Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Understanding Governor Bassey Otu’s People First Mantra And The Economic Importance Of The Bakassi Deep Seaport Port

    Understanding Governor Bassey Otu’s People First Mantra And The Economic Importance Of The Bakassi Deep Seaport Port

    By Edem Darlington

    On May 29, 2023, when the current Governor  Bassey Edet Otu took over office as the fourth democratically elected governor of Cross River State in the current fourth republic, expectations were high and the yearnings of Cross Riverians were almost felt.

    Governor Bassey Otu arrived at the rostrum of leadership of the state with a burden of over 4.5 million Cross Riverians who at the time, had lost hope in public governance, it became pertinent for citizens to be reassured to have faith in public governance and importantly,,  the need for the self worth and value of  Cross Riverians to be raised. The governor understood the challenges and promptly came up with the now popular “People First” Mantra

    The mantra meant that once again, citizens could have confidence in the government, it meant that government was ready to make the welfare and well-being of citizens a priority, it meant that the value and self worth of citizens will be considered in all decisions of government and above all, it meant that the governor was going to put the people first in all his consideration, including his programs and policies. Little wonder  why  during his inaugural speech, Governor Bassey Edet Otu had openly committed ” Dear Cross Riverians, I commit to you and my God, to at all times, put you first in all my considerations “

    About a year and six months after his swearing-in, , the governor has proven that he is a man of his words. His programs and policies have so far shown that the people are his priority. For example, he came in to meet a backlog of unpaid gratuity of pensioners of over 10 years running into several billions of naira. Today, several of our pensioners are smiling to the bank to get their reward after many years of sacrifice and service to the state.

    In the area of infrastructure including the provision of basic amenities good roads, access to basic healthcare facilities, security of lives and properties etc, the governor has performed incredibly well. Only last year, the governor, through the State ministry of education,  facilitated the payment of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for over 11,000 secondary school students of Cross River origin amounting to over  N400 million . If all these are not putting the People First, I wonder what it is.

    Recently, the governor was able to secure about $3.5 billion funding for the Bakassi Deep Seaport. It is important to emphasize that this is about the first funding facility that the African financial giant  AFREXIM bank would put out for a sub-national. What this means is that the integrity, policy and programs, including the obvious  financial prudence of governor Bassey Edet Otu has been tested, tried and proven to be genuine by one of the global financial financiers and advisors.

    The economic implications of this laudable initiative is that, the state will become a powerful player in the maritime  sub-sector of Nigeria with an open market in  the  southern -south and south east of Nigeria, Including mopping up the financial benefits around the entire maritime business in the Lake Chad basin, and the Gulf of Guinea. Apart from the main transaction of major key players in the maritime  sector, the massive value-chain, such business comes with, cannot be quantified. The completion and eventual take-off of business activities at the Bakassi Deep Seaport will see the emergence of several other businesses like, fabrication industries, boat maintenance  and repair services, supply of all kind of goods and services etc

    Governor Bassey Otu is no doubt, a visionary leader, who is indeed determined to put the people first in all that he does. One can only pray that his visions and policies will be massively supported by the government at the center in order to bring about the much needed prosperity of citizens.

    Edem Darlington is the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Edet of Cross River State.

  • We are interfacing with relevant authorities to fix Calabar-Itu, Ogoja-Bekwarra roads – C’River NYCN Chairman

    We are interfacing with relevant authorities to fix Calabar-Itu, Ogoja-Bekwarra roads – C’River NYCN Chairman

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Worried by the deplorable state of Calabar-Itu, Akamkpa-Biase, Ogoja-Bekwarra and other federal roads in Cross River, the state chapter chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has disclosed that the apex youth body was in talks with relevant authorities towards finding lasting solutions to the roads and ultimately ameliorate the sufferings of commuters.

    Olayi made this known on Saturday while responding to questions during a press conference at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Calabar the state capital.

    According to him, the Council had met with the minister of youth development during a stakeholders meeting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital and tabled the challenges posed by the deplorable condition of federal roads which have continued to hinder mobility to and from Cross River, with its attendant negative impact on economic activities.

    “I told the minister that we are locked up as a state from the Calabar-Itu axis and then up to the northern flank of the state. I appealed that our challenges be communicated to the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi. However, we have heard and read on pages of newspapers that the Minister of Works has visited these roads and gave assurances of completion,” he said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Gunmen Abduct Nigerian Road Safety Agency, FRSC Official In Enugu, Demand N50Million Ransom

    Comrade Olayi stated that a coalition of youth leaders in Akwa Ibom and Cross River had proposed the next line of action should the federal government fail to fix the road when the dry season set in.

