Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Charging Point Club International Inducts 13 New Members in Calabar

    Charging Point Club International Inducts 13 New Members in Calabar

    Thirteen new members have been officially inducted into The Charging Point Club International in Calabar.

    The new members include the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Udiandeye; Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Okon; Neji Ewa Nyam; Odey Tony Odama; Abeng Fidelis Erunice; Anderson Agada Etim; Ogar Douglas Ogar; Okori Bernard Oko; Kennedy Etta Asu; Egbe Mango; Cyril Abang Echija; and Adah Godwin Ugare.

    According to the Chairman of the club, Hon. Chris Agbeh, Charging Point Club International is a social club that cuts across ethnic and religious divides, aimed at building and broadening the socio-cultural, economic, and political well-being of its members.

    Read Also: ALGON concludes South-South Local Governments workshop in Calabar

    Agbeh, who is also the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, welcomed the new members and enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the club wherever they find themselves and to abide by the tenets of the club.

    The Charging Point Club is open to individuals from different walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs or political status.

  • ALGON concludes South-South Local Governments workshop in Calabar

    ALGON concludes South-South Local Governments workshop in Calabar

    The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has concluded a 3-day South-South Local Governments Workshop in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    The workshop which has the theme, “Strengthening Local Governance For Sustainable Development In The South-South Region”, took place between Monday 14 and Wednesday 16 April, 2025 at the Monty Suites Hotel.

    Speaking during the event, Mr. Venatius Okafor who represented the Acting Director General of ALGON, said that the association has been at the forefront of the agitation for local government autonomy.

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    “We are the true custodians of the constitutional renaissance that fought for local government autonomy.
    The long suffocation of the executive arm is beginning to give way for administration of self-determination.
    Autonomy is not merely the absence of control but the presence of competence, vision and institutional readiness. The power to act is meaningless without capacity to act right hence the theme of this workshop which is not only apt but timely.

    “Autonomy is not a function but a force; it is not the end of struggle but the beginning of responsibility.
    Are we the custodians of this new found autonomy ready to govern with vigilance, transparency, innovation and justice?” he queried.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of Yakurr local government area and Chairman of Forum of Cross River State Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Yibala Inyang, said the workshop was part of efforts by ALGON to engage the entire chain of local government functionaries in a learning process that will boost their capacity and enrich their output.

    “It is not only an opportunity for learning and growth but an opportunity to network,” he added.

  • Gov Otu, Wife, APC Chairman Welcome PDP Dep Governorship Candidate, Emana To APC

    Gov Otu, Wife, APC Chairman Welcome PDP Dep Governorship Candidate, Emana To APC

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Sunday formally received the 2023 governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state, Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate had via her X (formerly Twitter) announced her defection to her new party before her meeting with the Governor, her wife, the state chairman of the APC and the Chief of Staff to the Governor on Sunday.

    Following the announcement of her defection, Emana was led to Governor Bassey Otu and his wife by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

    Speaking with our Correspondent on phone, Emana said “I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor and His Wife, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement.

    Read Also: Controversy Trails UNICAL VC Selection as Misleading ‘10-Year Rule’ Headline Sparks Outcry

    “The day of my formal and ceremonial movement to my New Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with thousand of my supporters and other big names will be made known soon,” she said.

    Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe, had recently resigned her membership from the Peoples Democratic Party.

    Her resignation letter dated
    March 28, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State, was with immediate effect.

    She said her decision to leave the PDP  was not made lightly, but she remains committed to serving her community and contributing to the progress of Cross River state and the country in other capacities.

    Dr Ambros-Amawhe was the Deputy Governorship Candidate to Senator Sandy Onor during the 2023 elections in Cross River State.

    She was also an aspirant for the House of Representatives ticket in Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency also on the platform of the PDP.

  • Controversy Trails UNICAL VC Selection as Misleading ‘10-Year Rule’ Headline Sparks Outcry

    Controversy Trails UNICAL VC Selection as Misleading ‘10-Year Rule’ Headline Sparks Outcry

    By Clement Bisong

    A fresh wave of controversy has hit the University of Calabar (UNICAL) as stakeholders raise alarm over attempts by the university’s governing council to introduce a mandatory 10-year post-professorial experience criterion for candidates vying to become Vice Chancellor — an action many see as unprecedented, unfair, and legally questionable.

    The controversy erupted after a media report with the bold headline “FG: 10 years’ experience as professor key criteria for VC selection” made rounds, implying a binding federal directive.

