Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Cross River Lawmaker, Cyril Omini Covers 10 Million Naira JAMB Application Expenses for 750 Constituents

    Cross River Lawmaker, Cyril Omini Covers 10 Million Naira JAMB Application Expenses for 750 Constituents

    The member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyril Omini has covered JAMB application and registration expenses worth 10 million naira for applicants of the 2025 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in his Yakurr 1 Constituency.

    Hon. Cyril, who chairs the Finance and Appropriation Committee in the Cross River State House of Assembly, emphasized that investing in education is key to building a brighter future.

    “In addition to providing the application forms, I have also released the sum of ₦10 million naira to cover travel expenses and logistics for all prospective applicants to their respective examination and thumbprinting centers across the state and beyond.

    “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and communities. My goal is to ensure that every young person in my constituency has the opportunity to further their education and achieve their dreams without financial barriers,” he said.

    Read Also: Gov Sule forwards 16 commissioner nominees to Nasarawa Assembly

    The Special Adviser to the Chairman of Yakurr LGA on Women Affairs, Mrs. Rita Oden, praised Hon. Omini for his unwavering commitment to educational development, noting that his generosity has positively impacted many young people. “I am personally very happy because this is not the first time he is doing this. It takes a large heart to give back to your people, and Hon. Cyril is doing it wonderfully well. You can see the excitement on the faces of these young people, and many of them are even from outside his constituency,” she said.

    She further emphasized the importance of education, encouraging beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity. “Our honorable has a good intention for the upcoming ones. He wants them to grow, and we pray that God will give him the enablement to continue.”

    A beneficiary, Miss Joy Edet, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “This initiative has given me the chance to sit for JAMB without worrying about the cost. I sincerely appreciate Hon. Omini for his support and encouragement.”

    Another beneficiary, Ubi Onun, described the initiative as one of the most impactful he has witnessed in Yakurr Constituency 1. “We have not seen any other leader do something like this in recent years. I want to say a very big thank you to Hon. Cyril Omini. He has done very well, and I pray that God continues to bless him.”

    Similarly, Mrs. Grace Usani, who attended on behalf of her daughter, shared her appreciation, acknowledging the lawmaker’s consistent support for young people. “I feel so glad that we have somebody like Hon. Cyril Omini helping people out. I have heard about his empowerment programs, but experiencing it firsthand feels like a dream. I pray that God continues to bless him for the humanitarian work he is doing.”

    Several stakeholders, including youth leaders, also commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step in promoting education and human capital development in the community.

  • ICT: C’River Secures FG’s HCFC Project in 3 technical colleges

    ICT: C’River Secures FG’s HCFC Project in 3 technical colleges

    Cross River State government has secured the federal government’s gradual implementation of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) Project for 3 technical colleges in the State.

    Accordingly, three technical colleges in the state have been selected for stage II of the project that has United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as the Lead and Co-operating Agencies.

    The project covers distribution and installation of refrigeration and air conditioning tools and equipment across select technical colleges. This initiative stems from the strategic partnership between the Cross River State Ministry of Science and Technology, Cool Plus Ltd, the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Ozone Office under the UNDP programme.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Age-Falsifying Senior Police Officers Threaten IGP Egbetokun, Demand His Retirement Alongside Theirs, Call His Post-Retirement Actions Illegal

    Letters from the Federal Ministry of Environment dated 31st January, 2025, which were addressed to principals of Community Technical College, Ikot Effanga, Calabar; Government Technical College, Ogoja; and Bendi Technical College, Obanliku, explained that as part of the project implementation, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians will be trained on best practices in the use of Ozone-friendly and Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants during servicing of equipment.

    “A major activity under stage II of the HPMP project, being implemented by the Ministry in collaboration with UNDP, is the Training and Certification of Refrigeration & Air conditioning Technicians on Best Practices in the use of Ozone-friendly and Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants during servicing of equipment. To achieve this activity, the project will be upgrading selected centres/schools offering Refrigeration & Air conditioning training, by distributing and installing training equipment at the centres/schools to facilitate the aforementioned training.

