Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • TUC urges C’River govt to meet expired wage awards

    TUC urges C’River govt to meet expired wage awards

    …Felicitates christians on Easter

    By Anthony Uwadiegwu

    In a show of solidarity, the Cross River State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has extended their warm wishes to Christians on the joyous occasion of Easter.

    They used the opportunity to call on Christians to reflect upon the valuable lessons learned during this period of devout observance.

    Comrade Monday Ogbodum, State Chairman of the Union, who made the call in a statement, Saturday emphasized the significance of fervent prayers for the government at all levels, particularly in light of the challenging economic situation currently plaguing the nation.

    The TUC Chairman urged Christians to implore God’s mercy upon the masses, praying for relief from their daily struggles.

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    Furthermore, Comrade Ogbodum stressed the urgent need for the Cross River State Government to fulfill their obligation to civil servants by promptly paying the expired wage awards.

    His words: “The negotiated palliative allowance, essential prior to the implementation of the wage awards, expired as of February 2024.

    “This development, coupled with the recent decrease in salary payments and the suspension of the palliative allowance for March, has significantly reduced the take-home pay of civil and public servants.

    “Consequently, they now find themselves at the receiving end of the prevailing economic challenges.

    “Despite these hurdles, the TUC assured the government of their unwavering commitment to the success of Prince Otu’s administration,” he said.

    Comrade Ogbodum appealed to the workers to maintain hope, as the organized labour continues their engagement with the government to secure a more favorable outcome.

    He encouraged them to commemorate this occasion with moderation and a spirit of gratitude.

    “As the Cross River State Government confronts the pressing issue of meeting the wage awards promptly, the TUC’s appeal echoes the concerns of many civil and public servants who have been adversely affected by the economic downturn.

    “With ongoing negotiations between the organized labour and the government, hopes for an equitable resolution remain high.

    “It is our hope that the government takes the necessary steps to address the dire needs of the workers, ensuring that the expired wage awards receive the deserved attention.

    “In doing so, they can demonstrate their commitment to upholding the well-being and fair treatment of their invaluable workforce, reaffirming their dedication to the people of Cross River State,” Ogbodum stated.

  • Sen Ita-Giwa inaugurates ‘garri’ processing plant for Bakassi IDPs

    Sen Ita-Giwa inaugurates ‘garri’ processing plant for Bakassi IDPs

    By Christian Njoku

    Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa has inaugurated a garri processing plant in Ikpiri Obutong built by Care for Social Welfare International (CASWI),  for Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River.

    Inaugurating the plant on Friday in Bakassi, Ita-Giwa who was represented by Mr Eyo Bassey, Member Representing Bakassi State Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly thanked CASWI, a Non Governmental Organisation for the gesture.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project which was implemented by CASWI was funded by Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund with support from UN Women.

    While speaking on the project, the former senator of Cross River’s Southern Senatorial District appealed to the women whom the project was meant for to use the project wisely and ensure its sustainability.

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    After listening to some of their concerns she said as a support to make the project better for the women, there would be concrete flooring of the garri frying area and walls to protect the local ovens.

    “As part of our support for the project, we will ensure that there is a provision of borehole water and toilet facility around the plant.

    “This model is good, we are going to replicate it in other parts of Bakassi as a source of empowerment for the Bakassi returnees and indigenes of the LGA,” she maintained.

    Speaking on the initiative, Mr Ifeanyi Damian, Project Manager for CASWI, said the initiative titled Women Household Empowerment Project was aimed at empowering displaced women.

    Damian said the project would give the women a chance to become socially and economically active in their community while enabling them to participate in the course of women inclusion in leadership and decision making.

    “Today, we celebrate a landmark achievement for the Bakassi returnees and IDP women; through our funders and technical support partners, CASWI has been able to establish a five ton per hour garri processing mill for displaced women of Bakassi.

    “This is to ensure they are financially independent and to increase their voices in this community to effectively participate in peace building and economic recovery of Bakassi community.

    “We call on stakeholders to support this initiative by providing more raw cassava to the women cooperative groups that has been established under the project to coordinate the women and ensure sustainability,” Damian said.

    Similarly, Mrs Happiness Edet, one of the Women Leaders in the camp who spoke to NAN said life has been very tough for them in the camp with high rate of poverty and insecurity but the garri processing plant was a blessing to them.