    “And then very recently I have had intense engagement with critical stakeholders about the roads. These are roads that we all ply, both the young, the old, the political class, the business class, students and every other person. I was informed that the roads would receive attention in due course. I was also told that up north people have already moved to sites, not to fix the roads but to do remedial work, with assurances of swinging into action as the rain subsides.

    “Our task as Council is to monitor closely, and if we don’t see appreciable work as the rain stops, our first duty would be to engage and knock on the doors of everybody whose duty it is to get these roads fixed. We will ask them why and what they say we will come back and tell all of you why they have failed. If there’s need to move to the next scene, we will move to the next scene which is confrontation,” he assured.

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Announces Free Medical Outreach For Constituents

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Announces Free Medical Outreach For Constituents

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong in partnership with the Child Survival and Development Organisation of Nigeria (CSDON) and the World Surgical Foundation will be carrying out a Free Medical Mission.

    The medical mission will take place from Monday, 28th October to Saturday, 2nd November 2024, at the Calabar Women and Children Hospital, located at 164/165 Murtala Muhammed Highway, Calabar.

    Surgical interventions will include:

    Fibroid

    Goitre

    Lipoma

    Hernia

    Appendix

    Lumps and Bumps

    Free Buses will be available to pick up patients from the following locations:

    Odukpani Council

    Ikang in Bakassi

    Maternity in Akpabuyo

    Akansoko Junction

    Iman Junction in Calabar South

    Patients will be picked up daily at 7AM.

    For Enquiries, please call Gabriel 07037291111, Charles 08087500000, Hashbury 08066232403

    Signed
    Mr. Ted Afu Inyang
    For Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Constituency Office.

  • Former APC chairmanship aspirant, Efenji Nicholas, doles out financial support to Bekwarra students

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

    Mr Efenji Nicholas, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Efenji Homes and Properties and former chairmanship aspirant in the recently concluded primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River, has extended financial support to students in Bekwarra local government area.

    Despite losing out in the race to serve the good people of the local government, Efenji Nicholas’s passion for humanitarian and community service remain unwavering. Barely a week after the primary elections, he entered into partnership with the National Association of Bekwarra Students (NABES) Worldwide to roll out an Educational Support Scheme for students in the LGA.

    Enabled by the financial support provided by the former chairmanship aspirant, NABES-WW led by its president, Sen. Obe Alphonsus Alokpa, set out to implement the Educational Support Scheme in primary and secondary schools across various wards in the local government area.

    Speaking in an interview shortly after the exercise, Alokpa said “My just concluded project was the production of exercise books for Bekwarra students as an educational support scheme. And it was sponsored by Mr Efenji Nicholas Iyiukanne, CEO of Efenji Homes and Properties.

    Read Also: Nigerian Youth League confers award of Excellence on C’River-born Real Estate Czar

    “Through his support we were able to reach out to primary and secondary schools in 5 wards. Some of the schools that benefitted include, Bekwarra Secondary School, Abuochiche; Community Secondary School, Afrike; St Justin’s Primary School, Beten; among others.”

    The student leader thanked Efenji Nicholas and commended him for demonstrating genuine love towards the people of Bekwarra. He called on other well-meaning individuals and groups to emulate his kind gesture for the progress of the LGA.

    Efenji Nicholas is a renowned philanthropist and humanitarian whose unparalleled generosity and goodwill have earned him series of awards and accolades nationally. In August 2024, he was honoured with the Achievers Per Excellence Award by the Nigerian Youth League, in recognition of his exceptional contributions and outstanding service to humanity and the country.

    In September 2024, Efenji Nicholas bagged the ‘Icon of Transformation/Peace Ambassador’ award conferred by the Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors (NYPA).

    According to the northern group, the award was in recognition of Efenji Nicholas’s “dexterous leadership acumen, passionate professional capabilities and commitment towards navigating Nigerian communities and humanitarian development for the benefit of the nation at large.”

    In addition to the foregoing, Efenji Nicholas has carved a niche for himself by positively impacting the highly competitive real estate sector in Nigeria. Little wonder, he is sometimes referred to by friends and colleagues, as the Czar of real estate.

  • Group Advocates Mainstreaming of Gender Into MDAs Budget

    Group Advocates Mainstreaming of Gender Into MDAs Budget

    By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

    A research, advocacy and capacity development firm operating under the aegis of Center for Gender Economics Initiative (CGE Africa), has advocated mainstreaming of gender into  budgets  of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) during their planning process to avoid gender discrimination.