    “In view of the above, I am directed to inform you that the Ministry under the abovementioned project has selected your school as one of the centres to benefit from the equipment support. The list of the equipment is attached herewith,” the letter reads.

    Recall that just a few weeks ago, His Excellency the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu approved the relocation of the Science and Technical Education Board (STEB) from Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Science and Technology. And this collaboration is only one of the many promising achievements the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Justin Beshel has initiated in the promotion of Science and Technical Education.

  • NDDC N100m Christmas palliative: Opinion Leaders demand accountability

    NDDC N100m Christmas palliative: Opinion Leaders demand accountability

    Dear Chairman, Senate House Committee on NDDC, and Cross River State Reps in NDDC, Stakeholders of Cross River State here present, Cross Riverians, Gentlemen of the Press and all other relevant leaders of the State.

    This is a Press Statement made by opinion leaders today, Friday, 7th February 2025 here in Calabar.

    Last week the social media as well as political spaces were filled with information of the N100,000,000 released by NDDC to Cross Riverians for Christmas celebration. It was revealed that this money was meant for women and youths of Cross River State, but as we speak the disbursement is still uncertain.

    During the frenzy, a list of Ten (10) out of Fifty (50) beneficiaries were exposed, and till date, the remaining forty (40) are still kept under the carpet.

    We call on our Cross River State NDDC Reps and Our Senator the chairman House Committee on NDDC to give Cross Riverians a detailed information on the whereabout of the 100 million and make publish of the list of  beneficiaries most especially registered and established one on or before 14 days. They are representing us, and it is pertinent that the do the needful; which is, transparency and accountability.

    Otuekong Commrade Kingsley Ikpeme
    For on behalf of Opinion Leaders.

  • Group frowns over failure of Works Minister to address issues around Odukpani-Itu Road

    Group frowns over failure of Works Minister to address issues around Odukpani-Itu Road

    By Kelvin Obambon

    A sociopolitical group, the Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF), has expressed frustration over the continued failure of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, to address pertinent issues hampering construction work on the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway.

    Reiterating call for urgent commencement of work on the road, Chairman of the Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, at a press conference in Calabar Friday, decried the appalling state of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway, which according to him, has remained a source of untold hardship to the people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

    Barr. Ekpo regretted that despite numerous promises and assurances from the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, the critical road remains in a deplorable state, posing grave dangers to motorists, commuters, and businesses. He lamented that the road which is a major gateway linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom states to the rest of the country, has degenerated into a death trap riddled with deep potholes, eroded sections, and collapsed portions that make movement a nightmare.

    “The rainy season has only worsened the situation, with long stretches of the road becoming completely impassable. Commuters are forced to spend hours on a journey that should take minutes, while transporters struggle with frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased operational costs, and loss of revenue. Accidents, injuries, and deaths have become a common occurrence on this road, yet the Federal Government and contractors handling the project continue to show a lack of urgency in addressing the crisis.

    Read Also: Otti Orders Fencing Of Obingwa LG HQ After Fire Outbreak

    “The suffering inflicted on the people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states due to the state of this road cannot be overstated. Businesses are collapsing, farmers are unable to transport their produce, and essential services are being disrupted. The economic consequences are severe, with rising costs of goods and services as a direct result of the transportation nightmare.

    “Beyond the economic toll, the human cost is even more devastating. Pregnant women, the sick, and accident victims endure horrific experiences while attempting to access medical care. The security risk posed by the road’s terrible state has also escalated, as criminals take advantage of stranded motorists to perpetrate robberies and kidnappings,” he said.

    The Forum, however, demanded that “Urgent and full-scale rehabilitation of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway — the Federal Government must prioritize this road and take immediate steps to ensure it completion.

    “Honouring the promise of the tripartite committee – Engr Dave Umahi must fulfil his commitment to constituting the committee, allowing stakeholders to track progress and ensure accountability.

    “Accountability for contractors — Julius Berger and Sermatech must provide clear explanations for the delays and take urgent steps to accelerate the project.

    “A clear and transparent timeline – the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works must present a realistic timeline for the road’s completion and adhere to it.

    “Termination and/or revocation of the contract with Juiius Berger and re-award of same to a company willing to continue construction.”

