Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Empowers 1000 Tertiary Students with N100 Million Education Support Fund

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Empowers 1000 Tertiary Students with N100 Million Education Support Fund

    The third edition of the annual Asuquo Ekpenyong Education Support Initiative, held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Mary Ekpiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar, witnessed the disbursement of N100 million to 1,000 tertiary students from Cross River South. Among the recipients were Charles Ntui, an undergraduate from the University of Calabar (Unical) and Abigail Ekpo, a postgraduate student from the University of Cross River State (Unicross), both of whom expressed heartfelt gratitude to Senator Ekpenyong for his impactful support.

    Mrs Mary Etim, representing the Market Women Association and attending as a parent of a beneficiary, commended the initiative, calling it a beacon of hope for families struggling to afford quality education. “Senator Ekpenyong has proven to be a true advocate for education, and this initiative will shape the future of many students,” she remarked.

    Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, in his opening remarks, provided an overview of the program, describing it as be an intervention to mitigate the financial constraints faced by students and their families. He emphasized the program’s growing reach and its significance in promoting access to higher education in Cross River South.

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, speaking at the event, highlighted the remarkable progress of the initiative since its inception in 2022. “The Education Support Initiative has grown significantly over the years. In 2022, we supported 200 students, increasing to 400 in 2024. This year, 2025, we are empowering 1,000 students, bringing the total beneficiaries to 1,600 in just three editions. This growth demonstrates our commitment to alleviating the financial burden of education and investing in the future of our youth.”

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    The initiative, which has now supported 1,600 students, continues to garner widespread praise for its transformative impact with the third edition which saw a significant increase in the disbursed amount per beneficiary, rising from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, in response to the prevailing economic challenges and rise in the cost of living in the country.
    A cross section of selected beneficiaries were invited to witness the ceremony live and they all started receiving credit alerts during the programs which led to spontaneous jubilation.

    Beneficiaries and their families expressed deep appreciation to Senator Ekpenyong for his unwavering commitment to education and his vision of uplifting the younger generation in Cross River South.

  • C’River: NYCN Holds First Exco Meeting of 2025, Directs Youth Associations To Register With Council

    C’River: NYCN Holds First Exco Meeting of 2025, Directs Youth Associations To Register With Council

    The State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River State chapter, His Youthfulness Comrade Emmanuel Olayi has stated that the National Youth council of Nigeria (NYCN) is an umbrella youth body, therefore every youth organization operating in the State has to be registered and properly affiliated with the council for the purpose of authenticity and synchronization of operations and their activities which must be in consonance with the ethics of the Council and the Ministry of Youth Development.

    He added that the Council is not an arm of government or political party but partners with government for peace building and general development, thus the council should be a safe space for youth not minding their leanings so as  to enable them channel their concerns freely and be attended to accordingly.

    Comrade Olayi made the statement during the first state executive council meeting of year 2025 held at the administrative block at the Cross River State Youth House in Calabar, where he welcomed the executive back from the festivities of 2024 and expressed optimism towards the Council’s commendable progress that would be recorded in 2025. He charged Exco members to be steadfast, innovative and bring forth inspiring ideas and do things rightfully to enable the achievement of the councils projections for 2025.

    The State Chairman listed out the achievements of the council in 2024 to include; a free medical outreach, campaign against the End Bad Governance Protest with the tag “Dialogue over Protest”, Cross River State active participation in various National Youth Engagements, some of which he listed to include; participation in the Review of The National Youth Policy (2018-2023), attendance of Cross River youth delegates at NYCN at 60 years, payment of subvention to all structures of the Council, participation in the 7th National Council of Youth Development meeting at Maiduguri, Borno State, training of Youths in various agricultural value chain, Christmas and new year package to youth organizations, stakeholders and related groups across the state.

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    The Chairman emphasized that the Council must work in line with the proposed work plan for the calendar year 2025. He went further to inform Exco about his concerted effort to give Cross River State Youth House a facelift through modern structural development, installation of electricity, reticulation of water into the Youth House, rewiring and reconnection of power supply, general painting of interior and exterior views, erection of signage at the high way among many others.

