Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • 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

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

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

    Mr Venatius Ikem has mulled legal action over his alleged removal as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River by the State Working, saying the process Les we’re faulty and  unconstitutional.

    Explaining that his purported removal is political, Ikem said he has done his best to reposition party and reconcile some internal wranglings aimed at bringing peace and unity.

    Fielding questions from newsmen in Calabar at the weekend, he described the allegations against him put forward by the SWC  as not only baseless, but an attempt made to portray him as misfit for the office he has held for years.

    Recall that the State Working Committee (SWC) had on Friday removed Ikem from office as the chairman of the party alleging financial misappropriation, high-handiness and ineptitude.

    Read Also: My purported suspension as Chairman of PDP – Barr Vena Ikem

    In his place, the SWC announced Mr Austin Edibe, who was the party’s Vice Chairman in the Northern senatorial district of the state, as his replacement.

    Reacting to the development, Ikem said: “Like they always say, you give a dog a bad name when you want to hang it. The truth is that to the best of my knowledge, I run one of the most efficient excos of our party.

    “We meet regularly and I think in the last quarter or so we have had two stakeholders meetings we have our regular State Committee meetings  and the stakeholders meetings.

    “Secondly, I think there must be issues to discuss, whenever there are issues and programmed I am always there, we just had a party revalidation exercise this year, we had the party congresses this year we performed well.

    “The last local government elections, we stood up strongly and I am very proud of our outing despite the outcome given the circumstances.

    “To me, I know and everybody knows that i am doing my best to run the party within the context we find ourselves. so talking about not holding meetings or ineptitude leadership is completely out of the question.

    “One of the problems I see in PDP is the hangover of being in government, we have been in government for so long that many people have never experienced being out of government.

    “They believe that things should be the way it used to be when we held sway in government house.

    “The drastic change to being an opposition party is not being properly absorbed by our members so their expectations is usually not what is possible in terms of availability of welfare, availability of funds for this and that.but even given that we have done very well.

    “The national assembly members have been very supportive, they have programmes and even with some stipends to support us monthly.”

    On the allegation of misappropriation of fund, Ikem who said he ran a cashless policy, said the books are there for everyone to see.

    Ikem alledged that insecurity of a sitting Senator was behind his alleged removal, adding “my crime is that I am supporting Hon. Peter Akpanke against him (Senator). I don’t know whether anybody is contesting against him in 2027.

    “He used to say Peter wanted to contest against him, but Peter has said he is not contesting against him so I’m supporting Peter against him. Those are the underlying political issues.

    “These ones are just cover ups to say they have a valid reason. The real reason is political that I should not be supporting Peter.

    “For me, the same support I give to him is the same support all my elected officials are entitled to. it does not matter the positions they hold  so I cannot support him as a senator more than I am supporting other members.”

  • Suspension of Vena and appointment of Edibe as Acting Chairman is a deliberate step to reposition PDP for future success – Senator Jarigbe

    Suspension of Vena and appointment of Edibe as Acting Chairman is a deliberate step to reposition PDP for future success – Senator Jarigbe

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has said that the suspension of Barr. Venatius Ikem as state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the subsequent appointment of Chief Austin Edibe as Acting Chairman, was a significant and deliberate step to reposition the Party for future success.

    Jarigbe, who is the leader of the Party in Cross River, made this remark in a statement on Saturday, following the suspension of Venatius Ikem on Friday by the state executive committee of the PDP. According to the Senator, the removal of the state Chairman was in line with the provisions of the Party’s Constitution, and that it reflects the will of the majority and the resolute commitment of the Party to strengthen its structures and processes.

    The statement reads;

    “My dear compatriots in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State,

    “Along with other well- meaning Leaders of our great Party,  I take responsibility of the goings-on in our Party, not only as your Senator and Leader but as a steadfast member of this great Party, committed to its unity, progress, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence in governance and representation.

