Tag: Cross River State

RE: Protest At PHEDC Headquarters, Calabar

Good morning my dear youths and stakeholders of The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

Information reaching us that some youths under the auspices of the youths umbrella body the NYCN-CRS code named “Young people from the 18 Local Government Areas of CRS” gathered at the headquarters of PHEDC on a protest for insufficient power distribution in the state yesterday the 16th day of January, 2025.

The Information further states that the youths cut, across the 18 LGA and a picture painted erroneously in semblance of our Esteemed Organization.

We wish to state categorically the following positions as follows:

a. The protest was carried out by unknown persons to NYCN-CRS Chapter.

b. The council never authorized any of her member either at the state level or LGA Chapter to lead or carry out any protest connected to the above subject matter.

That as UMBRELLA youth body in Nigeria and CRS, the Council MUST at all times be DULY informed before any attempt to infiltrate, mobilize and lead young people within our jurisdiction to any engagement to avoid possible hijack by miscreants.

c. The council therefore distance herself from whatever act that was led by the group using the code name ” Young people across the 18 L.G.A”

C. We at the NYCN, DO NOT argue with the fact that PHEDC and other relevant agencies may need to ups their game in attending to the unending energy demands of the people and this they MUST do with URGENCY and COMMITMENT.

The Leadership of the NYCN at this time, believe in “DIALOGUE OVER PROTEST” as a means of settling dispute, reason for our constant state wide tour, advancing the importance of Dialogue.

Sign: comrade Melchizedek David PRO NYCN CRS

January 17, 2025
We are here to complement and augment the efforts of the very capable Governor in CRS, NDDC rep replies critics

The Commissioner representing Cross River State in the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Honourable Orok Duke, has countered criticisms that trail the distribution of rice given to the state by the Commission.

Replying to a Facebook post made by one Kalita Igbe Aruku, the Commissioner stressed that NDDC as an interventionist agency serves to complement the effort of the state government.

Below are screenshot of Kalita Igbe Aruku’s Facebook post and the Commissioner’s reply:

@Kalita Aruku

What is really the intention of this post?
“My people perish due to lack of knowledge”

If there are issues, the author should bring them up and I would gladly respond to all of them, accordingly.

We don’t do innuendoes, at all.

Federal Govt sent rice to every state during the Yuletide season
NDDC sent rice to the 9 states within its jurisdiction, the consignment for CRS arrived late and I insisted that the gifts should go around accordingly

Is that a crime?

Rights are different from privileges.

NDDC is not in contention or competition with anybody, we are there to complement and augment the efforts of the very capable Governor in place, in CRS.

Whoever does not see the solar street lights, the hundreds of refuse bins, the hundreds of roads ongoing and even the ongoing major road in Etung, that the Hon Minister participated in flagging off the other week.

A hunter would always feel aggrieved and angry at a tree that prevented it from killing an animal during a hunt.

Governor Otu will complete his 8 years in Office neatly and effectively and we would be there to continue to give him and his Govt the requisite covering fire.

Take that to the bank, please.

Attacking NDDC projects and programmes would not help the Author or tamper with the hands of Providence.

Otuekong Orok Otu Duke
Commissioner/CRS Representative,
NDDC

January 16, 2025
2025 WASSCE: Bypass NAPPS clearance and register students – CRHA Committee tells Commissioner for Education

By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Education has mandated the State Ministry of Education to accept registration of students seeking enrollment in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) organize by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) without waiting to be cleared by the state branch of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).

The committee chairman, Martins Achadu, gave the order during engagement with NAPPS stakeholders in Calabar Monday.

Achadu stated that what should be prioritize for now by the committee is to ensure that no child is deprived in the registration of WAEC to enable the child sit for the forthcoming examination because of crisis in NAPPS.

The committee asked the State Ministry of Education to allow proprietors of private schools go ahead with registration of students for WAEC without necessarily obtaining clearance from any of the NAPPS factions.

Read Also: C’River: NDDC distributes rice, vegetable oil to traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, others

The lawmakers stated that arrangement is in top gear to convene another stakeholders meeting in two weeks time to enable the committee brainstorm with members of the Association and ensure that all the factions are merged together as one indivisible entity.

“To the Permanent Secretary, in the meantime do please liaise with the Ministry of Education and ensure that any private school coming to register for WAEC is allow to register, because as it stands now, we are taking both factions of the association to surgical room. They are undergoing proper surgery.

“Please allow everyone who who come to you for WAEC registration. Disregard this issue of NAPPS registration fee for now so that we don’t hurt ourselves because of NAPPS registration fee receipt and clearance.”

Also speaking, another member of the Committee and member representing Ikom I state constituency, Samuel Neji-Abang, called for calm and urged the warring factions to sheathe their sword pending the outcome of the Committee’s final report.

In his remarks, factional president of NAAPS in the state, Sir Godwin Okwu, chastised the immediate past Exco of the Association for leading the Association as if it were their private estate that is not accountable to members of the association.

Okwu urged the State Ministry of Education not to allow any of the factions of NAPPS collect levies from proprietors of schools on the ministry’s behalf but advised the ministry to directly collect levies meant for government by themselves during registration of students for the 2025 WASSCE.

