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The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr. Betta Edu has pledged a renewed vigour in her Ministry's efforts at pulling vulnerable Nigerians from the doldrums of scathing poverty in 2024 in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda's  commitment to eradicate poverty and reduce humanitarian challenges in the country. The Minister's pledge was contained in a new year message signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair. Dr Edu in the message urged Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable, not to despair as according to her, "this new year  2024 holds a great promise for Nigeria's economy under the great leadership of our President, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu who is irrevocably committed to rejuvenation of the economy" Continuing, the Minister said: "I do solemnly  assure you that the economic rejuvenation of our country will positively rub off on the poor and vulnerable among us as Mr

Dear Esteemed Constituents, As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I am filled with hope and gratitude as I reflect on the journey we have travelled together and by the promises of the road ahead.  I extend my warmest salutations to each and every one of you as we successfully cross over to 2024. May this new year bring us renewed strength, prosperity, and unity. First and foremost, I would like to convey my wholehearted appreciation for the unwavering support you have shown me in the past year. Your trust and confidence in my ability to represent you in the hallowed chambers of the Senate has been a source of inspiration and determination. Your voices, concerns, and aspirations continue to be my guiding light as I carry out the responsibilities you have entrusted to me. I am keenly aware of the challenges and struggles that many of you face on a daily basis. The past year has indeed been filled with hardship, uncertainty, and tough times for many families and individuals in our d

The Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream has felicitated with the wonderful people of Central Senatorial District, Cross Riverians, and Nigerians in welcoming the New Year.   Senator Williams according to a New Year message to his constituents, which was released by his Media Office said despite daunting challenges and prolonged post-election litigation, he has recreated the concept of quality representation through sponsorship of impactful bills and motions in the floor of the red Chambers, empowerment/employment of the people and infrastructure development set to be dotted across the district.   He said that “2024 would be about projects and empowerment to the people of  Cross River Central Senatorial district”   “Empowerment of my people will continue to remain my priority area in the New Year. “No community in the district will be left behind in my development plan for the district.   Senator Williams call

The Cross River State Representative in Niger Delta Development Commission Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and mourners, has expressed sadness over the death of Miss Ako Etim Essien Ekpe, the niece of Rt. Hon. Orok who died on the 5th of November 2023. Speaking to the Journalist after the church service in honor of Ako, Duke noted that the niece battled with cancer for years.  "I knew that she was my niece after three years and before then the disease had spread to her stomach".  “Cancer can only be effectively managed at the first two stages, but once it gets to the third stage there’s no way, except a miracle from God. Even with the limited modern facilities we have in Nigeria, you can only detect cancer when it gets to the third stage. That is why many end up dying. Tributes poured in for Ako after her death, led by the family showing that she was a sweet soul who had struggled to make a difference in her generation.  Until her demise, Ako worked at Cradle Bay Nursery and Primary Schoo

Former Secretary of EFCC, Dr George Abang Ekpungu and his dear wife, Mrs Aggie Abang Ekpungu, have both been conferred with traditional titles in Kakwagom community in Boki LGA of Cross River State. Dr Ekpungu was conferred with the traditional title of “Otu Ochuab 1 of Kakwagom” (King of Help) and his dear wife was honoured with the traditional title of “Onyinyi Budgere of Kakwagom” (Woman of Gentility). The former scribe of the anti graft agency and his wife were honoured for their immense contributions towards the growth and development of Kakwagom community, peace building initiatives, human capital development, community projects among others. The colourful event attracted family members, religious/traditional rulers, security personnel, politicians, businessmen among others. In his acceptance speech, Ekpungu, who also holds the National Honour of MFR, thanked the community for the honour done on him and his dear wife, thereby pledging to continue with his good works towards uplif

The Chairman/CEO of Cross River State Forestry Commission Rt. Hon. Dr. George O'ben-Etchi has said that the service which the Senator, Central Senatorial District of Cross River State Sen. Eteng Williams has given his people has made the difference.  The helmsman of the commission made the statement in his message of felicitation to Sen. Eteng on the occasion of his 54th Birthday Anniversary Celebration today Saturday 30th December, 2023. Rt. Hon. Dr. O'ben-Etchi wished Sen. Williams many years of influence, impactful leadership and greatness. He prayed that God give him long life and protection.  Happy Birthdayirthday Sen. Eteng Williams