    Read Also: C’River: PDP Chapter Chairmen Forum reaffirms suspension of Venatius Ikem as State Chairman

    “The decision by the State Executive Committee of our Party to suspend the State Chairman and appoint Chief Austin Edibe as Acting Chairman is a significant and deliberate step to reposition our Party for future success. This action, taken in line with the provisions of our Party’s Constitution, reflects the will of the majority and the resolute commitment of our Party to strengthen its structures and processes.

    “Let me begin by heartily congratulating Chief Austin Edibe on his new role as the Acting Chairman of our great Party. Chief Edibe, your selection is a testament to your unwavering dedication, leadership qualities, and capacity to steer our Party toward its desired goals. We have full confidence in your ability to build bridges, inspire confidence, and chart a course that will make our Party the envy of others.

    “I also wish to commend the members of the State Executive Committee for their bold and decisive action to reposition the Party. You have demonstrated courage and foresight, prioritizing the collective interest of the PDP above all else. This is the kind of leadership that inspires hope and drives progress.

    “To our outgoing Chairman, Mr. Vena Ikem, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your efforts in leading our Party over the past three years. Leadership comes with its unique challenges, and I commend you for your dedication during your tenure. As we transition, I urge you to submit to the decision of the majority, remain a loyal and committed party man, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the PDP in any capacity. We wish you well in your future political endeavors and trust that your wealth of experience will continue to benefit the Party.

    “I must also extend my deepest appreciation to the Leaders of our Party across the state—our former Governors, Deputy Governor, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the House of Assembly. Your steadfastness and timely intervention have shown that true leadership is about standing up for the Party when it matters most. Your actions have inspired confidence and galvanized our supporters to remain loyal to the PDP.

    “To the Leaders of our Party in all Local Government Areas, and to our teeming supporters, I thank you for your unyielding commitment and steadfastness. You are the backbone of the PDP, and your dedication is the reason we continue to stand tall in the face of challenges.

    “As your Senator and Leader, alongside our representatives in the House of Representatives and our sole representative in the State House of Assembly, I assure you that we will continue to support the Party in every way possible. Together, we will work tirelessly to make the PDP a force to be reckoned with in Cross River State and beyond.

    “Finally, I call on all members of our Party to eschew divisiveness and embrace peace and mutual understanding. Let us remember that the task ahead is not a walk in the park. Rebuilding, strengthening, and repositioning the PDP will require the collective effort of everyone. Let us put aside personal differences and unite for the common good. The future of our Party depends on our ability to work together, hand in hand, for a brighter tomorrow.

    “Once again, I congratulate Chief Austin Edibe and thank every one of you for your dedication to this great Party. Let us move forward with renewed determination, knowing that our best days are ahead.

    “Thank you, and God bless the People’s Democratic Party.

    “Long live Cross River State.
    Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Gov Otu inaugurates 16 man minimum wage implementation committee

    Gov Otu inaugurates 16 man minimum wage implementation committee

    The governor of Cross River governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has charged the Joint public service negotiation and implementation committee of the new national minimum wage in the state, to submit its report within the shortest possible time.

    Governor Otu gave the charge recently during the inauguration of the committee at the Glass House, temporary office of the deputy governor in Calabar.

    Represented by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Otu assured that as soon as the report is received, he would immediately start the implementation of whatever is agreed by the committee.

    “We would plead that you submit your report before the governor within the shortest possible time, once that is done, we will immediately start the implementation of what has been agreed.

    Read Also: Aquaculture: Minister inaugurates ultra-modern 20million capacity juvenile hatchery in C’River

    “The administration of Prince Bassey Otu is christened ‘People First,’ so, the people will always come first and you will agree with me that he has been the most labour friendly governor that we have in Nigeria and this would be reflected on the negotiation that you are going to see and the result of it is what all Cross Riverians would be happy that we indeed did the right thing as a state.

    “We are going to be relying on this committee to guide us, that is why we have our Accountant General here to open the books so that we see what we have as a state, because government is willing and ready to meet with the yearnings of the people of Cross River,” Otu explained.

    He implored the committee to come up with a minimum wage that would serve the people of the state and in line with other states, while taking into cognizance the peculiarity of the state.