    However, a closer look at the body of the same article reveals that the so-called “requirement” is merely a guideline—not a law—and one not enforceable on the governing councils of autonomous federal universities.

    Multiple sources within the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja have since confirmed that no directive was issued mandating 10 years’ professorial experience as a minimum qualification.

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    “The 10-year recommendation was a guideline for consideration,” one senior official said under anonymity.

    “It is not a directive, Governing Councils are free to set 5, 7, 8, or 9 years based on their institutional context and tradition. The Ministry only guides—it does not impose.”

    This clarification has only deepened concerns that the attempt to enforce the 10-year rule in UNICAL may be a political ploy to exclude certain strong candidates.

    In particular, critics point to the fact that the last three Vice-Chancellors of the institution were appointed with 5, 7, and 9 years of post-professorial experience, respectively—without any controversy or disapproval from the Ministry of Education or the Presidency.

    Education law experts emphasize that the University Miscellaneous Provisions Act (as amended) entrusts the governing council with exclusive powers to set criteria and recommend suitable candidates for the VC position.

    While the Ministry may issue advisory policies, it does not have the power to dictate terms or overrule the council’s decisions within the law.

    The new policy recently announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, which bars acting Vice-Chancellors from contesting for the substantive post unless they step down, has also been widely misrepresented.

    Though necessary to ensure fairness, this policy has been wrongly conflated with unrelated eligibility conditions like the 10-year rule.

    “The real issue is not policy—it is manipulation,” said a prominent UNICAL stakeholder. “This process should be guided by equity, merit, and transparency, not backdoor politics or propaganda. This is not politics with zoning and tribal agendas. It is all about competence.”

    UNICAL, a proud second-generation university celebrating 50 years of academic service, now finds itself at a crossroads.

    The university community, alumni, and concerned observers across the country are calling on the governing council to adhere to both the law and the spirit of fairness, resisting attempts to bend the rules midstream.

    In a time when Nigerian universities need strong, visionary leadership more than ever, insiders warn that excluding qualified candidates through artificial barriers could damage both the credibility of the process and the future of the institution.

  • Police dismisses Inspector who killed one, injured 2 others in Calabar

    By Anthony Uwadiegwu

    The Cross River State Police Command has revealed that it has dismissed the mentally challenged Police officer, Inspector, Effiong Bassey, who recently shot indiscriminately, killing one person and injuring two others in Calabar, the State capital.

    Speaking to journalists, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, stated that, “the police officer has been duly dismissed, charged to court, and remanded at Afokang Correctional Centre.”

    Ugbo, who made this known weekend while briefing journalists urged media professionals to always verify their reports before going public.

    She further disclosed that at no time did the command abandon the victim, stressing that they were surprised to read unverified report about victims not being cared for.

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    “We visited the deceased family on the same day, and also went to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital to see the injured victims, who underwent a successful surgery.

    “As we speak, the victim is recuperating, and we are making efforts to ensure that all affected parties are well taken care of.

    “As a matter of fact we gave financial support from day one when the incident happened, and nobody including the deceased family, victims and their family who were not carried along.

    “I can assure that the surgery on the victim who was shot in the neck was successful and he is recovering fast, and we shall give further update on his health

    “At no time did we abandon any of the victim include the family of the deceased,” the PPRO stated.

  • How Gov Bassey Otu Convinced FG to commence work on Calabar section of the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway

    How Gov Bassey Otu Convinced FG to commence work on Calabar section of the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway

    By Edem Darlington

    On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi announced his ministry’s readiness to commence construction at the Calabar section of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway. The minister made the announcement in Lagos during a stakeholders engagement.

    A few days before that announcement, Sen. Umahi had confirmed that 30 kilometers of the road, starting from section one would be ready for inauguration by President Bola Tinubu by May 29, 2025.

    The coastal highway from the Cross River State axis covers a total of 130km road network, traversing several communities.

    Before the modification, the road was supposed to have passed through communities like Ikoneto, Ekpri Adiabo, Ifako Okoyong and the rest.

    However, with the current modification on the road, it is expected that it would terminate somewhere around Awi in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

    The modification may not be unconnected with governor Bassey Otu’s proactiveness   owing majorly to his visionary leadership and determination to end the persistent frustration of Cross Riverians along the Calabar-Itu Road. That determination prompted the governor to begin the Adiabo-Eseku-Ikoneto road from the Tinapa end. Work is currently ongoing at the site and nearing completion.