While most Cross Riverians, indigenes, residents and visitors are celebrating the "season of sweetness", UNICROSS staff are wallowing in misery as a result of unpaid salaries for four (4) months. While it is uncertain why these workers have not been paid their wages, there are speculations that the governor of Cross River State has refused to release the monthly subvention of the University for the months of November and December, 2023. The management of the University also claims that the monthly subvention is not even enough to pay salaries, the reason why it has not been able to pay arrears of salaries for April and May, 2022. In the midst of these, staff of the University are struggling to put the University on the world map by training and producing graduates that are capable of competing with their contemporaries all over the world. Recently, the University was ranked very high, high above every other University in Cross River State, including the federal government and

 _As Gov. Otu Describes Humanitarian Minister as the Jewel of the Crown In Nigeria_  Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has been conferred with an outstanding public service award by the Cross River State Government. At the presentation ceremony held at Diamond Hall, Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu who presented the Award to the Minister described her as 'the  jewel of the Crown' and an outstanding daughter of Cross River  state serving Nigeria at the National Level diligently." The Governor said Dr. Edu has distinguished herself in every assignment given to her, saying her contributions to the social economic, and political development of  Cross River State and Nigeria can not be overemphasized.  He described the Cross River State Recognition of Excellence awards as one of its kind to encourage those coming behind to emulate good leaders by contributing their quota to the state and nati

Dear Professor Anthony Owan Enoh,  On behalf of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association, let me convey hearty felicitations to you on the occasion of your birthday. Today, we celebrate you very specially as a mentor, having tutored majority of UNICROSS's Alumni during your stint as the Vice Chancellor of our prestigious Alma Mater. You have proven yourself a great asset to your people of Etung Local Government Area, the academic community, Cross River State and Nigeria at large as a doting father, community leader, scholar of remarkable erudition, and a consummate technocrat. We are indeed blessed to have you; and today, we celebrate your pedigree, Sir. As you enjoy this new age, we pray God to strengthen you with good health, sound mind and the sagacity to discharge your duty for the betterment of the State Government and the people of Cross River. Congratulations, once again, dear Professor. Wishing you many happy returns. Comrade Inyali Peter, Ph.D Nati

The Cross River State Representative in the NDDC board Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has gifted bags of rice, and 400 thousand cash to Table Tennis players in celebration of Christmas and New Year.  Duke is also the Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club and he noted this is a way to give back to his team.  NDDC Rep said: “It is my little way of giving back to my outstanding team, it is the festive period and this is just a way to give back to my people".  Duke urged them to put in their best next year and win more trophies for the state while appreciating them for the successes recorded so far.  He also used the medium to thank the Governor of Cross River state His Excellency  Senator Prince Bassey Edu for the opportunity to serve and added that indeed it is a season of sweetness in the state for everyone is smiling because of his performance.  Duke has been described by members of the table tennis team as a man whose kind gestures have become a reference point in the State. The visit ended w

Embracing the festive spirit of the Yuletide season, Prince Charles Ekanem, a former aide to Senator Prof Ben Ayade, the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, demonstrated generosity on December 21st, 2023. In a heartwarming gesture, he distributed bags of rice accompanied by cash to the party stakeholders within Ward 5 of Calabar Municipality. During his address, Prince Charles Ekanem emphasized that his benevolent gesture stemmed from a genuine desire to share what he has with the ward party members, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support in voting APC 5/5 in the last general election. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the Ward Leaders, Party Executives, and stakeholders, acknowledging their steadfastness and belief in the All Progressives Congress. Prince Charles also highlighted the unexpected support from Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the representative of Cross River South Senatorial District. Senator Ekpenyong, unaware of Prince Charles's planned outreach,

