Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Diabetes: Our members are turning to quacks, spiritualists – group laments

    Diabetes: Our members are turning to quacks, spiritualists – group laments

    By Christian Njoku

    Network of Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria has disclosed that their members were turning to quacks and spiritualists following the hike in the cost of medication for diabetes.

    Mr Bernard Enyia National Coordinator, Network of Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria made the call on Thursday in Calabar during a patient advocacy campaign to the Cross River House of Assembly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that diabetes is a condition that happens when someone’s blood sugar (glucose) is too high; it develops when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all.

    Enyia who appealed for urgent action on the insulin crisis in Cross River and beyond said the cost of essential diabetes medicine such as insulin had skyrocketed from N3,500 in 2022 to N26,000 in 2024.

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    He said glucometers now cost N30,000 and test-strips have increased to N15,000 adding that an average person living with diabetes spends over N150, 000 monthly on treatment which had subjected them to untold hardship.

    “The economic downtown and inflation in the country has forced many of our members to abandon their prescribed drugs to cheaper alternative from chemists, spiritualists and trado-medical drug vendors.

    “This has led to more and more complications of our people as many are breaking down, some are dying, increasing the number of widows widowers and orphans, while the state and Federal government are not doing much about curbing the menace of diabetes.

    “The essence of this activity is to cry-out to government to earmark a percentage of the budget to tackle diabetes care because up till now, there is zero per cent of Cross River budget that is meant for diabetes,” he said.

    Responding, Mrs Kate Ubi, Clerk Cross River House of Assembly who spoke to the campaigners in the absence of the Speaker of the house, said the members of the house were out of Calabar for an official engagement.

    Ubi appealed to the diabetic patients to send their representatives to come back to the house from Sept. 2, so as to have a better and robust engagement with the speaker and other legislators.

    NAN also reports that the campaign which started from the complex of the state Ministry of Health saw the patients distributing flyers on the plight of an average diabetic in the nation following the hike in price of medication.

    (NAN)

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong facilitates $400,000 foreign scholarship for constituents

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong facilitates $400,000 foreign scholarship for constituents

    The Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has facilitated a total sum of 400,000 USD foreign scholarships for 10 persons in his constituency.

    This is the second batch of the 2024 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) postgraduate foreign scholarship award the Senator has facilitated thus far.

    A statement signed by Ted Inyang,
    Senior Legislative Aide to the Senator, reads;

    “We are pleased to announce the Second Batch 2024 of scholars to receive a postgraduate foreign scholarship from the NDDC, facilitated by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.

    The beneficiaries include:

    1. ERNEST EDIM – Msc. Data Science, University of Salford, United Kingdom -$40,000

    2. Juliet Edem –  Msc. Biomedical Science, University of Salford, United Kingdom – $40,000

    3. Inde Immanuella Sikile – LLM Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyberlaw, EDGE  HILL UNIVERSITY, United Kingdom – $40,000

    4. Egwu Sonia –  Msc. Project Management, Northampton University, United Kingdom – $40,000

    5. Umoh Anthony Effiong –  Msc. Sustainable Transitions, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom – $40,000

    6. Egwu Florence-Sarah Arong – MSC. COMPUTER SCIENCE, MAHARISHI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, USA – $40,000

    7. Eyo Victor Effiom – Msc. Public Health, University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom – $40,000

    8. Iyam Solomon –  MRes (MPhil) TROPICAL HEALTH AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH, LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE, United Kingdom – $40,000

    9. Asuquo Utang Edet –  LLM INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL LAW, ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE. United Kingdom – $40,000

    10. Edem Umoh Bassey –  MSC. RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING, KINGSTON UNIVERSITY LONDON – $40,000

    “The Distinguished Senator wishes them the best of luck and hopes that they will not only excel in their studies, but return to contribute to the growth and development of our State and our Nation at large.”

  • Bekwarra-born real estate czar, Efenji Nicholas, bags national outstanding leadership award

    Bekwarra-born real estate czar, Efenji Nicholas, bags national outstanding leadership award

     

    An illustrious son of Bekwarra local government area of Cross River State has bagged the National Outstanding Leadership Award from the Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors (NYPA).

    Mr Efenji Nicholas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Efenji Homes & Properties, Abuja, was on Thursday honoured as an ‘Icon of Transformation/Peace Ambassador’ by NYPA.