    The Chairman was accompanied by members of the Forum, including Sir Maurice Effiwatt, Hon. (Mrs) Abigail Duke, Hon. Ani Esin, Barr. Bassey Mensah, Prince Edwin Okon, Ntufam Okon Owuna, among others.

  • NUJ Hall of Fame: Archibong Bassey-led state council commended for celebrating legacy of excellence

    NUJ Hall of Fame: Archibong Bassey-led state council commended for celebrating legacy of excellence

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council ably led by Comrade Archibong Bassey has been commended for sustaining a legacy of excellence, demonstrated by celebrating past journalists who dedicated their lives to upholding the principles of the noble profession.

    The commendation was made Wednesday by an elder stateswoman, Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa at the unveiling of NUJ Hall of Fame which took place at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.

    The event saw the induction late Chief Beatrice Ita, a pioneering female journalist and mother of Senator Ita-Giwa, into the Cross River Journalists Hall of Fame. The recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to journalism and her role in shaping the media landscape in the state.

    In her goodwill message, Senator Ita-Giwa expressed gratitude to the NUJ for recognizing the sacrifices and hard work of past journalists. She emphasized that honouring journalists who stood for truth, integrity, and public enlightenment is a noble act that preserves history and inspires the next generation of media professionals.

    Read Also: Abia Govt, Community Reach Agreement On Proposed Airport

    Her words, “I sincerely commend the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Cross River State Chapter, for this thoughtful initiative. Journalism remains a pillar of democracy, and it is heartwarming to see that those who gave their all for this noble profession are not forgotten.”

    Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Senator Ita-Giwa described Chief Beatrice Ita as a fearless and dedicated journalist who used her pen to fight for justice and give a voice to the voiceless. She called on young journalists to uphold the values of professionalism, objectivity, and ethical reporting, just as the honorees did during their time.

    The event, which brought together media practitioners, government officials, and members of the public, served as a reminder of the critical role journalists play in shaping society.

    Senator Ita-Giwa reaffirmed her support for the media, urging practitioners to continue upholding truth and fairness in their reporting while remaining steadfast in their commitment to nation-building.

    The event coincided with the NUJ chairman’s birthday.

  • Press Release: Misleading, Deceitful And Fraudulent Agitation For Unceded Part Of The Erstwhile Bakassi: The Truth Perspective

    Press Release: Misleading, Deceitful And Fraudulent Agitation For Unceded Part Of The Erstwhile Bakassi: The Truth Perspective

    The attention of the peace and development loving Ikang Joint Assembly, Bakassi Local Government Area has been drawn to the selfish and greed-driven TVC interview granted by Barr. Okoi Obono Obla, TVC interview granted by Senator Florence Ita Giwa, petition requesting the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to delist Bakassi from the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria and their agitation for unceded part of the erstwhile Bakassi in Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island under the name of “Indigenous Displaced People of Bakassi”.

    The underlying upshot of this wicked agitation is perpetuation of underdevelopment and backwardness in Bakassi Local Government as presently constituted. This same people whose style of administration has always been, collection of Federal Allocation and sharing same in a Leader’s sitting room without consideration for infrastructural and human capital development have consistently defrauded Bakassi for many years without anything to show until now that Bakassi is greeted with practical and evidential development.

    Now development committed and determined administration is on the saddle to change such narratives that can best describe the agitators’ many years era as benighted. And because of that, Bakassi should be delisted from the Nigerian Constitution. Why? It is even more wicked that the front-liner in this agitation, Hon. Iyadim Amboni Iyadim who left office as Chairman of Bakassi less than 1 year ago, is now crying wolf.

    THE UNCEDED PART OF ERSTWHILE BAKASSI QUESTION
    Ine Inua Esighi which the agitators try to rename was captured in the Cross River State Edict No. 1 of 1996 and listed as the 8th Village under Esighi Clan in Akpabuyo Local Government. Even when Bakassi was created later in 1996, Ine Inua Esighi in the so-called Dayspring was still not under the former Bakassi Local Government Area.

