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Tag: Cross River State

  • Build teams not group of people, Navy charges command level officers

    Build teams not group of people, Navy charges command level officers

    By Christian Njoku 

    The Nigerian Navy on Friday charged graduands of the Command Level Officers Course Seven to build teams and not just a group of people by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their team members for effective deployment.

    This was disclosed by Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding, (FOC), Eastern Naval Command during the graduation  ceremony of 20 officers in the Command Level Officers Course Seven at the Naval War College Calabar.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three weeks training which commenced on Oct. 14 was to sharpen the knowledge of participants to function effectively when given commands of naval units.

    Akinwande who urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Navy, urged them to make positive contributions to the discharge of the Navy’s statutory responsibilities as well as be good ambassadors of the college.

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    According to him, “your passage through this course is to better prepare you for the challenges you will be confronted with in the course of your career, meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy expects the very best of you in terms of commitment and loyalty to the service and nation.

    Speaking further, the FOC said until recently Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea had witnessed significant cases of piracy, sea robbery and kidnapping but the concerted efforts of the Nigerian Navy had drastically reduced such cases in recent times.

    Akinwande said this effort led to the delisting of Nigeria from piracy prone countries in March, 2022 by the International Maritime Bureau.

    He added that “this reality underscores the critical place of capacity building in the Nigerian Navy and roles of its training institutions in achieving sustained security in the nation’s water ways,” he said.

    On his part, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant Naval War College Calabar said with the course, the college had laid a solid professional foundation for the participants to be more effective in the field.

    Ahmed told the graduands that as they went back to the field, they would be required to integrate practical experiences with the command and leadership skills that they had been taught.

    He said it was up to the graduands to build on the knowledge gained, through  further self-development efforts, perseverance and tact.

    “It is pertinent to state that the process of becoming effective tactical level commanders demand a lot of sacrifice and immense effort, however, It is the price that must be paid for success in the field.

    “Preparing the graduands to meet this demand aligns with the mission of the college to develop  operational level commanders with thorough appreciation of complex national security problems, who are prepared to make sound decisions,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • NDDC distributes boats to flood victims in riverine communities in Cross River

    NDDC distributes boats to flood victims in riverine communities in Cross River

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed over 30 boats across riverine communities in Cross River State to ease the impact of devastating floods that have disrupted livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. The Commissioner representing Cross River State on the NDDC Board, Otuekong Orok Duke, stated that this distribution is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to provide relief to those affected.

    Speaking to pressmen in Calabar, Duke explained that the boats form part of a larger set of relief materials meant for flood victims, initially scheduled for delivery months ago.

    “These boats were intended for dispatch three months ago,” Duke shared. “However, delays in delivery meant that we had to advocate for Cross River’s allocation. We eventually received them about four months back, and while only 30 boats are available, we wanted to ensure they reached the communities in need.”

    Duke emphasized that while many communities were affected by the floods, this distribution prioritized riverine areas in the southern parts of the state.

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    “We directed the boats to communities such as Esuk Atu, Obufa Esuk Orok, Idang, Anantigha/Jebbs, Esiere Ebom, Duke Town, Volvo Market, and Lemna Beach within Calabar municipality. Additionally, we sent 10 boats to Adiabo and Odukpani for areas including Adiabo and Ikot Offiong Beaches,” he added.

    Duke noted that these boats represent only a portion of the palliatives already distributed. He acknowledged the delay in the arrival of cassava processing machines, another form of relief, and expressed hope for their arrival soon.

    “This contribution is just a small token from the NDDC, especially timely now as people are actively engaged in campaigns and election preparations,” Duke remarked. “We decided to release these boats now as an interim measure while awaiting the other equipment.”

    Addressing questions on whether Cross River State is receiving an equitable share of NDDC projects, Duke responded:

    “To secure our fair share, we must first understand what has been achieved and what remains. It’s a work in progress, given the scale of historical neglect. For 2024, our budget is about 1.9 trillion naira, but we’re yet to receive the board-approved one trillion naira loan sanctioned by the president. Until the budget is fully passed, we’re limited to spending up to 50% of the previous year’s budget, mainly for staff salaries and essential expenses.”