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

    NYPA added that the award was to further encourage the recipient to continue steering the wheels towards even more greater humanitarian works and service that would impact communities across Nigeria.

    Recall that in August 2024, Efenji Nicholas 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.

    Efenji Nicolas is one of the founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State. He has made significant stride in the real estate sector, and people from across the country have continued to identify him for his goodwill and passion to assist people irrespective of political, religious and cultural leanings.

    He is a seasoned politician from exceptional background. Efenji Nicolas is a young man with very sound intellectual capacity to harness both human and material resources to achieve developmental goals. His exceptional performance in the highly competitive real estate sector, lends credence to his organizational leadership skills. He is a leader equipped with 21st century skill set, enabling him to function and adjust well in diverse environment.

  • C’River LG Poll: Resign immediately, APC directs civil servants, appointees aspiring for chairmanship, councillorship

    C’River LG Poll: Resign immediately, APC directs civil servants, appointees aspiring for chairmanship, councillorship

    Consequent upon the Publication of the Notice of Election/Release of Time Table by the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), as published on Converseer, pursuant to the expression of intent and readiness of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fully participate in the forthcoming Local Government Elections on the 26th of October 2024, and in line with the fundamental requirement for Aspirants who are Public Servants or Political Appointees to resign one month before the election, the State Executive Committee of our party has directed all Political Appointees, Civil Servants and Party Executives who intend to aspire for Chairmanship or councillorship positions *TO RESIGN*  before the close of work *TODAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2024* and must present acknowledgement copy of the letter of resignation to the office of the State Legal Adviser at the State  Secretariat Headquarters of the party Before 6 pm Today.

    Members of the State Caucus as contained in Article 12. 10 and members of the Local Government Area/Area Council Caucus as contained in Article 12. 15 of the APC 2021 Constitution as amended, shall be inaugurated next week to midwife the electioneering process with a view to building consensus amongst aspirants based on possession of requisite legal/constitutional qualification, the imperative for zoning, competence and capacity, Gender Balance etc.

    Candidates for chairmanship and councillorship shall emerge through consensus based on the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

    The party shall in due course issue its guidelines, Time Table, and Schedule of Activities.

    While Aspirants are at liberty to commence consultations with relevant stakeholders, for the forthcoming election, only the Local Government Area Caucus under the leadership of the Chapter chairmen in the respective local government areas are the only organ empowered with the authority and power to convene any party meeting concerning the decision on zoning and all issues regarding the nomination of Councillors and Council Chairmen for onward submission to the State Executive Committee of the party before the final decision to be taken by the State Caucus where the Governor and leader of the party will be in attendance.

    The list of co-opted caucus members at the Local Government and State level, the proposed Elders Advisory Council at the Local Government, Senatorial, and State levels shall be published in due course.

    To comply with the tight Election timetable released by CROSIEC, all officers, executives of the party at the ward, LGA, State, and Zonal levels, aspirants, and stakeholders are enjoined to be prepared for emergency meetings commencing today.

    The party assures all Aspirants of a level playing field

    Signed.

    Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang JP
    State Publicity Secretary
    APC CRS Chapter
    26th September, 2024

  • Governor Otu’s Prompt Assent To CROSIEC Bill, A Commendable Response To IPAC’s Counsel

    Governor Otu’s Prompt Assent To CROSIEC Bill, A Commendable Response To IPAC’s Counsel

    The leadership of the Inter Party Advisory Council,IPAC hereby commends the Governor of Cross River State for expeditiously assenting to the new CROSIEC law.

    Recall that in our last World Press Conference, IPAC had asked the Governor to promptly assent to the Bill in order to lend credence to the much anticipated Local Government Elections in the State.

    With his assent to the Bill a few days ago, every obstacle is now removed as CROSIEC called for a meeting with Political Parties and other stakeholders aimed at kick-starting the process that would ultimately culminate in the conduct of local government elections in Cross River State.

    IPAC therefore expresses her readiness to partner with CROSIEC and calls on all the 19 political parties to participate in the forthcoming Local Government Elections. We equally call on the good people of our dear state to get involved in the process that will herald grassroots governance.

    Engr. Effiom Edet Okon
    Chairman,IPAC CRS

    Comrade Frederick Eje Omari
    Secretary, IPAC, CRS

    25/9/2024

  • Prioritize addressing energy crisis that plagues Nigeria, APWEN to govt

    Prioritize addressing energy crisis that plagues Nigeria, APWEN to govt

    By Christian Njoku 

    The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has called on government at federal and state level to prioritize addressing energy crisis that has plagued the nation for years.

