Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Societies risk darkness without journalists – UNICAL Alumni

    Societies risk darkness without journalists – UNICAL Alumni

    By Christian Njoku

    Mr Paul Eshiemomoh, National President of University of Calabar (UNICAL) Alumni Association has disclosed that it takes journalist to shine the light and dispel darkness in any society.

    Eshiemomoh made the remark on Friday during a courtesy visit on the Ernest Etim Bassey, Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River Council in Calabar.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the the alumni also used the opportunity to honour Archibong Bassey, the Chairperson of the Cross River Council of the NUJ and first female Chairperson in the South-South region.

    The president who came to seek a synergy between the NUJ and UNICAL Alumni to promote the UNICAL brand said it was fool-hardy for any society to work in isolation of the press, it simply meant that such organisation has chosen darkness over light.

    Read Also: Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Confirmation Of Oluyede As COAS

    Reacting to the 50th anniversary of UNICAL in 2025, he said the institution was like a golden hen that produced golden eggs which in turn provided many of the golden chicks enjoyed in the society.

    “We are about to set up a diaspora group of UNICAL alumni and we already got a list of 25  alumni in three continents of the world in two days.

    “This is to tell you that UNICAL may be small in Calabar but it’s name as evidence in the certificate of different people in different parts of the world is a global brand.

    “NUJ has a very important role to play in projecting the UNICAL brand because we do not want to remain in darkness, we want to celebrate our alma mata at 50 and we cannot do it without the world knowing,” he said.

    Responding, Bassey thanked the alumni for honouring her while noting that as a graduate of UNICAL herself, she was shaped into a thorough bred professional and had always been passionate about her alma mata.

    She said the visit was a call to service adding that the union would continue to partner with with the association to continue to promote the UNICAL brand.

    She however appealed to the association to carry the union along with its programmes to enable it effectively plan towards playing its role.

    (NAN)

  • Ikoneto take stand against VAWG, As P4P take advocacy to stakeholders

    Ikoneto take stand against VAWG, As P4P take advocacy to stakeholders

    Stakeholders and leaders of Ikoneto Community in Odukpani LGA last week took decisive action against Violence Against Women and Girls within the community.

    Speaking during an community dialogue session organised by Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta, the Village Head of Mbiabo Ikoneto, Chief Ekpenyong Okon said his community is ready to go ensure the safety of girls and Women adding that aside the provisions of the VAPP laws which seeks to protect the rights of the female gender, his community will also ensure these laws are kept and enforced.

    He appreciated Partners For Peace for the enlightenment and appealed for more programs and event of such magnitude to be brought to Ikoneto while appealing for more of government presence in terms of educational and road infrastructures as well as economic empowerment for community members.

    Read Also: ICPC Launches Investigation Into N47.3bn Constituency Projects In Ondo

    Speaking earlier, Dr. Moses Abang, National Secretary of Partners For Peace informed that the project which was aimed at reducing the rate of Violence Against Women and Girls in Ikoneto was sited in the community following data gathered from PIND’s IPDU Early Warning, Early Response System.

    The Subchapter Coordinator of Partners for Peace in Odukpani, Chief Ekpenyong Akiba also used the platform to educate participants on the dangers of some harmful traditional practices such as Early Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and Widowhood Rites and Practices.

    The Cross River State Coordinator of Partners For Peace in the Niger Delta, Mr. Ukorebi Esien who facilitated the Dialogue Session enumerated the various forms of Violence Against Women and Girls and the provisions in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law which citizens could use to protect themselves.

    He also called on Community Leaders to form community watch groups that will enforce the implementation of the decisions reached during the dialogue sessions.

    High Point of the event was the inauguration of Ikoneto Community Champion Against VAWG and Ikoneto Subchapter of Partners For Peace.

  • Senate urges FG to make Odukpani-Itu road national priority after Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s motion

    Senate urges FG to make Odukpani-Itu road national priority after Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s motion

    The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to make the completion of the Odukpani-Itu road a national priority. This resolution was unanimously adopted by the Red chamber after the Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, raised a motion of urgent national importance on the state of the road.

    According to a statement by the Senator, “On Wednesday 20th November, 2024 I moved a motion of urgent national importance, urging investigation into the slow pace of work on the Odukpani-Itu highway.

    “The Senate unanimously adopted all prayers of the motion urging investigation by the Senate committee on works to unearth all challenges faced by the Federal Ministry of Works and the contractors and to report back to the Senate within a stipulated timeframe.

