Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Cross River has less than 10 per cent of its women in policy, decision-making – Commissioner

    Cross River has less than 10 per cent of its women in policy, decision-making – Commissioner

    Mrs Edema Irom, Cross River’s Commissioner for Women Affairs says  that only less than 10 per cent of women in the state were involved in the state’s policy and decision making process.

    Irom made the disclosure on Monday in Calabar during a press conference in commemoration of the International Women Day, (IWD) with the theme “inspire Inclusion” while the United Nations theme is count her in: “invest in women, accelerate progress.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IWD is commemorated annually on March 8 to celebrate women who have created impact in the society and to look at the challenges women go through in order to address them.

    The commissioner said the percentage of women who benefits from agricultural grant and inputs in the state was not more than 29 per cent and many of them did not have access to land for agricultural purposes.

    Read Also: Tinubu returns to Abuja after Qatar trip

    “Not more than 31 per cent of women are in charge of large scale business because they lack access to land for collateral purposes.

    “The percentage of women in information and Communication Technology in the state is very insignificant in comparison to their male counterparts, while the prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has been on the increase.

    “Also, other vices such as transactional sex and other negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, human trafficking, rape, physical and emotional violence, Female Genital Mutilation, forced child marriage among others have also increased in the last three years,” she said

    She maintained that the challenges were aggravated as a result of COVID-19, climate change, removal of fuel subsidy and other harsh economic policies.

    She noted that as part of its responsibilities, the government of Cross River ought to provide support through cooperatives to facilitate access to soft loans for women and enable them resuscitate and sustain their means of livelihood.

    According to her, many women in the state were heads of  households due to abandonment by their husbands, while some have lost their husbands to death and were being subjected to harmful traditional practices such as widowhood rites.

    “As the government of Gov. Bassey Otu is committed to fight for the rights of women and girls, all these challenges would be addressed.

    “The state government has keyed into the Nigerian for Women Project and in the coming days, about 5000 women and girls in Cross River shall be beneficiaries,” she maintained.

    (NAN)

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Facilitates Distribution of Food Items, Relief Materials in Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Facilitates Distribution of Food Items, Relief Materials in Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, has pleaded with his constituents to keep faith with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu as they continue their tireless efforts to address the economic challenges of the state and the country at large.

    He made these remarks at the distribution of food items and relief materials to over 1000 residents of his district at Government Primary School, Ikot Nakanda, Akpabuyo Local Government Area on Saturday, 2nd March 2024. The event which is part of Senator Ekpenyong’s Food Program is to be extended to all parts of the Senatorial District.

    The Senator who was represented by Mr Edem Ekpo Bassey, an aide of the Senator stressed that the intervention is to complement the effort of the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu in providing succor to Cross Riverians, as a way to cushion the current economic hardship.

    Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Police Owe 15-Month Entitlements Of 160 Officers Deployed For Peacekeeping Mission In Somalia

    The initiative garnered widespread appreciation from beneficiaries who expressed gratitude to the Senator for the kind and compassionate gesture.

    Mrs. Inyang Success, a recipient of the food items, emphasized the profound impact of Senator Ekpenyong’s generosity, stating, “His support has brought a ray of hope to our homes during these challenging times.”

    Similarly, Mrs Emmanuella Etim, commended the Senator’s dedication to uplifting the community, noting, “Senator Ekpenyong’s assistance has not only provided essential supplies but has also restored their faith in his leadership ability to prioritize the wellbeing of his people.”

    Several hundreds of bags of Rice, Beans, Garri, Mattresses, Blankets and some other household items were equally  distributed to the beneficiaries. Present at the distribution exercise were the  Chapter and Ward Women Leaders from Calabar South, Akpabuyo, and Bakassi LGAs.

  • C’River Gov Impressed Over IRS Spectacular Performance

    C’River Gov Impressed Over IRS Spectacular Performance

    …As Service Records 56% Growth In IGR

    At the just concluded APC stakeholders meeting over the weekend.

    Cross River state has witnessed an increase in revenue from N22billion as of December 2022 to N31.4billion at the end of December 2023; representing a 56% growth YoY (Year on Year).

    Cross River State also now ranks in top 15 states in the Federation in internal revenue generation.

    Suffice to mention that the State was able to achieve a 92% revenue performance against budget upon assumption of office between June and December 2023; when compared to the 67% against budget between January and May 29, 2023.

    Read Also: Tinubu directs Qatari investors to report any official demanding bribe from them

    Another major achievement recorded  by the CRIRS has been the generation of revenue amounting to N7.86billion from the MDAs in 2023 compared to average of N3.2billion in the past 7 years indicating over 100% increase.

    The above feat has been achieved due Majorly to the support of the governor and strategies and innovations introduced by the new Management Team of the Service headed by the Executive Chairman, Prince Edwin Okon.

