Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Celebrating a Remarkable Leader at 45: Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet

    Celebrating a Remarkable Leader at 45: Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet

    As our beloved son, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, marks his 45th birthday today, we, the people of Uyanga and Dusangha, join hands in giving thanks to God for His grace and to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for recognizing and elevating the exceptional talent of this distinguished leader.

    Hon. Ankpo Pius is a shining star, groomed in the fear of God and a testament to hard work, humility, and quiet diligence. Known for his reserved nature and unwavering commitment to progress, he has continually dedicated his efforts to uplifting our community.

    Before venturing into politics, Hon. Ankpo had already made remarkable strides in business, particularly in the chippings and haulage industry. With over 20 tipping trucks in his fleet, he provided employment opportunities for many, creating a ripple effect of prosperity in our community. It was this same dedication that caught the attention of former Governor Ben Ayade, who appointed him as a commissioner in the state executive council.

    In 2023, following the election of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Ankpo was once again called to serve, this time as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. Tasked with a zero-pothole mandate and massive infrastructural transformation, Hon. Ankpo has risen to the occasion, delivering an impressive array of projects within the last year.

    Key Achievements in Infrastructure Development
    Under his leadership, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has embarked on and completed several critical road projects, including:

    1. The construction and dualization of Esuk-Utan Road.
    2. The rehabilitation of Parliamentary Extension Road.
    3. The construction of Air Force Lieutenant Road and drains.
    4. The rehabilitation of Marian Road.
    5. The construction of Yellow Duke Road and a mini-bridge in Calabar South.
    6. The Oban-Nsan Road project in Akamkpa Local Government.

    Beyond the Calabar metropolis, Hon. Ankpo has extended infrastructure development to the Central and Northern parts of the state, including:

    1. The rehabilitation of Ndok Junction to Abakpa-Igoli-Monaya Junction Road in Ogoja.
    2. The construction of Ogoja Ring Roads in Ogoja LGA.
    3. The Akreha Road and Bridge Project in Yala LGA.

    These accomplishments demonstrate Hon. Ankpo’s unwavering commitment to realizing the “People-First” mantra of Governor Otu’s administration, laying a solid foundation for Cross River State’s infrastructural transformation.

    A Heartfelt Celebration
    Today, as we celebrate Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet’s 45th birthday, we extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for entrusting our son with such a vital portfolio. Hon. Ankpo’s achievements reflect his dedication, competence, and vision for a better Cross River State.

    We are immensely proud of his contributions and appeal to his friends and associates to continue to support him with prayers and goodwill. Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, you are a beacon of hope and progress for our community and the state at large.

    Congratulations and happy birthday to our dynamic Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet!

    Signed:
    The People of Uyanga and Dusangha

  • Opinion: Austin Ibok, I pray knowledge finds you speedily

    Opinion: Austin Ibok, I pray knowledge finds you speedily

    I wish to begin by stating clearly that this response to a certain Austin Ibok’s lame write up is in my personal capacity as Edem Darlington, a private citizen, journalist and a proud Cross Riverian and not in my official capacity as an aide to the governor. This is because, before my appointment, I have always been a social crusader for good governance and because no single person remains in government forever,  I know very well that one day, I will leave and return back to the trenches, when that happens, I will continue to work for the good of our people.

    Having said that, let me say that even though Austin Ibok does not deserve the response of any intelligent and smart person, because of his puerile  write ups, however, it is important to properly educate the public so as to save some vulnerable Cross Riverians from falling into his falsity.

    Let me say that I look forward to educating Mr. Ibok about basic principles of advocacy, I honestly will  not mind giving him free tutorials so he can be well equipped. Apart from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and CHATGPT to write, I believe the free tutorial will help him get better in his new found love.

    Ibok’s Fallacy and What the truth is:

    Ibok’s Fallacy

    1. He alleged that some staff of the forestry commission have not been paid:

    What the truth is

    In December 2023, the Cross River State Forestry Commission put out advertorial for the recruitment of forest guards, steps after steps, procedure after procedure, the Commission went through all due processes and eventually published names of successful candidates.