    Executive director Center for  Gender Economics Initiative (CGE Africa), Uchenna Idoko,made the  advocacy on behalf of the firm, during the training workshop for 30 officials of MDAs in Calabar Wednesday.

    The NGO charged government at all levels to focus their attention on the implementation of projects that will bring economic equality among all genders.

    “You cannot tell women that your government will provide gender equality and you reneged at the end of the day. Policy Statements and promises need to be funded.

    Read Also: TETFund Broadens Intervention To Tackle Power Challenges In Tertiary Institutions

    “When promised and policy statements are funded, you can be sure of prevention and mitigation of sexual and gender based violence,” Idoko stated.

    “My message to Cross River State Governments is that, there is no budget that is gender neutral. They should mainstream gender into those numbers that they ask the right questions to unpack the budget in every ministry.

    “They should ask who this budget is for. Is it bringing women and men, who are they working for are female workers discriminated against? How about maternity leave?

    “What is going on with female inmates who are in the correctional centres? They should start putting gender lines in all the projects.”

    The executive director averred with action planning on gender-responsive budgeting, sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) can be prevented  and mitigated.

    “It is on the basis of this, that we urge you to employ a comprehensive approach in the allocation of resources based on the unique needs of different genders for equitable society.

    “Ours is to see both genders carried along in the area of resources distribution for egalitarian society. This is why we engage with policy makers, executives and the community to create innovative solutions for achievement of economic equality, advancing work, and creating financial security for women.

    “We promote the consideration of gender economic inequalities and find out exactly how they can be resolved by people of all genders in the economy,” she maintained.

    She stressed that with application of the knowledge gained at the training workshop, there is bound to be tremendous turnaround in MDAs stressing that past experience in states where government officials
    same training witnessed a turned around.

    “Our experience in some other places, that we had this kind of training before, we latter had beautiful stories. We want to hear those in places of authority say; we have implemented what we discussed here in this training workshop.

    “We start hearing now that ministry of women Affair had already told us that they will do memo to collect their money for their shelter.

    “Our expectation is that after this training, participants should start looking at their budgets as no longer data and numbers but lives of people.

    In education for instance, you will know that if you don’t provide money for guidance and counselors, they won’t be anyone to do psycho-social support for children when they get violated by their parents, loved ones and even by teachers.

    “Same thing in sports, same thing in tourism, all these waiters and waitresses in hospitality sites of tourism, go through a lot of sexual based violence and harassment. We need to work towards preventing it,” the executive director stated.

  • Op-ed: Senator Owan-Enoh Still a Pivotal Minister, Calls for Celebration

    Op-ed: Senator Owan-Enoh Still a Pivotal Minister, Calls for Celebration

    …Tinubu bid to industrialize the southern region

    By David Peter

    In pursuit of President Bola Tinubu’s economic guidelines to downsize his administration for an effective pursuance cost, The President scrapped two ministries viz; the Ministry of Sports Development alongside the Ministry of Niger Delta.

    The Wednesday decision followed the 19th meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the State House, Abuja.

    However, Senator John Owan’s redeployment to serve as a State Minister in the Ministry of Trade and Investment [Industry] has been glimpsed as controversial among elites and goodwill advocates who desire the ex-sports Minister not to have become a subordinate Minister.

    Hence, it’s of essence to clarify that the distinguished senator, still stands tall as a Minister. His designated portfolio in the Ministry of Trade and Investment [Industry]; Owan is assigned to spearhead the Industrial sector in the country, while Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Trade and Investment, is charged with regulating the Trade and Investment sector, also heads the Ministry.

    Read Also: Enugu Gov’t Approves N80,000 Minimum Wage For Workers

    Nevertheless, Senator Owan still doubles as a subordinate to support the Trade and Investment Minister, Dr. Jumoke, in her absence; more so, Owan is expected to assist and perform other functions in the Trade and Investment of the Ministry as assigned by the minister.

    President Tinubu’s shake-up policy should be a call for celebration in the southern Region for bringing the industrial sector closer to them, particularly Cross River State, which has been predominantly a State of Public Service. Rather than tweaking its restructuring as a political downplay to the southerners.

    The president’s proclivity to make Cross River an industrial hub ought to be a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark a new era of industrial revolution that has been launched in the State.

    It’s worth noting that, the President’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Sports is in line with his renewed hope policies to reflect his administration’s economy and reduce the cost of governance for the betterment of Nigerian citizens.

