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Showing posts from August, 2024

Cross Riverians Are Akin to Cleanliness - Environment Commissioner

By: Sylvia Okoi  The Cross River State Government has hailed residents of Calabar Metropolis over their continuous conscious efforts in imbibing good hygiene and  sanitation culture.  Commissioner for  Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi who gave the commendation during the August 2024  edition of the statewide monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise, maintained that he was impressed at the level of compliance across the state which is a testament to who Cross Riverians truly represents. Fielding questions from Journalists shortly after the routine enforcement of the exercise, Hon  Osogi praised  the good hygienical practices of residents through their active participation in the sanitation exercise and urged them to sustain the tempo in subsequent exercise. " We appreciate Cross Riverians for the display of patriotism and support to our policy to restore the State. I urge them to keep up this good works. The exercise is gathering momentum at every edition and what we have seen today

Senator Eteng Williams Boosts Food Security with Free Fertilizer Distribution to Over 3000 Rural Farmers

  In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and achieve food security, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, has distributed free fertilizers to rural farmers across the 66 wards of the district. The distribution, facilitated through APC chapter chairmen at the local government level, ensures transparency and accountability. This initiative is part of Senator Williams' commitment to supporting farmers and addressing the current food shortage in the country. Beneficiaries are urged to utilize the fertilizers for their intended purpose, rather than selling them. This gesture is expected to significantly boost harvests and cushion the effects of food scarcity. So far, one trailer load of NPK fertilizers have been distributed, with an additional trailer load of Urea Fertilizers awaiting distribution. This effort is set to benefit at least 3000 rural farmers, contributing to the attainment of food security i

Senator Eteng Williams Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Express Heartfelt Gratitude

  Beneficiaries of the Senator Eteng Williams Foreign Scholarship Initiative have poured out their appreciation for the Senator's kindness and vision in empowering them with quality education and exposure. The 12 beneficiaries, who were recently awarded full scholarships to study in prestigious universities in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia, praised Senator Williams for his commitment to education and youth development. *Testimonials from Some Beneficiaries* - "We are grateful for Senator Williams' kindness and vision. This scholarship has opened doors to new opportunities and experiences that will shape our future." - Egbonyi Darlington Egbe, PhD Scholar in Energy and Sustainability, Cranfield University, United Kingdom - "Senator Williams' investment in our education is a testament to his dedication to our constituency and Nigeria's future. We promise to make him and our country proud." - Lewis T. Abang Esq, LLM International Commercial Law

Senator Eteng Jonah Williams Acknowledges Oversight in PTDF Scholarship Selection, Promises Immediate Action

  Senator Eteng Jonah Williams has expressed deep regret and taken full responsibility for the absence of beneficiaries from Obubra in the recent PTDF overseas scholarship selections facilitated by his office.  Addressing concerns from political allies and supporters within the Obubra Nation, Senator Williams admitted that the oversight is inexcusable and assured his commitment to rectifying the situation. Williams emphasized his dedication to representing all constituents fairly and equally. He acknowledged that while the only applicant from Obubra submitted his application late, this does not justify the omission.  The Senator expressed understanding of the disappointment and frustration felt by his constituents. To address this issue, Senator Williams has committed to implementing a short-term remedial measure. He also assured that the 2025/2026 scholarship batch would be used to correct this anomaly, with the hope of restoring trust and satisfaction among his constituents. The Sena

Dan Obo Jnr Commends Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for Scholarships, Assures Obubra's Inclusion in Next Phases

  The Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization to the Governor of Cross River State, Dan Obo Jnr, has expressed gratitude to  Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for facilitating scholarships for deserving scholars in the district. He also extended his congratulations to all beneficiaries and encouraged them to seize this opportunity to make the Central Senatorial District proud. Addressing concerns from his people in Obubra, Obo pleaded with them to remain calm, despite not being included in the first phase of the scholarship program.  He assured them that Obubra's sons and daughters would be prioritized in the next phase of the scholarships. "We must appreciate the Senator for this invaluable opportunity provided to both undergraduate and postgraduate students in his scholarship initiative in the Central Senatorial district," Obo stated. "I urge everyone in interested in the scholarship in Obubra to take full advantage of the next phase to avoid the same feelings of being le