    Soon after that, a date was fixed for training of the successful candidates after which they went through all other processes before obtaining their appointment letters. All these took months.

    As usual, some dubious persons attempted to overbloat the list and because the governor is one who is given to details, he quickly noticed the misnomer and asked that the process be put on hold and after a thorough verification, the blanket was lifted just a few months ago.

    It is unfortunate that the said Austin has no iota of knowledge about the workings of the civil service (even after serving as Special Adviser to governor Ben Ayade ), otherwise, he would have known that as a civil servant, one will have to work for a few months before being paid.

    I can understand Mr Ibok’s intellectual poverty and destituteness, because when you lie to feed, you will have to live all your life lying. The gibberish Austin put out could be described as bare, empty and baseless allegations.

    2. Ibok’s allegations about staff of cultural center and audit office.

    For over 20 years, those beautiful dancers and thespians at the state cultural center worked hard to earn as low as N13,000. This is not a joke, some of them have been there as long as 30 years, not as permanent staff but as casual or contract staff.

    It was until governor Bassey Otu came on board that he began the process of ameliorating the agony of the people by directing the immediate employment of some of them. That process saw over 47 of them employed while about 24 of those who were employed but left abandoned were promoted including a deputy director.

    It was the governor’s magnanimity that motivated the Cross River contingents to the recently concluded National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) held in the FCT to clinch a silver gong  and return home victorious, having emerged second best overall winner in the country.

    The fact is that, the governor is a good man who leads with the fear of God by putting the people first.

    I will avoid the temptation of taking on Austin Ibok for now, I will allow him face the harsh financial condition he is currently going through in the United Kingdom where he ran to under the cover of his wife’s professional career and the humiliation of having to work as a security guard.

    It is only a fool that tests the depth of a river with both feet.

    EDEM DARLINGTON is my name and I am a proud Cross Riverian

    Caveat: The opinion express in this article does not in anyway represent the views or position of The Paradise News. It is entirely that of the writer.

  • C’River Govt, Skyrun graduate 20 youths trained in electrical/electronic installations

    C’River Govt, Skyrun graduate 20 youths trained in electrical/electronic installations

     

    …Induct second batch for another 6 months training

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River State Government in partnership with Skyrun International FZE has successfully graduated 20 youths that were trained in electrical and electronic repairs and installations for a period of six months.

    The training was facilitated by the Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, under its Skills-In-The-Hands/Skyrun Technical Training Programme.

    The state governor, Prince Bassey Otu, while speaking at the graduation ceremony held in Calabar on Monday, congratulated the graduands and commended them for being of good behaviour throughout the period of the training.

    The governor who was represented by the deputy speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, said the technical skills acquired in the training would give the graduands an edge in the competitive labour market. He urged them to use the new skills to better their lives and that of their immediate society and be good ambassadors of the state.

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    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Barr. Odum-ljom Ukam, said the graduands went through rigorous and hands-on practical training at Skyrun International FZE Pre-Job Training Center located in Calabar.

    Describing the programme as life-transforming, the Commissioner said the graduation of the first batch of interns was a remarkable milestone in the history of the Skills-In-The-Hands/Skyrun Technical Skills Acquisition Programme. He added that the ministry paid the trainees stipends throughout the 6 months they underwent the training.

    “First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates, the trailblazers who have successfully completed their training. Your dedication, resilience, and hard work have brought you to this significant moment. You have not only acquired technical skills but have also positioned yourselves as key contributors to the economic development of Cross River State and beyond.

    “I also warmly welcome the second batch of interns who are commencing their journey today. By choosing to be part of this program, you have taken the first step towards building a future rich with opportunities. Remember, this is not just a training; it is an investment in your personal and professional growth, and the dividends will last a lifetime.

    “Allow me to express my deepest appreciation to Skyrun and all our partners for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and skills acquisition. Your collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Skill Acquisition is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in addressing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.

    “I also wish to sincerely thank the management of Skyrun for offering automatic employment to all the successful graduands of the first batch of technical training and its commitment to continue to do same for all graduands of the technical training.