“We had a leadership that spent whole nine years on the saddle with no statement of account despite levy collection and refusing to be accountable to members.

“The ministry might not know what we are passing through. We are not troublesome. We want to work with the ministry. If there is any information on what we should do, we will do to enable us work with the ministry and not these factions.”

But the factional leader of NAPPS in the state, Pastor Abraham Osok who reacted to the issue in a telephone conversation stated that even though he has chosen to reserve his comment on certain issues, he remain in charge as NAPPS president.

January 14, 2025
C’River: NDDC distributes rice, vegetable oil to traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, others

By Kelvin Obambon

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed hundreds of bags of 50kg rice and several cartons of vegetable oil to heads of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government in Cross River State. The distribution also captured paramount rulers in the state traditional rulers council and heads of federal security agencies in the state.

The Commissioner representing Cross River in NDDC board, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke who personally supervised the distribution exercise, said that the items were part of the Christmas package the Commission distributed to same group of persons across 9 states in the Niger Delta region.

He said NDDC as an interventionist agency prioritizes the welfare of people in the region, emphasizing the Commission’s determination towards actualizing the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

Captured in the distribution were some top state government officials, heads of security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, among others.

See photos below:

January 12, 2025
ELICRIS Cup 2024: Canaan Table Tennis Club Star, Hope Udoaka bags MVP award

By Kelvin Obambon

Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar star, Hope Udoaka, has bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the female category in the 10th edition of the ELICRIS National Table Tennis Top 32 Invitational Championship organized by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and BAA Foundation.

The award came after she defeated Sukurat Aiyelebegan 4-2 in the finals to emerge National Women’s Champion at the tourney held between 23rd and 24th December 2024 at the Chief Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Udoaka attributed the success to the unwavering support and commitment of the Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke towards grooming players in Cross River and pushing them up to compete in national and international competitions.

“All thanks to God and Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club for making it possible for me to attend this invitational championship. All thanks to him for his support so far in bringing up players from Cross River State. It’s a thing of joy to announce that I once again defended the title,” she said.

Reacting to the award, Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club, Rt Hon Orok Duke, congratulated Udoaka and commended her for displaying uncommon athleticism throughout the competition.

He said Udoaka’s triumph not only showcased her skill and determination but also represents a significant achievement for Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar.

January 10, 2025
Cross River Government Upgrades College of Education Akamkpa to University of Education

…As State Executive Council Approves Five New Executive Draft Bills for Legislative Consideration

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has signed into law two landmark bills establishing the State University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa and the State College of Agriculture in Obubra.

The two laws, officially titled the Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship Law 2024 and the Cross River State College of Agriculture Law 2024, were signed during the State Executive Council meeting held at the chambers of the Traditional Rulers’ Council in Calabar on Wednesday.

In his address, Governor Otu emphasized that the appointment of governing councils and principal officers for both institutions will be prioritized in the coming weeks. He commended the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly for their expeditious review and passage of the bills, noting their steadfast collaboration with the executive arm.

Read Also: Opinion: As THISDAY Honors Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Cross River South Anticipates a Flourishing Future

The new State University of Education and Entrepreneurship succeeds the former State College of Education, Akamkpa, while the College of Agriculture in Obubra transitions from being a campus of the University of Cross River State, Calabar.

The Clerk of the State Legislature, Mrs. Kate Ubi, Esq., and the Commissioner for Education, Senator Steven Odey, jointly presented the bills to Governor Otu for assent.

In addition to signing the two laws, the State Executive Council approved five executive draft bills for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly. These include: Cross River State Roads Fund Law, 2024; Cross River State Rural Access Roads Authority Law, 2024; Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2024; Cross River State Water User Association Law, 2024; as well as the Amendment of the Cross River State Counterpart Fund Law, 2024.

These draft bills, aimed at improving infrastructure, governance, and public services, are expected to undergo legislative review in the coming weeks.

Governor Otu expressed optimism that these legislative efforts would accelerate socio-economic development across the state.

January 9, 2025
Opinion: As THISDAY Honors Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Cross River South Anticipates a Flourishing Future

By Archibong Hashbury

“Your life’s journey aren’t what matter in the end. It’s the life you’ve lived.” Abraham Lincoln

Any career advancement requires discipline, perseverance, and the drive to concentrate on and assiduously pursue a goal. In just two years as the Senator representing Cross River South in the 10th NASS Assembly, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has made a significant impact despite all the challenges.

He continues to accumulate accolades and praises for his outstanding achievements as a first-time lawmaker in the hallowed chamber. Ironically, he has weathered every recurrent storm to become one of the winners of the THISDAY group’s recently announced “Young Global Leaders” award ceremony. An uncommon feat.

Being a born winner in a contest that boasts of the best in politics, technology, music and finance shows the qualities that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has since moving from the a highly competitive private sector to the people-oriented public sector.

