobody would stop you. NLC is right, our children are at home for too long. I don't think anyone here is not affected, we all pass through this school, and we must pay attention to the school. Receiving this letter today, I will take it to the conference of Speakers on Monday". Speaker concluded that the house will take it up, and they are not going to keep quiet, enough is enough, and he stands with Nigerian workers.  Earlier the ASUU Chairman Unical Comrad

Asuquo Ekpenyong, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senatorial candidate for Cross River South district, at the weekend visited the Bacoco Landslide scene and again extended a hand of help to the victims. I  Ekpenyong who was emotionally touched by the sheer scale of the disaster provided a token sum to the main victim, Mr. Ndifreke Nkanta, who lost four children in the disaster. The money is meant to assist in setting medical bills for his wife and two children still in hospital, and also to secure rent for new accommodation. The Senatorial candidate who had earlier in the week sent money for the medical bill of those hospitalized stated that he was deeply concerned about the welfare of the family and all those affected, the reason for his visit to the scene. "I came straight from the airport to this place because I have been deeply worried since I heard about  the incident and I am assisting Mr. Ndifreke to enable him to rent new accommodation so that when his wife and two chi

The Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has condoled with the family of Ndifreke Sylvester over the colossal loss of their four children as a result of a landslide attack on their building. The Governor who was represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong at the General Hospital Calabar, could not hide her emotions as she was seen visibly weeping over the unrepairable damages suffered by the Ndifreke's family. According to the DG, this has been one of the most terrific news she has heard as she promised to keep a day-to-day watch on the survivals and ensure that best practices are carried out on the survivals all through their stay in the General Hospital. She further promised the family the Government's commitment to ensure that, their welfare and those of the surviving children will be well taken care of at all times.  "This is very sad news to behold, waking up to hear of this quantum l

  APC Senatorial candidate for Cross River Southern Senatorial district today received hundreds of decampees from the PDP to the APC in Bacoco ward 10 area of calabar Municipality.  Speaking while receiving the decampees, Ekpenyong congratulated them for making the right step adding that " Based on the kind of candidates the APC is parading in Cross River it shows the party has great plans for Calabar Municipality and Cross River State at large." He expressed optimism that the APC having shown itself to be trust worthy by being the only political party to respect the principles of zoning both at the national and the state level will record a clean sweep in the 2023 general elections.  " The APC is the only party that has done the right thing by respecting the principle of zoning not just in the state but at the national level as well, and because of this I am certain the party will record a 100% success for all it's candidates come 2023. " Speaking earlier, chai

  Over 20,000 people yesterday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC in Adadama, Abi Local Government area in Cross River State, home of the National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu. The massive defection was in solidarity with the National Woman Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, the unprecedented achievement of the APC and the sterling performance of Dr. Betta since she emerged as the National Women Leader of the party. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, OFR who represented the Governor Sen Ben Ayade, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Alphonsus Eba and his Deputy Prince Eka Williams,  Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly and Senatorial Candidate of APC, Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams, Executive Chairman of Abi Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Farathor Robinson and a host of other top government officials who graced the occasion of the home coming of the APC National Woman Le

  The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has congratulated the All Progressive Congress National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu for her triumphant homecoming and free medical Outreach in the town of Adadama , Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. The outreach which was part of Dr Betta Edu's homecoming celebration as a result of her  elevation to the most prolific women coordinator in the country had over 500 beneficiaries who were diagnosed, examined and offered treatment for their challenging health needs. She said, such interventions which has been sustained for over 10 years, shows magnanimity and total love for the people, dispelling assertions that it was politically motivated. "Today we are here to support our beautiful women leader and the most prolific women coordinator in the country who has brought quality and a lasting healthcare to  not just the people of Adadamawa ward , but Abi Local Governme

  APC women went agog as women gathered from all over the country to meet with their leader and Presidential Candidate Tinubu after the unveiling of his VP candidate Sen Shettima. National women leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, Dr. Betta Edu, yesterday mobilised women leaders across the country in support of the Presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Dr Betta stated that women across the 36 States of the federation are being massively mobilised to ensure the success of the APC in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election. She noted that a structure has been set up to take the message  from door to door until everyone is reached and convinced to vote for a candidate who has an unbeatable track record of performance and women main streaming. She restated the readiness and commitment of women to the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president of the country. She also assured the presidential flagbearer of mobilising women to deliver more t