    He further explained that gathering accurate data to assess the full extent of Cross River’s needs is challenging but essential for future planning.

    “As we approach our one-year mark on November 26, we’re pushing for fair representation in NDDC’s future projects. With recent remedial measures, we aim to improve Cross River’s position within NDDC, especially in light of our oil-producing status,” Duke concluded.

    The NDDC has recently also distributed streetlights and other resources to communities across the state, with a commitment to transparency and equitable implementation of programmes previously lacking these standards.

  • Teacher Esien Itam Foundation awards scholarships to 552 students across 10 schools in C’River

    Teacher Esien Itam Foundation awards scholarships to 552 students across 10 schools in C’River

    By Kelvin Obambon

    No fewer than 552 students selected across 10 secondary schools in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State have benefitted from the Teacher Esien Ita Itam 2024 scholarship awards.

    The scholarship was announced in a statement released by the foundation, dated 22 October, 2024 and signed by Ekpenyong Esien Ita (Jnr) for Board of Trustees. According to the statement, the award covers, tuition fees, book allowance, WAEC fees, and boarding fees.

    The latest scholarship commemorates 10 years of the Teacher Esien Ita Itam Education Trust Fund that has been empowering indigent students. Established in 2014, the Trust Fund,  proudly marks a decade of commitment to educational support in the Southern Senatorial District.

    “Founded by the late Barr. Mrs Temitope Ekpenyong Ita in honour of her father in-law, the foundation has awarded scholarships to 552 deserving student across ten beneficiary schools. The foundation’s mission Is to provide educational opportunities to indigent students, recognising that education is key to success.

    Read Also: Teacher Essien Ita Itam Foundation announces scholarship beneficiaries for 2023/2024

    “This year, the beneficiaries include students from: Hope Waddell Training institution; Saint Patrick’s college West African People’s Institute; Mary Slessor Academy, Government Secondary School, Creek Town (6 recipient); Government Secondary School, Adiabo (6 recipient) Edgerly Memorial Girl’s Secondary School; Holy Child Secondary School and Ouke Town Secondary School Government Technical College, Efut Ibonda.

    “Five students from each school, with six from Creek Town and Adiabo, benefited from this year’s program. Additionally, student from Creek Town and Ibonda have received book allowance.

    “The foundation therefore urged the beneficiaries to make the most of this privilege and opportunity, as “Education is the cornerstone of success, and every child deserves access quality education, regardless of their financial background.”

    “The Teacher Esien Itam Scholarship Foundation remains steadfast in its mission, in inspiring and empowering future generations to reach their full potential,” the statement reads.

  • LG Polls: Cross River NDDC Rep Advocates for Massive Turnout, Urges Electorates to Trust CROSIEC

    LG Polls: Cross River NDDC Rep Advocates for Massive Turnout, Urges Electorates to Trust CROSIEC

    The Cross River state NDDC Representative Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has admonished Cross Riverians to turn out en masse to vote for their preferred candidates in the November 2nd local government elections in the state.

    Duke who made the call while speaking with journalists in Calabar Thursday, urged Cross Riverians to see this as an opportunity to elect credible leaders who will foster development and effective representation at the grassroot level.

    According to him, “the wards and local governments are the strata of government closest to the grassroot and represents the foundation of governance, so the need to elect credible leaders at that level cannot be overemphasized.”

    While calling on the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to ensure a level playing ground for all candidates, he encouraged electorates to trust the electoral umpire to deliver a free, fair and credible election.

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    He said: “while going out on Saturday to exercise your franchise, ensure to conduct yourself peacefully, adhere to all rules and directives as directed by the umpire and refrain from any form of electoral malpractice and violence aimed at marring the electoral process.

    “CROISEC have given us their word that the process will be free, fair and just to all parties involved, let’s take them for their word as we come out to vote,” Duke said.

    Elections to elect chairmen and councilors into the 18 local government councils and 196 wards in Cross River State is scheduled to hold this Saturday November 2nd across the state.

