Tag: Cross River State

  • SA on Gender Mainstreaming hosts Men’s Summit, honours outstanding personalities

    SA on Gender Mainstreaming hosts Men’s Summit, honours outstanding personalities

    The Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming led by Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, on Monday, March 17, 2025 hosted the first-ever Cross River State Men’s Summit at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.

    The historic event brought together men’s groups, security agencies such as Army, Navy, Air force, Immigration, FRSC, Police, Royal Rangers, Boys Scout, Lads Brigade.

    Prominent personalities in person of Statistician General, Chairman CAN, Driver Association among others, and key stakeholders, including Dr. Bong, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission; the Obong of Calabar; the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command; the CEO of Hogis Group of Companies; top government functionaries, and members of civil society.

    The summit was officially opened by the Special Assistant on Gender Mainstreaming, Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, who emphasized her motivation for initiating the event. She stated that the summit was designed to provide a safe platform for men to express themselves, grow, and actively contribute to societal progress.

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    She acknowledged exemplary leadership in the state, particularly recognizing His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for his dedication to the development of Cross River State, and Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Acting Governor, for seamlessly stepping in to ensure continuity in governance.

    The keynote speech was delivered by Apostle Dr. Paul Simon, who emphasized the need for men to live a life of purpose and express their potential through positive actions. He urged men to take up their roles as pillars of society and lead with integrity, responsibility, and vision.

    The highlight of the event was an interactive panel discussion moderated by Dr. Macfarlane Zejah, featuring a distinguished lineup of panelists, including:

    Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba – Special Adviser on General Duties, Comrade Dan Obo – Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization, Mr. Arikpo Williams,
    Mr. Chibuzor Agomouh, Challex D Boss and Osika Etim – Speaker, Children’s Parliament. The panelists engaged in robust discussions on leadership, mentorship, and the role of men in gender equality and societal development.

    A major highlight of the Men’s summit was the presentation of awards to outstanding men who have made significant contributions to leadership, innovation, governance, and social impact. The honorees included:

    Man of the Year Award – His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu (Governor of Cross River State)
    Lifetime Achievement Award – Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V (Obong of Calabar)
    Innovation and Excellence Award – Dr. Ikechukwu Ukweh (CEO, Hogis Group)
    Gender Equality Award – Arikpo Williams
    Global Impact Award – Challex D Boss
    Male Artiste of the Year Award – Upper X Ekpenyong
    Mentor of the Year Award – Daniel Pemida
    Support in Governance Award – Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba
    Young Achiever Award – Oja Arikpo Johnson
    Humanitarian Award – Uwem Ekpe

    The summit concluded with a session of fun and games, allowing attendees to interact, network, and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere which includes ludo art sip and Whot game.

    The Cross River State Men’s Summit marked the beginning of a new era in male engagement and empowerment within the state. The event successfully provided men with a platform for self-expression, leadership development, and collaboration in building a more inclusive society.

    The Office of the Special Assistant on Gender Mainstreaming looks forward to making this summit an annual gathering that continues to inspire and empower men in Cross River State and beyond.

  • Speaker Ayambem doles out N3million for construction of Etikpe Inland Road in Ikom

    Speaker Ayambem doles out N3million for construction of Etikpe Inland Road in Ikom

    In line with Gov. Otu’s People First Agenda and a bid to improve business activities and boost economic development in Ikom 2 state constituency, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, injected a huge start-up-fund of three million naira (N3million) for the commencement of Etikpe-Inland (Etikpe-Nwole) road.

    The donation was made during an engagement that spiraled interminable discussions with some major stakeholders and leaders of Abanyom ward led by the multifaceted business mogul and CEO of Namgbe Classy, Mr. Smart Namgbe, who paid him a visit in his house in Nde to celebrate his parents marriage blessing, yesterday.

    Speaker Ayambem who joyfully hosted, appreciated the people of Abanyom for their continuous show of love and maximum support, while reiterating his commitment to the development and prosperity of the people.

    He stated that the Etikpe-Nwole road has now become too important to ignore because it is a shorter route to Boki through Nsadep, most importantly, it connects more than eight economically rich and potent communities in Abanyom. The Etikpe-Nwole road enables the major transport of timber, cocoa, yams, plantain, banana and other agricultural produce. He insisted that business cannot thrive if products cannot find it’s way to the buyer and that the essence of asphalting access roads cannot be overemphasized.

    Read Also: 37th Convocation: Akpabio, Wike among 13,786 to bag UNICAL degrees

    Speaker Ayambem urged them to anticipate more projects from his end, adding that his commitment to quality representation is unwavering.