  DECLARES SCHOLARSHIP FOR KIDS OF DECEASED PARENTS In a continuous way of celebrating with his people depicting Santa Clause, the Member Representing Boki II State Constituency, *Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong JP* treated his constituents and guests to a lavish  party on Christmas day. The celebration had all the trappings of generosity, giving the Honourable Member the opportunity to connect with his people and friends.  Speaking about the importance of the event, Rt. Hon. Hilary disclosed that his zeal for human capital development is unfettered. According to him, Boki is a centre of attraction with great tourism potentials, which, if properly harnessed, can crystalize to become a vacation hotspot. He declared that the Christmas party celebration would become an annual event, which would be in addition to the annual New Yam festival hosted by him for years now.  In a related development, Rt Hon Hilary Bisong has declared a Education Scholarship for kids who recently lost both parents

It was a stroke of luck yesterday as a 50-year-old abandoned Eno Asuquo Essein who is battling with suspected chronic cancer of the breast, and daily sits down by the roadside Ekorinim by First Bank in Calabar begging for help caught the attention of the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian affairs who had just come into town that afternoon for the Obong of Calabar's event. The woman who is said to be a poor food vendor but has sold all she has to treat her fumigating breast cancer in tears couldn’t believe a Minister would stop by to pick her up for treatment. In her characteristic manner of quietly showing empathy and love for the vulnerable, the Minister was overcome with emotions when she picked up Essien from the Ekorinim area of the Cross River State capital for full rehabilitation, medications, and humanitarian assistance. Eno who lives in Calabar has been battling the deadly disease for more than three years with no financial capacity for medical attention and could not hold

The entire Leadership of the Youths of Central Senatorial District of Cross River State frown at the selfish and self-centered attitude of Orok Otu Duke whom they thought should be a sincere and transparent leader judging from the fact that NDDC encompasses the entire State and not a section or a family/friends affair. While thanking the vibrant and transparent nature of the distinguished Senator of the Southern Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr, and his media team for quickly exposing the evil and selfish plot of Orok Otu Duke to siphon over 100,000,000 naira from NDDC for Christmas Palliative meant for the entire State for his family members and friends only, we wish to reassure Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong that he's on the right track of justice and equity. Orok Duke's decision to blackmail the distinguished Senator for bringing to light his evil plot will continue to be met with tremendous resistance from all of us in Central as we demand an explanation as to wh

The Lawmaker representing Etung Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly and host of the Etung State Constituency Christmas Celebration/Dinner, Hon. Kingsley Ntui Isong has disclosed that the celebration would be an exhibition of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Etung Local Government Area. The legislator, who made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen, Saturday, at his country home in Ajassor, emphasised the need to bring the hitherto cloistered cultural potentials of the Etung people to the mainstream with the view to further enrich Cross River's already burgeoning socio-cultural and tourism status. Hon. Isong said the inaugural edition of the festival, billed for Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at St. Anthony Primary School, Ajassor Mission, Etung LGA, would also create an avenue for interface between political leaders and the people, thereby giving constituents a sense of belonging. He hinted that the event which is expected to be graced by traditional

It was jubilation among the NPOWER  beneficiaries  across the country as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday night commenced the payment  of  the backlog   of  NPower programme. The payment commencement followed a painstaking verification exercise initiated and concluded by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Announcing the release of fund  Wednesday night,Nigeria Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty, Dr Betta Edu,said it was an indeed a renewed hope for the  Nigerian youths during the  Christmas and New year celebration. Edu said President Tinubu's interest in Nigeria youths is evidenced with his numerous policies and programmes of his administration largely tailored toward providing opportunities for them. She wishes the beneficiaries who went through the painstaking process of the verification exercise, a Merry Christmas and prosperous New year with their loved ones.  " I stayed  awake with the NPOWER team till 3am at the offi

By Jesam Ofem  The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction at the performance of SERMATECH on the ongoing remediation work on Calabar-Itu Federal Highway. The Minister made the expression, Wednesday, during a meeting with the Cross River State Consultative Forum and representatives of SERMATECH Construction Company, in his office in Abuja. Engr. Umahi, who called the meeting to listen to petition from Cross River State Consultative Forum, informed that he too had erroneously felt bad blood for SERMATECH until he visited the site few months ago, noting that the 40 percent work rate already achieved by SERMATECH is a pleasurable exhibition of commitment to contractual obligations. Discrediting the Consultative Forum's petition, the Umahi noted that rather than revoke SERMATECH's contract, it should be encouraged as the only indigenous company that has continued to work on the Calabar-Itu Highway, carrying palliative interventions beyond its con

