Detailing News

Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk has stated that Governor Bassey Otu is priming the State for all-round prosperity. The Commissioner who spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing '2023 International Cooperation and Investment Summit' at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), pointed out that the event is a deliberate step by the present administration to lure investors, captains of industries, diplomats, international organisations and the business community to Cross River to interface with major State actors and explore the huge investment potentials that abound in the State and as well consider investing in the State in the near future. The astute public health professional said the choice of 'Paradigm Shift' as the summit's theme is an auspicious beginning of the looming socio-economic renaissance that awaits the State. The Health Commissioner also used the opportunity to laud Governor Bassey Otu for his foresighted

The Cross River State Commissioner for Aviation, Capt Eno Inah Rtd  has reiterated the State Government's plan to revive the Calabar air route and revamp its activities as well as adequately address the challenges faced by airline operators and other service providers at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport. Capt. Inah made this revelation when he paid an unscheduled visit to some airline operators at the Calabar Airport on a fact-finding mission, owing to several complaints by passengers and operators within the Calabar Route.  According to the  Commissioner, "The State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu is not snug with the several complaints about our Calabar Route, so he has directed that we come here to unravel the challenges you are facing and report same to him for positive actions. "The issues of flight cancellations, long unavailability of seats from certain routes, high cost of aviation fuel, high flight fare  among others are all to be sorted out as soon as possible.

By Rasheed Olanrewaju  Fulfilling campaign promises to the people is one character trait that very few politicians have. And one of these few politicians is the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. This can be gleaned from his every step thus far. For Otu, keeping fidelity to promises is not novel. As a member of the National Assembly, first as a House of Representatives member and later Senator, he kept faith with his constituents; fulfilling all his campaign promises. He took on unprecedented empowerment programs ever single-handedly instituted by any politician in Cross River State. Fast forward to the 2023 gubernatorial election campaigns, Senator Otu was emphatic that human capital development would be the fulcrum of the Peoples' First Agenda of his administration,  pledging to establish a ministry to that effect.  His words: "I pioneered an empowerment program that has continued to reverberate across the State without a budget. That is why in the c

By Kingsley Agim Cross River State Government has called for more integrated action on health related programmes from implementing partners, non-profit and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other agencies in the State. Relating government's position, while playing host to the State Coordinator of Breakthrough Action Nigeria (a nonprofit organisation), who was in his office on a courtesy visit, Thursday, in Calabar, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, said: "Cross River State is in the forefront of Universal Health Coverage. We cannot do otherwise than to advocate for a more integrated approach from partners. "If you implement two or three vertical programmes, however integrated there are, would not maximise your own effort. It is easier and cheaper to spend on more programmes, because it is same people you are using to implement and achieve all you set out to. For instance, if you are talking about family planning, nutrition, tuberculosis, malaria an

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the University of Calabar to train the trainers with skill acquisition-based knowledge to redistribute wealth and reduce poverty in the country. Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu stated this when she received the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi, and her team in her office. Edu said her office has the mandate to create Wealth and reduce poverty in Nigeria and expressed delight that the Unical Skill Acquisition and Vocational Center would come in handy in training thousands of youths, thereby reducing unemployment and social tension. According to the Minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to reducing poverty in Nigeria and has directed that her Ministry hit the ground running. "Thankfully, the University of Calabar Skills Acquisition and Vocational Centre is available for you; we are going to partner with your university and other

Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr. Betta Edu has restated President Bola Tinubu's determination to eradicate poverty in Nigeria in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs target. The Minister who made the assertion during an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja assured that every strata of the society including women,  men, children, and people living with disabilities would benefit from the various poverty alleviation schemes of the government which would soon be unveiled by her Ministry.  According to her,  "President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has a clear vision on what he intends to do to eradicate poverty in line with the SDGs which states that poverty should be eradicated by 2030 and Nigeria is one of the Countries that signed onto the full implementation of SDG.  "This explains  why the president is fully committed to pulling Nigerians out of poverty" Tinubu, the Minister said, "believes that by the end of his admin

The Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) have congratulated the Senator Representing Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams on his appointment as Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream). OPTS operating under the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, is an oil and gas industry body comprising 28 member companies covering both the international and the indigenous oil companies in Nigeria, making significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the nation.  In a congratulatory message signed by the Executive Director, Gwueke Ajaifia, the association reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the government and all stakeholders to move the Nigerian oil and gas industry forward.  “We are confident that working with you, we will achieve exceptional feats in our journey to hope and prosperity for the common good of Nigerians,” they assured.  Similarly, the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC Limited/Chevron Nigeria L