Senator Eteng Williams' Scholarship Initiative Empowers 12 Youths with Foreign Scholarships

Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, has achieved another remarkable feat by securing full foreign scholarships for 12 students from his constituency to pursue postgraduate studies at prestigious universities in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia. According to a media release from his office on August 27, 2024, the beneficiaries were selected from local governments across the senatorial district and beyond. Four scholars will pursue Ph.D. degrees in the UK and Scotland, while the remaining eight will pursue Master's degrees at renowned universities in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia. Senator Williams, also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), expressed gratitude to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for the opportunity to empower his constituents with quality education. He emphasized that education is the bedrock of society and the best empowerment for young people. The senator has

Cyril Omini Distributes Fertilizers, Wrappers to 200 Widows During Ugep Leboku Celebration

Yesterday the 26th Day of August 2024, Hon. Cyril Omini, the Member Representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Finance, Budget, and Appropriation, marked the Ugep Leboku celebration with a significant act of generosity and distributed fertilizers and wrappers to 200 deserving widows in his hometown, Ugep. Expressing deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility, Hon. Omini emphasized the importance of supporting widows within the community.  "Through our collective efforts, we aim to empower and uplift those who have faced challenging circumstances," he stated. The provision of fertilizers is intended to boost agricultural productivity, thereby improving the livelihoods of these women. The distribution of wrappers not only celebrates the cultural heritage of the Leboku festival but also reinforces the community's solidarity with its widows, acknowledging their valued place in society. Hon. Omini reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a harmoni

Cross River State Government Launches 2024 Capacity Development and Empowerment Training for Cooperatives in Collaboration with Interweave Solutions Across 196 Wards

In fulfilment of his campaign promises and ensuring that his administration continues to put the People First, the Cross River State Government under the Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development headed by Hon. Kingsley Namgbe Egumi, has in collaboration with the Interweave Solutions International, an international nonprofit organization that specializes in self-reliance, flagged off the 2024 Capacity Development and Empowerment Training Program For Cooperatives across the 196 Wards of the State. With Calabar Municipality being the first local government area to benefit from the capacity development and empowerment training, the Honorable Commissioner for Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development during the flagging off exercise on behalf of the State Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu charged participants to show commitment and dedication by using this ample opportunity to equip themselves with the necessary skills that would help them promote their businesses to enha

Amis Integres Commends SSG's Strategic Role, Seeks Mentorship, Involvement in Research for Development

   The Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, extended a warm welcome to members of Amis Integres during a recent meeting. In his remarks, Prof. Enoh commended the group for its thoughtful choice of name, "Amis Integres," emphasizing the significant responsibility that comes with bearing such a title. He urged the members to consistently uphold the values of integrity in their service to the University, noting the importance of maintaining high moral standards in all their endeavours. Prof. Enoh further expressed the government's willingness to support initiatives that would positively impact the state, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fostering development. Encouraging the members of Amis Integres to remain diligent, courageous, and innovative in their pursuits, Prof. Enoh pledged his ongoing support to the group, assuring them of his readiness to assist in their future endeavours. Speaking earlier the Chairman of Amis Integ

C'River: Mpox case confirmed in Obudu community, Health Commissioner reveals

  By Kingsley Agim  A monkeypox (Mpox) case has been confirmed in Okoshe community in Obudu local government area of Cross River state, the Ministry of Health has revealed. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, made the revelation, Saturday, in Calabar, informing that a report from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, had confirmed a case of Mpox from Obudu in Cross River State. Dr. Ayuk further informed that his Ministry was, on Monday 19th August, notified of a presumptive diagnosis for Mpox or Chickenpox by the State Epidemiologist of Ebonyi. "A Sample was then sent to the national reference lab from there. The result returned Saturday, 24 August 2024, positive for Mpox and negative for Chickenpox. "The case, a female is from Okoshe village in Obudu local government area. She was at Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki to access care," he added. The Commissioner said that investigation about her travel history is ongoing, to ascertain  what took her primarily

NDDC Backs International Women’s Day, highlighting Gender Equality, Women's Well-being in the Niger Delta