    “The Senate also urged the Federal Government to make completion of the project a National priority.”

  • Cross River State Government Hosts CR-SEEMS 2024: Seeks to Chart Course for Student Success Beyond Academics

    Cross River State Government Hosts CR-SEEMS 2024: Seeks to Chart Course for Student Success Beyond Academics

    The Cross River State Government, under the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, hosted the Cross River Students Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Mentorship Summit (CR-SEEMS 2024) on Tuesday. Themed “After Studies, What Next?”, the summit aimed to bridge the gap between academics and the professional world, equipping students and graduates with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities required for post-graduation success.

    The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Peter Odey (represented by a delegate), the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and various government officials, entrepreneurs, and students from across the state.

    Key Highlights

    Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Mr. Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, opened the event with a call to action for participants to take full advantage of the summit. Emphasizing the importance of bridging academia and industry, he announced plans for post-summit mentorship initiatives. “Our aim is to ensure you transition seamlessly from the classroom to the workforce or entrepreneurship. Take this information seriously as it will shape your future,” he urged.

    Mr. Enyam further highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development, attributing the success of the event to the unwavering support of Governor Bassey Otu, the Deputy Governor, and the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

    Deputy Governor Peter Odey, represented at the event, commended the theme of the summit as timely and relevant. Reflecting on his journey from being a student to becoming a teacher, he urged students to embrace entrepreneurship, adaptability, and integrity in navigating the challenges of the real world. “Success today isn’t just about certificates; it’s about the skills you acquire, the values you uphold, and the opportunities you create,” he said.

    He encouraged attendees to prioritize focus, diligence, and honesty, adding that the state government is committed to providing platforms and policies to support entrepreneurship and employability. “Take full advantage of mentorship opportunities, and don’t shy away from starting small,” the Deputy Governor advised.

    Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, delivering the keynote address, stressed the importance of planning for life after graduation. He emphasized the need for students to think beyond their academic qualifications, develop technical and soft skills, and identify hidden talents. “Education is not the end of your journey but the beginning of a new chapter. Identify your passions, solve problems, and be bold enough to start small,” he said.

    Citing examples of successful individuals who ventured into fields outside their formal education, the Speaker encouraged diversification and creativity. He also advised young people to shift focus away from politics as a primary career path, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

    Call to Action and Future Plans

    The summit concluded with a pledge by organizers to create mentorship groups for participants, aligning them with seasoned professionals in various industries. The government also highlighted initiatives such as the Cross River State Entrepreneurship Training Program to support young entrepreneurs with grants, training, and mentorship.

    About CR-SEEMS

    The Cross River Students Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Mentorship Summit is an annual initiative designed to equip students and graduates with the tools needed for success in an ever-evolving world.

    With the resounding success of this year’s summit, Cross River State continues to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing the potential of its youth for a brighter future.

  • Investment in the Cocoa Value Chain, the Surefoot for economic emancipation – Boki council boss

    Investment in the Cocoa Value Chain, the Surefoot for economic emancipation – Boki council boss

    By Daniel Bebia

    The Chairman of Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Nyiam has called on the State Government and investors with the drive for business to consider  investing in Cocoa processing and other agricultural value chain predominant in the area for economic emancipation of the people.

    The Chairman made the plea at their exhibition stand at the ongoing Cross River Trade Fair in Calabar, the State Capital.

    Hon Nyiam lamented the lack of factories in the area over the years which according to her has led to the under utilization and wastage of Cocoa and other crops produced in large quantities in the area and solicited for urgent attention to check the economic waste.

    She said the people have overtime been faced with various challenges ranging from high cost of transportation orchestrated by the deplorable condition of the Federal roads as well as the existence of too many middlemen among others.

    Read Also: FCCPC Uncovers Low Quality Sugar Smuggled Into Nigeria From Brazil

    According to the Chairman, lack of government and private sector investment specifically in Cocoa value chain has brought about transfer of wealth to another State because the traders come to their community to buy off the raw cocoa with peanut.

    “By rating Boki and indeed the entire Cross River State is the largest producer of Cocoa in Nigeria, as we may be aware, Cocoa that is produced here is transported to Ondo State, packaged and branded ‘Ondo Cocoa’ thereby transferring our wealth to another place,” Hon Nyiam lamented.