  • Efenji Nicholas canvasses support for APC Chairmanship candidate in Bekwarra

    Efenji Nicholas canvasses support for APC Chairmanship candidate in Bekwarra

    Former aspirant, Efenji Nicholas, has begun canvassing support for the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bekwarra local government area, Hon. Theresa Ushie.

    The MD/CEO of Efenji Homes and Properties, who lost out in the chairmanship primaries, had pledged his unalloyed support, and as well as urged all his supporters to queue behind the APC and all the party’s candidates for the November 2nd local government elections in Bekwarra.

    During the APC campaign that commenced in his hometown of Gakem, Beten and Otukpuru wards on Tuesday 29th October, 2024, Efenji Nicholas appealed to the good people of Bekwarra to support Hon. Ushie, whom he described as a leader with a developmental mindset that understood the peculiar challenges of the people.

    Read Also: Former APC chairmanship aspirant, Efenji Nicholas, doles out financial support to Bekwarra students 

    He said that the ultimate goal of all the APC candidates in the local government area is to serve the best interests of Bekwarra, hence the people should feel confident in giving them their mandates.

  • Cross River APC Legacy Group Disclaims Unauthorized Meeting in Ogoja, Reaffirms Support for Governor Otu

    Cross River APC Legacy Group Disclaims Unauthorized Meeting in Ogoja, Reaffirms Support for Governor Otu

    The attention of the Cross River APC Legacy Group has been drawn to a purported meeting allegedly scheduled for October 31, 2024, in Ogoja, by individuals claiming to represent the Cross River North APC Legacy Group. As the State Chairman of the Cross River APC Legacy Group, I, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., wish to categorically state that no such meeting has been sanctioned by the leadership of the Legacy Group in Cross River State.

    This purported meeting, called without consultation or authorization from the group’s leadership, is both unauthorized and mischievous. We consider it an attempt by certain faceless elements to misuse the name of the APC Legacy Group in Cross River State, possibly as a guise to undermine the goodwill and stability our group enjoys with His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State. It is disheartening that such efforts are being made to use the group as a tool for divisive purposes, particularly when our focus remains on supporting the Governor and contributing positively to the growth of our state.

    The Cross River APC Legacy Group stands firmly behind the Governor, recognizing his commendable leadership and efforts to inclusively carry the group along, especially in the ongoing appointments and preparations for the forthcoming Local Government elections. The Governor’s consideration for the Legacy Group’s involvement reflects his commitment to acknowledging our contributions and ensuring a cohesive and united APC in Cross River State.

    Furthermore, it should be noted that the APC Legacy Group operates with established leadership structures across the state, including in the northern senatorial district. Any member with concerns or issues is encouraged to use the proper channels to relay them. Bypassing these established channels is not only disrespectful but also undermines the unity and purpose of the group. Any unauthorized use of the name “APC Legacy Group” by individuals or factions within the state constitutes a breach of trust and is in clear violation of our organizational protocols.

    We, therefore, advise all members of the Legacy Group, especially those in Cross River North, to disregard the purported meeting on October 31, 2024. Such unauthorized gatherings serve only to disrupt our collective mission and sow unnecessary discord within the party.

    The Cross River APC Legacy Group remains committed to supporting the Governor’s developmental agenda and ensuring that the APC remains strong and united in service to the people of Cross River State.

    We urge all members to remain vigilant and committed to the group’s ideals, focusing on our shared goals and vision. Let us continue to work together, supporting our leaders through the proper structures, for the benefit of Cross River State and the APC.

    Thank you.

    Signed,

    Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq.
    State Chairman
    Cross River APC Legacy Group

  • Gov Otu prioritizes infrastructure, education, health in N498b 2025 budget

    Gov Otu prioritizes infrastructure, education, health in N498b 2025 budget

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has proposed the sum of N498 billion as the state’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

    Presenting the proposal at the hallowed chambers of the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, Governor Otu attributed N328 billion (66%) to Capital Expenditure and N170 billion (34%) to Recurrent Expenditure.