    He further assured them that Gov. Otu’s administration is extremely poised, dedicated and totally committed to rural development. He sighted the recent list of approved communities for electrification by the Governor as a considerable evidence that Gov. Otu is out to convey unmatched development to every community in the Cross River State.

    He boasted of Gov. Otu’s passion to revolutionize and rejig Ikom, to rebuild it into an economic focal point of Cross River State. He added that constructing the Etikpe-Nwole road will graciously position Abanyom and plug the entire Ikom 2 to the overwhelming economic prospects of the new Ikom.

    Mr. Smart Namgbe appreciated speaker Ayambem, while registering his excitement at the development, reaffirmed his support to the All Progressive Congress [APC] and to the People First administration of Gov. Otu. He asked the speaker to convey a message to Gov. Otu, informing him that the people of Abanyom are totally deovated and already working for his reelection in 2027.

    Also part of the team was Mr. Maurice Ndome, the Vice Chairman of Ikom local government area.

  • 37th Convocation: Akpabio, Wike among 13,786 to bag UNICAL degrees

    37th Convocation: Akpabio, Wike among 13,786 to bag UNICAL degrees

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has disclosed that the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike will be among the 13,786 people that will be awarded degrees at the 37th Convocation of the institution.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, who made this known on Monday during a press briefing in Calabar, stated that Akpabio, Wike, Unoma Akpabio, Governor Bassey Otu, Major Gen. Moses Obi, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim and Prince Arthur Eze would be awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

    The 37th Convocation is viewed by the University community as unique because it coincides with the 50th anniversary celebration of UNICAL. The event will take place from March 17 to March 23, 2025, featuring various activities aimed at celebrating the institution’s achievements and recognizing its outstanding alumni, staff and students.

    Obi whose administration is winding down in few months time, revealed that the University of Calabar since its founding in 1975 to date, has churned out 168,786 graduates in diverse areas of human endeavour. She said the 37th Convocation which is obviously the last she will perform as head of the institution, would see a total of 13,786 persons conferred with various degrees.

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    According to her, “On Friday March 21st is a day set aside for the award of Master, First Degrees and Diplomas as well as induction into UNICAL Alumni Association. The event is slated for 11am at the Abraham Odiah Stadium, University of Calabar. We are expecting 12,726 graduands for the Friday convocation. The breakdown shows that 181 will be receiving diploma certificates, 11,725 will be receiving first degrees, while 877 will be receiving Master Degrees, 572 will be having PhDs, 249 will be having post graduate diploma. And we have 7 for the first time in the history of the University will be awarded post doctoral diploma in education.

    “Further breakdown of the two convocation events – the one of Friday and the one of Saturday, shows that in all, we will be having 13,786 graduands. Out of this, 66 students have first class, the highest in the history of the University. 3,054 will have second class upper. 7,450 will have second class lower. 925 will have third class. 7 will have pass. For the diploma certificates, 4 graduands will be awarded distinction. 135 will have merit and 42 will have credit.”

    The VC reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing graduates equipped to compete globally, stating that “as an institution, we remain focused on academic excellence, research and community impact.”

  • Muslim Community Pledges Support for ThinkCrossRiver Initiative

    Muslim Community Pledges Support for ThinkCrossRiver Initiative

    By Andrea Ekeng

    The Muslim Community in Cross River State has officially declared its support for the ThinkCrossRiver initiative, a movement aimed at fostering unity, responsibility, and collective ownership among Cross Riverians. The declaration was made earlier today during a courtesy visit by the Muslim leadership to the ThinkCrossRiver Group.

    Led by the Chief Imam of Calabar Central Mosque, Imam Kabir, the delegation expressed their appreciation for the developmental strides of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu, noting the visible transformation of the state under his leadership. Speaking at the event, the Imam extolled the Governor’s commitment to growth and progress, which he said aligns with the values of the Muslim Community. He further emphasized that this shared vision was the reason behind their unanimous decision to support the ThinkCrossRiver initiative.

    “ThinkCrossRiver is an initiative that awakens the consciousness of the people to see Cross River as theirs, to protect it, promote its values, and ensure it remains a hospitable destination for all,” the Imam stated. He assured the group of the Muslim Community’s full backing in advancing the interests of the state and its leadership.

