Detailing News

The governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has been applauded for his massive agro industrial revolution in the state. The commendation was made by the National President, Oil Palm Growers Associate of Nigeria, Chief Joe Onyiuke at the flag off of a Town Hall event in Calabar recently.  OPGAN said they were motivated by governor Otu's impressive initiatives in the agricultural sector of the state and pledged to collaborate with the Cross River State Government to create the largest sustainable small holder oil palm economy in Africa. According to them,  the partnership would create an Oil Palm revolution across the entire value chain and would involve the establishment and management of nurseries, plantations, logistics, processing/milling, storage. This is even as the state government in a deliberate and strategic move to fulfill and implement its agricultural vision, has accepted to adopt the proposal of OPGAN as an immediate initiative to boost agriculture in the stat

The United Kingdom has pledged to support the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in its drive to reduce humanitarian crises and end poverty in Nigeria.  Development Director, British High Commission, Abuja, Dr Christopher Pycrof made this known Thursday when he paid a visit to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr Betta Edu in her office. Pycrof assured the Minister that the British government would place at her disposal any assistance her Ministry might require to succeed in its mandate. According to him,  "I just like to make it absolutely clear to you that the UK Government will provide you with support, we have a team which is focused both on the humanitarian side but also increasingly on the development side as well. "So we are looking to work to provide durable solutions and we should be able to reduce that sense of separation between the need to provide lifesaving humanitarian support on the one hand, and then the need

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has formally received the report of the Investigation Panel set up to probe allegations of improprieties levelled against the suspended Dean of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon. Receiving the report in a brief presentation ceremony in her office, the Vice Chancellor commended the Panel members for their effort and commitment towards the achievement of a thorough and objective report within a short period of time. She said though Management has not gone through the report, she knows the report will be useful to the University and it will help the University achieve the needed closure to the subject matter and consequently move forward. Prof. Obi who reiterated her happiness over the sacrifice and show of commitment by the Panel, assured that, the report will be presented to the Ministers of Education and that of Women Affairs as well as, Executive Secretary of NUC as delivered by the Panel, "nothing added, nothing removed&q

  The Cross River Finance Commissioner, Mr. Mike Odere has assured the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Cross River State Command of the willingness to partner and collaborate with them in relevant areas in the State.  He disclosed this while receiving Men and Officers of the Corps led by the State Commandant, Patriot (Dr.) Dominic Okweche Odey in the Ministry’s Headquarters in Calabar on Thursday 28th September 2023. The Commissioner said ‘’ The Ministry is willing to collaborate and partner with the Peace Corps because he saw the seriousness and the activities of the Corps during the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world. He added that the Corps was more on the ground than other security outfits in the state during the pandemic. "To make life more meaningful for all Cross Riverians because if we are here to serve the interest of the state, then we must partner to improve upon security in our dear state. He assured the State Commandant that this administration will partner with the  Co

....Says Climate Change Also Responsible For Humanitarian Crises And Poverty In Nigeria. The United Arab Emirates has expressed its readiness to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda by contributing to every effort that will lead to a reduction of humanitarian crises as well as eradicate poverty in Nigeria by 2030. UAE's Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al- Shamsi made this known when he received the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in his office. The Envoy who described Nigeria as "my country" said, I am very committed to Nigeria because I am representing the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria. Nigerians are the nicest people I have ever met." He promised to convey the request to support the federal government initiative in tackling hunger, poverty, and humanitarian challenges facing the country to the necessary authorities, assuring that the partnership will work.  He invited the Minister to attend the

  It is indeed a joyous occasion for the governor and his supporters. This outcome reinforces the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process, which plays a crucial role in a functioning democracy. Election petition tribunals serve as an essential institution in the electoral system, providing a platform to adjudicate disputes arising from election-related matters. In this case, the tribunal carefully examined the evidence presented by both parties involved and decided in favor of Sen. Prince Bassey Otu. This victory is indicative of the trust placed in the democratic process and the rule of law. Sen. Prince Bassey Otu's achievement at the tribunal not only validates his mandate but also reinforces the confidence of the electorate in his leadership. It is a testament to his ability to rally support and effectively communicate his vision for the state. This outcome also serves as a clear message to the public that the governor's policies and programs have resonated posit