    A further breakdown earmarked N100 billion for Infrastructure, N81 billion for Education, N25 billion for Health, while N20 billion was set aside for the Judiciary.

    “House of Assembly N18 billion, Aviation N16 billion, Special Duties/Intergovernmental Affairs N15 billion, Power N14 billion, Agriculture N11 billion, Tourism N5 billion, Science, Technology and Innovation N4.7 billion, Women Affairs N3.7 billion, Information N3 billion, and others N181.6 billion,” the Governor revealed.

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    The Governor outlined Federal Allocation, Grants from International Organizations, and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as major revenue sources to fund the 2025 budget.

    “The 2025 Budget, like the previous year’s budget, is benchmarked on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The decision to continue with the SDG benchmark is to guarantee continuity of projects and programs that may not be completed in this current budget cycle. This necessitated the need to roll over to the 2025 fiscal year.

    “For this reason, we have deliberately placed emphasis on SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; as well as SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions,” Otu stated.

    He informed Cross Riverians that his administration’s adherence to strict financial prudence had placed the state as the ninth best state out of the 36 states in the 2023 Fiscal Performance Ranking, adding that “These indices have gone to confirm that development is not a linear achievement; rather a multidimensional process, where our progress is not measured solely by economic indicators, but by various dimensions interconnected to contribute to the overall well-being of the citizenry.”

    While reassuring the citizens that his administration’s policy preferences are meant to snowball into the common good of the people, the Governor also thanked the leadership of the State House of Assembly for building a common consensus among members to cooperate with the Executive and Judiciary Arms of Government to achieve a prosperous Cross River State.

  • Orok Duke eulogizes Senator Musa Adede on his birthday

    Orok Duke eulogizes Senator Musa Adede on his birthday

    A brand new day is dawning,
    As your birthday comes calling,
    Let them who claim to love you
    Celebrate you as we do.

    I know I’ve told you once or twice
    That I think you could be nice.
    A friend like you is hard to find,
    I think that you can be kind.

    You brought brighter days
    When skies turned to grey,
    This eased our troubles for a while
    And made us laugh and smile.

    I hope your birthday is special,
    As you have a lovely day,
    No one deserves it more than you,
    Just do what you love to do.

    Orok Otu Duke
    Duke Town

  • Civil Society Groups demand fair investigation for Journalist summoned by Zone 6 Police

    Civil Society Groups demand fair investigation for Journalist summoned by Zone 6 Police

     

    As tensions rise over transparency in police procedures, civil society and press organizations are pledging to closely monitor this case, advocating for justice and accountability in the interest of civic freedom in Nigeria.

    In a recent development highlighting concerns over civic rights and press freedom in Nigeria, journalists and civil society organizations are raising alarm over the Nigeria Police’s handling of a case involving journalist Frank Ulom, publisher of The Converseer. Ulom was summoned by the police without being informed of his alleged offense and the identity of his petitioner. This move has sparked concerns among media and civic organizations over transparency and procedural fairness.

    Efio-Ita Nyok, Executive Director of Peace for Development Initiative, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the summons. “We expect the Nigerian police to uphold the law and maintain justice without bias,” Nyok stated.

    He emphasized that the civic space and organizations like Peace for Development Initiative and Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta are closely monitoring the case. “For now, we don’t know who Ulom’s petitioner is or the exact nature of the accusations. Our concern is that justice should not only be done but seen to be done,” he added.

    Read Also: C’River NDDC Rep, Rt Hon Orok Duke, advocates grassroots-centred leadership as APC flag-off LG campaigns

    Echoing similar sentiments, Archibong Jeremiah, Executive Director of TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre, criticized the vague approach adopted by the police. “The police should communicate who is petitioning Ulom and why he is being summoned. Instead, the officer in charge seemed unsure, which reflects deeper issues with the way such cases are managed,” Jeremiah commented.

    Jeremiah highlighted that his organization’s Environmental and Accountability Reporting Project, which is committed to supporting the civic space and ensuring accountability, is taking the issue seriously. He warned against actions that might intimidate journalists or shrink civic space, referencing the cases of detained journalists, including Agba Jalingo and others. “The safety of journalists is crucial in maintaining a healthy civic space. We’re committed to following this case to ensure that Ulom’s rights are respected,” he affirmed.