    The Chairman requested for performance reports from across the three senatorial districts of the state and called upon the Vice Chairman North, Vice Chairman Central and Vice Chairman South to brief the forum respectively.

    The NYCN Vice Chairman of Northern Senatorial District, Comr. Patrick wonah uttered that despite just resuming office immediately after conduct of elections, he engaged the youths of Cross River North in dialogue against participating in the End Bad Governance protest, embarked on a youth sensitization rally against youth restiveness and community crisis, while Comr. Evalsam Ekpe, VC Central Senatorial District mentioned their engagement in NYCN tour across the six local government areas of the central where they interfaced with several youths, traditional leaders, members of the state and National Assembly who had meaningful and fruitful conversations with them. Comr. Evalsam Ekpe also informed his colleagues of the recent leadership crisis in one of the six local government areas in the central due to the discovery of deposits of resources of interest in one of the communities and called for immediate intervention from the State Chairman, adding that with proper intervention from the state executive, lasting peace will return.

    The Secretary General Hon. Prince Ojoi who spoke for the Southern Senatorial District, assured the house of peace and security in the southern senatorial district while expressing appreciation to the State Government for opening the doors of opportunities for youths who today are in different positions of leadership.

    The Chairman who applauded the Vice Chairmen for being proactive in their senatorial districts, said that the discovery of resources of value across the state is an indication of the wealth in Cross River State. He further reiterated that it is good news for the youths of Cross River and Government, as the state is blessed with abundant natural resources with Akamkpa local government area also having large deposit of solid mineral, therefore the council would embark on a visit to the ministry of solid mineral for progressive collaboration that will benefit the youths.

    Addressing the executive council members as regards the forthcoming NYCN local government election, HY Comr. Olayi said the state executive council is an arm of council structured for decision making to flow collectively. He advised the Exco members to provide equal platform for participation of every youth in the elections, make the election affordable, rancour free and fair as the election is meant to recruit leaders that will join for peace building and progressive thinking for the Council.

    The State Chairman reeled out the activities for the 2025 calendar year and announced the plans for the official unveiling of the year’s work plan.

    He further expressed appreciation to the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dear Wife Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Otu for their continuous support to the youth community. He equally appreciated the Hon. Commissioner for Youth Development and his team of management staff for their relentless efforts in youth development.

    The Chairman concluded with a charge on the state executive council members to make the council conducive for every youth to access and be part of and also launch out to seek opportunities that will grow the youth of Cross River State while thanking them for their sacrifice of service.

    The meeting which was presided over by the Cross River NYCN Chairman HY Comr. Emmanuel Olayi was attended by the vice chairmen of the three  senatorial districts and all state executives of the council.

  • Operation Keep Calabar Clean: C’River Cracks Down Illegal Structures

    Operation Keep Calabar Clean: C’River Cracks Down Illegal Structures

    …As Post Sanitation Exercise Commences

    By Sylvia Okoi

    The Cross River State Government is taking bold steps to transform Calabar, the State capital, into a world-class tourism hub.

    As part of this effort, the Government has commenced a post-environmental sanitation exercise, led by Commissioner for Environment Hon. Moses Osogi to sustainably keep Calabar clean and green.

    During the January 2025 environmental sanitation exercise, Osogi and his team took a proactive approach, by directing the demolition of illegal structures, cutting down old trees, and ensuring proper waste evacuation from desilted drainages.

    The Commissioner expressed disappointment at the dirty environment of most business centers in the metropolis, emphasizing the need for residents, especially business owners, to participate in the sanitation exercise as a show of community responsibility.

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    According to him, this initiative is part of the State Government’s broader efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

    Osogi maintained that the government has been conducting monthly environmental sanitation exercises, with the goal of restoring Calabar to its former glory as Nigeria’s cleanest city.

    “With these efforts we are demonstrating our commitment to creating a clean, green, and beautiful environment that will attract tourists and promote economic growth as we live in harmony with nature.

