Paradise News

Category: Business

  • Tinapa Power Plant Consisting of 26 Megawatts to be Ready in 18 Months

    Governor Ben Ayade assures Cross Riverians that the proposed 26 Megawatts Tinapa Power plant will be ready in 18 months and will boost electricity supply to investors who are coming into the state after he signed an agreement between the state government and a Dubai based firm, Skipper Seil, to provide a 100kva solar lighting generating system.


    Also signed was an agreement for a 26 megawatts gas power turbine at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, as well as the training of trainers in the Institute of Technology and Management, Ugep.

    At the agreement signing ceremony held at the Governor’s office, Calabar, President of the firm, Mr. Jitender Sachdeva said his firm chose to invest in the state due to the investment friendly policies of the Ayade-led administration and the fact that the state is peaceful and safe.


    “We will work very hard, fine tune all the activities and try to be on ground after the PPA in December. I want to assure you that the plant in Tinapa for 26 megawatts will give a boost to electricity and will be completed in 18 months time,” Sachdeva stated.

    On the Institute of Technology and Management, Ugep, the President, Skipper Seil group disclosed that “in addition to our Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), we have sent our team for the study of the technical Institute here in the state, and I can, with pride say, we are going to associate with your state in education as the Institute is now fully geared to start.”

    Responding, Governor Ayade disclosed that the 100kvm solar power intervention will serve as a grid for industrial zones across the 18 LGAs in the state.

    According to him, “solar power is the new way to go, because it is one way of reducing carbon emission to the atmosphere. It also creates new job opportunities for young people who are now interested in going into solar energy.”

    Culled from CrossRiverWatch.Com

  • Cross River State partners Dortmund to provides social housing for Bakassi IDPs



    By Ulayi Emmanuel

    Moved by the worrisome plight of the Bakassi people who are displaced as a result of the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon by the Nigerian government, Cross River State government and the city of Dortmund in Germany have entered into a partnership to construct social housing for the displaced.
    The construction work is expected to commence later this month.

    In addition to the housing project, the partnership will also provide education and expertise for the people on areas of building and maintenance.

    Disclosing this at the signing of the partnership deal in his office in Calabar, when a delegation led by the Mayor of Dortmund, Dr Rosesalyn  Dressman paid a courtesy visit on him, Governor Ben Ayade said the action from the City of Dortmund was a demonstration of the commitment of the people of Germany to give hope to the displaced people of Bakassi.

    He stated that the participation and partnership will be of immense benefit to the people of Bakassi.

    Ayade who said project was a humanitarian service, noted that the focus was how “we can provide housing and education to the people of Bakassi.”

    Governor Ayade, while thanking the team for their visit, said he was very impressed with their promise and commitment to visit the state to have a first hand view of the plight of the displaced people Bakassi.

    His words: ”A country that decided to share the pains and difficulties of the people of Bakassi in Cross River  State, even when it has nothing to do with them and decided to take it upon themselves to provide education and housing to support and train them, give them a means of livelihood and provide houses for such people, is indeed commendable.”

    Continuing, Ayade said: “I like to especially thank you for coming. We had an agreement for 14th of August and by 14th you are here in Nigeria. It shows that the Germans keep to their words.”

    “I have seen the commitment, the integrity that whatever you give with your word, you will give your right eye to honour it.”

    Ayade expressed appreciation to the City of Dortmund to invest their money to better the lots of others through the provision of social housing to the people of Bakassi because of their culture of high regard for displaced people all over the world.

    Early in her speech the leader of the delegation, Dr Rosesalyn Dressman said they were in Nigeria to discuss the issues of integration as the Bakassi people who are displaced are very important the Germans.
    According to her, “we are here to discuss how to better their lives  to support the displaced people, create structures that will help get them back on their feet.”

    The Mayor of Dortmund, who spoke through an interpreter, assured of the political and financial will from his country to ensure speedy completion of the project.
    Dr Norbert Tschirpe, who made a slide presentation said the core component of the project included education and provision of social housing.

    He noted that the houses for the Bakassi people would be tailored to accommodate their culture and values.