    On his part, Chairman, Cross River chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Gregory Olayi, applauded the governor for inaugurating the committee, a development he said, has put in check some of the issues bothering the union.

    Olayi assured that the labour union will cooperate with other members of the committee to work tirelessly so as to meet the timeline set for the team.

    Responding, the State Head of Service and chairman of the committee, Dr. Innocent Eteng, assured that his team would do its job painstakingly and in the interest of workers and state at large.

    “For us, it is very auspicious, we can assure you that we are going to do our job painstakingly and assiduously in the interest of Cross River State.

    “We will discuss with labour very amicably to take into cognizance the circumstances of our peculiar situation as well as consider the interest of workers in the state,” Eteng remarked.

    Members of the committee include, Special Adviser, labour and productivity; Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Finance, Local Government Service Commission, Budget, Justice as well as office of the Head of Service and SSG/GAO.

    Others are: Accountant General of the State, Chairmen of NLC and TUC in the state, State President of NULGE, Chairman joint service negotiating council; Chairman, Medical and health workers Union; Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Union; Secretary, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria; while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment is to serve as the committee Secretary.

  • Aquaculture: Minister inaugurates ultra-modern 20million capacity juvenile hatchery in C’River

    Aquaculture: Minister inaugurates ultra-modern 20million capacity juvenile hatchery in C’River

    By Christian Njoku

    Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security on Thursday inaugurated an ultra-modern Fish Hatchery facility in Calabar, Cross River.

    The hatchery which has the capacity of producing more than 20 million juveniles annually with five million every quarter, also has a fully functional laboratory, classrooms for lectures and is also a research centre.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility was funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta, (LIFE ND).

    Others include the government of Cross River, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future Project among other private sector collaborators.

    Read Also: Odoh seeks promotion of peace at UNIZIK

    Speaking before the inauguration of the hatchery, Kyari said apart from adding to food security in the nation, it would also serve as a hub for employment and income generation for youths and women in the aquaculture subsector.

    “The South-South region holds significant position as Nigeria’s oil and fishery hubs, motivating the provision of this facility to build the capacity of fish farmers and enhance productivity through research activities.

    “The Renewed Hope Agenda of Pres. Bola Tinubu is committed to advancing the nations agri-food system through technology and innovation for job creation, youth empowerment and poverty reduction in Nigeria,” he said.

    On his part, Gov. Bassey Otu asserted that the model fish hatchery Project was conceptualised to address the challenges of unavailability and inaccessibility of fishes which were identified as impediments to fish farming.

    Represented by Mr Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Otu said he hoped that the production of fish feeds at a relatively low cost would bring down the cost of production and enhance sales and profit for fish farmers.

    He appreciated the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for a conducive environment for all the interventions the state had received  from foreign organisations such as USAID.

    Similarly, Mr Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator, LIFE ND said the project which was a testament of effective collaboration was designed to ensure that Niger Delta youths embraced agriculture in its totality.

    Sanni noted that while the project was expected to create jobs, wealth and food security in the Niger Delta and Nigeria, it was also expected to revolutionalise aquaculture in Cross River.

    Recalling earlier integrated projects carried out in Idoma community, Biase Local Government Area, the coordinator said the LIFE ND project had surpassed its initial target of 25,500 beneficiaries to about 26,470 five years after inception in the six participating states.

    Dr Ben Odoemena, Chief of Party, USAID Feed the Future Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services said 20 million juvenile stood for about N1.6 billion that would be injected into the economy of Cross River annually.

    Odoemena said if properly maintained, conservatively, the hatchery will inject roughly about N60 billion into Cross River’s economy annually.

    (NAN)

  • C’River: PDP Chapter Chairmen Forum reaffirms suspension of Venatius Ikem as State Chairman

    C’River: PDP Chapter Chairmen Forum reaffirms suspension of Venatius Ikem as State Chairman

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Chapter Chairmen Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River has backed the suspension of Barr. Venatius Ikem as State Chairman of the party. Ikem was earlier suspended by the state executive committee of PDP on Friday November 15, 2024.