    “Cross River State is cracking down on illegal structures in urban areas and we would pull them down. This move is part of our efforts to maintain cleanliness and order,” the Commissioner added.

    He applauded residents for their cooperation during the period of the sanitation exercise, praising their consciousness and participation while reiterating his commitment to rewarding the cleanest street in each sanitation exercise to encourage participation.

    Some residents expressed delight with the sustained sanitation efforts, noting significant improvements in environmental cleanliness.

    The Commissioner who was joined on enforcement  by key stakeholders, including  the SSA on Environment, Hon. Magnus Ntui, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Onah and representatives from the Calabar Urban Development Authority, NGOs, and volunteers, covered several areas, including Effioette, MCC, State Housing, and Marina axis.

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Distributes 400 Bags of Fertilizer to Farmers in Cross River South

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Distributes 400 Bags of Fertilizer to Farmers in Cross River South

    Farmers across the seven local government areas of Cross River South have received a boost in their agricultural activities as Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong on 23rd January, 2025 distributed 400 bags of 50kg fertilizers to support their efforts. The initiative, aimed at enhancing food production and improving livelihoods, has been widely commended by beneficiaries.

    Represented at the event by Ted Afu Inyang,  he encouraged the farmers to judiciously use the fertilizers to enhance crop production, especially at a time when the country is placing greater emphasis on food security.

    Martha Ekong, a farmer from New Airport, Calabar South, described the Senator’s gesture as unprecedented, noting that since she began participating in the voting process, no representative has done as much for farmers. Similarly, Agatha Ndifon from Akamkpa expressed gratitude to Senator Ekpenyong, praying for his continued success and urging women across the seven LGAs to support him. She thanked the Senator for consistently prioritizing the needs of farmers and delivering impactful programs to the people.

    Read Also: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Distributes 1,000 Empowerment Tools to Constituents

    Senator Ekpenyong reaffirmed his commitment to empowering farmers and improving agricultural productivity, emphasizing that initiatives like this are part of his broader vision to foster sustainable development and economic growth in Cross River South.

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Distributes 1,000 Empowerment Tools to Constituents

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Distributes 1,000 Empowerment Tools to Constituents

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South Senatorial District has empowered 1,000 constituents with grinding and sewing machines to promote economic growth and self-reliance. The distribution held on Friday,  24th January, 2025 is aimed at supporting small-scale businesses and reducing poverty, brought together women, artisans, and entrepreneurs eager to utilize the tools for income generation. Senator Ekpenyong described the initiative as a step toward fostering grassroots development and improving livelihoods across the district.

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    Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the senator’s gesture. “This grinding machine will help me start a business and care for my family,” said Mrs. Kate Effiong, a recipient. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Bassey Edodi, shared, “With this sewing machine, I can expand my tailoring business and even train others in my community.” The initiative has been hailed as a transformative effort to empower the people and create sustainable economic opportunities.

  • Councillors cry foul as chairman allegedly hoards revenue agencies in Etung

    Councillors cry foul as chairman allegedly hoards revenue agencies in Etung

    Elected Councillors in Etung Local Government Area have expressed their dissatisfaction over the sharing formular of revenue agencies across the 10 wards.

    The 10 councilors who lamented their dissatisfaction said the council chairman Hon. Henry Njar Anom has deprived them of benefiting from revenue points in their various wards.

    They argued that all ward agencies are supposed to be controlled by the ward councilors but in their case, the chairman has kept all agencies to himself, sharing them to his associates.

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    They however called on the chairman to give them what they say rightfully belongs to them while calling on the state government to come to their aid.

  • FAO/UK Pact: Ebokpo launches distribution of aquaculture kits, efficient cook stoves in C’River

    FAO/UK Pact: Ebokpo launches distribution of aquaculture kits, efficient cook stoves in C’River

    By Converse Blog

    In a bid to alleviate the strain on mangrove forests in Cross River State and promote sustainable practices, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), within the framework of the United kIngdom (UK) funded Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (PACT) project, has commenced the distribution of aquaculture livelihood kits and energy-efficient cook stoves to local beneficiaries.