    Adding to these calls, Inoyo Richard, Country Director of Citizens Solutions Network, underscored the importance of ensuring Uom’s rights are respected throughout the investigation.

    He said “We’re not saying Ulom’s rights have been violated yet, but the police must conduct a thorough and conclusive investigation without using it as a pretext to infringe on his rights.”

    He urged the police to either charge the case to court or allow Ulom to exercise his freedom as an innocent citizen until proven otherwise. “If there are allegations, let them be forwarded to court, where he can defend himself in a fair trial,” he added.

    As tensions rise over transparency in police procedures, civil society and press organizations are pledging to closely monitor this case, advocating for justice and accountability in the interest of civic freedom in Nigeria.

  • C’River NDDC Rep, Rt Hon Orok Duke, advocates grassroots-centred leadership as APC flag-off LG campaigns

    C’River NDDC Rep, Rt Hon Orok Duke, advocates grassroots-centred leadership as APC flag-off LG campaigns

    The Cross River State Representative to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has called for a people-centric approach to leadership as the All Progressive Congress (APC) officially flagged off its campaign for the forthcoming local government elections. The event, which was held at the Ikom Township Stadium, marked the launch of the APC’s campaign for the 18 local government chairmen and 196 political wards in Cross River State, bringing together party faithfuls, leaders, and stakeholders from across the state.

    Duke who spoke with NDDC media team emphasized the need for elected leaders to prioritise the needs of the people, particularly at the grassroots level. He reiterated the message delivered by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who urged party members not to relax after the flag-off ceremony but to remain steadfast in mobilizing support to ensure victory at the polls. Duke affirmed that the Central Senatorial District, especially Ikom, has consistently played a pivotal role in the party’s electoral success, a legacy he believed would continue in the upcoming local government elections.

    Duke lauded the Deputy Governor’s emphasis on proactive leadership, stating that the message was a crucial reminder for APC candidates to put the people first. He highlighted the importance of a leadership style that is responsive and accessible, noting that chairmen must be attuned to the needs of their constituents to ensure the smooth delivery of democratic dividends. “The leaders we elect must understand that their mandate is a trust given to them by the people, and they must act with integrity and dedication to uplift every community, no matter how remote. I joined with the Deputy Governor in his message which I read this morning while he was addressing the incoming Chairmen at Ikom”, Duke said.

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    Drawing from Odey’s speech, which underscored the need for accountability, Duke called on APC chairmanship candidates to commit themselves to improving the welfare of their people, stressing that development must not be limited to urban centres but should extend to even the most rural parts of the state. He stated, “Our objective is to see democratic dividends touch every corner of Cross River, and this will only be possible if our leaders stay close to their communities, engage with their people, and address their needs directly.”

    In alignment with the directives of the Governor, Duke also reinforced the necessity for elected chairmen to reside within their local government areas. He pointed out that such a measure would foster a stronger connection between the leaders and their people, ensuring that governance remains grounded in the realities faced by their constituents. According to Duke, living among their people would help the chairmen understand local challenges better and act promptly to address them.

    The NDDC representative expressed confidence in the APC’s chances, drawing parallels with the success of the 2023 governorship race, where the Central Senatorial District’s strong support was instrumental. He commended the party’s robust campaign strategies and stated that with sustained efforts, APC candidates would emerge victorious across all chairmanship and councillorship positions, thereby facilitating a smooth continuation of developmental projects in the state.

    He concluded by echoing the Deputy Governor’s call for unity and diligence, urging all APC members to maintain their momentum and demonstrate their commitment to the party’s ideals. Duke shared in his optimism for a prosperous future for Cross River State under the stewardship of the APC.

    The flag-off campaign event underscored a renewed focus on grassroots governance, with party leaders, including Duke, articulating a vision for leadership that is inclusive, proactive, and dedicated to serving the people. As the countdown to the local government elections begins, the APC remains confident in its vision to deliver progressive leadership across all regions of the state.