The International Women’s Day celebration was held today, 22nd August 2024 in Calabar, Cross River State, organized by the Adanne Eneka Empowerment Initiative and supported by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The event, which took place in the state capital, focused on women’s health, empowerment, and the significance of International Women’s Day in society. The representative of the organizing NGO delivered a warm welcome address, emphasizing the importance of women’s empowerment and the role of the organization in driving positive change in the community. The representative also noted that this programme is being conducted across all nine states of the Niger Delta, underscoring the regional commitment to improving the lives of women throughout the area. He also reminded attendees that International Women’s Day is globally recognized on March 8th each year, marking a day dedicated to celebrating women's achievements and advocating for gender equality. In his presenta

UNSHACKLING NIGERIA: A CALL TO RECLAIM OUR SOVEREIGNTY AND ECONOMIC DESTINY

In the resonant paraphrasing  words of an Ogoja Son, the late Dr. Mathias Ofoboche, former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, ........Nigeria’s greatest adversary is not merely external forces, but the mental shackles of colonial mentality and the pervasive grip of mental slavery. Three centuries ago, our ancestors were coerced into selling their kin into slavery for a pittance. Today, though the chains are invisible, Nigerians continue to trade the nation’s honor and riches for foreign loans and grants, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and underdevelopment. Nigeria is a nation brimming with potential, a giant not just in size but in wealth. Just like Alhaji Shehu Shagari once aptly noted that Nigeria is “sitting on a keg of oil” that will never dry up. To this vast oil reserve in the Niger Delta, we can  now add gold in Zamfara and a multitude of other globally required money-spinning, very high quality solid minerals in most parts of Nigeria. With such abundance of resources, Ni

YAKURR LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMANSHIP 2024: EQUITY AND FAIRNESS FOR YAKURR 2 STATE CONSTITUENCY

Attention: His Excellency Sen. Bassey Edet Otu Your Excellency permit me as I use this medium to commend you and your team for setting the records straight in your administration. Your commitment in ensuring continuity of governance by consolidating on the gains of previous administration is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. Through your concerted effort and policies, Cross River's lost glory is restored and Cross Riverians can feel the impact of good governance again. It is crucial to commend your courage and political will to conduct Local Government Elections. This is evident in the recent reconstitution of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC). Which is a step in the right direction to ensure that Cross River State is not short changed of the benefits of Local Government autonomy. As the Elections approaches and zoning permutations are been considered. I crave your indulgence to remain the "People First" Governor you are, by ensu

Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and Offiong Edem: A Legacy of Talent and Dedication in Nigerian Table Tennis

  Offiong Edem stands as a towering figure in Nigerian sports, with a remarkable career in table tennis that spans nearly two decades. Her journey to international acclaim began at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she first showcased her immense talent. Since then, she has represented Nigeria with distinction at the London Olympics in 2012, the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, and the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Most recently, in 2024, Edem proudly carried the Nigerian flag at the Paris Olympics. In the current table tennis rankings, Offiong Edem holds the top position in Nigeria and is ranked 89th globally among female players. Her illustrious career is marked by a remarkable collection of 15 medals, including six Gold, four Silver, and five Bronze, attesting to her consistent performance and dedication to the sport. At the Paris Olympics, Edem competed fiercely in the women's singles event. She faced a tough opponent in Brazil's Takahashi Bruna during the round of 64. Despite her

Dr. Ekpang's First Year Anniversary: A Focus on Infrastructure, Staff Welfare in the Ministry of information

On August 16, 2023, Governor Otu inaugurated a 31-member cabinet, including Dr. Erasmus Ekpang Nku-Ekpang, who was appointed as Commissioner for Information. Dr. Ekpang, a Doctorate Degree holder in Environmental Sciences and Management, was tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Information and its parastatals, including the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, Cross River Broadcasting Corporation stations in Calabar and Ikom, and the Cross River State Signage and Advertising Agency (CRISSAA). Since assuming office on August 17, 2023, Dr. Ekpang has demonstrated exceptional leadership, revitalizing the Ministry and transforming it into a beacon of transparent and effective communication for the state. His first initiative was to address the morale of the Ministry's staff, who had been working in a severely degraded environment following the EndSARS protests of October 2020. Dr. Ekpang worked  to restore public power supply to the Ministry’s building, thereby providing a safe a

Ex-Chief Press Secretary Applauds Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for Transformative Impact in Cross River Central