    Addressing a press conference later on the same day, the Chapter Chairmen of PDP in the 18 local government areas of the state, who converged at the party secretariat, Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar, said they were firmly behind the decision of the state exco to suspend the Chairman.

    According to the Forum, the PDP under Barr. Venatius Ikem, lacked leadership direction, and on that basis “the state executive committee comprising of the state working committee and the 18 Chapter Chairmen of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party, confirmed the suspension of our state Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem for lack of leadership direction, misappropriation of party funds and disregard for higher leadership and authority that makes for supremacy of the party.”

    “We are here as the Chapter Chairmen Forum of PDP to state categorically that we cannot leave our party to die. Our sacrifices for over four years and some months now, is to see how we can sustain this party, how we can rebuild this party after we lost some of our leaders such as the former governor of our state and other critical stakeholders.

    Read Also: Calabar Sports Club inaugurates new BoT in line with Companies and Allied Matters Act

    “As chairmen of our party who automatically are caucus in our various local government areas, we put it upon ourselves to see the way which we can drive this process of rebuilding and bringing back out party. One person cannot drag us behind at every given time. We know some of our leaders are tired because of this direction of leadership. We have come as a forum to reaffirm the decision of the state executive committee, that today being the 15th of November, 2024, the State Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem is being suspended and a Acting Chairman has been appointed to take the affairs of our party to the level that we all desire.

    “PDP has been the party in Cross River but due to the poor leadership of the head of the party, we are where we are. We know all of you are aware of what we are passing through. We want to remove that firewood that is bringing that smoke and see how light will come to this party. Because of that lack of leadership direction we lost our 2023 general elections to the level at which a lot of leaders have defected. Our Chairman lacks understanding. Our Chairman lacks the charisma of carrying everybody along. Our Chairman lacks advice. He refused to understand that at any given point, leadership is to carry those who are your subordinate along.

    “Our party is an institution that we all know. It’s a family, and as a family in Cross River we don’t want to lag behind as other states are striving seriously to continue to rebuild the party towards 2027. We are firm in our stake as critical stakeholders in our various local government areas. As opposition party that we are today we don’t want to take chances. We want to work hard to see how we can be in power in 2027 for the betterment of our people and for our great state, Cross River.”

    The Forum added that consequent upon the suspension of Barr. Venatius Ikem, “the Vice Chairman, North, Chief Austin Edibe, who is from the same Zone/Area with the suspended Chairman as enshrined in Article 45 of the Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party, 2017 as amended and he shall assume duties of the Acting Chairman until a new Chairman is elected.”

    Members of the Forum in attendance included Chief Igwe Godwin Abeng, Chapter Chairman of Obubra and Chairman of the Forum; Orok Bassey Duke, Chapter Chairman Odukpani; Chief Felix Offiong, Chapter Chairman of Calabar South; Odidi Emmanuel, Chapter Chairman of Ogoja; Victor Bassey, Chapter Chairman of Abi.

    Others were Julius Eyam, Chapter Chairman of Ikom; Hon. David Ogbule, Chapter Chairman Bekwarra; Ayang David Ayang, Chapter Chairman Etung; Hon. Eji Friday, Chapter Chairman Yala; Fabian Patrick, Chapter Chairman Boki; Bassey Asuquo, Chapter Chairman Calabar Municipality; among others.

  • Calabar Sports Club inaugurates new BoT in line with Companies and Allied Matters Act

    Calabar Sports Club inaugurates new BoT in line with Companies and Allied Matters Act

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Calabar Sports Club founded in 1898 has inaugurated its new Board of Trustees, thus complying with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). The BoT which is composed of very eminent and distinguished personalities was inaugurated Thursday in Calabar the Cross River state capital.

    Speaking during the event, president of the Calabar Sports Club, Eja-Dons Esege, said that the inauguration was a significant milestone in the club’s resetting agenda and desire to abide strictly by the new CAMA laws.

    He said the new BoT members had shown dedication and commitment to the Club over the years, adding that as president of the Club he was ready to work with them to continue to uphold the values and mission of the Calabar Sports Club.