    That singular action led to the achievement of two cardinal things.
    First, it proved a point to those who did not want the Calabar -Itu Road to work to have a rethink that Cross River  now has a new leadership that priotizes the welfare of her people

    Secondly, determined to ensure that the people of the State were not sidelined in the scheme of things, especially regarding infrastructural projects as important as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road, the governor began very early to engage major stakeholders with the aim of ensuring that the project commenced simultaneously from the Lagos and Calabar ends of the important highway.

    On September 22, 2023, while welcoming the Minister of Works in his office in Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu appealed to the federal government on the need to commence the Calabar section of the coastal highway so as to make the progress of work faster as well as create a sense of belonging to the people of the State.

    The minister was at the time in the state to inspect the pilot concrete road project along the Calabar-Itu Road.

    “Let me commend Mr. President on his landmark project, especially the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which is soon to begin and at the same time solicit that while work is soon to commence at the Lagos axis, the Calabar section of the road should also be considered so that the work can progress with the speed of light and create employment and business opportunities to our people “ Governor Otu stated.

    Not satisfied, the governor intensified efforts with several visits to Abuja, the seat of power, where he engaged with key stakeholders and actively lobbied influential authorities.

    Impressed by the governor’s persistence and  love for his people, the President, through the Ministry of Works at a stakeholders meeting in Calabar, announced the approval for the commencement of  work at the Calabar section of the road.

    In a rapid response, governor Bassey Otu on January 1,  2024, immediately applauded President Bola Tinubu for his directive to commence work on the Calabar axis of the road as well as approval for construction of Calabar Ebonyi – Benue- Kogi – Nasarawa – Abuja super Highway as the major signature projects of his administration.
    In an appreciation letter dated Ist January 2024, Governor Otu observed that section 3A of the project traverses eleven communities in the state with a total length of 130 kilometres, while a portion of the Calabar-Ebonyi- Benue – Kogi – Nasarawa -Abuja Superhighway also fall within Cross River state.

    He said the two projects would go a long way to improve the connectivity and accessibility thereby boosting economic activities in the region towards enhancing the living standard of the People. Governor Otu also lauded the president’s dedication to nation Building.

    “I most profoundly felicitate Your Excellency for your administrations interventions in the critical sectors of the economy. Thank you for your dedication to nation-building. Please accept, Your Excellency, my highest regards and that of the good people of Cross River State,” the governor concluded.

    In June 2024, during the All Progressives Congress (APC), South South regional meeting held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Governor Bassey Otu again openly appreciated President Tinubu and pleaded with the federal government to consider commencing work at the Calabar section of the coastal highway in other to give the people of the state a sense of belonging.

    Present at the meeting were notable sons and daughters from the region, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, former Deputy Senate President, Omo Agege etc.

    The announcement of the eventual flag-off of the Calabar section of the coastal highway scheduled to hold on the 14th of April, 2025 is the climax of efforts by a hard working governor who blends love for his people with effective political lobbying for the overall good of his state.

    His competence, effectiveness as well as resourcefulness as a leader of the APC at the national level is never in doubt. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also understands the importance of having a resourceful individual as Governor Bassey Otu as a strategic member of his party and as such, have tried to play politics of inclusivity with all regions of the country.

    As the official flag-off of the Calabar axis commences tomorrow, Cross Riverians are expecting that the same effort, consistency and push that the Lagos axis is experiencing will be given to that of the Calabar section.

    Congratulations to the people of Cross River and congratulations to governor Bassey Edet Otu, the people first governor.

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

  • Opinion: Oden Ewa is well-raised, cultivated, and urbane—a true gentleman

    Opinion: Oden Ewa is well-raised, cultivated, and urbane—a true gentleman

    By Chief Okoi Obono-Obla

    I am delighted that Hon. Oden Ewa, the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, is gaining significant recognition. In addition to his current role, he also serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Green Economy Council, cementing his status as a rising star in Cross River State.

    Hon. Oden Ewa comes from an esteemed background. His father, Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa, is a distinguished academic, and his wife hails from the Cross River Southern Senatorial District. He is well-raised, cultivated, and urbane—a true gentleman.

    It’s satisfying to see that his growing influence has unsettled certain vested political interests in the Central Senatorial District. These detractors, reportedly recruiting social media trolls, particularly from Obudu Local Government Area, aim to rattle him. However, Hon. Oden Ewa remains unshaken—steadfast and solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.