    During the launch events held at Calabar Municipal and  Akpabuyo Local Government Councils, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo KSM, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, highlighted the critical timing of this initiative. He underscored its potential to curb the environmental degradation of mangrove forests caused by human activities. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the resources effectively to enhance their livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Governor, Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration for creating a conducive environment for donor agencies, development partners and NGOs interventions in the state.

    Mrs. Nifesimi Ogunkua, FAO’ in Nigeria Climate Change Specialist provided an overview of the initiative, explaining that it is part of the technical assistance provided by FAO in partnership with UK PACT to support the Cross River State Government in managing its mangrove ecosystems. She explained that the baseline assessments conducted in five local government areas—Odukpani, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Calabar South, and Calabar Municipality—that identified the primary contributors to mangrove deforestation as youths and women collecting firewood for cooking.

    Read Also: ARDA trains journalists in Cross River to advocate women participation in politics

    Addressing  these findings, 500 energy-efficient cook stoves were distributed to women, and aquaculture fiber tanks were installed with bag of fish feeds in five communities within Calabar Municipality.
    This is to be replicated in five communities in each of the identified local government areas, reaching a total of 25 communities.

    Mrs. Ogunkua encouraged beneficiaries to maximize the benefits of the provided resources, emphasizing the importance of sustainable use for long-term environmental and community well-being.

  • ARDA trains journalists in Cross River to advocate women participation in politics

    ARDA trains journalists in Cross River to advocate women participation in politics

    A leading non-governmental organization that specializes in social and behavior change communication, ARDA Development Communication Incorporated (ARDA), has organized a capacity-building training for media professionals in Cross River State.

    The training which was attended by 50 journalists drawn from the electronic, print and online media, took place on Thursday at the Freeman Hotel, Calabar, the state capital.

    The Advance: Women Political Participation in Nigeria (AWPP) Project, aims to empower media professionals from both mainstream and online media platforms with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to amplify women’s representation in political leadership.

    The Project, funded by the Government of Canada through UN Women Nigeria and implemented in partnership with Gender and Development Action, seeks to foster inclusivity and equality by advancing women’s participation in politics across the country.

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    As a media partner on this initiative, ARDA is leveraging this training to create a ripple effect of gender-sensitive reporting, encouraging the media to play a pivotal role in changing societal perceptions and breaking barriers for women in political leadership.

    The program underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in driving social change and promoting gender equity within Nigeria’s political landscape.

  • Gadholtech: Revolutionizing Tech and Media Consulting with Visionary Leadership

    Gadholtech: Revolutionizing Tech and Media Consulting with Visionary Leadership

    By Prince Cyril

    In the dynamic world of technology and media, few companies stand out like Gadholtech. With its headquarters in the vibrant city of Calabar, Nigeria, Gadholtech has emerged as a leading force in tech and media consulting. Helmed by the visionary CEO, Mr. Isong Cyril Paul, the company has carved a niche for itself by offering unparalleled services in project personalization and social media presence management.

    Our Mission: Empowering Media Personalities and Brands

    Gadholtech is driven by a clear mission: to amplify the voices of its clients and ensure their recognition in the competitive media landscape. By blending cutting-edge technology with innovative strategies, we help clients achieve verified recognition and enduring visibility.

    What We Do
    Gadholtech specializes in a range of services designed to elevate personal and brand profiles:

    Feature Placement in National Dailies

    Gadholtech has established strong partnerships with leading national newspapers, ensuring that our clients’ stories are told with impact. From interviews to feature articles, we position our clients in the spotlight.

    Wikipedia Page Creation and Management

    A Wikipedia presence signifies credibility and relevance. At Gadholtech, we craft well-researched, notable, and compliant Wikipedia pages, giving clients a lasting digital footprint.

    Social Media Verification

    Gaining a verified badge on platforms like Facebook and Instagram is no small feat, but Gadholtech has perfected the art of securing these highly coveted symbols of authenticity for our clients.