Former SA on Technical Hon. Ochui Agbor Ochui has congratulated Governor Prince Bassey Otu, on his Tuesday’s victory at the governorship Election Petition Tribunal. Ochui in a statement hailed the affirmation of Otu's mandate describing the tribunal’s verdict as the true reflection of the people’s will. He added that Otu has worked incredibly hard to get to where he is today.  Ochui concluded that Otu should keep up the great work and continue to shine bright while praying to God to bless his reign.

Nigeria's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has called on Muslim ummah to emulate Prophet Muhammed's humanitarian deeds by providing for all irrespective of religion and tribal differences.  The Minister also urged all Nigerians, especially Muslims, to show love to one another and imbibe the virtues of humility, tolerance, and sacrifice to commemorate the prophet's birthday. In her Eid-el Maulud message signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, Dr. Edu encouraged all Nigerians especially, those presently living in a humanitarian-challenged environment as well as those within the poverty bracket not to lose hope as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu was designed to give them a new lease of life. The Minister asked the Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammed's exemplary life, "Especially his selflessness and accommodative nature to enable us as Nigerians stand together and bu

... Says People's Will Prevailed Cross River's Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk has congratulated the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu on his victory, today, at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. Recall that, earlier today, the Tribunal, sitting in Calabar, led by Justice Oken Inneh, in Suit No. EPT/CR/GOV/02/2023 and in an unanimous judgement, held that the issues of qualification of Prince Otu and dual citizenship of Rt. Hon. Peter Odey are pre-election matters and therefore status barred. Speaking in his office, the Hon. Commissioner hailed the judgement as reflective of the people's yearnings, which, he stressed, was clearly demonstrated by the electorates at the polls. He interpreted the spiritual connotation of such development as God's continued manifestation and mandate for the people of Cross River State. Speaking further, the Hon. Commissioner averred that, with the judgment now given, the good people of Cross River State have got

Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk has commended the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem for his vision of building a Primary Healthcare Centre in his hometown of Nde in Ikom Local Government Area of the State. Speaking at the commissioning of the facility, Sunday, in Nde - Ikom, as part of activities marking the Speaker's Thanksgiving Service, Dr. Ayuk said the gesture aligns completely with the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration's commitment to providing healthcare down to the last mile (primary healthcare level). Describing the Speaker as "a worthy son of Nde, Ikom LGA and Cross River State," the Health Commissioner said the already-equipped facility is a huge contribution to the present administration's drive to entrench Universal Health Coverage in Cross River State. In a related development, the Health Boss commended his Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development counterpart, Hon. Kingsley Egumi f

The Governor Bassey Otu-led administration has visited the abandoned General Hospital in Eso-Bendeghe Community in Boki Local Government Area with a promise to work towards revamping the facility for health service delivery The pledge was made on behalf of the government by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, during an inspection visit to the hospital, recently. The Health Commissioner, who said the 100-capacity bed hospital was the only public secondary facility in Boki Local Government Area, noted that when revamped and put in use, the General Hospital would serve the health needs of residents of Eso-Bendeghe and other neighbouring communities like Nsadop, Boje, Bansan Osokom, Buanchor, Kataba, among others. While enjoining the community leaders to continue to keep their watchful eyes on the facility, the Health Commissioner assured them that government would do a comprehensive evaluation on the property in a bit to get it operational. Dr. Ayuk tasked the community to e

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, has congratulated Governor Prince Bassey Otu and Deputy Peter Odey over Tuesday’s gubernatorial Election Petitions Tribunal judgment which affirmed his victory in the March 18, 2023 governorship election. The group, which is a network of young Cross Riverians, non-partisan said the verdict has justified the trust of Cross Riverians in the current administration. In a statement signed by its Chairman, His Youthfulness Comrade Dan Obo, NYCN CRS noted that the youths of Cross River State were very confident in the era of sweetness, and believed that it can never depart from our dear state.  He added that so far the youth have all enjoyed the sweetness that is spreading through the entire state. Dan concluded that today's Victory has gone ahead to prove that no one can stop a man whose time has come.

The governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has assured of his government readiness to work with security agencies to curb  all forms of insecurity in the state.  Otu gave the assurance when he received in his office, the Cross River State Commandant of the National Security and Civil Defense Copr, Charles Brown. The governor who extolled the leadership qualities as well as the service experience of the state Commandant, said such synergy was imperative because of the perculiar nature of the Corp and their closeness to the people.  "I am very happy to receive you today, I am happy that you have served at various capacities in the corp, which emphasizes your experience and leadership qualities.  "You are the closest to the civilian populace and that is why we will support you to fight all forms of insecurity in our state. I do not believe that Kinetic method alone can do this, we will also employ other methods to ensure that we get a holistic result. "As a gover

Nigerian Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has announced new cluster heads of programme under the National Social Safety Net Programme in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.  Speaking while addressing management and staff of the programs in Abuja, the Minister said the changes became necessary to give new energy and sense of direction with desired results. There is no tolerance for excuse or failure. Edu said the N-power and other Social Safety-Nets programs were rolled out to create jobs and not pains for Nigerians, reminding them that their appointments is under probation for a period of six months. She warned that anyone who performed below expectations would be replaced, directing all of them to go to the field where the poor people live and not sit in their air-conditioned offices in Abuja. “Every day, you must be out on the field achieving results. Nigerians are waiting. We have zero tolerance for inefficiency, excuses, an

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announces  the following appointments in line with the President Tinubu's directive to restructure the  social safety net Programme to address the expanded mandate of the ministry.   The appointed persons will join her team in implementing President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at providing succour to those affected by humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty In Nigeria: 1) National Coordinator NASSCO- Hon Abdulaziz Danladi  2). National Cash Transfer Office NCTO Head of office - Dr Micheal Ajuluchukwu 3) NCTO Deputy Head of Office- Dr Janet Ekpenyong  4) National Programme Manager,Youth Empowerment Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO) - Richard Romanus  5) National  Communication manager NSIP - Hon Jamalu kaburu 6)National Programme Manager, Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for Refugees ,Poor and Internally Displaced Persons- Hon Chidinma Makuachukwu 

In the past few weeks, the University of Calabar has been in the news in Nigeria and beyond. Majorly, the news was centered on very nauseating allegations of gross misconduct, impropriety, abuse of office, sexual exploitation and abuse, administrative high handedness amongst other issues against a law teacher and suspended Dean of Unical Faculty of Law.  While a few seems to be irked by the follow up action of the University’s management by suspending the Dean to douse tension and immediately constituting a panel made up of relevant stake holders to prove the allegations, many others has applauded management for the positive steps taken so far on the matter. In a view to distract attention and mislead the general public, a counter report aimed at promoting public hate was released to various media domains and copied up to the presidency. The issues raised in the report are already in print for all to read. The big question is why is this coming now? Is it to weaken the ongoing panel se

The United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) has designed Mr Ekpei Ukam with the honoree status of 'Peace Ambassador'. The investiture ceremony took place during the UN-POLAC's conference as part of activities to mark the 2023 International Day of Peace at Calabar Municipality Council Hall, Calabar. Presenting the award, the Director, Cross River State Chapter of UN-POLAC, Chief Owali Ilem, said Mr Ekpei Ukam was recognized for his active and positive efforts, outstanding contributions in strategic and developmental peace-building process and action plan in Cross River State and Nigeria at large. He commended Mr Ukam for always addressing the need of his people especially with the provision of basic social amenities, worthy of note is the Solar-Powered Motorized Borehole Project he sponsored and installed at Ijom Community, Biase Local Government Area and other humanitarian gestures to people within and outside Cross River State. POLAC Foundations was esta