    The Paramount Ruler of the Bakassi and host of the project, Dr. Etim Okon Edet, who is also the chairman of Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, commended Governor Ayade for what he said is his passion and commitment to addressing the problems of his people.

    His words: ”We have gone through very traumatic conditions over the years, I think the time has come under the leadership of our present governor to lead us to that freedom that we have been looking for over the years. I want to first and foremost thank him for his passion, he has been very passionate about Bakassi people because I know and he also knows that the welfare and security of the people is paramount.”

  • Gov Ayade to build 300 social Housing Estate for displaced people of Bakassi

    The photo above shows Governor Ben Ayade with the mayor of Dortmund and investors for the 300 social housing for displaced people of Bakassi and the traditional ruler of Bakassi.

    The Governor who on his visit to the Bakassi IDPs shed a tear and remained remorseful until he left promised to build 300 social housing estates for displaced people of Bakassi and the traditional ruler of Bakassi.

    Although, his meeting with the Mayor of Dortmund was lengthier and our correspondent couldn’t get the cost, and time for the execution of the project. But we promise to bring you the full story in a short while.

  • GARMENT FACTORY: Newly recruited test running equipments for the take off of production (Photos)

    The promise keeper and Super-Digital Governor Ayade on the verge of fully commencement of the Calabar Garment Factory as newly recruited personels test run production at the plant located at Goodluck Jonathan Bypass, Calabar.

    The Super-Digital Governor on the Garment Factory for assessment of skeletal operations (test-running), it has become clear that the Garment Factory will enhance a very massive return on investment beyond imaginations. This is going to be very consequential in shaping Cross River State economic landscape.

    Meanwhile, at the wake of this administration, the State is going to be the largest net importer of Labour because, there will be vacancies with complementary indigenous employees to fill them.

    Behold the revival of industries with lush atmosphere of opportunities. At every inch of our staggeringly beautiful landscape, one word echoes. That word is OPPORTUNITY.

  • Gov Ayade has signed a pact with an Indian firm, Skipper Seil group, to provide a 100kva solar lighting generating system

    In furtherance of his earlier resolve to illuminate the state, Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has signed a pact with an Indian firm, Skipper Seil group, to provide a 100kva solar lighting generating system.
    Also signed was an agreement for a two by 26 megawatts gas power turbine at the Tinapa Business and leisure resort, as well as the training of trainers in the Institute of Technology and Management, Ugep.

    At the agreement signing ceremony held yesterday, at the Governor’s office, Calabar, President of the firm, Mr. Jitender Sachdeva said: “I can assure you that before we start on this particular project, we will be on ground maximum two months from now.” Sachdeva added: “We will work very hard, fine tune all the activities and try to be on ground after the PPA in December. I want to assure you that the plant in Tinapa for 26 megawatts will give a boost to electricity and will be completed in 18 months time.”

    On the Institute of Technology and Management, Ugep, the President, Skipper Seil group disclosed that “in addition to our Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), we have sent our team for the study of the technical Institute here in the state, and I can, with pride say, we are going to associate with your state in education as the Institute is now fully geared to start.”

    Piqued by the dwindling financial challenges affecting the state, Sachdeva expressed confidence in the zeal and doggedness of Governor Ayade, whom he described as “one of the few governors in Nigeria today who are paying salaries on time, “adding that “your projects are moving, your garment factory has been completed and I see you getting energy all the time even in the night and morning.”

    Responding, Governor Ayade maintained that the provision of a 100 megawatts solar power intervention to serve as a grid zone for industrial production across the 18 LGAs in the state was apt.

    He said: “solar power is a new way to go, because it is one way of reducing carbon emission to the atmosphere. It also creates new job opportunities for young people who are now interested in going into solar energy.”

    The governor also hinted that discussions were at advanced stage for immediate communities that generate such power to have the opportunity of experiencing electricity, pointing out that “our critical challenge is rural electrification to ensure that the northern and central parts of the state who do not have immediate access to gas powered electricity will be excited to have you.”