Read Also: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, former President Jonathan, others win THISDAY Group’s Commemoration Awards

He is deserving of all the praise for speaking up for Cross River State. Even though it’s a befitting challenge, he has the guts to row the boat. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has made repeated pledges to attract more projects to Cross River South, much like the old Oliver Twist saying.

Young people now have an obligation to support Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and watch as he reciprocate the favor by continuously speaking for the people.

January 9, 2025
2024 Calabar Carnival was more bigger than previous editions – Duke

By Kelvin Obambon

Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, has said that the 2024 Calabar Carnival was more bigger and better than previous editions in terms of turnout, resources and international attention.

Duke made the assessment while fielding questions from journalists in Calabar Saturday at a victory party organized to celebrate Calas Vegas Band, winner of the 2024 edition of Calabar Carnival.

Appraising the Carnival, Duke who is the Calas Vegas Band leader said that “the Carnival from all indication was bigger than all what we’ve had in the recent past. The turnout of bands – the non-competing bands were more in number. They spent a lot of resources, and then we had a lot more international eyes on the carnival. The media exposure for it was a lot more. I think all the bands must have dug very deep and spent a lot more than the grants that were given to them to put up the show that we had.

Read Also: Nigeria’s Nathaniel Bassey To Minster At Donald Trump’s Inaugural Prayer Breakfast

“The governor has consistently said that he was going to grow the carnival from year to year, and what we saw today is a new benchmark, a milestone for the carnival in general.”

He attributed the victory of Calas Vegas Band to members’ commitment to creativity and their ability to interpret the theme of the Carnival. He emphasized that the experience and leadership attributes of the band’s leadership were equally instrumental.

To further improve the Calabar Carnival, Duke harped on the need for early planning, engagement of more stakeholders, more marketing, among others.

Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, leader of the Seagull Band; Commissioner for Tourism, Abubakar Ewa; Member representing Calabar Municipality in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nsemo; and the Executive Secretary of Carnival Commission, Austin Cobham.

January 5, 2025
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, former President Jonathan, others win THISDAY Group’s Commemoration Awards

Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District has been named alongside prominent figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate President, David Mark, former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, among others, as winners in the tightly contested THISDAY Group’s Commemoration Awards.

The Board of Editors of THISDAY Group, last night, unveiled the promising young men and women as winners in the “Young Global Leaders” category of the Group’s Commemoration Awards.

According to THISDAY Group, the awardees are good ambassadors for Nigeria, men and women majority of who rose organically to the very top in their respective callings. A coterie set apart by their shared commitment to excellence.

Applications for this category were legion, attesting to the nation’s growing youth strength, especially those doing well for themselves in different fields of human endeavour. But the THISDAY Board of Editors pruned the number down to a lucky few.

Read Also: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Champions Cultural Renaissance at 2024 Utomo Obong Celebration

Starting with the Queen of Warri Kingdom, Olori Ivie Atunwase III, the other winners in the category include the CEO of Niger Delta Power Company, Jennifer Adighije; Chairman of Sun Newspaper, Neya Uzor Kalu; and co-founder and CEO of Paystack, Shola Akinlade.

Also making the list are CEO of Konga Group, Nnamdi Ekeh; Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu; CEO of AA&R Investment, Abdullahi Bashir Haske; and CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola.

Founder of Flutterwave, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; singer and songwriter, Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, and her colleague, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, with the stage name, Ayra Starr, Folake Akindele, founder of Tiffany Amber.

A renowned chess player, Tunde-Onakoya; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong from Cross Rivers State; and a member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Bello Mohammed, also made the list of the lucky winners.

The winners, who cut across different walks of life – from tech to music, finance, art and politics, among others – are established to have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields and, by their choices, put the country on the world map, particularly, in positive contexts.

Closely following this category is the Philanthropist of the Year Award, which boasts heavyweights, like the Dangote Foundation, NLNG Prize for Literature, United Bank for Africa Foundation, Fidelity Bank Foundation, and the MTN Foundation.

In recognition of their contributions to nation-building and their respective accomplishments in the course of their careers, some prominent Nigerians have been named winners of the THISDAY Lifetime Achievement Awards.

They are former President Goodluck Jonathan; advertising guru, Biodun Shobanjo; Aminu Bello Masari; Olusegun Osunkeye; Atedo Peterside; Fola Adeola; Udoma Udo Udoma; Chris Okeke; Hakeem Belo-Osagie; former Senate President, David Mark; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Martin Luther Agwai; Mustafa Chike-Obi; and Professor Ango Abdulahi.

This award category recognises and pays homage to these living patriots, who have done the country proud in many respects and in spite of their ages and current dispositions, have not ceased to put the nation first.

In the category for Transaction of the Year, the nominees are the Mobil-Seplat deal, AGIP-OANDO deal, TotalEnergies-Chappal transaction and the Shell-Renaissance Spa and Bank of Industry, BoI’s 2billion Euro transaction.

The Nominees for Government Agency of the Year are Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

January 3, 2025
Photo Story: NDDC delivers 15 waste bins to Cross River

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has delivered 15 waste bins to Cross River few days after it delivered 30 refuse bins to the state.

This has brought to 68 waste bins delivered to the state this far.

See photos below:

January 2, 2025