    Edet said she believed that with the project which they they would which they would sustain, more women in the camp would be empowered.

    (NAN)

  • Commence work from both ends of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway simultaneously – Group urges FG

    Commence work from both ends of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway simultaneously – Group urges FG

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    A socio-political advocacy group, Cross River South Consultative Forum, has appealed to the federal government of Nigeria to commence work simultaneously from both ends of the recently approved Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

    The Forum made the appeal on Thursday during a visit to the Federal Controller of Works in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    Speaking, the Chairman of the Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the wisdom behind commencing work from Lagos and Calabar at the same time, was that it would reduce chances of abandoning the project, especially if construction work begins only from the Lagos end of the road.

    He said the appeal became necessary because of past experience, citing section 5 of the East-West road, which according to him, was supposed to link Cross River to Akwa Ibom state, but it was abandoned.

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    “The story of Cross River State seems to be the story of perpetual woes. We are aware that at a point in time there was the East-West road which links the south south of Nigeria to the western part of Nigeria. The section 5 of that East-West road is supposed to link Cross River state to Akwa Ibom state.

    “I’m quite aware of the fact that the initial plan for that road looked as if it was not intended to be done because crossing the Cross River channel from Oron with about 10 or so bridges to Calabar South, which was the initial plan, looks like something you only see happening in China. And we are not China. It’s only China that has infrastructural wonders – the 8th, 9th and 10th wonders of the world.

    “When our brother Usani Usani was the Minister of Niger Delta, I’m aware that that road was rerouted to come out at Tinapa, which was more realistic. But the story of Cross River State – the woe continues. Section 5 of that road seems to have been buried in the sands of time as if it will never be done again. That has been our story.

    “We were exhilarated by the news that the Lagos-Calabar superhighway is about to be launched. And we are also worried that it will end up the way all others have ended. The Calabar end will never come to fruition. So our appeal to the Honourable Minister is this; the distance between Calabar and Lagos is the same distance between Lagos and Calabar.

    “We are aware that Lagos state government has published notice of revocation of rights of occupancy and the right of way. We are appealing to the federal minister of works to do the same in Calabar. Let the road start from the two ends simultaneously. That will reassure us that we are also part of the federal republic of Nigeria. We are not a forgotten people,” he said.

    The Forum also made passionate appeal to the federal government to expedite action on the deplorable state of Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene, Oban-Ekang and Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja-Katsina Ala roads which are all federal projects that are either uncompleted or executed poorly.

    In her response, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, Engr (Mrs) A.R. Osim, thanked the Cross River South Consultative Forum for finding time to visit and make representations on issues that affect the people in the state.

    She assured members of the Forum that Cross River will not be left behind and that the issues they raised would duly be communicated and presented to the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, for adequate attention.

    The Controller, however, attributed the slow pace of work on the sites of some federal projects, such as the Oban-Ekang road, to hostile attitude of host communities towards contractors handling the projects.

    At this juncture, members of the forum assured her that they were going to work with her office to clear obstacles at the community level impacting the smooth execution of federal government projects, especially in Cross River Southern Senatorial District, where they have their sphere of influence.

  • Tinubu @72: C’River NDDC Rep Eulogizes Nigeria’s President

    Tinubu @72: C’River NDDC Rep Eulogizes Nigeria’s President

     

    …Says he leads a life of sacrifice and service

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The member representing Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.

    Duke, in a birthday message, noted that for cancelling all formal birthday ceremonies, President Tinubu has proven beyond words that he is a leader that leads a life of sacrifice and service to the nation, especially at a historic moment like this when all hands are on the plough to fix Nigeria’s economy.

    “On this special day, we celebrate a visionary leader whose dedication to the betterment of our nation has been unwavering. Your commitment to progress, integrity, and unity has inspired countless individuals.

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    “Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a brighter future filled with promise and prosperity.

    As you mark another year of wisdom and grace, may your path be illuminated with success and fulfillment. Your passion for service and your tireless efforts to uplift the lives of others are truly commendable.

    “Your legacy of excellence and resilience continues to inspire us all to strive for greatness and make a positive impact in our society.

    “Happy birthday, your Excellency,” he writes.

  • C’River: IPMAN knocks FRSC on poor implementation of Safe to Load programme

    C’River: IPMAN knocks FRSC on poor implementation of Safe to Load programme

    By Christian Njoku

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has scored the Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC) low in the implementation of the Safe to Load (STL) programme at the depots.