The Imo State Government has appointed prominent radio anchor Ukana Omon as Chairman of the 2023 Governor Hope Uzodinma Media Excellence Award Committee. Omon, an associate member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, will lead the 9-member committee comprising veterans, directors of MDAs, chairmen of press associations, and newspaper publishers to select winners for the prestigious award which enters its third edition. The committee was inaugurated Thursday in Owerri the state capital by the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba. Emelumba reiterated Governor Uzodimma's promise to sponsor this year's winners on further training overseas in addition to the cash prize, and charged the committee to sustain the integrity of the award. "For you to be chosen to judge your colleagues' work, to determine whether that person is qualified to win this award, it's ot a tea party, it's a very serious confidence, a very serious tr

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr Senator Representing Southern Senatorial District, National Assembly Complex,  Three Arms Zone, Abuja.  Distinguished Senator,  BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS I joyfully felicitate with you, dearest friend and brother, on the occasion of your birthday.  Your resourceful youthfulness is an admiration to all, as you have remained a Youth Ambassador.  As the youngest Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State, you brought your financial ingenuity to bear, handling the most vital aspects of governance.  In view of this youth resourcefulness, you were elected to represent the good people of Southern Senatorial District as Senator of the 10th Assembly. With this, Cross River State Youths have their best foot forward.  As you celebrate your birthday today, be sure that you are loved beyond by all, especially the Youth constituency.  We also urge you to use your office as Senate Committee on NDDC to bring about impactful projects in the communities and youth oriented pro

By Kingsley Agim Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk has emphasised that the present administration led by Governor Bassey Otu places high premium on the health of its citizens and remains poised to getting health insurance working comprehensively in a bid to enthrone Universal Health Coverage in the State. Dr. Ayuk who made the emphasis while declaring open an orientation workshop on Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Implementation Protocols and Guidelines, held on Thursday at Jorany Hotels, Calabar, insisted that for the sector to achieve the present administration's policy thrust in health, stakeholders must eschew all forms of dichotomies that have hitherto stalled progress, and rather work for the common goal of the health sector and the collective good of the people of the State. The Health Commissioner further stated that, in conformity to the Otu-led administration's 'People First' mantra, his leadership of the health sector would not

By Kingsley Agim Students of Colleges of Nursing Sciences and happy Midwifery across the State have been tasked to factor health-related messages into their social calendar as potential healthcare service providers and critical stakeholders in the health sector. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk gave the charge, recently, when he received a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses and Midwives, who were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment as and eventual assumption of office as Commissioner for Health, as well as intimate him of activities to mark the Association's ongoing Social Week, holding in Calabar. Dr. Ayuk said with Cross River making concerted efforts towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), it behooves on all stakeholders in the health sector to support Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to actualise such lofty vision through public enlightenment, advocacy and outdoor campaigns in order to el

Cross River State Mining Taskforce on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to a mining company, AAY, in Biase Local Government Area. The delegation on the visit was led by the taskforce Chairman, Engr. Ngwu Ukam and on arrival, was received by the company secretary, Comr. Amigha. In the Chairman's opening remark, he said the taskforce is committed and determine to stem the tide against illegal miners and mining activities in the State. On the purpose of the visit, Engr Ukam pointed out that the taskforce embarked on the visit to familiarize with the company while creating a synergy between his team(taskforce) and the company. Responding, the site manager, Mr Roland Asikpo while welcoming the committee, commended the taskforce for fighting against illegal miners and for ensuring proper documentation of all legal companies. Speaking further, he congratulated them on their appointment and appreciated the Governor, Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu for constituting such a committee. Also speaki

By Kingsley Agim Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk has charged Directors, Programme Managers and Desk Officers at health related Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the State to demonstrate competency for supportive supervision of health institutions, programmes and facilities under their purview. Dr. Ayuk made the call, recently, while delivering a training on the development of checklist for supportive supervision for health projects in the State. The Health Commissioner, who warned personnel against complacency in the discharge of their duties, further enjoined them to prioritise quality service delivery through effective supervision for the attainment of project objectives, sustainability and overall enthronement of Universal Health Coverage in the State. The training was well attended, notably, by the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Comfort Ekanem, representatives from the State AIDS Control Programme, State Agency for