    “The government of Cross River State, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu is steadfast in its commitment to reducing youth unemployment and creating a sustainable future for our young people. Initiatives like this reflect our strategic focus on equipping our youth with market-relevant skills to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” he said.

    In his remarks, the General Manager, Skyrun International Nigeria, Guo Nan Nan, expressed happiness over the graduation of the first batch of 20 youths selected across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    Nan said that the training and subsequent graduation of interns was in line with Skyrun’s philosophy of teaching youths how to fish rather than giving them fish. He disclosed that 85 percent of the company’s workforce is sourced from Cross River, and that Skyrun International FZE would retain the interns.

    The GM thanked the ministry for finding Skyrun International FZE worthy for the technical collaboration and therefore pledged the company’s support to the success of the programme.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduands and the induction of second batch of interns for another 6 months of training.

    Dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Bassey Bassey, Chairman House Committee on Youth; SA Budget, Otu Otu Ita; Hon. Ekuma Ngwu, Vice Chairman Biase LGA, among others.

  • Cross River Ministry of Health Launches Statewide Volunteer Training to Combat Mpox

    Cross River Ministry of Health Launches Statewide Volunteer Training to Combat Mpox

    The Cross River State Ministry of Health with support from the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has concluded a comprehensive training program for 200 community-based volunteers to strengthen the state’s response to the Mpox outbreak. With 117 suspected and 14 confirmed cases reported across eight LGAs, the need for proactive, localized health interventions has never been more urgent.

    The training focused on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) as well as surveillance strategies. Volunteers have been trained to identify and monitor Mpox cases, trace contacts of confirmed patients, and provide critical psychosocial support to affected individuals. They will be deployed to endemic communities for active engagement and education on disease prevention.

    The collaboration between the NRCS and the Ministry of Health marks a significant national effort to empower community members in public health decision-making and disease management.

  • Soldiers brutalize 19-yr-old female UNICAL student for responding to questions in ‘good English’

    Soldiers brutalize 19-yr-old female UNICAL student for responding to questions in ‘good English’

    Some personnel of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday 27th of November 2024, allegedly assaulted a 19-year-old female student of the department of botany, University of Calabar and her mother at Jonathan Bypass, Akai-Efa, Calabar.

    Narrating her ordeal to our correspondent on Saturday, the student, Everister Paul, said a female soldier identified as Sgt. Maria Okoi mobilized her colleagues to beat her up for spraying her hair and for responding to her (Maria Okoi’s) questions in good English.

    “It happened at the checkpoint opposite the Catholic Church axis at Bypass. She called me and I crossed over to go and answer her. I greeted her ‘good evening ma.’ And she responded, saying ‘na only you sabi speak English. Na only you go school’. She then called her colleagues and said she’s going to beat me up. She’s going to show me madness because I sprayed my hair,” she narrated.

    Everister said she sustained severe injuries on her head when Maria Okoi hit her with the butt of her gun, and that the soldiers numbering 7 slapped, kicked and dragged her, tearing her clothes to shreds.

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    “Seven of them, two females and five males, including their boss, slapped me and used rope to tie my hands to my back”, she said.

    They did not end there, it was alleged that the soldiers equally beat up her mother after her younger sister who was with her all these while ran home and alerted their parents. When the father, Paul Agbahime, a police inspector tried to intervene, one of the soldiers cocked her gun and thundered that she had been ordered to shoot, dispersing the crowd who had gathered.

    Our correspondent who visited the scene at the weekend with human rights lawyer, James Ibor, confirmed from three different sources that the incident indeed took place with witnesses identifying Sergeant Maria Okoi and the leader of the soldiers who abetted the crime while it lasted.

    When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the 13th Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, Captain Jemila Jimoh, said the military police was investigating the incident and promised to keep the public updated.

    Meanwhile, James Ibor, the Principal Counsel of Basic Rights Initiative expressed concern over the growing criminality among military personnel carrying out police duties. According to Ibor, the Nigerian Military is inept and actively enabling criminality. He called on the Attorney General to rise to the occasion and ensure that justice is served.