    Undoubtedly, he is a figure to watch closely as we approach 2027.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

  • NYCN: Cross River Youth Celebrate Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, Partners ARD-UCTH To Host Free Medical Outreach in His Honor

    NYCN: Cross River Youth Celebrate Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, Partners ARD-UCTH To Host Free Medical Outreach in His Honor

    In an ebullient display of admiration and community spirit, Executives and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, led by the State Chairman, His Youthfulness Obol (Comr.) Emmanuel Olayi, joined friends, family, and well-meaning Cross Riverians in celebrating the birthday of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar.

    The celebration, held at The Primary  Health Care Centre within the premises of Lutheran Primary School, Webber Street and was marked by a free medical outreach organized by the ARD-UCTH in partnership with the NYCN-CRS in honor of the celebrant. The outreach featured free medical testing, counseling, and distribution of medications, bringing much needed healthcare services to the community.

    Speaking at the event, Comr. Emmanuel Olayi lauded Hon. Ironbar for his unwavering support of Cross River youth. He highlighted the Chief of Staff’s role in empowering young people through employment opportunities, skill acquisition programs, and business start ups which have enhanced lives, emphasizing his open-door policy toward the NYCN.

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    Speaking at the event, the Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, The President of Association of Resident Doctors, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) assured  of future partnership with the NYCN and expressed his gratitude to the team for the effort put in to achieve this great mission in Honour of the Chief of Staff to The Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar.

    In his response, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, visibly elated, expressed deep gratitude to the NYCN and Cross River youth for the celebration. He described the occasion as a touching gesture that would remain close to his heart, reaffirming his commitment to continued collaboration and youth development in the state.

    The event was graced by several dignitaries including Hon. Ironbar and his elegant wife, Commissioners and other appointees of Government, CEO of Arubah Hospital; Sir Dr. Iyke Ukweh, leaders and members of the NYCN, the Honourable Speaker of the Cross River Youth Parliament, the National  Chief Whip of YAN, Local Government Council Chairmen, councillors, medical professionals, and top government functionaries.

  • Ovation As Commendations Continues To Trail Betta Edu’s Induction Into Unical Hall of Fame, Conferment Of Grand Ambassador Award

    Ovation As Commendations Continues To Trail Betta Edu’s Induction Into Unical Hall of Fame, Conferment Of Grand Ambassador Award

    By Rasheed Olanrewaju

    More than one and half decade after leaving the University of Calabar, medical school as a graduate of medicine, Dr. Betta Edu returned to the prestigious institution last month, in a blaze of glory and amid effusive praises, to receive a distinguished award in recognition of her sterling service to her fatherland and humanity as well as for consistently projecting Unical in good light through her impeccable public service record.

    The immediate past APC National Women Leader, and Honorable Minister; was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. She was also awarded with the Grand Ambassador of Unical.

    The fitting and deserving honours were bestowed on Dr Edu during Unical’s 50th anniversary of its establishment as well as special convocation.

    Dr Edu was honoured along side the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu CON, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu among other top Nigerians from various fields of endeavors.

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    The process of recognizing Dr Edu began early March with an official letter from the University’s management intimating her of the decision to honour her. The read reads in part:”In nominating you for this prestigious award, the University has considered your success in using the knowledge/skills acquired in the University in your chosen field/professional career.

    “The University also notes the worthy manner you have flown the flag of integrity for the University both in Nigeria and abroad, your past/future contributions to the development of your Alma mater (Unical) and your pride as an Alumnae”. “You are the face of University of Calabar.”

    The Unical honour has continued to attract loud ovations to the outspoken Medical Doctor famous for her humanitarian and welfarist inclination.

    For example, Unical’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi who personally conferred the honours on Dr Edu said: “We are very proud of My daughter, Doctor Betta Edu for always making the University proud.

    The 15th Emir of Kano, HRH Aminu Ado Bayero, commended Dr Edu as a shining stars of the younger generation who has continued to distinguished herself as a trailblazer in public service.

    Similarly, the Nigerian Union of Journalist, NUJ, in its congratulatory message to Dr Edu described the honours on her as ” a testament to Dr Edu’s unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service to humanity.”