  By Kingsley Agim  Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has appealed to financial institutions in the State to explore sustainable ways of supporting the State Government deliver on its 'people first' agenda and attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the benefit of the masses. Dr. Ayuk made the call, Wednesday, while receiving a team from Globus Bank, which was in his office on a courtesy visit. He enjoined banks and other financial institutions to identify opportunities especially in equipment support to health facilities in prevention, diagnostic and treatment services, adding that such interventions would, in no small measure, assist the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration deliver on the UHC mandate. Re-echoing the present administration's commitment to efficient, accessible, quality and affordable healthcare system, the Health Commissioner reminded financial institutions that only healthy citizenry can engage in meaningful financial tr

The UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF) has assured the  Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, of their commitment to support the Humanitarian Response and Poverty Alleviation with 270M USD.  They said this when the Country Representative of UNICEF Christian Mundate lead the Chief of Health & HIV/AIDS, Eduardo Celades, to the Honourable Minister in her office in Abuja. The UNICEF Chief also assured the Honourable Minister of technical support to build capacity of the Ministry’s staff as well as support the development of a Humanitarian Response Protocol for Nigeria to guide all Humanitarian Actors as this will facilitate effective coordination. In addition, they will support the establishment of a National Humanitarian Situation Room or Humanitarian Emergency Operation Centre (H-EOC) to monitor, mitigate and prevent Humanitarian Emergencies and build resilience in the system.   Responding, the Honourable Minister Dr. Betta Edu inform

At least 13 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in the Umai area, Big Iwuru, and Small Iwuru in Biase Local Government of Cross River State by the Nigeria Police Force. The suspects were arrested by the Cross River State Illegal Mining taskforce in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force. The suspects, who were arrested on August 22, were detained at the police station Akpet with their working equipment which includes; Shovels, diggers, and pumping machines.  Th Chairman Mining Taskforce Engr. Ukam Ngwu Ngwu said their illegal mining could worsen security challenges and cause natural disasters in the community. Chairman added “Our searchlight was able to identify a place in the Umai community where we raided 7 suspects caught in the act of illegal mining. "The pit is poorly managed, poor pit designs management which may lead to pit collapse and can kill'. "The site was illegally mining Tourmaline, Lithium, and other associated minerals which were not included

Women networks under the  'Women Voice and Leadership Project' of ActionAid Nigeria, funded by Global Affairs Canada, have condemned in strong terms the alleged scandal with regards to the unwarranted intimidation and sexual harassment at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) where the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, over alleged sexual harassment. The Women group said that the alleged sexual harassment which is the second so far reported against Prof. Ndifon was not only appalling, disgusting but, unacceptable to put it mildly.  It is in the light of these anomalies that we not only call but strongly demand for stringent measures against Prof. Ndifon. “While we commend the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, and the management team of the institution for the swift action taken by suspending Prof. Ndifon over the violations of the well laid rules and regulations of the institution, we however insist and demand for a full and comprehens

  A former member of Spirit Touch Deliverance Ministry, Mr. Kalu Onuoha has publicly called out a prophet and General overseer of the church, David Osuala over some actions he tagged as "dirty deals."  According to Mr. Kalu, "Prophet David Osuala asked a certain young lady to bring a used menstrual pad to him.  He also invited another young lady who went for counseling in his church, to the hotel for deliverance. Is it at the hotel that deliverance is conducted? " Kalu queried.  Kalu, who was so furious while talking to Detailing News Nigeria (DNN), said that he called Prophet David Osuala out recently on NTA Newsline over several allegations yet the cleric has kept mum and refused to speak on any of the matters he raised against him.  "Recently, I called Prophet David Osuala out on NTA Newsline. Why was he afraid to speak on camera?"   Detailing News confirmed that Mr. Kalu Onuoha was shown on NTA Newsline two Sundays ago where he made the same allegation

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has approved the appointment of Dr (Mrs.) Rose Ohiama Ugbe, as the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law. A release issued by the Registrar of the University of Calabar on Tuesday, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, disclosed that the appointment takes effect from Tuesday, August 22, 2023 and will run till a substantive dean is elected for the faculty. The release states that, as acting Dean, Dr. Rose Ugbe will take up the responsibilities and duties associated with the office and also oversee faculty’s academic programmes, foster a healthy relationship among staff and students, and create a positive environment for teaching and learning. Other functions as contained in the release include supporting faculty members in their research activities and collaborating with the University Administration to ensure full implementation and actualization of the vision of the University.   The University Community congratulates the newly appoi