    The people of Esighi till today, are collecting royalties for Dayspring with receipts to show and strengthen their position. We have gazetted maps showing names of the villages that belong to Esighi and Ikang clans before the arrival of the plunderers. What do they have to show that Dayspring, so called, is the unceded part of former Bakassi?

    The plan and design to forcefully and cunningly annex these islands that belong to the people of Esighi together with their call for relocation of a fully established Local Government Administration with a functional Local Government Secretariat to where their duplicity will continue thriving, is all the more very discomfiting. The huge benefit Bakassi Deep Sea Port Project is bringing to Bakassi, Cross River State and beyond does not sit well with them.

    PERTINENT QUESTIONS
    Without mincing words, Senator Florence Ita Giwa was a “particeps crimini” in all the events, talks and negotiations that culminated in the heartless ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon. And the questions are:
    Senator Florence Ita Giwa having been a law maker, Presidential Aid and many more in the Government that supervised the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon, why didn’t she achieve all her agitations when she had the chance to effortlessly get them all?

    Given all Senator Florence Ita Giwa’s various appointments and positions vis-à-vis her inclinations as an activist and Dayspring pressure group leader, how many people did she empower to build even one house in Atabong in justification of their agitation for a place of their own as displaced people who left their homes in Cameroon?

    At what point did these places she is strongly agitating for become unceded part as edict no 1 of 1996 has never mentioned Dayspring or any island to be a village under any place other than Ine Inua Esighi in Esighi clan?

    Calling the Federal Government to delist or delete Bakassi from the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria by these set of selfish antagonists, reminds us of Solomon’s judgment that revealed the true  owner of the child that two mothers claimed, 1 Kings 3:16-28.

    It was in an attempt to maintain its structure as a sovereign nation that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) decided to assist these strangers to return and join real indigenous people of Bakassi who are now busy developing their Local Government and are being applauded for it. Cross River State Government even decided to make them comfortable by maintaining the name Bakassi in the adjustment of the boundaries between Akpabuyo and former Bakassi through the Cross River State Law No. 7 of 2007. As such, the name Bakassi cannot be delisted from the constitution as it remains part and parcel of Cross River State, having been a duly and validly passed law of Cross River State.

    We wish to restate that Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island were never part of the erstwhile Bakassi Peninsula and/or part of the defunct Bakassi communities now under the jurisdiction of the Cameroon Republic by virtue of the ICJ judgment of 2002. These Islands can therefore not be said to be unceded parts of the former Bakassi Local Government. Even when the Supreme Court Judgment made it clear that there was no unceded part of Bakassi as it was ceded in its ENTIRETY, these dare devil liars keep taunting and pushing their deceitful narrative that Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island are their unceded part of the erstwhile Bakassi.

    These people are dangerously steep in lies. This is how they flew the kite and propaganda that the Governor had given them Dayspring 1, 2 and Kwa Island for their Local Government and that Ikang people must move to Akpabuyo where they belong and leave them alone. On the basis of this cheap propaganda, they filed strangers to impersonate landlords of the Deep Sea Port Project and collected royalties during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Esighi.

    During an interface with the Governor, His Excellency made it categorically clear that Bakassi is one, that is, one indivisible people. But the impersonators keep undermining the policies of Government just because their selfish interest is not fertilized.

    The Green Tree Agreement gave them the option of staying in Cameroon or coming to Nigeria. So, if they want to go back to their ancestral communities now in Cameroon, they don’t need to ask for delisting of Bakassi from the 744 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. We are comfortable with the authentic Bakassi indigenes now in power and clearing the underdevelopment mess they piled up for many years.

    Greed, duplicity and loss of power to share Bakassi Local Government allocation meant for meaningful development is eating them up.

      

  • Think Cross River Group Congratulates Gov Otu’s Chief of Staff over National Leadership Award

    Think Cross River Group Congratulates Gov Otu’s Chief of Staff over National Leadership Award

    The Chief of Staff to Cross River governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar has been lauded for his effective inter-personal and managerial skill that has engendered a stable political atmosphere in the state.

    The commendation followed the recognition of Hon. Ironbar as the best Chief of Staff in Nigeria at the National Leadership Award organized by The People’s Parliament Nigeria in Abuja, recently.