Continual rainfall in the past few days has destroyed community houses, farm crops, and other properties in Akpet central of Biase LGA,  Cross River State. Member representing Biase State constituency in Cross River House of Assembly,  Hon. Francis Ogban lamented the effects of the flood devastation when he visited to assess the extent of damage on Saturday. He was accompanied on the assessment visit by the commissioner for Youths Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam as well as, Mr. Dan Obo, Chairman of the National Youth Council in the State. The lawmaker said that the flood has stopped farmers in Akpet communities from accessing their farms, adding that many have been displaced as their houses were affected. Speaking to journalists, Ogban said, "The flood has negatively affected the farmers, displaced many villagers and their means of livelihoods have been affected." He called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for relief assistance to persons affected by flood disaste

....As South-South holds Zonal Conference  A religious group known as Prison Fellowship Nigeria(PFN) has called on the Federal and state governments to partner with the fellowship and upgrade infrastructure at the various correctional facilities in the country for the benefit of the inmates and the country.  The Executive Director of the fellowship Barr. Benson Iwuagwu ably represented by His Special Assistant on Administration, Barr. Niyi Sanusi made this call while speaking with newsmen during the 2023 Annual South-South Zonal Conference of the fellowship held at Word Family, 14 Duke Town Close, Off Atekong Drive, State Housing Estate, Calabar, Cross River State.    Sanusi explained that the government and society should support inmates and churches that go to correctional centers to visit inmates.  He noted that the Government should be interested in the prison ministry and that there are people who don't have plans to be in prison but they are labeled criminals and put behind b

Early this week, I read the spurious publication of purported allegations against Professor Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar with bemusement. It is true that corruption has a way of lashing back at its traducers once it is discovered and threatened in order to escape the just punishment that it duely deserves, according to the laws of the land. Otherwise how has it become so very convenient that the Vice Chancellor is being only now accused of circumstantial corruption at the heat of her prosecution of the former dean of the faculty of law for allegations of sexual improprieties and administrative misbehaviour.  Even if one accepts the allegation that the Vice Chancellor gave employment to her biological daughter who has not been coming to work, at what point did the dean know about this? Why did the dean of the faculty of law have to wait until he himself came under investigation before he suddenly realized that the Vice Chancellor's daughter was not coming t

To commemorate the International Day of Peace, the Peace Corps of Nigeria and it's partners in the State remarkably celebrates, identifying Peace as a panacea for development. At Transcorp Hotel in Calabar where they held a Conference/Stakeholder's Forum with the theme: Towards a Peaceful Cross River, many discussants bare their minds on the essence of peace and peaceful coexistence to foster development in the society. The State Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Patriot (Dr.) Okweche, Dominic Odey who was represented by his Deputy incharge of Policy and Plans, Patriot Okpokiri, Peter Adi was given a "Community Hero" award in grateful recognition for his exceptional dedication, courage, and selflessness in community peace building by the Partner for Peace in the Niger Delta(P4P) Other reputable Cross River indigenes such as the former House of Representatives Member, Rt.Hon. Legor Idagbo, Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Chief of Staff t

As we mark the first 100 days of Hon. Joseph Bassey's tenure as a Honourable member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, Cross River State, and Chairman, House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, it is truly commendable to reflect on the remarkable achievements that have already defined his time in office.  In this short period, Hon. Joseph Bassey has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of his constituents, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of legislative excellence. Legislative Activities: A cornerstone of Hon. Bassey's tenure has been his dedication to legislative excellence. Within this brief span, he has presented five bills on the floor of the House, each aimed at addressing pivotal issues and promoting positive change within his constituency. Furthermore, his motion of urgent importance regarding the deplorable state of the Calabar-Odukpani road in Cross River State underscores his resolve to imp