The University of Calabar has formally constituted a 7-man panel under the chairmanship of a Professor of Philosophy, Prof. Dorothy Oluwagbemi-Jacob to investigate allegations of misconduct levelled against the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon. Other members of the panel include: the Executive Director of Gender Development Centre, Dr. Brenda Akpan; Director of SERVICOM, Prof. Patrick Egaga; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Tony Eyang; Representative of Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Prof. Ayodeji T. Owolabi; the University Counsellor, Prof. Elizabeth Akpama; and Deputy Registrar, Post Graduate School, Barr. Gabriel Orok who will serve as Secretary. Speaking at the inauguration, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, said that the institution has no vested interest in the case, should pursue justice and further informed that some external bodies having indicated interest to participate in the proceedings of the panel, ha

By Kingsley Agim Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk has called on the Management team of his Ministry to put all hands on deck in performing the important task of repositioning the health sector of the State. Dr. Ayuk gave the charge, Monday, while addressing his Management Staff upon his official assumption of duty at the Ministry's headquarters in Calabar. "I want to appreciate you all for the warm reception. I had even started work before my assumption of office today. "We are going to work as a partners. But I would not take any inconsistencies in the course of doing our job. So if you want to be my friend, then take your work seriously. "Everyone has a responsibility towards achieving the present administration's policy thrust in the health sector. I would like to sit one on one with every staff of this Ministry in due course. My leadership would dwell on workload analysis to ensure effective personnel output," the Commissioner rem

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently administering the oath of office to about 45 ministers-designate to formally commence their duties in the new administration. The swearing-in ceremony is taking place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Yusuf M Tuggar was among the first batch of five ministers-designate to take the oath as he was sworn in as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Following him was Joseph Utsev, who was sworn in as the Minister of Water and Sanitation Resources. Muhammad A. Pate took the oath as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Among the dignitaries present are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Below is the updated list of the ministers and their designations. Ministry of Niger Delta Development: Abubakar Momoh Minister Of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy: Bosun Tijani Minister Of State, Environment: Ishak Salako Minister Of Finance and

Cross River State Illegal Mining Task-force has arrested 2 alleged illegal miners who are presently detained at Akpet Central Police Station Biase Local Government Area.  The Chairman Engr. Ukam Ngwu Ngwu disclosed this to Detailing News Nigeria (DNN). The suspects were arrested today 19 August 2023 at the Illegal Mica Depot in Abini village, Biase Local Government Area according to the statement. The task-force of illegal mining according to their Chairman has embarked on rigorous raiding and dislodging of illegal miners in various locations across the State and it was an unscheduled visit to Akamkpa and Biase respectively.

The Chairman of Cross River State Illegal Mining Task Force, on Saturday, said it has uncovered illegal mining sites, located at Uyanga, Akwaibami, and Ojoi villages, all in Akamkpa Local Government Area. This took place at about 11 am when the Illegal Mining taskforce led by the Chairman, Engr. Ukam Ngwu Ngwu visited the sites where the operator of caterpillars, suspected to be used by the miners, to perpetuate the evil act was captured. The Chairman in a statement, said the illegal miners were not caught but the operator of the caterpillars noted that he will come and see the Government on Monday for documentation with the committee.  “My committee will not rest on its activities until all illegal mining sites are discovered"- Chairman  He warned Cross Riverians to desist from mining illegally and that anyone caught from now, will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Over five hundred youths and women from Cross River State Central Senatorial have been trained in Entrepreneurship Skills, Capacity building sensitization of youth on domestic violence, and training of artisans on Agro Economy as a tool for self-reliance.  The training was organized by Senator Eteng Jonah Williams in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College Oji-River, Enugu State. The beneficiaries were drawn from the Six local government areas of the Central Senatorial District which are Abi, Yakurr, Obubra, Ikom, Etung, and Boki. Apart from the issuance of certificates, each of the participants received a training grant.  Williams who was represented by His Special Adviser on Media Mr. Hope Obeten, during the training said the resolve to train the beneficiaries on the various skills is to build in them in the spirit of enterprise and to reduce unemployment in Central Senatorial District.  He noted that the goal of the training is to build the capacity of youths and women to