    Source: HitFm Calabar

  • Bakassi Legislative Assembly Commences New Legislative Year, Unveils Supervisory Nominees and Committees 

    Bakassi Legislative Assembly Commences New Legislative Year, Unveils Supervisory Nominees and Committees 

    The Seventh Bakassi Legislative Council has begun its new legislative year with significant activities, including receiving a list of supervisory nominees and unveiling the standing committees for the 7th Legislative Assembly.

    During a plenary session held at the council chambers on Friday, the Leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, presented a letter from the Executive Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Okon. The letter contained the names of supervisory nominees for consideration, marking the first step in strengthening the local government administration.

    In the same session, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey announced the formation of standing committees to oversee various aspects of governance in Bakassi LGA. The committees and their Chairpersons are as follows:
    – House Committee on Works/Environment – Hon. Ene Edet
    – House Committee on Education – Hon. Nkoyo Okon
    – House Committee on Health/NGO – Hon. Miriam Okon
    – House Committee on Culture and Tradition – Hon. Nsa Effiom
    – House Committee on Youth and Sports – Hon. Kenneth Orok
    – House Committee on Finance and Appropriation – Hon. Prince Mkpeti
    – House Committee on Agriculture and Mineral Resources – Hon. Joseph Orok
    – House Committee on Revenue Mobilization – Hon. Ita Nyoki
    – House Committee on Women Mobilization – Rt. Hon. Bassey Esoho

    The 7th Assembly also deliberated on its first motion of the legislative year, which called on the Cross River State Government to assist in restoring electricity to Bakassi Local Government Area. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Ita Nyoki of Ward 5 and co-sponsored by Hon. Ene Edet of Ward 4, emphasized the need for stable electricity to improve the lives of residents and enhance economic activities.

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    The motion sparked discussions among councilors, with contributions from the Deputy Leader, Hon. Prince Mkpeti, and other members of the house. The assembly unanimously adopted the motion, signaling a united front in addressing critical infrastructural needs.

    As part of its oversight functions, the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly conducted an investigative visit to the Ikang Motor Park following allegations of illegal structures within the premises. The Leader, Rt. Hon. Bassey, led the delegation, which included key members of the council. The investigation is ongoing, and the council has promised to provide updates to stakeholders.

    In a demonstration of solidarity, the council paid visits to community members and leaders. Among those visited were Bassey Nathaniel (nee Papa Etilo), who has been unwell, and Hon. Stanley Edet, a community leader. They also extended condolences to the family of the late Mr. Ene Andem, husband of the former APC Women Leader for Ward 1.

    The Leader of the Council conveyed the Chairman’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and explained his absence from the condolence visit.

    Despite the busy schedule, the Assembly members were commended for their commitment to community engagement and legislative oversight. Residents expressed gratitude for the council’s efforts to address pressing issues and foster stronger ties with the community.

    The 7th Bakassi Local Government Legislative Assembly (BLGLA) commenced its Legislative year on Monday 18th November 2024.

  • Cross River South Consultative Forum Counters Austin Ibok’s Criticism of Governor Bassey Otu

    Cross River South Consultative Forum Counters Austin Ibok’s Criticism of Governor Bassey Otu

    Austin Ibok’s recent article, “Faith as a Cover-Up: Unmasking Governance Failures in Cross River State,” paints a cynical and distorted picture of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. Ibok accuses the governor of using religious programs to conceal alleged governance failures, but his arguments lack substance and betray a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the facts. A deeper analysis of Governor Otu’s leadership reveals not only a consistent record of faith-based values but also tangible achievements that refute Ibok’s baseless allegations.

    Ibok’s assertion that Governor Otu’s religious initiatives are a recent ploy to distract from governance failures is unfounded. The governor’s pastoral background is well-known, as is his deep commitment to his faith long before assuming office. His wife, deeply rooted in religious values herself, has been a consistent pillar of this moral foundation. These attributes have shaped a leadership style that prioritizes moral regeneration in a society grappling with ethical decay.