    On the intervention on education by the Indian firm, Ayade said: “My original dream was to build a builder’s academy, I will like to see the superhighway and seaport being constructed by a team of Cross Riverians who have been trained by our skill school.”

    Continuing, the governor assured: “It is our strong hope that Skipper Seil will provide the Indian technology which today indisputable anymore,” adding that “truly, truly, ITM will take a true breath of full technical capacity while upgrading it to a polytechnic to allow it have some federal interventions and sustain its philosophy to provide skilled hands-on- in- training.”

  • Swedish firm to cultivate 1.5m tones pulp mill in Cross River State

    Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade’s effort at changing the economic landscape of the state received another boost yesterday, as a Swedish firm, Greenland Resources, announced plans to establish a pulp mill that will generate a total of 1.5million tones yearly.

    Announcing the plans at the Governor’s conference room, Calabar, leader of the team and President of the firm, Torbjorn Johansson, said they needed degraded land to establish the pulp mill.

    Johansson who said the establishment of the mill will not have any adverse effect on the state’s eco system added: “The mill has no forest of interest for its establishment and deforestation of natural forest is out of question.”

    The president explained that the choice of Cross River for the mill which will create about 14,500 jobs was owing to its peace and security.

    He said “after travelling round the world, his team found the state to be second to none on terms of peace and security.”

    He added that “this country has a big population, great workforce and the security in Cross River is the best. We have been trying round the world to find a place to site the firm and were very close to giving up, but the Sweden Embassy in Nigeria advised us to come to Calabar, so we are here and it is nice to see the investor-friendly Governor Ben Ayade.”

    The President maintained that besides the creation of jobs for the citizenry, the pulp mill will increase the country’s export with over 1.2 billion dollars yearly.

    Johansson also disclosed that “Bio fuel, viscos, bio plastic products as well as raw materials for carbon fiber can be produced in the pulp mill frame,” pointing out that “final product will be directed to international and domestic paper manufacturers.”

    On finances, the team leader explained that “such will be sourced from investment and commercial banks, including other investors with which negotiations were ongoing.”

    Responding, Governor Ayade assured that his administration will support the execution of the project, noting that creating more than 14,000 jobs would be a huge relief for government.

    His words: “We will do all we can as a government to support you. We are excited about your project. I know what comes out of this. Fourteen thousand jobs is a huge relief for me as a government because 14,000 means 1.4 million people feeding from 14,000, given the African brotherhood and love for each other.”

    Continuing, Ayade said: “We are ready to fast track the documentation process to ensure that you get the facilities you are seeking.”

    He charged the relevant commissioners to ensure necessary support for the speedy commencement of the project.

  • Cross River State to Develop Agricultural Tourism – Governor Ayade

    The Cross River State Government has concluded plans to develop agricultural tourism.

    This is in the determination of the state to make Cross River the number one tourism hub in Africa.

    The new initiative will develop the ecosystem in the state, the tourism environment in the state, her forestry and help boost the development of the knowledge of medicinal plants from Cross River State to the international community

    Disclosing this on a radio programme on CRBC “Ayade’s Cross River”, an initiative of the Governor’s Office Media Unit anchored by Beatrice Akpala, Emmanuel Ulayi and Solomon Asha, the Special Adviser  to the Governor on Biodiversity and Conservation, Barrister Edet Okon Asim and Sonigitu Asibong Ekpe Desk Officer of the department of biodiversity and conservation stated that the mandate from Governor Ben Ayade is to reposition the state’s ecosystem and agricultural tourism sector to yield maximum dividends to the state and her people.

    In the words of Barrister Edet Okon Asim: “what the governor of Cross River State have been able to do is setup this platform whereby we have been mandated to reposition Cross River State ecosystem and factor out the important relevance with regards to the setting of our forests, the inventory of the forests, the dimension we have and of cause the capacity of the forest reserves to generate enough facilities/structures to absorb carbon”.

    “Whereby we can link up/key up into the global component and also maximize from returns, profit that is accruable to all” “Cross River State is seating on gold, our forest reserves is a treasure most people are dying to own” he added.