By Kingsley Agim The United States Agency for International Development, USAID's Implementing Partners in Cross River have assured the State Government of their continuous support to critical areas of need, especially in healthcare development. The Implementing Partners made the pledge, recently, during a courtesy visit on the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, in his office in Calabar. Speaking on behalf of the team, Umana Joe, the State Director of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), a leading indigenous, volunteer-based non-profit Organisation, described the existing relationship between the State and Implementing Partners as excellent, and expressed confidence in the present health sector led by Dr. Henry Ayuk, adding that with him leading the charge, the sector is in for imminent revolution. "Be rest assured of our USAID Implementing Partners' collaboration with Cross River State," he stated, while also promising remediation of catchm

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr.  Betta Edu has felicitated with the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 63rd birthday. In a congratulatory message signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Minister described the First Lady as a patriot and an icon of Renewed Hope Agenda, a woman of God who is never tired of serving God and humanity. "Your Excellency, on this auspicious occasion of your 63rd birthday, I warmly congratulate and felicitate with you. "I celebrate you not only because it's your birthday but also because you are a patriot and woman of God who is never tired of serving God, humanity, and your country. You are a role model and source of inspiration to me and a lot of women not only in Nigeria but the entire West Africa sub-region.  "The most beautiful aspect is your sincerity of purpose and commitment to a better Nigeria. You have distinguished your self in politic

  As we celebrate the first 100 days in office of our Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, it is clear from the beginning that his tenure will be marked by a profound dedication to the welfare of the people and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the Central Senatorial District. Shortly after the inauguration of the 10th Senate on June 13, Senator Williams hit the ground running in the red chambers manifesting his over 12 years of legislative experience. This conferred on him the status of a ranking senator with the attendant gains. Senator Williams released a 10-point strategic Legislative Agenda for the growth and development of Cross River Central Senatorial District. The agenda covers the following areas:  1.) Quality Representation and Oversights  2.) Presentation of bills and motions to address social issues in Cross River Central Senatorial District  3.) Town hall/Stakeholders Engagement   4

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered one of the most memorable speeches at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He was accompanied by the Nigerian Delegation which had The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr.  Betta Edu, among others. The President's UN outing was his first since emergence as Nigeria's leader in May 29, 2023. President Tinubu's address which drew applause from other World Leaders bordered on key National issues and concerns affecting the African continent. Tinubu who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States,  (ECOWAS) urged established economies to furnish more public and private sector investment in Africa's preferred destination Nigeria. He spoke on climate change projects and industries as well as poverty alleviation. The President called world leaders attention to Nigeria's eagerness for business and challenged the willingness of the world to engage in mutually beneficial

The Peace Corps of Nigeria, Youth Council, Civil Defence, and P4P embark on a Peace Walk in Calabar ahead of International Day of Peace.  State Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Cross River Command Patriot (Dr) Dominic Okweche ably represented by Patriot Okpokiri Adie enjoined Cross Riverians to stay out of violence. According to the State Commandant, the peace walk which attracted both officers of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and other Nigerian youths was aimed at sensitizing the public on the forthcoming peace Day and getting the public informed about the conference/Stakeholders Engagement Forum tomorrow the 21st day of September 2023 with a Theme: Towards a Peaceful Cross River and the event will be at Transcrop Hotel. Time: 10 am. His youthfulness Comrade Dan Obo advised youths to try to be at peace with one another, adding that as youths we should not be divided but to enlist the collective commitment of Cross Riverians in the process of peaceful nation-building. The walk

By Kingsley Agim  The CRS Health Commissioner has appealed to critical stakeholders in the State to develop laws that will instil fiscal discipline and improved budgetary allocations for healthcare in the State.  Dr. Ayuk made the appeal, Monday, while declaring open a three-day workshop on Domestic Resource Mobilization For Healthcare in Calabar, the Commissioner had particularly appealed to the Cross River State House of Assembly to formulate legislations that will ensure the minimum allocation of 15% of State Budget is appropriated for healthcare.  "With the global demand for universal health coverage by 2030, the exponential rise in the population of the State to over 3million people, the increasing levels of global epidemics of COVID-19, HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Lassa fever and other childhood diseases, cancers and diseases of the aged, the massive dilapidated and decayed health infrastructure and service delivery, the very low manpower base, the high rate of out-of-pocket