In a recent social media post, Mr. Omini Oden, the former Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State, lauded Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for his remarkable contributions to the Central Senatorial District.  Sharing his thoughts on LinkedIn and Facebook, Oden expressed deep admiration for Williams' transformative efforts across Abi, Yakurr, Obubra, Etung, Ikom, and Boki Local Government Areas. Oden noted that despite Senator Williams' numerous achievements, he remains humble, focused, and unwavering in his commitment to serving the people of his district.  He praised the Senator's dedication to community development, infrastructure expansion, and empowerment initiatives, noting that these efforts are having a widespread and lasting impact. "Senator Williams' selfless service continues to inspire and uplift communities across the Central Senatorial District," Oden stated. He also remarked on the Senator's quiet confidence and calm demeanor,

NYSC DG commends UNICAL VC for reporting unqualified graduates for demobilization

  The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has commended the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi, for her uprightness in reporting unqualified graduates to the scheme for demobilization. The Director-General, gave the commendation in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Eddy Megwa. According to Ahmed, this is in line with the scheme’s continuous efforts to prevent unqualified graduates from getting the NYSC Certificate of National Service. He said that the demobilised candidates would be prosecuted accordingly. Ahmed said that another 19 candidates who initially registered online for mobilisation have been prevented from service, while four certificates of national service for other culprits were not produced by the scheme. “This is in addition to the earlier 101 certificates that were recently voided by the scheme, making a total of 178”, he said. The D-G commended the Vice-

RESIDENT DOCTORS MARCH FOR JUSTICE: CALLING FOR THE RELEASE OF DR. GANIYAT POPOOLA

The Association of Resident Doctors, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (ARD-UCTH) took to the streets today in a peaceful Freedom Walk, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been unjustly incarcerated. The march, which was organized in line with the mandate of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors' ENEC meeting held on August 11, 2024, saw the President of ARD-UCTH, Dr. Edim Egor, emphasizing the need for Dr. Ganiyat's timely release to her family. He stressed the importance of solidarity among members and standing together against injustice and insecurity. Past leaders and members of the association showed strong support for the peace march, demonstrating their commitment to Dr. Ganiyat's freedom. However, a stern warning was issued to defaulters, who would be required to pay a fine of N20,000. The Freedom Walk was a demonstration of the association's unwavering dedication to their colleague and

Youth Development Commissioner Welcomes Amis Integres Team, Commits to Strategic Partnership

  In a significant step towards strengthening youth development initiatives, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Barr. Ijom Ukam, welcomed the Amis Integres team to his office yesterday for a familiarization visit. The Commissioner lauded the ideals upheld by Amis Integres and expressed his commitment to making the organization a valuable partner in the ministry’s activities and programs. During the meeting, Barr. Ukam praised the initiative taken by professionals at the University of Cross River State for coming together to contribute positively to the state and the nation. He highlighted the importance of such collaborations in driving development and enhancing the skills of the youth. The Commissioner outlined several key commitments from the ministry to solidify this partnership. In his concluding remarks, the Commissioner encouraged the organization to continue adhering to its core objectives and remain committed to enhancing the lives of young people in

LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE 2022 POLICE CONSTABLE INTAKE FACILITATED BY SENATOR ETENG JONAH WILLIAMS

  The office of Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, has released the list of successful candidates for the 2022 Police Constable intake. The successful candidates, who have passed the required assessments, are now in training. Below is the list of the selected individuals: 1. NAME: IKPI IBIANG ETENG REF NO: NPF-2023-5836927682 NIN: 84064172621 LGA: YAKURR  PHONE NO: 09155938576 2. NAME: OTU AYEI OTU REF NO: NPF-2023-8794325428 NIN: 75023887966 LGA: YAKURR PHONE NO: 08083983193 3. NAME: ABAM MICHAEL UBI REF NO: NPF-2023-9837396568 NIN 56639489918 LGA: YAKURR PHONE NO: 09063851199 4. NAME: OKA MICHAEL OMINI REF NO: NPF-2022-7872368542 NIN: 25654186406 LGA: YAKURR PHONE NO: 07082555736 5. NAME: OBETEN ELIJAH IBIANG REF NO: NPF-2022-2734234838 NIN: 91037827162 LGA: YAKURR  PHONE NO: 09069721254 6. NAME: OFEM SIMON UDUMO NIN: 70663524734 LGA: YAKURR 7. NAME: NTEM UBI THANKGOD NIN: 83974356231 LGA: YAKURR 8. NAME: AJI MARTINA UNUNG REF NO: NPF-