On December 20th, 2023, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong participated in the inauguration of the Corporate Headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) alongside His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, the Vice President of Nigeria. The event took place at the Idu Industrial Layout in Abuja.  During this significant event, the Vice President also signaled the beginning of the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS), a  pioneering initiative by SMEDAN geared towards providing grants to nano entrepreneurs, with a primary goal of facilitating formalization and expanding financial inclusion opportunities for these small-scale business owners. Notable personalities present at the event included the Honorable Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoaka-Aniite, as the Chief Host, alongside Mr. Charles Odii, the Director-General and CEO of SMEDAN, as the event's host. This gathering marked a significant step towards bolstering the infrastructu

Anthony Ekpo Bassey is a contemporary scholar with research interests in the following areas: digital media and everyday life, media and disability, social media and disability, social media and politics, communication for development, and health communication. He has several publications in some of the world's renowned academic journals on communication and has contributed immensely to the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge through his painstaking and thoroughly researched works over the years. Only a few hours ago today, the young scholar defended his PhD thesis with a specialization in Health Communication at the Linguistics and Communication Studies Department of the University of Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria. His doctoral thesis further strengthened the nexus between the fields of health and communication and made several discoveries in the nutritional lives of pregnant and lactating women with the aim of using communication as a vehicle to drive healthy developm

     The Turkish government has expressed its readiness to partner with Nigeria's Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the areas of social protection and emergency responses. Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, made this known during a courtesy call on the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu in her office in Abuja. Describing Nigeria as a rising star in Africa,  Bayraktar said it was important that his country and Nigeria collaborate on humanitarian crisis management, emergency response efforts, and poverty eradication infrastructures. "As you know, we have a very good relationship with Nigeria, and especially we see Nigeria as the rising star in Africa. "We want to have two agreements to be signed very early next year, one on the development Cooperation area and the other one on the humanitarian disaster area, which will also involve the Turkish disaster management authority and NEMA of Nigeria. Thi

Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has told the joint National Assembly Committee that she was determined to meet 100 percent, of the mandate given to her by President Bola Tinubu to reduce humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria.  The Minister asserted this while addressing the National Assembly joint committee on humanitarian and special duties during her Ministry's budget defense. According to her, Nigeria is saddled with 16 million people directly affected by the humanitarian crisis, including refugees, migrants from other countries, etc. Time, she said, has, therefore come for Nigeria to move from emergency responses to humanitarian challenges to more durable solutions created by a resilient system that works. She appealed to the National Assembly to hold her and her team accountable if they didn't deliver.  "I am 100% determined to meet that mandate given to me by President Bola Tinubu working with my

...appeals to govt to increase subvention  The University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association has donated fifty bags of rice (10kg) to ex-students working in the University. Speaking during the presentation at the main campus of the University in Calabar, the National President of the association, Dr. Inyali Peter said that the National Executive Council approved the donation to cushion the effect of the harsh economic condition in the country. Inyali who said the leadership of the association is reaching out to Cross Riverians of note to reach out to staff of the institution during the yuletide period, appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to consider an upward review of the government's monthly subvention to the University. According to him, "During our campaigns, we said that even though the association is not a union, as we'll give in our all to work to give back to our alma mater, we'll not forget our members who are genuinely in need. This, to us, is als

The Federal Government of Nigeria has joined the United Nations and other world leaders to commit to tangible pledges ranging from financial and material contributions, technical and policy support as well as working together in solidarity to find lasting solutions for the millions of refugees around the world forced to flee from their original places of abode.  Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu gave the commitment when she joined the UN agencies, humanitarian and development organizations, NGOs, refugee-led organizations, and faith-based groups at the Global Refugee Forum in Palexpo Geneva, Switzerland to brainstorm on global migration, refugee problems, and durable solutions. Presenting Nigeria's position at the gathering,  the Minister said Nigeria has a deep understanding of the daunting challenges refugees endure. "As a nation, we have opened our hearts and borders, offering international protection to those in dire nee

The projects reflect the Distinguished Senator's commitment to infrastructure development in communities in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, a key pillar of his legislative agenda. The site handing-over ceremony by NDDC and her contractors heralded the commencement of construction activities.  The Senator promised to continue to work tirlessly to improve connectivity and accessibility within these communities and enhance the socio-economic conditions of the residents.

Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr.  Betta Edu, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's determination to accord dignity to senior citizens by giving them a new lease of life inline with the Renewed Hope Mandate.  Speaking Tuesday at the National Senior Citizen Centre's, (NSCC) maiden Programme and Services Fair in Abuja, the Minister said Seniors Citizens are adequately factored in all the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. According to her,  "the federal government is mainstreaming older persons into social protection programs, Health and Social Care; building senior centres to promote social connections  and care among older persons, encouraging recreation and  intergenerational cross learning" The Minister disclosed that her Ministry was working in tandem with its mandate to support NSCC to evolve Multi-purpose Cooperatives to cascade the indigenous ventures and auxiliary productive activities of older

The Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, has charged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to be more responsive in handling issues of natural disasters in the country with a view to ensure that Nigerians are not left vulnerable in the face of natural disasters such as pandemic, flooding, unforeseen fire outbreaks, windstorm among others. Hon. Bassey, who represents Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, gave the charge during the inaugural speech of the Committee on the budget defense by NEMA. NEMA’s budget defense was heard by a joint committee of the Senate and Reps, led by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Special Duties and Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey who heads the Committee on Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness in the House of Representatives. “I stand before you today as the Chairman of the Committee on Emerg

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu has announced the federal government's readiness to build renewed hope low-cost shelters for the very poor, Internally Displaced Persons  (IDPs) and refugees across Nigeria. This special project, according to the minister, was in line with President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to providing dignified shelters for the poor, internally displaced persons and refugees in the country. This is one of the ways of addressing multidimensional poverty in the country. The Minister made this known during an inspection of prototype shelters of two sample houses (one bedroom & two bedrooms) at Idu village. She opined that both samples were built by the local people in that community for themselves, using local materials in ten days and very cost-effective, this will be applicable across Nigeria. She said the government wants to achieve the project in a record time because lots of IDPs exist in different parts

The University of Cross River State (Unicross) alumni association has elected new national executive council for the period of four years. At the 5th national convention of the association held at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Dr. Inyali Peter was declared President unopposed by the electoral committee Chairman, Comrade Victor Agor after his ratification by the screened electorates. Also elected into the national executive council as announced by the electoral Chairman are: Engr. Emem Ezekiel, Deputy National President, Mr. Njang Ndoma, National Secretary, Engr. Ikem Peter, national Treasurer, and Mr. Ekpenyong Otu, National Assistant General Secretary. Others are, Dr. (Mrs) Peace Egbai, National Public Relations Officer, Engr. Obi Edward, national Director of Projects, Engr. Enu Michael, National Director of Employment, Mr. Vincent Ndifon, National Provost, Mr. Agbor Sylvester, National Financial Secretary and Mr. Joel Agbaragba, National Alumni Relations Officer.  In his acceptanc

... As Humanitarian Ministry Sets Up Task Force, Commences Enforcement On 16 January 2024. The Federal Government has threatened to shut down all public and private buildings in Nigeria that violate the accessibility law on the movement of persons with disabilities, which will be effective from January next year.  Recall that a document launched a few days ago empowers the Commission under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to move forcefully in the enforcement of the law and the regulation with powers to seal buildings and apply penalties. A task force has been set up by the commission to effect the enforcement. Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, made this known during the end-of-year press conference organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) at Abuja. The Minister said the Commission received the full backing of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the implementation o

Baring any last minute changes, Dr. Inyali Peter is set to emerge as the new national President of the University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association.  Inyali, a graduate of Mass Communication from the University and former Students' leader was the only Presidential candidate screened and cleared in a list released and jointly signed by the Electoral Committee Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Victor Agbor and John Utibe, respectively. Two other candidates, Andrew Ntul and Jumbo Isek were disqualified; while Ntul according to the release by the electoral board was disqualified for withdrawing from the race and not attending the screening, Isek on the other hand was disqualified for not meeting the constitutional requirements to contest for the office.  Inyali will be ratified during the 5th National Convention of the association holding at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar, tomorrow, December 12. When contacted to react to his eminent victory, Inyali said that although