    Mr Edem Darlington, Director General of the Think Cross River group, in a statement, described the award as deserving and a call for greater responsibility and service to the state.

    Read Also: FG Assures Investors Of Policy Consistency

    “When you carefully study the person of the Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar and the way he manages people and resources, you will agree with me that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole. The award is a recognition for his hard work.

    “Hon. Ironbar at every point in time, put in his best to manage issues around the governor. The versatility he brings to bear on his job as the governor’s top aide makes him stand out. His carriage, temperament and wisdom in handling crisis is inspiring.

    “This is why we are celebrating him and also praying that God should give him more grace, wisdom and understanding to continue to assist the governor in delivering the People First mandate,” Edem stated.

  • I brought Facebook monetization to Calabar – MC Koboko

    I brought Facebook monetization to Calabar – MC Koboko

     

    Though popular, not many people in Cross River and Nigeria know him beyond his stage name and his crafts which are comedy and social media content creation. In this exclusive interview, The Paradise News digs deeper to unravel not just the name behind the alias ‘MC Koboko’, but his motivation and the challenges navigating the comedy and social media content creation industry in Nigeria.

    Excerpts

    Who is MC Koboko?

    MC Koboko is a human being. I’m a man. I am a graduate of the University of Calabar. I am a content creator and comedian. I’m just an all-round entertainer.

    My real name is Isaac Joseph Usanga. I’m from Etinan local government area of Akwa Ibom state. A lot of people think I’m from Cross River. I was born and brought up in Lagos. School brought me down to Calabar. So far I think I am enjoying my stay here. I started my whole career in Cross River State, in my Alma Mater – the University of Calabar.

    What motivates you to join the comedy/content creation industry?

    Na money o (laughs). The thing is I was in school, and back then I was having difficulty. A lot of students used to tell me “Koboko you funny, you dey try.”
    My breakthrough came from a concert we had at the University of Calabar. It was organized by Etisalat. And then my boss, Professor Aboki. He picked me up and gave me a platform. He paved way for me in the comedy industry.

    Either before or after I met Prof, I contested for the Last Prophet comedy challenge. I came second, while Double Black of Big Brother Naija – Bassey Ekpenyong came first. General Odey, known as Rugged MC then took the third position. That’s how the whole comedy thing started. Thereafter, Professor Aboki brought me under his mentorship. My first stand-up comedy show was at NAT. It was a matriculation show.

    Tell us who is your role model in the comedy industry and your sojourn into social media content creation

    I actually did not have a particular role model, but I was influenced by comedians such as Basket Mouth and AY. I watched a lot of their shows. I also learned from everyone.

    Content creation came in when comedy stopped paying in Cross River. At some point comedians in the state were static. We couldn’t go beyond a particular point. If you are in the comedy industry in Calabar you will notice it. We don’t grow beyond our horizon. As a young guy that wants to grow you cannot dwell on the 30k or 50k you get for shows.

    The new oil well in the entertainment industry now is social media content creation. So I had to switch. My late friend, Kelvin Akparanta, took me to Lagos. He was like my manager then. I was working with FAD FM. I had to resign and move to Lagos. It was there that I met a friend, Laff Nation that introduced me to content creation. Initially it was tough. At some point I left Lagos to Uyo. That was how the journey into content creation started.

    You are one of the most popular comedians and social media content creators in Cross River, how has the journey been?

    Well, I will say the journey has been somewhat easy because I had good mentor. I learned from Professor Aboki. He was the number one comedian in his time. When you are coming into a particular endeavour and you have people that are already doing well guiding you, you will find it very easy to learn and catch up.

    I had soft landing. I did not struggle to get events. I was having recommendations for weddings, and they all came through Professor Aboki. My first performance at the Calabar Christmas Festival came from him too. It was there I met the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Effiong Ekpenyong (Double E).

    For the content creation, though it was tough, I got monetized within 6 years. There are lots of challenges in creating content.