Federal Government Commissions Youth Initiatives Liaison Officers Nationwide: Dan Obo Urges Cross Riverians to Leverage Federal Programs

  In a strategic move to bolster the effectiveness of youth-focused programs across the nation, the Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery); Ms. Titilope Gbadamosi has commissioned Youth Initiatives Liaison Officers (YILO) in all 36 states of the federation plus the FCT. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that federal youth programs are efficiently monitored, delivered and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Youth Initiatives Liaison Officers are tasked with disseminating key youth-targeted programs initiated by the Federal Government. These programs include the Student Loan Scheme, Consumer Credit Corporation, Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Program, Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP), Micro and Small Business Loan, Housing Initiatives, and the Nano-Business Support scheme. This coordination is essential

Cross River State Health Commissioner Marks One Year in Office, Showcases Achievements

The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk,  has celebrated his first anniversary in office by stating significant achievements under his leadership. Speaking at a media chat held at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Calabar, Dr. Ayuk acknowledged the critical role the media has played in promoting health sector initiatives within the state. Dr. Ayuk reflected on the progress made since his appointment, emphasizing that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu has prioritized the health and well-being of Cross Riverians under the "People First" mantra.  "Key achievements over the past year include the renovation of healthcare facilities, the recruitment of medical professionals, and the successful execution of free medical outreaches across the state". One of the standout projects is the construction of the General Hospital in Ikom, backed by an investment of N470 million, which underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthc

DR.TAJUDEEN ABASS: A BEACON OF HOPE IN NIGERIA'S CHALLENGING TIMES

In a period marked by severe economic uncertainty, rampant hunger, and pervasive security challenges, the strength of a nation often lies in the responsiveness and empathy of its leadership. At the forefront of Nigeria’s legislative body, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE), Dr. Tajudeen Abass, has exemplified such leadership, demonstrating a profound commitment to the will of the people and the foundational principles of democracy. This commitment was exemplified by his recent decision to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill, a move that reflects his deep understanding of Nigeria's pressing issues and his unwavering dedication to the nation’s progress. The Counter Subversion Bill, initially introduced with the intention of bolstering national security, faced significant public outcry. Many Nigerians expressed concerns that the bill could inadvertently stifle free speech, limit civil liberties, and contribute to an environment of fear and repression

Cross River State Health Commissioner Advocates for Comprehensive Health Services, Welcomes Amis Intègres Team

  In a recent meeting at his office in Calabar, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, noted the importance of integrated health services to enhance the delivery of healthcare across the country. Dr. Ayuk made this statement while receiving members of Amis Intègres, a distinguished group of academics and philanthropists focused on advancing social health welfare, led by Dr. Victor Ndifon. During the visit, Dr. Ayuk expressed the ministry's commitment to supporting initiatives that align to provide comprehensive healthcare services, provided that all necessary procedures are followed. He lauded the efforts of Amis Intègres, emphasizing the timeliness of their mission in contributing to the betterment of society. Dr. Victor Ndifon, the lead speaker for Amis Intègres, detailed the organization's objectives, highlighting their dedication to volunteer services that address health needs, particularly in campus and community settings.  He praised Dr. Ayuk&

NYSC INVALIDATION OF 93 UNICAL STUDENTS CERTIFICATES: THE FACTS OF THE MATTER

  The Management of the University of Calabar has reacted to the trending story of the invalidation of certificates issued to 93 unqualified persons fraudulently included in the mobilization portal for NYSC.  In a release, the Registrar of the University of Calabar, Mr Gabriel Egbe noted that Whereas the University Management views the action taken by the NYSC as dealing a crushing blow on criminal impunity and desperation, the institution commends the Corps for the move. The Registrar in the release said it has become expedient to state the facts about the uncanny story of the infiltration of the University's portal with unqualified names for both exemption and participation in National Service for the benefit of the public. The release noted that  it was the University that first exposed this criminal act by bringing it to the knowledge of the NYSC and not the other way round as suggested by the way the story is couched. A chronicling of the University Management's battle wit