    The displeasure was registered by Mr Robert Obi, Chairman of IPMAN in Cross River during a Town Hall Meeting between stakeholders in the petroleum sector and FRSC on Thursday in Calabar.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  STL programme applies to all trucks that transport fuel and other hazardous products from facilities operated by oil companies to ensure that the articulated vehicles are in good shape and maintained every six months.

    Obi said allowing tankers that have a lot of shortfalls to load, is not just a risk to the society but to the business owner who pays so much to purchase these products to supply to citizens.

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    “The FRSC officers incharge of the depot operations should sit up because as at today, a truck of Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS) is about N30 million, yet the trucks to convey them have different faults.

    “We must refuse to be compromised and disallow any truck that does not meet up with the standard from loading, if you do, you  will be reducing risk against  Nigerians and People’s investments.

    “We need stronger collaboration between the stakeholders and FRSC to ensure adequate enforcement of the STL scheme and also ensure that tanker and trailer drivers park in the allocated parks and not on the roads,” he stated.

    In his remarks, SC Istifanus Ibrahim, FRSC Sector Commander for Cross River Command said the STL programme was an initiative of the corps to check the excesses of articulated vehicle drivers and reduce road crashes.

    Represented by Officer Joseph Abuo, Head of Operations FRSC, Cross River Command, Ibrahim said however, the corps has faced some challenges in implementing the STL initiative at the depots

    According to him, some of these challenges include transportation of the products at night, allowing motor boys to drive trucks with product and the refusal to process or renew their driver’s license among others.

    He appealed to all stakeholders to join hands with the Corp to surmount the challenges to ensure safety on Nigerian roads.

    On his part, Mr Ademola Aderoye, Depot Manager of Orix Energies said having the meeting to discuss issues that mitigate smooth loading and transportation of petroleum products was commendable.

    Aderoye who was represented by Mr Effanga Bassey, Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, (HSE) in Orix Energies however, noted that before strict enforcement be carried-out, there must be enlightenment campaigns involving the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) taskforce.

    Other issues that the FRSC in collaboration with other stakeholders decided to work on include a harmonized checklist for trucks by all relevant agencies,  an on the spot assessment of the roads leading to the depots,

    Others include issues of excessive roadblocks along major highways which causes crashes and and the impunity of truck drivers who park on the road sides instead of the parks, among others.

  • Cross River is Open to More Collaborations, Commissioner Tells Sports Potential Nigeria

    Cross River is Open to More Collaborations, Commissioner Tells Sports Potential Nigeria

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, says the state is open to more collaborations and partnerships that will lead to the development of sports and other related activities.

    She stated this on Tuesday 26 March, 2024 when she received officials of Sports Potential Nigeria who were in her office in Calabar to seek collaboration and endorsement for their upcoming sporting event that would boost grassroot sports development in the state.

    The Commissioner told the team from Sports Potential Nigeria, a sports consultancy outfit, that Cross River is ready to collaborate and partner with investors and stakeholders who desire to come into the state to develop the sector, assuring them of a conducive environment.

    She thanked the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, for the synergy between the two ministries, noting that the collaboration between the Ministry of Sports Development and Sports Potential Nigeria was made possible by Barr. Ukam.

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    “I want to thank the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development for deeming it fit to involve the Ministry of Sports Development. This collaboration would have come and ended there if there was no synergy between the two ministries. For him to bring you people to meet and collaborate with the ministry of sports development is a good thing. I want to assure you that we will give it the due consideration it requires,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, who led the team to the sports development ministry, said the consultants would be given all the necessary assistance and encouragement to make sure that the programmes they are bringing to Cross River State see the light of the day.

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Mr Ekanem Ekpenyong, appreciated Sports Potential Nigeria for coming to Cross River, stating that grassroot sports development is critical as the state has abundant of talents waiting to be discovered.

    He said the arrival of the outfit in the state was timely, because according to him, the Ministry of Sports Development ably led by the Honourable Commissioner, is poised to discover and groom talents rather than buying ready-made athletes from outside.

    Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Barr. Samson Nwokenye, Director of Sports Potential Nigeria, said as a global sports networking organization, Sports Potential Nigeria’s interest is in grassroot sports development.