    Comedy is different from content creation. As a content creator, you can be a comedian, you can be a barber, you can be anything. But as a comedian, you can only be a stand-up comedian. In other words, content creation is broad. Comedy embraces content creation. You can create content from whatever you are good at. As a cook, you can create social media content from your cooking activities. Social Media is diverse, is just for you to identify your audience. Content creation, as the name implies, requires creativity.

    Sometimes your videos project humanitarian and social causes (raising awareness and rallying help for individuals facing one challenge or the other), can you tell us more about this?

    I always have passion for humanity. It’s something that’s in me. I like to use my platform to project positivity. That’s one of the major reasons I went to radio presentation.

    When I started content creation I saw it as a means and platform where I can touch lives. I am also against drugs. I don’t do it. There was this particular girl, her name is Sharon. She used to be popular in Calabar, especially during the Carnival. Sometime ago she walked up to me for alms. I was shocked because at some point I couldn’t recognize her but after her explanation, I remembered her. She was into drugs. So I had to use my social media platform to rally help for her.

    She went in for rehabilitation at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Calabar. She came out well and was reintegrated into the society. But after sometime she relapsed.

    There was this child that had hydrocephalus that makes the child’s head abnormally big. I also used my platform to raise about N4.3million for surgery. The intervention was successful and the child is living a normal life now.

    I have carried out several of such humanitarian advocacy via my platform. When you go to my platforms on social media you will see them. They are all there. For now I have stopped because these things normally come with their own challenges that sometimes cause problems.

    Do you have anyone under your mentorship?

    Yes I have. The one that is quite popular to some extent is Okon. I picked him up from the street. Currently he has about 230k followership on Facebook, 11k on Instagram. He’s doing well. I think I have been able to mentor him to this level. I took him from the street, though he has refused to go to school. Gradually he is discovering something he feels he’s comfortable with.

    I will also like to say that I pioneered Facebook content monetization in Calabar. Though MC Mbakara started Facebook content creation in Calabar, at some point he left for Lagos. When he left nothing happened. Then when I came in, I brought monetization here, because when MC Mbakara was doing it, he never knew about the whole monetization stuff.

    From your experience, what are the challenges in the industry?

    For comedy the challenge is location. Currently, Calabar underpays. One of the reasons we do what we do is to earn a living. But clients refuse to know that comedians need to grow. This is why I have to diversify into social media content creation, even though I still do MC at weddings and other events.

    For content creation the challenges are many. One can spend money on creative ideas but at the end of it you don’t get the number of views needed. There’s also this aspect of Facebook demonetization. Like currently I have not been paid for 3 months. My money is withheld, though it will be release. Even in the face of these challenges you still have to keep making contents.

    Tribalism is also a major challenge in the content creation and comedy industry. There’s how you post something and people find out that you are from a particular place they will not watch your video. It’s been happening. And it’s a general problem. But I must commend Cross River State Government. They all know where I’m from yet they have been giving me deals. If there was tribalism here I won’t have been featured in most of the government events. I’ve performed for all the three governors.

    Where do you see the content creation industry in Nigeria in the next 10 years?

    The content creation space now is even saturated. Everybody now wants to do content. You know how Nigerians like to escalate things. So long as they hear that content creation pays, a lot of people will keep going into it.

    Let me expose some stuffs. Initially when you have 1 million views on Facebook you get about 800 to 1,000 dollar, depending on how people engaged on the video. But right now 1 million views may not give you up to 80 dollar. This is because of the influx of people into content creation.

    However, if you are in the system, you will always find a way to make good money. Content creation is the new way. The only business that can compete with content creation is tech. Very few legitimate businesses can generate good income like content creation.

    Recently Facebook has added a new tool that will enable content creators earn money from their inbox chats, comments, and every other thing you do on Facebook. So, give or take, 10 years from now content creation will be the treasure trove. In all, you need to grow a good brand.

    Finally, what is your advice for upcoming content creators?

    Consistency is the key to open doors of possibilities in the content creation industry. Also try to be around people that encourage and support you. Pray for God to bless your efforts. As a content creator have a backup account/page. You should be mindful of what you post. Be original in your content so that you can attract brands. Brand is another way to earn money. I got an endorsement deal with Quick Pocket. GehGeh and I got endorsed by the same brand.