    Esege noted that the election of members of the Board of Trustees was a testimony to their unique perspectives and expertise, expressing optimism their wealth of experience would foster growth in the Club.

    Read Also: Office of the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization set to host Central Senatorial District TownHall Meeting November 22

    “We are confident that you would use your connections and social capital to bring infrastructural development to the Club. It is unfortunate that a Club of this magnitude with rich history cannot boast of a club bus, a swimming pool etc.

    “As you are aware a lot of initiatives have been put in place since we mounted the saddle; I encourage you to familiarize yourself with them. Your input and ideas will be invaluable as we work together to enhance the experiences of our members and promote a sense of community and camaraderie within our Club.

    “As you transition into your new roles, we are at your service in the quest to birth a new and vibrant Calabar Sports Club (1898). Calabar Sports Club (1898) is ours, we must promote it to the envy of other clubs especially being the first Club in Nigeria. I implore. Once again, you are welcome to the Board of Trustees. We look forward to the great things we will accomplish together,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees, Ntufam Asikpo Bassey, thanked members of the Club for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the Club and their assets would be well protected. He said having served the Club in various capacities, members of the BoT understood quite well the needs and aspirations of the Calabar Sports Club and would work towards achieving them.

    “We will use whatever connection the Almighty God give to us to attract those things we don’t have currently in the Club. Calabar Sports Club is our inheritance. We have to do everything collectively to protect that which we have inherited. I want to implore each and everyone of you to please give your management the needed support so that together we will move this Club forward,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the chairman of the immediate past BoT, Sir William Archibong, in a brief remark, thanked the Club for the support given to the former BoT, and appealed for same or even more to be given to the new BoT to enable it tackle the enormous responsibilities. He charged the current Board to elect a chairman from among themselves without delay in order to give it a sense of direction and purpose.

    “Your responsibility is big. You must address your responsibilities with seriousness, the right attitude and be ready to cooperate and work with the executive. With the caliber of members of the Board of Trustees I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that they will deliver on their mandate. I congratulate you and wish you the best,” he said.

    In his goodwill message, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, expressed his admiration and desire to join the Calabar Sports Club. He disclosed that plans were underway to establish a diagnostic center at the Club to attend to the health needs of senior citizens.

    Persons inaugurated into the new Board of Trustees of the Calabar Sports Club were Prof. Anthony Emeribe, Ntufam Asikpo Bassey, Ada Engr. Francis Ntaji, Obong Dr Sidney Udofot, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Iso Otu Iso and Chief Ola Isa Yusuf.

    The event was attended by the Vice President of the Calabar Sports Club, Obol Nnana Arikpo; General Secretary, Barr. Daniel Enagu Mgbe, and other members of the executive.

  • Office of the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization set to host Central Senatorial District TownHall Meeting November 22

    Office of the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization set to host Central Senatorial District TownHall Meeting November 22

    The Cross River State Central Senatorial District will be holding a one-day townhall meeting on November 22, 2024. The townhall meeting which will be taking place at the Ikom Council Hall by 12 noon, is being organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation.

    According to the SA Youth Mobilisation, His Youthfulness, Dan Obo, who is also the Host, the theme of the event is: “Season of Sweetness Reloaded, The Place of the Central Youth and Official Launch of Cross River State Youth Mobilisers Community.”

    The event will feature Governor Bassey Otu as the Special Guest of Honour and Pst. (Mrs) Mary Nsor, Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, as Chief Host.

    Others to grace the event are Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District; Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member Representing Boki I State Constituency; and Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Also to attend are Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor; Hon. Beatrice Etta Nyiam, Chairman of Boki; Hon. Henry Njar Anom, Chairman of Etung; Igiri Inyang Yibala, Chairman of Etung; Hon. Egbala Bassey, Chairman of Abi; Hon. Kingsley Arikpo, Chairman of Obubra; and host of others. Meanwhile, Dr Prince Agbor Onyi is the Guest Speaker while Hon. Kasetima Nentui Ayiba is the Chairman of the event, respectively.

    The event is also supported by CODE 888.