    Read Also: Political Scientists Blame Nigeria’s Development Crisis On Self Seeking Leaders

    Responding on behalf of the ThinkCrossRiver Group, Mr. Edem Darlington expressed gratitude for the support from the Muslim Community, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening unity and inclusivity in Cross River State. He reiterated that the ThinkCrossRiver initiative is designed to instill a deep sense of belonging and responsibility among the people.

    “This movement encourages every Cross Riverian to take ownership of the state’s progress, safeguard its interests wherever they find themselves, and uphold its laws and values in their daily conduct,” Darlington explained.

    He further assured the Muslim Community of a strong partnership, emphasizing that their participation would enhance the vision of ThinkCrossRiver and contribute to making Cross River a model of peace, development, and hospitality.

    The meeting ended with mutual commitments to work together in promoting the ideals of the initiative, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and civic responsibility across the state.

  • Political Scientists Blame Nigeria’s Development Crisis On Self Seeking Leaders

    Political Scientists Blame Nigeria’s Development Crisis On Self Seeking Leaders

    Nigeria suffers from governance deficit and lack of purposeful leadership because the leaders of the country are self- seeking.

    This is part of a communiqué of the Nigerian Political Science Association, NPSA, South South Zone at the end of her 6th Annual Conference which ended on Wednesday, May 12.

    The conference which has the theme ‘ Interrogating Politics, Governance and the. Crisis of Development’ which took place at ASUU Secretariat, University of Calabar from Sunday March 9 to Wednesday March 12.

    The communiqué was signed by Dr. Sunday Ibanga, Chairman and Dr. Benson Udom Secretary of NPSA South South Zone.

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    The communiqué stated that the resources for development is often misappropriated, and the result is development crisis that has affected socio-economic and political development with attendant consequences on national and human security.

    Political Science and its association, the communiqué said, need to be more relevant to the Nigerian society by moving from the theoretical realm to practical tool of system transformation.

    The association wants Political Scientists to be involved in the political system by engaging in politics to enable them have a place in governance as a means of implementing their thoughts on how to move the country from where it is to where it ought to be.

    The conference observed  that political parties and party politics are the major problems of democracy in Nigeria as Nigeria’s federalism is lacking in separation of powers.

    The communiqué lamented that there is no institutional framework for our community policing architecture; and advocated that the National Assembly must create enabling institutional framework for the formal operation of community policing in Nigeria.

    On the issue of misappropriation of public fund, the communiqué insisted that there is need to make political offices less financially attractive by reviewing relevant extant laws; rather government should strengthen the existing structures that could enable leadership accountability.

    The association wants the laws regulating political parties and the election management body must be reviewed by relevant regulating bodies to create conditions for service-driven party and election management system in Nigeria.

    They called on the National Assembly and other relevant entities should review and ensure the full implementation of fiscal federalism in Nigeria.

  • C’River: NCWS advocates improved socioeconomic conditions for women

    C’River: NCWS advocates improved socioeconomic conditions for women

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has called for improvement in the socioeconomic conditions of women, lamenting that most women around the world, and especially in Nigeria, live in poverty.

    Mrs Marjorie Asuquo, President NCWS, Cross River chapter, made the call on Thursday during a press briefing in Calabar to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration.

    According to Asuquo, 30 years after the Beijing Conference, not much has been done to elevate the status of women in the society, as most of them were still being marginalized and excluded in the scheme of things, even though they make up 50 percent of the world population.

    “We are here to speak about women. Women are part of the society. But women are still crying of marginalization. We have been having series and series of activities, conventions trying to make the world to know about the plights of women. We all know that most women are not doing well. Most women are poor,” she said.

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    The President stated that the Council would use the International Women’s Day month to draw attention to contemporary and emerging issues affecting women such as HIV/AIDs, trafficking, forced marriage, property grabbing, female genital mutilation, among others. She declared that women need equality, equity, inclusivity, development and peace so that the world will move forward.

    “We are pleading that those in authority should do more to help us fight poverty. You should help women to fight health issues. You should help women to fight all these challenges so that the world will be a better place for a woman,” she appealed.

    Speaking also, former president of NCWS in the state, Rev. Grace Ekanem, opined that men should be concerned about the plights of women because according to her, women are their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters.

    “When you deny a girl child education, you have denied a whole generation. Gone are the days a woman was not allowed to go to school. The society benefits from an educated woman. Let us encourage our girl child. As we encourage our girl child, let us also encourage our boys. We need inclusiveness. We should be carried along,” she said.

    Commenting, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, while wishing NCWS a happy women’s day celebration, called on government to ensure adequate protection of the rights of women in the society.