    “In Nigeria we have a grassroot sports initiative where we organize events, give free materials and get our international partners to scout for talents in collaboration with corporate bodies to make commitment towards giving them global opportunities. There are other features. We have the community project. Community projects are aimed at solving problems in the society.

    “For this calendar year we have come to Cross River State to unveil our package for grassroot sports development. It basically entails collaborating with relevant government agencies. Government is the pillar of sports. Government is the regulatory agency. We have collaboration with the Spanish La liga, Italian Serie A and corporate bodies such as Zenith Bank and DSTV,” he said.

    He further stated that under the collaboration, Cross River State government would endorse the grassroot sports development initiative and also provide venue for the events, while DSTV would do the live coverage, and Zenith Bank would provide the sponsorship for the scouted players to build their career in Serie A and La Liga academies in Europe.

    Nwokenye also explained that the competition is exclusively for players in the amateur teams from tertiary institutions, secondary schools, both public and private, and that players must be 23 years and below. He added that a total of 32 teams are expected to participate while Cross River, the host state, would be given leverage to field in 12 teams.

    He concluded by promising that Sports Potential Nigeria on the long run would look into renovating the hostel facility at the U.J. Esuene Stadium Calabar, or whichever project the state would want the outfit to execute under its community project.

    In a remark, the 1st Vice Chairman of Cross River State Football Association, Mr Greg Abang, thanked the delegation from Sports Potential Nigeria for choosing the state for its grassroot sports development initiative, stating that the programme would give “our youths hope of playing in international football.”

    He assured them that the FA would give them all the cooperation and support they need to make the event a success.

    In attendance at the meeting were the state director of sports, management staff of the ministry of sports development, members of the Cross River FA, club owners, among others.

    The competition will officially be unveiled in May, 2024.

  • Why Otu Allocated over 10 Percent to Health in 2024 Budget

    Why Otu Allocated over 10 Percent to Health in 2024 Budget

    By Our Reporter

    The Special Adviser to Gov Bassey Otu on health, Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, has said that over 10 percent was allocated to the health sector in Cross River in this year’s budget estimates because it is only a healthy population that would benefit from the vast human capacity building and infrastructural development projects the Governor was embarking on.

    In a chat with our reporter in Calabar, Wednesday, Bassey, who is also the immediate past two-term member of the State House of Assembly for Bakassi State constituency, said such an allocated percentage, which he described as the first in a very long time, has generated hope for the sector.

    “Gov Bassey Otu’s desire in promoting quality, accessible and affordable healthcare systems in Cross River state is commendable. For a very long time, the budgetary provisions for health had not been this much.

    “The Governor believes that health is wealth and there is no democracy without healthy people. Our people must benefit from the robust on-going road rehabilitation and constructions and other infrastructural and human development he is embarking on across the State.

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    “He has made history by allocating over 10 percent of the budget and as you know, the Governor believes that it is only when the people are health that they can enjoy the dividends of democracy. A sick man cannot walk on beautiful, well-paved tarmac.

    “And, good health can only be enhanced when the healthcare sector is properly funded. When we talk about health governance, we mean funding, manpower, medical technology, supplies, accountability and quality service delivery, and this is what the Governor is doing, striving to achieve good health governance.

    “One of the outstanding sources of healthcare financing is the government. If expenditure is captured in the budget, releases become legal and then you may consider implementation. It would have been worse if provisions were not made or funds not allocated at all in the budget,” he submitted.

    Dr Bassey disclosed further that apart from the allocation for healthcare, the government was taking practical steps in ensuring diseases like measles, hepatitis and other ailments were frontally tackled.

    “Few days ago, we launched a viral hepatitis strategic plan for 2024 through 2026. The content of the plan is to ensure that we reduce prevalence of viral hepatitis to the barest minimum or completely eliminate it. This is because the prevalence rate of viral hepatitis is too high.

    “Besides, we are tackling other areas in healthcare delivery with a view to making Cross River people strong and health so has to enjoy what the government has in store for them,” he stated.

  • Cross River Receives Table Tennis Equipment Donated by NTTF Zonal Representative

    Cross River Receives Table Tennis Equipment Donated by NTTF Zonal Representative

    By Kelvin Obambon 

    Cross River has received table tennis equipment worth millions of naira donated to the state Table Tennis Association by the south south zonal representative on the board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Mr Ama-ebi Ebikpolade.