    The Council Boss hinted that with cocoa gaining more global attention, investing in it will detached the State from economic crisis, adding that cocoa is only but one among the many offerings of the Boki people.

    She noted that Boki is endowed with many resources both agricultural, natural and human that if fully utilized can be a surefoot for food security and economic prosperity of State

    In the same vain, the Obudu Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Peter Udiandiye  stated that the people of Obudu have a rich heritage and called on all who have drive for business to come to Obudu because he has made arrangements for the conducive business environment.

    He said Obudu has an Agrarian population, and tasked the working population to tap into agriculture for food sufficiency

    The Chairman encourages all to return to agriculture stating that the government has given every enabling environment for it to thrive, stating that no government with the current situation of things will be able to give a handout to satisfy the people.

  • If we politicize food production, we can’t politicize hunger – Agric expert

    If we politicize food production, we can’t politicize hunger – Agric expert

    By Christian Njoku

    Mr Dennis Ikpali, Project Director of Cross River’s Project Grow initiative on Tuesday asserted that if they politicize food production as a state, they would not be able to politicize hunger when it comes with all its attendant problems.

    Ikpali disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar while reacting to Cross River’s ongoing initiative in partnership with AFOS Foundation to train 5,000 farmers in the state every quarter for the next four years on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

    NAN reports that Project Grow is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project facilitated by Cross River to empower 100,000 agribusinesses of up to 40 per cent youths and women in the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The project director said the whole idea of the project was to increase and commercialize food production, adding that, the state’s population was growing and subsistence farming could no longer solve the challenge of hunger.

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    “To deliver our vision we started 54 training centres across the 18 LGAs to train farmers on GAP, financial literacy record keeping as well as cooperative management; this is to enable them synergize and aggregate their efforts to achieve more.

    “The training is for 3 weeks, each batch of farmers trained for four days and certified at the end of the training and the next batch begins; our overall target for this quarter is to train 5,000 Farmers and link them to the banks for funding opportunities.

    “We need to produce commercially through viable value chains that will create liquidity which will enable us overcome hunger,  build food resilience and grow our economy,” he said.

    On his part, Mr Olatunji Moses, Project Coordinator for the Small Holder Farmers Programme from AFOS Foundation, said the training focuses on small holder farmers in the maize and cassava value chain.

    Moses who was impressed with the enthusiasm and response of the Farmers noted that the training was to equip them with the skills to enhance productivity and yield, especially income generation and profitability.

    NAN visited four of the training centres in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South LGAs and spoke to Mrs Marian Kusi, one of the beneficiaries of the training and she said, although, she had been a farmer for years but had been making many mistakes.

    According to Kusi, “I grow cassava, maize, water leaf and pumpkin but with what I have learnt in this program it is clear that I have been making mistakes in the past in fertilizer usage but with the training I will do exploits in my farm.

    “I hope this training will also get to many of the farmers deep in the hinterlands where they lack access to proper information that can help them increase yield and come together as a cooperative to access aid,” she narrated.

    (NAN)

  • THINK CROSS RIVER: Presidency to honour Gov Otu DCPS, Edem Darlington, others for community leadership

    THINK CROSS RIVER: Presidency to honour Gov Otu DCPS, Edem Darlington, others for community leadership

    Initiator of the Think Cross River initiative, Edem Darlington will be honored by the presidency for his efforts in community engagement and leadership according to a statement by the senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, Gift Jumbo.

    The award, “Community  Visionary Leadership”  according to the statement is as a result of Mr Darlington’s incredible and massive community engagement initiatives of which Think Cross River is one of them.

    “On behalf of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Nigeria, I am pleased to inform you that you have been nominated to receive an award in the category “COMMUNIITY VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD” at our upcoming event titled: “Road to South-South,” the statement reads.

    The event which is billed to take place at the banquet hall of the presidential villa is scheduled for tuesday,  10th  December, 2024.

    Amongst those also listed for the award include the Cross River State Governor, Sen Bassey Otu who will receive an award for Excellence in Public Governance and former governor Donald Duke who will be honored for his pivotal role in the promotion of Cultural Heritage.

    The event brings together stakeholders from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, creating a national platform for dialogue, unity, and collaboration. According to the organizers, the goal is to foster understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, strengthen partnerships across regions, and address the unique challenges and opportunities within the South-South region.