    Critics like Ibok fail to appreciate that Governor Otu’s religious programs are not about diverting attention but about instilling moral discipline and ethical behavior. At a time when materialism and corruption dominate societal discourse, a values-driven leadership is a much-needed antidote. Governor Otu’s faith-based initiatives aim to inspire Cross Riverians to embrace a higher moral and ethical standard, a necessary step for long-term societal reform.

    Contrary to Ibok’s claim that religion is being used as a distraction, Governor Otu has paired his faith-driven approach with measurable achievements in key sectors. These accomplishments demonstrate his commitment to governance and development:

    1. Improved Workers’ Welfare
    Governor Otu’s proactive announcement of a new N40,000 minimum wage for state workers preceded similar decisions at the federal level. This underscores his administration’s sensitivity to economic realities. Additionally, a committee has been constituted to explore further upward revisions, reflecting the governor’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare.

    2. Revitalized Infrastructure
    Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of Otu’s administration. Key projects include:
    – Dualization of the Zone 6 NNPC Tank Farm Road in Calabar.
    – Ongoing asphalt resurfacing of metropolitan roads in Calabar.
    – Road rehabilitations in Ikom and Ogoja.
    – Payment of compensation for the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway to accelerate construction work.
    These initiatives aim to improve mobility, ease urban congestion, and boost economic activity.

    3. Educational and Youth Support
    The payment of N440 million WAEC fees for over 16,000 students and procurement of 108 three-wheel agricultural tractors highlight the administration’s investment in youth and education. These programs directly address youth unemployment while enhancing access to education and agricultural productivity.

    4. Agricultural Development
    The 50,000-hectare rice farming project, supported by a N150 million monthly credit scheme, demonstrates Otu’s commitment to agricultural transformation. This initiative not only enhances food security but also creates jobs and revitalizes rural economies.

    5. Healthcare and Public Service Improvements
    Efforts to rehabilitate the Ikom General Hospital, upgrade the state library complex, and improve electrification networks show Otu’s focus on delivering essential services. These investments directly counter Ibok’s narrative of neglect and mismanagement.

    Ibok’s claims are riddled with contradictions and a lack of factual basis. His criticism of Governor Otu’s religious initiatives as a misuse of public funds is unsupported by evidence. Furthermore, his tendency to sensationalize reflects a deeper problem of credibility.

    One must question whether Ibok is even the true author of his critiques. His recent output appears too polished to align with his known intellectual capabilities. Could there be an “unseen hand scripting Ibok’s write-ups”? Is this a case of “the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob”? Time will reveal the truth.

    Beyond this, it is worth examining Ibok’s political history. As someone described as a “political butterfly perpetually in search of nectar, lacking in substance, integrity, and ideology,” Ibok’s criticisms are better understood as an attempt to secure political patronage. His quest to fill a “bottomless pit of unending appetites” raises questions about the motivation behind his recent outbursts.

    Ibok’s misunderstanding of the role of faith in governance reveals a narrow perspective. In nations where societal values are weak, leadership grounded in moral principles can play a transformative role. Developed nations, which Ibok idolizes, have benefited from centuries of institution-building underpinned by ethical foundations. For Cross River State, Governor Otu’s approach offers a similar pathway toward progress.

    Faith-based programs, when properly implemented, can serve as catalysts for societal reform. Governor Otu’s initiatives are not about masking inefficiencies but about restoring ethical standards, countering societal decay, and fostering collective progress.

    Austin Ibok’s critique of Governor Bassey Otu is heavy on rhetoric but light on facts. It ignores the governor’s consistent record as a man of faith and his administration’s verifiable achievements. By coupling moral leadership with tangible development, Governor Otu offers Cross Riverians a balanced approach to governance that addresses both societal and infrastructural challenges.

    Cross Riverians must not be misled by politically motivated criticisms. Governor Otu’s leadership is not about using faith as a mask but about inspiring a collective sense of purpose while delivering measurable progress. It is time for citizens to reject cynicism and embrace the vision of a better, more prosperous Cross River State under Governor Bassey Otu.