    The Paradise News reports that the National Council of Women’s Societies is a non-governmental and non-partisan women’s organization composed of a network of independent women organizations in Nigeria binding together to use NCWS’ platform to advocate gender welfare issues to the government and society.

  • Boosting Environmental Governance: Osogi Calls for Improved Performance

    Boosting Environmental Governance: Osogi Calls for Improved Performance

    By Sylvia Okoi

    Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, has urged Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the Environment cluster to step up their performance.

    Osogi made this call Tuesday, during his monthly meeting with Management Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the Environment Cluster at the Ministry’s conference hall, Calabar.

    Osogi who acknowledged the unwavering support of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, emphasized the need for Chief Executive Officers of the Environment Cluster to work harmoniously in addressing environmental challenges effectively.

    The Honourable Commissioner who has been proactive in promoting environmental sustainability in Cross River State, assured that with guidance from the State Planning Commission, a clear definition of operational strategies in the Environment Cluster is guaranteed.

    Read Also: Cross River South Consultative Forum Holds First Stakeholders Conference

    In his remarks, Commissioner 1 of the State Planning Commission, Dr Bassey Okim, commended members of the Environment Cluster for their outstanding work, particularly in the Statewide Environmental Sanitation initiative, which has significantly improved the state’s serenity.

    While emphasizing the importance of leaving lasting legacies and announced that their performances will be evaluated accordingly, Dr. Okim advised the cluster members to direct any challenges to the Commissioner for Environment, who also chairs the cluster.

    He assured them of his consistent guidance in planning and achieving set goals of the cluster.

    The monthly meeting which was presided over by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, was attended by the Directors General, General Managers, and Executive Secretaries of Urban Development Authorities from across the State, resolved to hold high-level training and workshops, incorporating Local Government Council Executives, to replicate excellent environmental results across the state.

    Osogi’s efforts align with Governor Otu’s vision for a cleaner, greener Cross River State. The State Government has implemented various initiatives to promote environmental conservation, including waste management and currently contemplating recycling programmes by turning waste to wealth.

  • Cross River South Consultative Forum Holds First Stakeholders Conference

    Cross River South Consultative Forum Holds First Stakeholders Conference

    The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) held its first-ever stakeholders conference on Sunday at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar, bringing together leaders, elders, and political stakeholders from the Southern Senatorial District. The event, themed “Advancing the People’s First Mantra!”, was aimed at fostering unity, evaluating the progress of the state under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration, and strategizing for the continued development of the region.

    The conference was chaired by Prof. Evara Ejemot Esu, former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, who served as the Chairman of the occasion. Keynote addresses were delivered by Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., Chairman of the CRSCF, and Sir Maurice Effiwatt, Secretary of the forum. Both leaders highlighted the achievements of Governor Otu and emphasized the need for sustained support for his administration.

    In his address, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo lauded Governor Bassey Otu for his exceptional leadership and transformative impact on the state. He recounted the forum’s origins, noting that it was born out of necessity in 2023 to address issues such as political appointments and ensure alignment with the state’s leadership.

    “We mobilized to Abuja to meet with our representatives in the National Assembly and our ministers to demand absolute loyalty to Governor Bassey Otu as the captain of the ship of Cross River State. We are pleased that they agreed with our demands,” Ekpo stated.

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    He highlighted the Governor’s humility, commitment to grassroots development, and focus on infrastructure, electricity, and youth empowerment as key factors driving his popularity among the people.

    “For the first time, I have seen a governor who connects so deeply with the masses. His humility and dedication to the ‘People First’ mantra are unparalleled. Roads are being constructed, electricity is reaching remote villages, and young people are being empowered. This is the essence of governance,” Ekpo added.

    Sir Maurice Effiwatt, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude for the successful convening of the forum, which marked its first major gathering since its inception two years ago. He noted that the forum’s expansion was necessary to bring in more stakeholders who could contribute to the development of the state.

    “This summit is the first of its kind, and it is designed to chart a way forward for us as a state, particularly for the Southern Senatorial District, which has the privilege of hosting the governorship of Cross River State,” Effiwatt said.

    During the conference, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Chairman of the State Advisory Council, and Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, Member representing Odukpani State Constituency and Leader of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, moved separate motions for a vote of confidence in Governor Bassey Otu. The motions were unanimously adopted by the forum, reflecting the overwhelming support for the Governor’s leadership and his administration’s achievements.

    “Governor Otu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear vision for Cross River State. We are confident in his ability to continue delivering on his promises and transforming our state,” Prof. Nyong stated.