    He further state that the mandate includes to make the department proactive and provide vast opportunities to the state by yielding the desired expectations through capacity building to develop common understanding and importance about biodiversity and eco-tourism.

    Giving more insight on the mandate from Governor Ayade, the desk officer, Sonigitu Asibong Ekpe stated that the focus on tourism is now on Agric-tourism.

    According to him, ‘now in tourism, we have a lot of components focused on agricultural-tourism, people want to see how farming is been carried out and currently in developed countries you find out that agricultural-tourism is thriving well because they are properly established”

    “For instance, if someone wants to see how cocoa is been produced you need to go  on vacation  to  a farm, stay there and participate. When you also look at biodiversity business component around Cross River State it has to do with carbon sink which ranges from wet plants to the forest and even within ourselves they are unique opportunities that you can have around like bio-prospecting, which is also well developed out there. Knowledge of medicinal plants gives us a lot of roles to explore the natural resources that we currently have in our forests”.

  • The Bakassi Deep Seaport, The Export Opportunities, And The New Economic Architecture

    Modern Global economic integration creates a platform that recognizes individuals, sovereign nations, subsidiary States and giant conglomerates of multinational status as EQUAL ACTORS. It is by this, that Cross River, as a subsidiary of Nigeria is qualified to go into international economic/commercial relations in areas of her comparative advantage like the exports of cocoa, cassava and industrial starch. As I have said earlier, there is no society along the maritime-line that has ever been poor, in history. Therefore, Cross River takes an exception to any of such outlier positions to this reality.

    By volume of cocoa production, Ivory Coast is leading the world at the average of 1.65million metric tonnes of cocoa beans every year that is used in the manufacturing of chocolate which amounts to 33% of cocoa produced in the world. This is followed by Indonesia, Ghana and Nigeria. In Nigeria, Cross River produces the average of four hundred thousand metric tonnes(400,000) of cocoa, yearly which accounts for about 60% of the total cocoa produced in the country, followed by Ondo State.

    It will be important to note that most of the Ivory Coast Cocoa farms are situated close to the Abidjan Seaport with 11.6m draught which makes it possible for shipments of cocoa out of the port by mother vessels to be made. This is the major reason why Ivory Coast is leading because  she easily meets with the growing demand of cocoa in the world which is being supplied at the global market with ease.

    The reason why the above analysis is necessary is because, the only way of translating these volumes of cocoa productions and other cash crops into economic reality that will be meaningful to the state, is to look for a functional maritime export channel with proximity advantage to  these farms. Given that Ikom, as the major producer of cocoa in the state is less than 4 hours from Bakassi, the construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport becomes an urgent necessity. Once the state production in cocoa has an appreciative export value, the volume of cocoa production will automatically double within the shortest space of time because, motivations in cocoa farming will, naturally, be elicited.

    While Abidjan Seaport has the draught of 11.6m, Bakassi Deep Seaport has 16m draught which means huge departures of cocoa from our shores which means MONEY, aside other multiplier outcomes. But for now since the state does not have a functional seaport, most of the cocoa produced from Ikom are pushed, individually, through Cameroun port, which diminishes the export value of our cocoa.

    Moreover, Cross River is the second largest producer of cassava in the country after Ogun state, and Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world. In the 2016 Budget, there is a plan for private investors to facilitate the production of industrial starch out of cassava, and if this happens with the Bakassi Deep Seaport in place, Cross River will be the largest exporter of industrial starch in the world because Ogun will either rely on Apapa Port, O’nel or Bakassi Port which are very far.

    To this end, the Bakassi Deep Seaport is going to be very consequential in shaping the economic architecture of the state; from subsistent/plantation economy and civil service oriented society to an industrially viable economy of global pedestal where cross river shall occupy prime position at the front burner of global economic/commercial integration.

    In my next discussion, I shall project to the public, the current state of the Bakassi Deep Seaport with specific reference to what has been done so far. Feel free to ask questions. You are the maker of government and government exists because of you. It is your right to know what is happening, as it is our obligation to provide you with such information. Do not see the government as “a Leviathan” because the social contract was signed for your convenience and comfort.