    Signed:

    – Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq. (Chairman)
    – Sir Maurice Effiwatt
    – Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, Esq.
    – Apostle (Hon.) James Anam
    – Ntufam (Hon.) Victor Okon
    – Hon. (Mrs.) Ada Charles Egwu
    – Hon. (Chief) Ani Esin
    – Hon. Joseph Etene, Esq.
    – Hon. (Mrs.) Abigail Duke Orok
    – Barr. Bassey Mensah
    – Prince Edwin Okon
    – Ntufam (Hon.) Okon Owuna
    – Hon. Charles Atu

  • The sacrifices Dr Wayas made paved the way for those of us who now carry the torch of service – Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong

    The sacrifices Dr Wayas made paved the way for those of us who now carry the torch of service – Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong

    The Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has paid glowing tributes to former Nigerian Senate President, late Dr Joseph Wayas.

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong in a statement said;

    “Yesterday I joined the President of the Nigerian Senate, HE Godswill Akpabio, the Governor of Cross River State, HE Bassey Edet Otu, colleagues from the National Assembly and several other notable Cross Riverians to pay our last respects to Senator Dr Joseph Wayas.

    “Senator Joseph Wayas, who was the President of the Nigerian Senate from 1979 to 1983, was a proud son of Cross River State who championed the development of our region and fought for the upliftment of the voices of not only the people of Cross River State and the South South region but also for all Nigerians.

    “The sacrifices he made, often in turbulent and uncertain times, paved the way for those of us who now carry the torch of service.

    “I pray that Almighty God will continue to comfort both his family and the people of Cross River State and grant us all the strength during this difficult time.

    “We must take comfort in the fact that Dr Wayas was a National icon who lived a life of immense significance.

    “May his soul rest in peace.”

  • C’River: Bakassi International Fishing Festival 3.0 commences 4th – 6th Dec 2024

    C’River: Bakassi International Fishing Festival 3.0 commences 4th – 6th Dec 2024

    Bakassi International Fishing Festival 3.0 is set to commence from the 4th – 6th December, 2024 at Esuk Marine Police, Ikang Town, Bakassi local government area of Cross River State.

    The festival which promises to be exciting will be hosted by the Executive Chairman of Bakassi local government area, Hon. Effiong Etim Okon. Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Her Excellency Bishop (Dr) Eyoanwan Otu will be the Special Guest of Honour.

    The event will feature pageantry, boat regatta, fishing competition, wrestling, training, awards, fish market and lots more.

    The festival will showcase the rich culture and tradition of the Bakassi people, as the efik traditional attire will be the official dress code.

  • NDDC’s Chief Orok Duke Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women and Girls

    NDDC’s Chief Orok Duke Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women and Girls

    Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls.

    In a statement to mark the ongoing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Chief Duke emphasized that the NDDC operates on a strict policy of zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    In his statement, Chief Duke expressed concern over the persistent threat of violence against women and girls in the Niger Delta region and beyond. He highlighted that the issue remains a major impediment to achieving gender equality, sustainable development, and peace.

    “As a Commission tasked with driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta, we recognize that no society can thrive when half of its population faces systemic discrimination and violence. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls, not only in our operations but across communities in the region,” Chief Duke said.

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    He further noted that the NDDC has initiated partnerships with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners to strengthen efforts aimed at combating SGBV. These initiatives include community sensitization campaigns, economic empowerment programs for women, and providing support for survivors of violence.

    Chief Duke also used the platform to call for collective action from all stakeholders. He urged state and local governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community members to work together in fostering a culture of respect and dignity for women and girls.

    “The fight against SGBV requires more than just policies. It demands action from every one of us. Let us rise as a society to protect our women and girls, ensuring they live without fear of violence or discrimination,” he added.

    The 16 Days of Activism, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, serves as a global campaign to raise awareness about violence against women and girls. This year’s theme, “UNiTE: Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, resonates with Chief Duke’s advocacy and the NDDC’s broader mission of advancing gender equity in the Niger Delta.

    The former Lawmaker concluded his statement by reaffirming the NDDC’s commitment to supporting survivors of violence, promoting preventive measures, and ensuring that perpetrators of SGBV face justice.

    “Together, we can end violence against women and girls. Let’s unite to build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive,” he said.