    The Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu who received the items at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Monday 25 March 2024, expressed gratitude to the NTTF board member for the kind gesture.

    According to Hon. Atsu, “This move shows that you are a good man. You are somebody that likes to give back to the society what the society has given to you. It shows that you recognize some sacrifices we might have made from Cross River State to put you where you are. I want to thank you that you didn’t abandon us, and I know you will not abandon us going forward. That is also to say that at all times, Cross River will also stand by you.”

    Continuing, the Commissioner said, “I speak, representing my governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who is sports loving. Everything about sports is number one for him. This you have done, will be adequately reported to him. I want to thank you so very much for developing our children, like the one you just showed me. I was also told you have more of them.

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    “Each time I have opportunity to speak, I tell people that sports is not a government alone, stand-alone issue. If sports has made you, put back into sports industry what you got; and that’s exactly what you are doing. Help us more and more, and if we have opportunity to help back we will do. We are looking for sponsors. We are looking for investors to help us, even with facilities upgrade and all of that.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Mr Ekanem Ekpenyong, commended Mr Ebikpolade for reciprocating the support Cross River gave to him during the NTTF election.

    “I want to thank you very much the South South rep that you have not disappointed me because if this didn’t happen I would have felt very bad. You contested the election against my brother, but the spot was already zoned to Bayelsa, so we had no option,” he said.

    The SA also appealed to the NTTF board member to come and sponsor a table tennis tournament in Cross River, stating that it would be an avenue for talent showcasing and discovery.

    “I know you have actually done a lot for most of our athletes; sponsoring them in education. Cross River State is like a home to you,” he added.

    Earlier, the NTTF south south zonal representative informed that the visit to Cross River was part of his unity tour across the six states in the zone. He said that the state has a history deeply rooted in table tennis and had won laurels in the sport.

    “The reason of my coming here is to show love, unity and support. In table tennis, Cross River is a pivotal state. It’s a state with talents and they have proven that over the years. The state has produced champions, Olympians. When you mentioned Cross River in the presence of table tennis lovers, what comes to our minds are the champions that emerged from the state,” he said.

    On his part, Chairman of Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Ntufam Edim Inok, said the equipment donation was a dream come true, describing it as “a very big one”.

    “These items are worth millions. I am happy. I’m encouraged. It will motivate our players. Other people will see what he has done and will want to follow suit. I want to thank the young man that has done this. It is a very good thing he has done for the state,” he said.

    Items donated by the NTTF board member include two ITTF approved stiga table tennis tables that cost about N8million; the sum of N500,000 to assist in the training of table tennis youngsters, and the repair of damaged floor of the table tennis hall at the U.J. Esuene stadium.

  • Na’ar Youth Swagger 2024: Over 5000 to receive free healthcare in Cross River

    Preparations have been finalised for a two-day medical outreach as part of a week-long activities of the 2024 “Na’ar Youth Swagger” event scheduled to take place at the U.J Usuene Stadium in Calabar.

    The Na’ar Youth Swagger which has “Resurrection: The Spectacle” as this year’s theme, is an annual worship event with the primary aim of saving souls and providing a non-denominational worship experience that goes beyond mere entertainment.

    In a statement signed by the Coordinator of the event, Pst. Christal Tawo Esq., on Monday, the programme is a way of further encouraging upcoming and home-based gospel artists, the sum of N1 million would be given to one selected act who gains the most votes from the public.

    He also noted that the annual event will kick-start on the 26th of March with the medical outreach whose objective is to assist no fewer than 5000 people.

    He said the medical services to be provided include: free health checks and tests, consultations, eye checks, free glasses, free surgeries mosquito-treated nets, free scaling and polishing of teeth procedures, and free haircuts, amongst others.

    Speaking on the initiative, the event coordinator emphasised that Na’ar Youth Swagger is not limited to churchgoers but also extends its invitation to everyone living in Cross River and beyond.

    “The movement predominantly focuses on soul-harvesting, commencing with a medical outreach and culminating in the main event at the UJ Esuene Stadium,” he stated.

    He said that the main event, which is expected to attract an audience of at least 25,000 people and 100s of thousands more viewers around the globe, will feature gospel artists such as Frank Edwards, Prinx Emmanuel, Great man Takit, Dr Panam Percy Paul and Dr KJ.