    Eval Asikong is the S.A. to the Governor on Social Media

  • Alliance In Motion Global Set To Conquer Ikom LGA on August 13th

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    What if you are a student and presented with a Golden opportunity to earn reasonable amounts of money while you are away in school still studying without affecting your studies?

    Would it mean anything to you if you are presently unemployed and seeking for a job but given a platform to make your own money and be your own boss, planning your life to suit your personal dreams?

    ALLIANCE IN MOTION GLOBAL is the perfect company that is structured to offer you all the above possibilities.

    Come and discover the new revelation like others through AIM GLOBAL.
    Ikom is ready for us and we are ready for Ikom.

    IKOM FIRST SCHEDULE OF OUR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SUMMIT:

    DATE: AUGUST 13th 2016
    VENUES: Ikom Local Government Council Event Hall
    TIME: 3:00PM.(NO AFRICAN TIME).

    To attend the above International Business Summits is FREE, but prospective attendees MUST indicate their interests to attend in order for us to make provision for their presence to cover MATERIALS, FREE PRODUCTS EXPERIENCE, FREE TRAININGS and to be incorporated into a UNIQUE FAST GROWTH SYSTEM. Note that those who do not indicate earlier interest to attend, may still attend but won’t get the above special provisions.

    Inclusively, we are currently looking for dependable people in the above LGAs and others who would be our Front Line Leaders to manage the affairs of our team in those LGAs, business people, civil servants, group/organization leaders, religious leaders and other visionary individuals.

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    Simply comment “Book me” and your location or inbox us your number on this page and your location or Whatsapp us on 08033187603 stating your interest to attend and location. It’s a BIG ADVANTAGE to invite others and signify that you invited them during registration and you have to state how you got to know about us too at the venues.

    Reach Fountain Emori on 08033187603, 08113408133 for any further assistance. Those in Calabar and other parts of Nigeria who want to be part of our company should contact the above numbers too.

  • Governor Ayade to build beach resort in Calabar before the end of 2016

    As part of value addition to the state’s tourism offering, Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade has announced plans to build a beach resort in Calabar.

    Speaking during the inspection of Nsidung Beach in Calabar South, the governor disclosed that construction work will start by the second week of September this year.
    He said “it is obvious that as Cross River State continues to blaze the trail in tourism, we must develop our waterfronts in such a way that we find maximum value.”

    The governor said funding for the project has been secured with a team of investors already setting aside three million dollars for the project.

    Governor Ayade said the resort will complement the 2016 Calabar carnival, even as he hinted that a boat regatta could be in this year’s Calabar Festival calender.

    Ayade who unveiled a resettlement plan for the residents of the waterfront noted that “I do not believe in the demolition of any property without adequate compensation,” adding, “it could have been any of us in that slum. As such, it is our own responsibility, divinely provided for in God’s own law that you must be your brother’s keeper.”

    Announcing the Deputy Governor Prof Ivara Esu as the desk officer for the project, Ayade disclosed that government will provide houses under its social housing scheme, for those that will be relocated from the waterfront.

    He said the social housing scheme planned for the slum dwellers will show the sensibility, sensitivity, softness and care expected of a responsible government.
    Continuing, the governor said: “Such houses will be given to them at no cost. The theory that there is no free lunch is not true. For us in Cross River State, we do have free lunch.”

    Earlier on arriving at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport from Abuja, Governor Ayade had disclosed a  partnership between Calabar and the city of Dortmund in Germany with the sole aim of building houses that are dependent on renewable energy source for the displaced people of Bakassi.

    His words: “Having shared the concern of the displaced people of Bakassi who by circumstances have found themselves as refugees in their own ancestral homes, the people of Dortmund think it is imperative to support Nigeria and indeed Cross River State to find a place for the people of Bakassi.”

    Ayade also stressed the need for Nigerians to support the government of President Muhammad Buhari especially on the agricultural sector, as a means of getting the country’s economy out of the woods.