    Edem Darlington who is also the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Cross River River state is honoured for his contributions which have been recognized as instrumental in advancing the ideals, aligning with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a united and inclusive Nigeria.

    “In acknowledgment of your dedication and consistent leadership prowess, an award will be presented to you in recognition of your commitment to building the Nigeria of our dreams in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement concluded.

    Edem Darlington is a journalist and communication strategist who has worked as brand manager for major brands across the country and outside Nigeria.

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong seeks input from constituents on Tax Reform Bill

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong seeks input from constituents on Tax Reform Bill

    …Says Your insights, concerns, and suggestions will be invaluable in shaping our stance on this critical issue

    My dear constituents and residents of the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently introduced a significant tax reform bill, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s current tax system. This important piece of legislation, set for deliberation in the National Assembly when it reconvenes on November 20, has already sparked diverse opinions among citizens.

    To ensure that I effectively represent your perspectives during the upcoming debates, I invite you to participate in this survey.

    Your insights, concerns, and suggestions will be invaluable in shaping our stance on this critical issue.

    Kindly take a few moments to respond to the following questions. Thank you for your time and engagement. Please click on the link below to participate.

    https://www.asuquoekpenyong.com/opinion-survey

  • Panelists Gear Up For Cross River Central Town Hall Meeting

    Panelists Gear Up For Cross River Central Town Hall Meeting

    Top thought leaders and professionals are set to take center stage at the upcoming Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting in Ikom, organized by the Office of the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization to the Governor of Cross River State.

    Among the distinguished panelists are Honourable Markpeace Osim, Majority Leader of the Ikom Legislative Council; Wofai Eteng Otu, a champion for gender equality and DG of the Cross River State Political Network; Comrade Nji Nji, a vibrant voice for youth advocacy; and Samaroh Irek, CEO of Samasa Farms and a trailblazer in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

    Themed “Seasons of Sweetness Reloaded: The Place of the Central Youth”, the panelists will engage the audience on the unique challenges and opportunities for young people in the region. Discussions will cover key areas like leadership, gender equality, entrepreneurship, and youth mobilization.

    Read Also: Cross River declares 2024 Trade Fair open in Calabar

    The event moderated by Gifted Nelson will also feature the official launch of the Cross River State Youth Mobilizers Community, marking a new era of coordinated youth engagement across the region. Panelists are expected to deliver actionable insights and motivate participants to embrace their roles in the state’s transformation.

    The Town Hall Meeting will be held on November 22, 2024, at the Ikom Council Hall, starting at noon.

    The host is Mr Daniel Obo, Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization to the state governor and Mrs Mercy Nsor, Chairman of Ikom local government area is the Chief Host.

    Source: TheInvestigator

  • Cross River declares 2024 Trade Fair open in Calabar

    Cross River declares 2024 Trade Fair open in Calabar

    Cross River State Government has commenced the 2024 Trade Fair with the aspiration of creating International connectivity for economic expansion and improved livelihood.

    In an address presented at the opening ceremony held at the Training Pitch of the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Abigail Duke Orok said Cross River Trade Fair is a renewed opportunity that will foster partnerships highlight local business and drive sustainable economic growth across the State.

    She noted that the Trade Fair with the theme: “In support of Our Shared Prosperity” was in consonant with the State Government’s commitment to economic progress, local Industry growth and support for Small and Medium Enterprises thereby positioning the State as business – friendly for investment.

    The Commissioner reassured the business leaders of the government’s continuous drive in enriching the ease of doing business by not just supporting innovations and implementing policies that will protect but also grow investment, adding that a vibrant economy is built on collaboration and effective partnership.

    Read Also: C’River: PDP Chairman, Vena, Mulls Court Action Over Alleged Removal, Says Action Political

    Mrs Duke Orok reiterated that the Governor Otu led administration was not relenting in providing an enabling business environment for all, noting that Cross River State is positioned for trade due to its vast arable land that supports agriculture and availability of infrastructure for tourism, manufacturing and digital innovations.

    The Commerce Boss hinted that the event is significant for the State’s Economy as it marked the revival of the long standing tradition that has been dormant for over a decade.

    She enjoined exhibitors, partners and investors to use the opportunity to explore new connections, ideas and invest in Cross River for a better and greater future.

    The event was climaxed by a tour of the various exhibitions and investors stands by the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and exhibition by vendors.

    Credit: Daniel Bebia