    Media Personality Branding

    We specialize in elevating the profiles of celebrities and dignitaries, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with their audience while ensuring consistent media exposure.

    Comprehensive Project Management
    From ideation to execution, Gadholtech handles projects of all scales with precision and innovation, delivering results that exceed expectations.

    Making Waves in the Media Space
    Under Mr. Isong Cyril Paul’s leadership, Gadholtech has built a reputation for its unmatched ability to propel clients into the limelight. Our expertise has benefited countless dignitaries and celebrities, securing them prominent spots in the public eye and on digital platforms.

    Why Choose Gadholtech?

    Tailored Solutions: We understand that every client is unique, and we customize our services to meet individual needs.

    Proven Track Record: Our portfolio is rich with success stories of verified accounts, published features, and elevated profiles.

    Innovative Strategies: We stay ahead of trends, leveraging the latest tools and techniques to deliver impactful results.

    Commitment to Excellence

    At Gadholtech, quality is non-negotiable. Every project we undertake is executed with the highest level of professionalism.

    Looking to the Future

    Gadholtech is not just about making a mark in the present; we are shaping the future of tech and media consulting. As the media landscape evolves, Gadholtech remains committed to innovation, ensuring our clients stay at the forefront of relevance and recognition.

    Contact Us
    Are you ready to take your personal or brand profile to the next level? Gadholtech is here to make it happen. Join the league of distinguished clients who have trusted us to deliver excellence in tech and media consulting.

    Gadholtech@gmail.com
    +2349116304376

    Gadholtech – Where Visibility Meets Credibility.

  • The Politics of Yakurr: A Shift in Loyalty and Leadership

    The Politics of Yakurr: A Shift in Loyalty and Leadership

     

    By Enang Eja

    The unfolding dynamics in Yakurr’s politics bring to mind the tale “How the Cookie Crumbles,” a childhood story my father often narrated. This story perfectly mirrors the sudden shift within Yakurr’s political landscape, recently highlighted by an alleged meeting of loyal supporters of John Owan-Enoh with Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Hon. Cyril Omini, and Hon. Yibala Igiri Inyang. The meeting, allegedly held at Augustine Omini Iwara’s hotel in Ugep, sought to shape a new political direction for 2025.

    However, the question lingers: is this realignment against the political interests of Governor Bassey Edet Otu?

    A Facebook post caught my attention recently, with a few people expressing support for Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Hon. Cyril James Omini, and Hon. Yibala Igiri Inyang, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council. While this display of loyalty was intriguing, it also highlighted the fervent but sometimes misplaced devotion of political supporters in our clime.

    But what drives this sudden outpouring of allegiance?

    Hon. Inyang, elected less than three months ago, is already being mentioned alongside Senator Eteng, a political figure since 2011. Senator Eteng’s journey began in the Cross River State House of Assembly, where he was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. By 2019, he had become Speaker of the House, a position he held until 2023. However, his tenure was marked by a lack of notable achievements.

    In 2023, he ascended to the Senate, thanks to imposed politics rather than widespread public endorsement. Sadly, his time in the Senate has been underwhelming, with no significant results to show. One wonders if Senator Eteng has appreciated those who worked tirelessly for his election or if this is another case of self-serving politics.

    Hon. Inyang should tread carefully. My advice to him is to avoid aligning with individuals whose actions may embroil him in unnecessary disputes. Failure to do so could tarnish his reputation and leave him vulnerable to political fallout.

    Hon. Cyril Omini’s actions over the past 17 months have revealed a leader whose priorities are one-sided. By aligning with Senator Eteng, despite his underperformance and lack of gratitude towards the people of Yakurr, Hon. Omini has made his stance clear. His decision demonstrates poor judgment and disregard for the constituency’s expectations.

    The Yakurr 1 State Constituency, however, remains a closely-knit community. It is only a matter of time before the people make their voices heard. Representatives who show arrogance and a lack of accountability will ultimately face the consequences of their decisions. For Hon. Omini, the choices made today will undoubtedly shape his political future tomorrow.

    Enang Eja writes from Yakurr.