    The forum highlighted several achievements of the Otu administration, including infrastructure development, electricity projects, youth empowerment, and agricultural investments.

    The conference concluded with a call for continued collaboration and strategic planning to address the challenges facing the state. The forum pledged to work closely with the Governor and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of development projects and policies.

    Present at the meeting were Etubom Nya Asuquo, former Ambassador of Nigeria; Prof. Ivara Esu; Ntufam Eyo Nsa Willey; Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong; Ntufam John Okon; Ntufam Edim Inok; Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong of the University of Calabar; Hon. Abigail Duke, the State’s Commissioner for Commerce; all nine legislators representing state constituencies within the Southern Senatorial District including the Leader of the House and Chairman of the Caucus, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo (Odukpani), Hon. Linus Bassey Etim (Akamkpa II), Hon. Okon Owuna (Akamkpa I), Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey (Akpabuyo), Hon. Eyo Bassey (Bakassi), Hon. Francis Onete Ogban (Biase), Hon. Stanley Bassey Nsemo (Calabar Municipal), Hon. Effiong Ekarika (Calabar South I), and Hon. Victor Nsa (Calabar South II); all members of the State Executive Council from the southern senatorial district, all Director Generals of boards from the south, all local government chairmen from Cross River South, traditional rulers from the south and a host of others.

  • NDDC to donate refuse bins to UNICAL, UNICROSS

    NDDC to donate refuse bins to UNICAL, UNICROSS

     

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is due to donate 70 refuse bins to the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the University of Cross River (UNICROSS) in an ongoing effort to complement the state’s drive towards effective waste management.

    The refuse bins arrived the state on Sunday March 9, 2025.
    The interventionist agency had pledged 300 refuse bins to Cross River as part of a broader commitment to foster environmental sustainability and public health initiatives in the Niger Delta region through effective waste disposal.

    In February 2024 the first batch consisting of 13 waste bins were delivered to the state. In June a second batch of 10 waste bins were delivered, 30 dumpsters came in December of the same year, and 15 were brought in January 2025, and this latest arrival of 70, bringing the total waste bins delivered so far to 138.

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    The Commissioner representing the state in NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, affirmed that the Commission “will donate 300 bins in total to cover the whole of Cross River State.”

  • C’River: FRSC seeks renewed synergy with NUJ

    C’River: FRSC seeks renewed synergy with NUJ

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is seeking to work collaboratively with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to disseminate adequate information to the motoring public on trending road safety issues.

    The new Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cross River Sector Command, Corps Commander Joseph Toby, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.

    According to Commander Toby, the role of the media cannot be overemphasized in the quest of the FRSC to successfully deliver on its mandate, stating that the visit will no doubt mark a new phase in the synergestic relationship between the Corps and the NUJ, especially in the state.

    He affirmed that the activities of the media, as coordinated by the NUJ, has the power to reach more persons through print and electronic means, with the right information from the FRSC to eliminate issues related to misinformation. He explained that the FRSC is saddled with the responsibility of making the Nigeria roads safe for all road users.

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    “To achieve this mandate, the Corps has strategically engaged several tools to ensure successful delivery and implementation. These include but not limited to;

    “Enlightenment and Education to inform and sensitise the motoring public on traffic regulations, safe road use as well as programmes and policies of the Corps.

    “Engineering: This involves interaction with technological advances to obtain, analyse and use data as well enhance road safety initiatives and operations. Here road audits are conducted, road traffic crashes are investigated and engineering advice provided to the relevant agencies of government for policy formulation and implementation.

    “Enforcement: This entails implementation of the provisions of traffic rules and regulations as contained in the FRSC establishment act 2007,the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR, 2012) as amended and quality management system (QMS) standards to continually improve our operations.”

    Speaking further, the Sector Commander emphasized that “adequate information on trending road safety issues such as the clamp down on fake and illegal number plate – an ongoing nationwide exercise as well as the FRSC mobile App which every road user should have is desired of the media to secure greater publicity and eventually compliance.”

    “May I once again appreciate the NUJ Cross River State chapter and its leadership as led by an amazing amazon, Archibong Bassey for this opportunity to meet with gentlemen of the fourth estate of the realm and the support so far enjoyed. Road safety is a shared responsibility.
    As we join hands to actualize safer roads, may we enjoy fuller lives,” he concluded.

    Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, thanked the Sector Commander for the visit and assured him of the continued support of the Union to enable the FRSC achieve its mandate of safer roads in Cross River and Nigeria in general.