  • 40 percent of 2024 NECO candidates may not access tertiary institutions – NSSEC

    40 percent of 2024 NECO candidates may not access tertiary institutions – NSSEC

    By Christian Njoku

    Dr Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) has disclosed that 40 per cent of the 2024 National Examination Council (NECO) candidates may not proceed to tertiary institutions for not crediting Mathematics and English Language.

    Ajayi made the remark on Tuesday in Calabar during his address at a five day Capacity Building Workshop for Selected English Language and Mathematics Teachers within the South-South Geo Political Zone.

    The executive secretary said the 2024 NECO result showed that about 61 per cent of the candidates had five credits and above including Mathematics and English Language, while about 40 per cent could not credit both core subjects.

    According to him, in the 2024 West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination, about 28 per cent also failed to credit English Language and Mathematics, meaning they may also not be able to access tertiary education, which was sad.

    He said having a beautiful curriculum, state of the art facilities and infrastructure without trained teachers, who were the curriculum implementers, cannot develop the nation’s educational sector.

    “There is no doubt that there is a teacher problem in Nigeria in terms of quality and quantity, this is why as a commission, we lay emphasis on the training and retraining of teachers especially in the two core subjects.

    “Teachers are the backbone of any educational system, so if you neglect the  training and motivation of teachers, you have neglected education and this is counter productive.

    “In the next five days, we will help to deepen the pedagogical knowledge of teachers, help them develop assessment skills and build a collaborative network,” he said.

    Declaring the event open, Cross River’s Commissioner for Education, Sen. Stephen Odey said the training was a rare privileged for the state and a welcome development.

    Represented by Mr Emmanuel Ikade, Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Education, Odey said many teachers had not attended any training since their engagement as teachers due to the paucity of funds.

    He urged the teachers from the geo-political zone to take the training seriously and step it down to other teachers who were not opportune to be participants.

    On his part, one of the resource persons, Prof. Samuel Nneji, from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education, said the training was apt as it would empower teachers to impact positively on their students.

    Nneji who works at the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) said the training was to build innovative teachers who could improvise even when the teaching condition was not conducive.

    “Teachers need innovative skills, some of the skills with which we were taught have expired and can’t work in this  generation, so we need innovative and creative teachers with strategies that can help the students learn better,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Daniel Agbor, publisher of Primetime News, appointed CPS to Akamkpa Chairman

    Daniel Agbor, publisher of Primetime News, appointed CPS to Akamkpa Chairman

    The Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Ophot Felix Akposi, has announced a series of key appointments within the council, aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing community service. In a press release issued from his office, Hon. Akposi highlighted these appointments as part of his administration’s commitment to effective and responsive leadership.

    Among the new appointees, Daniel Agbor has been named the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Chairman, a role that positions him at the forefront of media relations and communications for the council. Agbor, a graduate of Linguistics & Communication Studies and whose experience in public communications and media is widely respected across Cross River state, will be responsible for managing press engagements, facilitating transparency, and ensuring that the public is well-informed about the council’s initiatives and developments.

    The full list of appointees includes:

    1. Christian Lawrence Attah – Secretary to the Local Government Council

    2. Daniel Agbor – Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman

    3. Raphael Akpossey – Personal Assistant to the Chairman

    4. Lawrence Bassey Akor – Chief of Protocol to the Chairman

    5. Paulinus Ekpe – Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Community Relations

    6. Otang Treasure Ejama – Personal Assistant to the Vice Chairman

    7. Patricia Innocent Ndifon – Personal Assistant to the Leader of Council

    Hon. Akposi expressed confidence in the appointees, noting that their experience, dedication, and skills align with the council’s vision for progress and development in Akamkpa. He called on the new team to bring integrity and community-centered service to their roles, emphasizing the importance of excellence as they work to support the council’s goals.

    “We look forward to your commitment to service, integrity, and dedication to community-focused goals,” Hon. Akposi stated, as he congratulated the appointees on their new responsibilities.

    The appointments are effective immediately, with each individual expected to contribute significantly to the administration’s objectives of fostering development and improving quality of life for residents across Akamkpa Local Government Area.