  • Zone 6 Police Summon News Publisher Over Alleged Cloned Phone Line In Fraud Case, Raising Concerns Of Intimidation

    Zone 6 Police Summon News Publisher Over Alleged Cloned Phone Line In Fraud Case, Raising Concerns Of Intimidation

    By Our Reporter

    In a move that has raised concerns of possible harassment, the publisher of The Converseer, a prominent media outlet in the Southern region of Nigeria, Mr Frank Ulom was summoned by the Anti-Vice Unit of the Zone 6 Police Command in Calabar. The police, led by Inspector Mentus, claimed that the publisher’s phone line had been cloned and was allegedly being used in fraudulent activities.

    Inspector Mentus suggested that someone had used the publisher’s phone number to defraud unsuspecting victims, claiming that when the fraudster made calls, the publisher’s details were displayed instead of the actual perpetrator’s.

    “We received a complaint with your phone number, and upon investigation with network providers, we found that someone cloned your line and is using it for fraud. What happens is, when they call the victim, your details show up,” Inspector Mentus told the publisher, adding that the police discovered the publisher had allegedly been in communication with the fraudster.

    However, the tone of the invitation and how the case was presented have raised suspicions of an attempt to intimidate the publisher, particularly given the vague nature of the allegations. Despite mentioning that they did not believe the publisher was directly involved, Inspector Mentus continued to insist that the line was being used for fraud, subtly pressuring the publisher to cooperate.

    Read Also: Igbo Youths Congratulate Bianca Ojukwu On Appointment As Minister

    “There’s a code linked to your line, and it’s being used to defraud people,” Inspector Mentus said, while also admitting, “I don’t think you can do that.”

    While the police have stated that they are coordinating with network providers to trace the alleged cloning, the circumstances of the invitation and the way it was handled have left the publisher questioning whether this is a genuine investigation or an attempt to stifle press freedom.

    This incident has sparked concerns among journalists and civil society organizations about the increasing use of law enforcement tactics to intimidate members of the press, particularly those involved in accountability journalism.

    The Converseer publisher has vowed to cooperate with the authorities but remains wary of the motivations behind the police action, given the growing trend of police using accusations to harass media personnel.

  • Gov Otu has prioritized the empowerment of young girls and women in Cross River – SA Gender Mainstreaming

    Gov Otu has prioritized the empowerment of young girls and women in Cross River – SA Gender Mainstreaming

    Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke’s Speech at the just concluded celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the Obong’s Palace

    His Royal Highness, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V,  Her Excellency, Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu here represented, The Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, All Service Chief, our Royal fathers and mothers, permit me to stand on existing protocols.

    Good morning

    It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this year’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. Today’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” reminds us of the limitless potential that resides in every girl child. It calls us to envision a future where girls, regardless of their background or circumstances, are empowered to reach their full potential in every sphere of life.

    At the Department of Gender Mainstreaming, we are committed to ensuring that girls in Cross River State are not only protected but are given the tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive. We are working tirelessly to promote policies that address gender inequalities and create safe spaces where girls can express themselves freely, grow in confidence, and gain access to quality education and healthcare. Our department has also been at the forefront of gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring that resources are allocated toward programs that directly impact the lives of young girls. From mentorship programs to leadership development initiatives, we are laying the foundation for a future where girls can take their rightful place in society.

    This commitment is deeply rooted in the vision and leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, and Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Otu. His Excellency has consistently prioritized the empowerment of young girls and women in Cross River State, recognizing that when we invest in girls, we invest in our collective future. Through initiatives that provide scholarships, mentorship, and skills acquisition opportunities, His Excellency has laid out a roadmap for ensuring that no girl is left behind.

    Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, has been a mother to us all, particularly to the young girls in this state. Through her numerous outreach programs and initiatives that promote girls’ education and well-being, she has created a safe and nurturing environment where girls can thrive. Her work is an inspiration to us, showing that women, and indeed girls, can be strong, compassionate leaders.

    As the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, I am deeply honored to follow in their footsteps. I remain dedicated to amplifying the voices of young girls, creating platforms where their talents and visions can shine, and advocating for the enactment and enforcement of policies that protect their rights. Together, we are building a future where girls are seen, heard, and valued.

    To our girls here today, I want to remind you that you are the leaders of tomorrow. Your dreams and aspirations are valid. Don’t be afraid to dream big, because with hard work, resilience, and the right support, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. The future belongs to you, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

    Remember, you are powerful. You are capable. You are the heartbeat of our future.

    Thank you.

  • C’River to lead in oil palm production as state distributes 3.5million sprouted nuts

    C’River to lead in oil palm production as state distributes 3.5million sprouted nuts

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River government has begun an aggressive move to return the state as a leading oil palm producer in Nigeria, with plans to distribute 3.5 million improved oil palm sprouted nuts to farmers across the state.