His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the 10th Senate, yesterday attended the autobiography of the eminent elder statesman Edwin Clark who is a Nigerian nationalist, Ijaw leader, and politician from Delta State.  The Senate President, who was represented by Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Cross River Central Senatorial District  emphasized the need and significance of maintaining democratic doctrines, and stress the need to embrace one another irrespective of ethical and cultural background as it is contained in the book.  Senator Akpabio described Pa Edwin Clark as a true democrat, a leader that is bestowed with the spirit of unity in diversification and his verge for nation-building.  The Senate President prayed for good health, wisdom, grace, and guidance as he continues with his life endeavors.  Some of the guests at the occasion were President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; former Head

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has felicitated with the good people of Boki Local Government Area in Cross River State on the occasion of the 2023 New Yam Festival. In her goodwill message, the VC commended the royal fathers of Boki who have kept the tradition of the celebration intact and united for ages, thereby urging Boki sons and daughters to use the occasion of the celebration to promote peace, unity and oneness. She said that the New Yam festival affords the good people of Boki another opportunity to celebrate their cultural heritage in a peaceful atmosphere. The VC, while calling for peace and tolerance from Boki sons and daughters, gave thanks to God for another opportunity to celebrate the August event. She congratulated the farmers for always producing big tubers of yams for the yearly celebration. She prayed God to bless the fertile land of Boki nation with abundant harvest during this season and beyond.

A media nonprofit based in Cross River State, Godshield Kanjal Journalism Foundation (GKJF) has launched an initiative to track cyber bullying of Nigerian single women by the 'alpha male' movement. Codename GBV Tracker, the initiative is aimed at tackling the trend of bullying of women on the internet by some group of pseduo social media account operators under the aegis of 'alpha males'.  The founder of the foundation, Godshield Kanjal, who disclosed this to Journalists in Calabar at the weekend, frowned at the rate of violence against women by these group of faceless men. The foundation says it will train a large number of GBV Tracker volunteers who will track and monitor these social media accounts, reports them or call on the public to sign petitions against such accounts for its complete ban.   "Some of the accounts advices men never to consider women who are 33-year-old for marriage. They advice the men to only have sexual intercourse with these women and dum

The Management of the University of Calabar( Unical) has suspended the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon for alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution. The suspension conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe  takes effect from August 17, 2023. According to the letter, the suspension came on the heels of the Dean's response to a query earlier issued to him by the University Management which the Vice Chancellor was dissatisfied with. Dissatisfied with his response, the Vice Chancellor, according to the letter, has relieved Prof. Ndifon of his position as Dean and placed him on suspension while the matter is refered to a panel that will be set-up to investigate the allegations levelled against him. The letter reads this; " Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC.45A dated August 14, 2023 on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University and your resp

A Socio Culture group, Arewa For Unity Forum  in Borno State has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assigning Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to Betta Edu, saying the president's choice is a round peg in a round hole. The group in a statement signed by Saliu Abdul said based on the track record and experience in humanitarian service, Edu would not disappoint the president and entire citizens of Nigeria. She already started the humanitarian role in the office as a National women Leader When she came to our state and empowered thousands of women financially for petty trade while carrying out health out reach for over 5 thousand IDPs in Konduga. This she has replicated in several other states in the country. Her humble disposition is a game changer. The group boasted that Edu's appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation would herald new developmental strides in fight against poverty in Nigeria. The statement read in part; D

International Youth Day; President Tinubu broke the jinx and Appoints A 36 Years old Nigerian Youth as Minister, the Youngest Minister in the the History of 4th Republic of Nigeria.   President Bola Tinubu in July nominated Dr Betta Edu from Cross River State to serve as part of his cabinet as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Beyond signifying the President as a man of his word on the inclusion of  Women and Youths in his administration, Betta’s appointment as a member of the team to pilot the affairs of the nation, is a demonstration of the President’s Resolve to get qualified, properly schooled, persons of great character and integrity, persons who are committed to the development of the Country on board.   The youngest of all the nominees, The Medical Doctor and Ph.D. holder represents the ideal youth today, she has kept the dreams hopes, and aspirations of the Nigerian youth alive; “ The Nigeria Dream”. Nigerian Youth must understudy and emulate this young woman. Her