    Thank you for your time.

    You are welcome.

  • C’River presents development plan for 3 cash crops

    C’River presents development plan for 3 cash crops

    By Christian Njoku

    The government of Cross River on Thursday presented a strategic development plan for cocoa, coffee and oil palm production, following the deadline of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

    Mr Johnson Ebokpo, Cross River’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development presented the plan at a Multi-Stakeholders Committee Validation workshop in Calabar.

    The workshop witnessed the attendance of key agencies in the state including international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

    In his keynote address, Ebokpo said that agriculture had been the backbone of the state’s economy, adding that the seven-year development plan for the crops would improve food security.

    Read Also: Educationist urges Nigeria students to reduce TV, phone time, focus on reading, creative writing

    He stated that the plan held an immense promise, not only  as foreign exchange earners but also as catalysts for rural development, and poverty reduction in the state.

    According to him, to realise the potential of these crops, a coordinated and strategic approach is required, one that addresses challenges across the entire value chain while embracing innovation and sustainability.

    Ebokpo said that the draft plan reflected extensive consultations and rigorous research, explaining that it is a roadmap to unlock the potential of the three critical crops through a value chain approach.

    He said that the approach prioritised productivity, sustainability and market competitiveness.

    ‘’The plan highlights key areas such as productivity enhancement, market development, sustainability and traceability, institutional strengthening and strengthening partnership,’’ he said.

    Speaking also, Prof Susan Ohen, Chairman, Multi-Stakeholders Committee said the crops concerned generated revenue and employment for the state, adding that without a strategic plan for them, there would be problems.

    According to her, the plan showed that there should be environmental sustainability, value addition and proper regulation for effectiveness.

    Ohen said the plan which aligned with the national agriculture plan and Sustainable Development Goals would help attract funding, enhance regional and global collaboration and address sectoral challenges.

    On his part, Mr Godwin Okwu, National Secretary of Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), asserted that the state had no reason to be looked at as a poor state.

    According to him, the state has all it takes to compete with the richest states; we have the forests, cocoa and coffee.

    ‘’Today every part of our state has the capacity to grow exportable crops that can make us rich; we are creating awareness and many people are coming back to our rural areas for agriculture.

    ‘’This will reduce rural urban migration and increase resources in the hands of our farmers, that is why this strategic planning is necessary,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • C’River begins implementation of Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support programme

    C’River begins implementation of Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support programme

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The implementation of Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme for women and youths has commenced in Cross River State, The Paradise News has confirmed. The Initiative, a pet project of Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, is projected to take in 320 persons and cover 30 schools in the state.

    Addressing journalists in Calabar Wednesday, wife of the governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, who coordinates the programme in the state, informed that the programme would Kick-off properly on Monday 3rd February, 2025 and that the sum of N68.9 million had been received from the national office to facilitate the programme which according to her is divided into four categories.

    Bishop Otu who was represented by her Chief Press Secretary, Ms Faith Okon, listed the categories to include “The Women Agricultural Support Programme (WASP), Youths Agricultural Support Programme, Every Home a Garden Initiative and Young Farmers Club in schools.”

    She explained that these four agricultural initiatives are holistically aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security across the nation.

    Read Also: SSG Receives Student Leaders, Emphasizes Importance of Mentorship and Goal-Setting

    “It provides each participant with an opportunity to expand their agriculture venture while contributing to local and national food production.

    “For Cross River State, this programme will Carter for 200 women, one from each political wards, who will be trained according to their preferences on crop production, fishery and poultry farming.

    “Each of the trainee on fish farming will be empowered with 200 juveniles, one fibre tanks, 2 bags of feeds and medication; Those for poultry will get 50 day old chicks 2 bags of starter feeds and 2 bags of fisher feeds, while those for crop production will be empowered with improved seeds, okra, pumpkin seeds, organic fertilizers, watering cans,” she said.

    The programme coordinator further explained that 60 youths and another 60 homes would also be empowered while the Young Farmers Club, which would seek to revitalize school farming with a view to encouraging young people to see agriculture as a career path, targets 30 schools across the state.