    According to him, “Na’ar Youth Swagger began over a decade ago and has since grown beyond its roots in Cross River, evolving into a global movement with participants from countries such as China, Japan, and many more.

    “This power-packed worship experience not only seeks to uplift spirits but also possesses the potential to positively impact the state’s and Nigeria’s economy as a whole.

    “The medical outreach during Na’ar Youth Swagger 2024 is expected to benefit over 5000 individuals, providing them with essential medical services they may otherwise not have access to.

    “The provision of free eye surgeries, eyeglasses, and dental care, including cleansing and whitening procedures, will significantly improve the health and well-being of the recipients.

    “By extending its invitation to all residents, regardless of their religious background, Na’ar Youth Swagger demonstrates its commitment to serving the community and addressing the healthcare needs of the region.

    “The outreach aligns perfectly with the movement’s overarching objective of making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

    “Na’ar Youth Swagger has gained significant traction over the years, attracting prominent gospel artists and an exceptionally large audience. With its global reach expanding annually, the movement garners attention from millions worldwide, promoting not only spiritual upliftment but also socioeconomic growth and development.

    “The anticipated viewers from around the world tuning into Na’ar Youth Swagger 2024 further demonstrates the movement’s influence as a global platform for gospel music and worship.

    “The event serves as a testament to the power of gospel music in bringing people together and creating a positive impact on communities,” Tawo said.

  • Cross River Government Says State Fully Prepared For APC National Chairman’s Cup

    Cross River Government Says State Fully Prepared For APC National Chairman’s Cup

     

    …Promises To Make Tournament Colourful

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman’s Cup makes headway, Cross River Government says the state is fully prepared for the football tournament that is billed to take place in April 2024, across the nation.

    The Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, stated this on Thursday when she received members of the National Organizing Committee for the APC National Chairman’s Cup in her office in Calabar.

    Hon. Atsu while welcoming the committee members, expressed the state’s readiness to host the football competition for the South South zone, adding that Cross River would go as far as making the tournament to be more colourful so as to attract the spotlight.

    She expressed confidence in the capacity of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, who is the co-chairman of the local organizing committee, to deliver a spectacular tournament.

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    She then told the delegation that the sports loving governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu “is fully ready to host more and more of this kind of tournament in Cross River because he is a sports friendly governor who has been giving us all the support, and has told us as a ministry to go out there and open Cross River State’s doors onto the sporting world.”

    The Commissioner, however, informed that the football tournament is open “to all Cross Riverians to participate. It’s not meant for APC members alone. It is for all Nigerians to be part of irrespective of political leanings. We are calling on all Cross Riverians to come and support the tournament. We are mobilizing everybody to come and be a part of it.

    “Bring your football teams to come and participate. We don’t want this trophy that came here today to go away from Cross River to another state. We want to keep it. We are calling on our best footballers in the state to come out and express themselves.”

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Mr Ekanem Ekpenyong, who also doubles as co-chairman of the local organizing committee, assured the delegation that the state would do everything possible to have a hitch-free tournament that would be worthy of commendation.

    On his part, leader of the delegation, Amb. Moses Ebahor, said as a father to all Nigerians and lover of sports, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, felt the need to empower Nigerian youths through sports.

    Ebahor, who is the National Coordinator of the APC National Chairman’s Cup and President of Miss Football Nigeria, stated that Calabar was chosen for the flag off and center for the South South zone because, according to him, “Calabar is the home of tourism. It’s the home of football. When the Super Eagles played their qualifying matches here they always won. To us, bringing the opening ceremony to Cross River State and also playing the South south zonal elimination is not out of place.”

    He disclosed that in the zonal elimination, 16 teams are expected to play the tournament from any club or football academy, adding that the two teams that would qualify from the South south zone would go ahead to compete in the national final in Abuja. The opening ceremony for the tournament, according to the team lead, is expected to take place on the 22nd of April, 2024 in Calabar.

    Shortly after the meeting with the Honourable Commissioner and the SA on Sports Development, the delegation was then led to pay a courtesy visit on the state chairman of the APC, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, who pledged the support of the state chapter of the party towards the success of the tournament.

    Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the APC National Chairman’s trophy and a pair of sports wear to the state chairman by the leader of the delegation.