    Dr Adebisi Osim, President of APWEN made the call on Wednesday in Calabar at a 5-day International Conference Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of APWEN with the theme: “engineering innovations and energy security for a sustainable future.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference which was attended by dignitaries from engineering and other works of life commenced on Monday with an interactive session with the media and engagement with students.

    Osim said Nigeria must invest in sustainable energy solutions, leveraging on engineering expertise to create a resilient energy infrastructure.

    Read Also: CROSIEC schedules local government election for 26 October

    “We must advocate for policies that support renewable energy initiatives and foster public-private partnership to enhance energy access across the Nation.

    “We must explore innovative solutions that harness the power of engineering in the area of renewable energy sources such as solar wind and hydro power to compliment our existing energy grid.

    “The development of smart grids and energy-efficient technologies will ensure that we use our resources responsibly while reducing our carbon footprint,” she said.

    She added that APWEN alongside the engineering community was ready to contribute its wealth of knowledge to collaborate with the government in solving the energy crisis which would guarantee a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

    Similarly, Mr Heineken Lokpobiri,  Minister of State for Petroleum (oil) said his ministry was ready to support activities that would unleash the potentials of young girls to be innovators especially in Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM).

    Represented by Mr Biowe Kurokinyinanya his Technical Assistant, Business, Lokpobiri enjoined the younger female engineers to emulate the works of older engineers for the collective nation building efforts aimed at transferring innovative engineering solutions.

    On his part, Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River who was represented by Mr Ekpenyong Cobham, the state’s Commissioner for Transport said the state was open for collaboration with APWEN in any area of human endeavor.

    NAN also reports that APWEN, which is a division of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) was founded in 1982 by six women, prominent among whom was Ms Joana Maduka and was inaugurated in 1983.

    (NAN)

  • CROSIEC schedules local government election for 26 October

    CROSIEC schedules local government election for 26 October

     

    …Seeks cooperation of all stakeholders

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC, has finally announced date for the much anticipated local government election in the state.

    Speaking during the presentation of notice of election at the Commission’s office in Calabar Wednesday, CROSIEC Chairman, Dr Ekong Boco, disclosed that the poll would now hold on the 26 October, 2024.

    Boco told party chairmen and other stakeholders that the yearnings for the resurrection of democratic structures in the local government system in the state had reached its crescendo.

    “As a response to this loud call and in keeping with the provisions of Section 197 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), the Cross River State Government, reconstituted the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) with the aim of organizing, supervising and to undertake the 2024 Local Government Councils Election in the State.

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    “The mandate is not new to CROSIEC. Since the return to democratic system of government, in 1999, about four (4) successful Local Government Elections have been conducted thus in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2020.

    “It is important to note that election is not an event but a process which may take months or even years to accomplish successfully. The process of a successful election is often undertaken by different institutions, without which the selection process may not be acceptable by all and sundry – the Election Management Body (EMB), Government, Political Parties and their members, the Electorate, Judiciary and Civil Society Organizations. The Press all Share in the success or failure of the electoral process. However, if the outcome turns sour the blame goes to the Election Management body.

    “Therefore, it becomes expedient for the commission to invite all stakeholders today to reiterate the need for a good and rancor free election; Elections is not war, so we need a peaceful environment to achieve a credible and acceptable Election in Cross River State.

    “Thus, today we bring before you the time table and notice of Election for the commencement of all Electoral activities for 2024 Local Government Council Election in the State.

    “It is expected that at the end of this meeting, Political Parties will collect copies of the 2024 Local Government Election Time table, CROSIEC Guidelines and Personal Data. Thereafter, all candidates shall proceed to obtain their processing form from the Headquarters upon payment of stipulated fees.

    “Once again, we solicit your co-operation, support and kind understanding as you proceed in this journey of leadership recruitment for grassroot governance. Wishing you all success in your electioneering activities,” he said.

  • Edo 2024: Cross River South Consultative Forum Congratulates Gov Otu, Okpebholo

    Edo 2024: Cross River South Consultative Forum Congratulates Gov Otu, Okpebholo

    … Says Season of Sweetness Sweeps through Southern Nigeria

    The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa on their resounding victory in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the great people of Edo State.