    Giving an update on the Cross River Oil Palm Development Initiative at a press briefing in Calabar Tuesday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, said the ministry in partnership with Solidaridad West Africa and FAO Folur-IP project would begin the distribution of oil palm sprouted nuts to interested farmers profiled during the statewide enumeration exercise.

    According to Andiambey, the Prince Bassey Otu-led administration had procured 3.5 million improved variety of sprouted nuts from the Nigerian institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and had carried out an extensive profiling exercise across the 18 local government areas of the state for both existing and intending oil palm farmers.

    “The state government has taken delivery of the first batch of 315,000 sprouted nuts and is expecting more in few days time. The field data of the enumeration exercise has been analyzed by Solidaridad and names of profiled farmers completely shortlisted.

    Read Also: World Bank Tells Tinubu To Cut ‘Wasteful Expenditures’ Under His Watch Including Purchase Of Vehicles

    “Profiled farmers are hereby requested to visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development headquarters or the local government council where they were profiled for confirmation of their names and the number of oil palm sprouted nuts allotted to them.

    “Profiled farmers should thereafter proceed to the nearest Union Bank for payment of the poly bags and number of sprouted nuts allotted to them. Note that the Oil Palm nuts are subsidized for 100 naira per nut and 20 naira for quality oil palm nursery poly bags.

    “Payments should be made to the designated account details: CRS Ministry of Agriculture.. Oil palm Development – 0226479566.

    “Profiled farmers should visit their various Local Government Council where they were profiled with proof of payment for collection of their items.

    “Distribution will commence from 5th November 2024 between 8am to 4pm daily.

    “Profiled farmers should expect regular visit of extension and Agric officers for monitoring and technical services on the best management practices for nursery development,” he said.

    The Commissioner also disclosed that the state government had procured 77 motor bikes for effective supervision by the Agric and extension officers.

    He added that FAO Folur-IP Nigeria Project under their agroforestry programme was partnering with the State Government in the development of 2.5 million economic fruit trees seedlings in 8 Local Government Areas of intervention for distribution to benefitting farmers of the Cross River Oil Palm Development Initiative.

    While assuring that no Cross Riverian would be left behind, Andiambey thanked governor Bassey Otu for the laudable initiative, which according to him, complied with sustainable agricultural practices.

    “Finally, I wish to thank our partners – Solidaridad West Africa and FAO Folur-IP project for their support so far even as I enjoin the farmers to duly utilize this opportunity to better their lives, the state and nation at large,” he said.

    Present at the press briefing were stakeholders in the agric sector such as the Senior Special Adviser to the governor on agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on tree crops, Fidelis Efa; state chairman of Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN), Rev. Nyiam Bisong; state chairman, National Palm Producers Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), Cletus Ogbidi; representative of Solidaridad, among others.

    Press Briefing 
  • IRS threatens legal action against UNICAL over alleged N3.7b non-tax compliance

    IRS threatens legal action against UNICAL over alleged N3.7b non-tax compliance

    By Christian Njoku 

    Cross River’s Internal Revenue Service, (IRS) has threatened legal action against the University of Calabar (UNICAL) if the institution continuous refusing to comply with the state tax laws.

    This was disclosed by Mr Ayi Okon, Director of Compliance in Cross River’s IRS during the official pasting of Non-tax Compliance Stickers at different spots in UNICAL premises on Monday

    Okon who led a team of IRS officials to the institution, said they conducted a back duty audit on UNICAL from 2018 to 2022 and N3.7 billion worth non tax remittance was discovered and communicated to the institution by way of assessment notice.

    According to the director, the university refused to respond within the stipulated time, further to that they issued a demand notice in April 2024 which they still refused to respond to.

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    “We issued a final demand notice in May but UNICAL still refused to respond; it was at the point we issued a pre-action notice that the university responded in writing.

    “So, we obliged them a meeting after which we have had series of reconciliation meetings where they made commitments but till date did not keep any of the commitments.

    “We have been in contact with the institution’s bursar and the Vice Chancellor, they should know that withholding tax revenue due to government is indirectly opposing the developmental projects of the state,” he said.

    He added that if after seven to 14 days the administration of UNICAL does not show up, the IRS legal team will take further legal action.

    On his part, Mr Emmanuel Esira, Director Legal Services and Enforcement of Cross River’s IRS said they have followed all the procedures as stipulated by the law that was why they came to paste the non-compliance stickers.

    He added that their actions were a step to further compel the institution to discharge its tax obligations to the state to prevent further legal actions.

    (NAN)