    The NUJ, in the congratulatory message signed by its Chairman in Cross River State council, Comrade Bassey, further stressed that “Dr. Edu has continued to distinguish herself as a trailblazer in public service, and her contributions to healthcare, governance, and humanitarian efforts have brought immense pride to Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

    “Her recognition by UNICAL reflects not only her personal achievements but also the university’s legacy of producing leaders who make significant impacts both nationally and globally. We particularly commend her passionate commitment to giving back, as demonstrated by her pledge—on behalf of the Class of 2009 Medical School—to contribute ₦15 million towards the completion and equipping of the university’s new medical center.”

    The Council extolled Dr. Edu’s dedication to progress and nation-building, noting that “it is truly inspiring, and we have no doubt that she will continue to be a shining example of integrity, service, and leadership.”

    Other well meaning groups and individuals, from the South South, Niger Delta, Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt regions also congratulated Dr Edu on the well deserved award.

    They variously expressed optimism that the honour will spur Dr. Edu, a 2009 graduate of Unical’s Medical School, into doing more for humanity; the groups also wish her even greater heights in all her future endeavors.

    The political base of Dr Edu ,the APC,in Abi local Government Area of Cross River State, where she hails is not left out in the effusive praises and kind words. APC members in the council area and indeed the entire Ebi LGA are delighted that their beloved daughter has continued to attract national and international honours not only for herself but also for the council thus putting Abi and its people on the world map.

    Said Pastor Joshua Igboke, the Abi Local Government Area  APC Chapter Chairman: “On behalf of APC Abi Chapter and my family to felicitates Dr. Betta Edu, on her conferment of Award of honour as Unical Ambassador and induction into Unical Hall of Fame as Legacy Face of Unical during  Unical@50 Celebration/Award Ceremony.

    “Suffice it to say that, this well deserved recognition and award is a clear testament of your sterling leadership qualities as a notable and visionary leader par excellence with unwavering and uncommon sacrificial commitment towards influencing and impacting lives and humanity.

    “The Party is very proud of you as a shining star, pacesetter, trailblazer, mentor, destiny helper and pathfinder. Your uncommon and unprecedented achievements are overwhelming and highly commendable.

    “I hereby implore you to remain steadfast in you vision and determination to impact lives and humanity positively against all odds especially bettering  the lives of the less privileged.”

    Urbane, focused and cerebral, Dr Edu’s Unical honours highlights her huge goodwill base, immense public relations skill, dynamic, visionary leadership acumen and ceaseless nationalistic fervour.

    Unical, of course played a critical role in the iconic figure and role model that Dr Edu has become today, honing her leadership skill from her early days of her student activism as the Vice President of Unical’s Student Union Government, SUG.

    Edu herself recognizes Unical’s place in her rise to the top.According to her,  “Unical is my very powerful University that actually built the leadership skills in me.”

    As for me, since its about selfless service to humanity and Alma Mater, let the ovations, commendations and outpouring of love and congratulatory messages continues for this young, delectable and quintessential Nigerian medical Doctor because she deserves all the accolades.

    Congratulations, Dr Betta Edu, keep soaring higher!

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair ,ANIPR writes from Abuja.

    He can be reached on Rasheedolanrewaju75@gmail.com

  • Think Cross River felicitates Governor Otu’s Chief of Staff, says his leadership inspires culture of service, dedication

    Think Cross River felicitates Governor Otu’s Chief of Staff, says his leadership inspires culture of service, dedication

    The Think Cross River group has felicitated the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar on the occasion of his birthday.

    The group in a statement signed by its initiator, Mr Edem Darlington and made available to the Paradise News Friday, says the Chief of Staff has inspired a culture of service and dedication, which will continue to benefit the state and its people.

    The statement reads;

    “We at the Think Cross River group warmly extend our felicitations to you on this special occasion. As the Chief of Staff to our dear Governor, your dedication and leadership have continued to shape the trajectory of governance in our dear state. Little wonder, your recent recognition as the Best Chief of Staff in Nigeria at the National Leadership Awards did not come as a surprise.

    “Your commitment to public service and your role in enhancing the machinery of state have significantly impacted the development landscape in Cross River. Your proactive approach and vision have motivated the Governor’s team to strive for excellence, aligning with the “People First” agenda of this administration. You have inspired a culture of service and dedication, which will continue to benefit the state and its people.

    “As you celebrate this special day, we wish you continued success, wisdom, divine health and strength to carry on the responsibilities bestowed upon you by His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

    “May your birthday be filled with joy, love and the appreciation of those whose lives you have touched through your service. We value and cherish you as you continue to Think Cross River in all you do.

    “Happy birthday once again, Sir.”