    We also extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose visionary leadership continues to strengthen the APC across the nation. This victory, the second to be midwifed by Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, since the 2023 general Elections, is a testament to the President’s commitment to the unity and growth of Nigeria, ensuring the continuity of progressive governance in Edo State.

    Equally, we salute His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the Edo State election. This success is a historical feat, as Governor Otu has become the first APC governor in Nigeria to produce two APC governors in both his geopolitical zone (Edo) and the south east (Imo state). His exemplary leadership, dedication, and political acumen in overseeing these two campaigns have indeed paved the way for especially this momentous achievement in Edo state.

    Furthermore, we commend the collective efforts of all APC stakeholders who contributed to this victory, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Lucky Oyedatiwa of Ondo State, and many other party leaders. Your unity, diligence, and commitment have brought about this significant success for our great party.

    The CRSCF reaffirms its support for the APC’s progressive agenda and remains confident that the newly elected leaders in Edo State will deliver on their promises, driving development and prosperity for the indigenes and residents of the state.

    Congratulations once again to Senator Monday Okpebholo, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the entire APC family and Edo state.

    Signed,

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

  • Biase Rescue Movement rallies students for chairmanship aspirant

    Biase Rescue Movement rallies students for chairmanship aspirant

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    With the local government elections in Cross River State in focus, a sociopolitical group, Biase Rescue Movement (BRM), has begun mobilizing students to queue behind its preferred chairmanship aspirant.

    Director General and convener of BRM, Comrade Solomon Arikpo, during an interactive session with students of Biase extraction in Calabar on Monday, lamented that poor leadership over the years had put the local government area on the back foot in all aspects of development, despite the enormous deposit of mineral resources.

    “The level of development in Biase currently cannot be compared to other LGAs. We are very backward in terms of infrastructure and community development. Every time we elect people into office but at the end of the day there’s nothing to show for in our LGA.

    “I hope you all are aware that Biase doesn’t have electricity? Does that bother you? Have you ever thought about it? Nobody should deceive you. It’s your destiny we are talking about. If we don’t sit together and plan the future of Biase, the LGA will never develop. Biase is so rich in agriculture and mineral resources but backward in terms of infrastructural development.

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    “We must begin to ask ourselves critical questions. Until you move to change things, nothing will change. It only takes N25million to restore electricity in Biase. Yet the local government collects monthly allocation of N318million. What significant thing can one boost of in Biase? It’s worrisome,” he said.

    Arikpo then reminded the students that the choice they make in the forthcoming local government elections would determine how ready they are to change the narrative. He urged them to support a candidate who thinks Biase and is committed to pull the local government area out of the doldrums.

    He noted that among all those who have shown interest so far in the chairmanship position, only one of the aspirants ticks all the boxes when it comes to exposure, experience and the capacity to mobilize both human and material resources for the overall development of Biase local government area.

    “When you see something that is good you don’t wait for it to come. You go for it. We are using this opportunity to beckon on our industrious son and leader in the person of Deacon Andy Owai to please come and complement the effort of His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu to develop Biase. Come and join hands with every other major stakeholder and ensure that we build Biase.

    “Biase needs him. With his vast knowledge and wealth of experience in the oil and gas sector and human capital development, he’s the kind of person we need. Someone who can think out of the box and provide solution for Biase,” the BRM DG said.

    Comrade Arikpo also used the opportunity to congratulate Governor Bassey Otu for securing victory for the APC in the just concluded Edo State governorship election.

    A cross section of Biase Students during engagement with BRM in Calabar

     

  • Gov Otu suspends interviews for shortlisted applicants in Secondary Education Board

    Gov Otu suspends interviews for shortlisted applicants in Secondary Education Board

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has ordered the immediate suspension of interviews for shortlisted candidates that applied for teaching jobs in the Secondary Education Board.

    The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nsa Gill, on Monday, cited the absence of a constituted board as reason for the suspension.

    The statement reads,

    “His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has instructed the immediate suspension of the scheduled interviews for teaching positions at the Secondary Education Board, announced by the Director of Administration of the Board.

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    “The due constitution of the State Secondary Education Board is receiving Government attention. The action of the Director of Administration scheduling ” employment interviews is unauthorized as it is inappropriate for one individual to assume the responsibilities of the entire Board.

    “Therefore, the interviews are hereby postponed, and the Director of Administration is directed to promptly meet with the Secretary to the State Government.”

    The press release