Mr Mike Igini, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Akwa Ibom State; will be going away, after his Second Term as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC),(INEC), on August 15,2022. Whether by providence or happenstance, he will be departing on the Ides of August. In the ancient Roman calendar; “Kalends”, “Nones” and “Ides”, were ancient markers used to reference dates in relation to lunar phases. Ides simply referred to the first new moon of a given month, which usually fell between the 13th and 15th. Having committed insidious havoc over the years in Edo, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, it is appropriate to bid Mr Mike Igini, Goodbye, as he attempts to start another phase of his malicious life, without Governmental Patronage. Still seething from the shock of the foisting of Mike Igini on our general sensibilities in Nigeria, the definite signpost of our fears was installed on  Thursday, October 14, 2018, during the 14th All N

  The Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly and APC Central Senatorial Candidate, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has been confirmed for the prestigious honour of the *Best Speaker of the Year 2022* in the forthcoming Democracy Heroes Awards scheduled to hold on August 18 in Abuja, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Williams beat other nominated State Assembly Speakers, which include Lagos state, Delta state, and Kano state through a voting exercise conducted by Democracy Heroes Awards accredited audit committee. The Award is one of the most outstanding awards for recognising heroes and significant actors in the development of Nigeria's democracy. According to a message from the organsers, the forthcoming and most anticipated 10th edition of Democracy Heroes Awards Africa will yet again honour the outstanding performance of notable, reputable, and distinguished personalities, across key sectors and industries in Africa.  The Award has honoured several notable personalities in its prev

  The Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has congratulated Comrade Nsa Gill on his emergence as the Chairman of the Cross River state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) after a successful and peaceful election/transition.  Williams in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Hope Obeten, also congratulated other members of the newly elected council, describing the outcome of the election as a reflection of the choice of journalists and media professionals across the different chapels in the state. He noted that Comrade Nsa Gill of The Nation Newspaper is a thorough-bred journalist, who has distinguished himself in the pen profession, noting that he was confident that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the administration of the NUJ in the state. The Speaker wishes the newly elected leadership of the State NUJ Council a successful tenure.

  A frontline Central Senatorial support Group, J6 Ambassadors, has donated campaign materials to the APC Central Senatorial Candidate in Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams. The group comprising coordinators from the six local government areas in the Central Senatorial district made the presentation today in Calabar.  Making the presentation of the materials, they said, “We have availed ourselves of the structures across the 6 LGA’s, comprising of ward coordinators across the 66 wards and polling units coordinators to work for your victory and as such we want to say that the gift items we came with to present to you are just samples for your endorsement as we are ready to send home plenty for use during your campaign.  “Your name resonates with young people across the state and we have put together this group as a youth wing to ensure your victory come 2023,” the group reiterated.  In his response, Rt. Hon. Eteng Williams thanked the group for the gesture. “Seeing your fa

In a swift response to the plight of the displaced and war Ravaged Communities of Nko and Onyadama in Yakurr/Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, the state government has sent a high-level delegation to provide medical and relief materials to underprivileged households. The response which is to help curtail the suffering of the people and prevent possible disease outbreaks due to the indiscriminate movement of people from one place to another will help meet the immediate needs of the people and give them a sense of belonging. Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong who led the team made up of the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Agency, Mr. Princewill Ayim, and the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr. Iwara Iwara had a stop at the Palace of the Obol Lopon of Ugep to hint on the development. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Obol, Director General of the Cross Ri

Born in Ukele, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State Nigeria, Inaku Sunday Diffin Aka Slimdizzy is a multi-talented and fast rising Nigerian artiste and CEO Diffin records focusing on Afro, Hip Hop, Soul and related music genres. Slimdizzy began his music career in 2010 during his time at the Cross River University of Technology Calabar, where he performed during school events and thrilled fans at shows outside the campus. Ever since his bust on the music scene as a fresh-faced teenager in his single “Amaka Bakasi”, the versatile Ukele performer has been churning out potent songs that examine life’s complexities with an open heart and keen eye.  His creative experiences have been a profound influence on his life and career. From a shy introvert, Slimdizzy has blossomed into a confident performer, highly-skilled singer and a passionate song writer. Slimdizzy has performed in numerous shows round the world which include Sorrento, Via Toledo, Venice, San Giorgio, Montesachio, Be