    The service continues to work on blocking of leakages, reconciliation of unreported revenues, increased oversight functions, regular engagement with taxpayers and robust staff training & awareness campaign amongst others. All to ensure improved revenue generation to meet the government set target and goals. The service also continues to tighten controls to reduce multiple taxation, and harmonize Local government and State taxes/levies to ensure improvement of ease of doing business in the state.

  • See your recruitment as opportunity to serve your fatherland, NSCDC charges recruits in C’River

    See your recruitment as opportunity to serve your fatherland, NSCDC charges recruits in C’River

    By Christian Njoku

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has charged its newly recruited officials in Cross River to see their recruitment as an opportunity to serve their fatherland.

    The charge was given by Commandant Charles Brown, Commandant NSCDC, Cross River Command on Friday during the passing out parade of 78 newly recruited officers of the corps.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the passing out parade of the officers coincided with the annual World Civil Defence Day Celebration with the theme: “honour heroes and promote safety skills.”

    Brown said the recruitment of the 78 officers became necessary as the nation was going through a lot of security challenges hence the need for more security personnel to carryout the task of securing the nation.

    Read Also: Anambra 2025: Philanthropist debunks rumour about governorship ambition

    According to him, the 78, 2023  recruits of the corps in Cross River was in addition to the 170 officers recruited in 2019, and were all indigenes of the state.

    “While this is another way of creating jobs for the teaming youths in Cross River, I admonish the graduands to see their recruitment as a call to duty and an opportunity to render service to their fatherland,” he said.

    Speaking further, the commandant said following the theme of the World Civil Defence Day, they were reminded not to forget or allow the efforts and sacrifices of the heroes past to be in vain.

    On his part, one of the newly recruited officers, Peter Bassey said it was a hectic six months for them as they underwent the training adding that he was delighted getting this far.

    Bassey appealed for more synergy among security agencies in the nation noting that inter-agency communication and collaboration among agencies was poor.

    “We need to come together in a unified manner to fight the insecurity in the nation, that is the only way we can make a bold statement against insecurity in the nation,” he said.

    A  parent, Mrs Grace Umor, a parent of one of the newly recruited officers said she was very grateful that her son was taken out of the so many that applied to be recruited.

    She added that wherever her son was posted to she would allowing him to go, noting that the God that gave him the job would protect him.

    NAN also reports that NSCDC was first introduced in Nigeria in 1967 during the Civil War in Lagos, however, on Jun 28, 2003, an Act to give statutory backing to NSCDC was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    (NAN)

  • IPAC Elects New Executive In Cross River

    IPAC Elects New Executive In Cross River

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has elected officers into its executive committee to run the affairs of the body in the next two years. The election followed the expiration of tenure of the Anthony Bisong-led executive committee of IPAC, Cross River.

    The election which held Friday at the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Calabar, saw Mr Effiom Edet Okon, state Chairman of Action People’s Party, emerged as IPAC chairman.

    Also elected were APGA’s Omaleko E. Omaleko, deputy chairman; YPP’s Omari Frederick Eje, secretary; SDP’s Meitin Bassey, deputy secretary; PDP’s Ojisi Michael Ntui, financial secretary; APC’s Effiom Bassey Effiong, treasurer; ZLP’s Victory Okoi Ubangha, organizing secretary; APM’s Odigha Michael Odigha, publicity secretary, and NNPP’s Odey Anthony Ogboriku, legal adviser.

    The election which was monitored by INEC team led by Mr Eldred Davies, who stood in for the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, had the IPAC chairman and other executive committee members returned unopposed.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Peseiro quits as Super Eagles coach

    Speaking shortly after taking oath of office, the newly elected chairman, Mr Effiom Edet Okon, thanked the state governor, Prince Bassey Otu for creating a conducive atmosphere that has enable IPAC to continue to carryout its activities without any hindrance.

    Effiom pledged that under his leadership, IPAC would have the best representation, adding that as time goes on he would unfold his blueprint for Cross River, while at the same time build on the successes of his predecessor.

    According to him, “the role of IPAC is advisory and to have intermediate relationship between the people, the political parties and the government. There’s so much beauty in continuity. Though we have programmes that would cut across the three senatorial districts in Cross River State, we would build on the successes recorded by the previous exco.”

    Also speaking, chairman of the electoral committee from IPAC national office, Abuja, Alhaji Saheed Baba Abdullahi, commended the delegates for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

    “We followed due procedure to dissolve the former exco and come up with another exco. The exco is actually true representatives of the political parties that are here in Cross River State. As such, we could say that the election was done in peace and there was harmony among themselves. That’s the best thing. The aim and objective of IPAC is to solidify unity among political parties and for the state to live in peace.

    “They lead criticism on something that’s important in order to uplift the status of the state and the country in general. They are more of something very important to the development of political democracy in the state. We hope they will be able to excel in such a manner that they conduct themselves today. I’m pleased that it is done in peace and harmony without any rancour among themselves.

    “I congratulate the resident electoral office in cooperating and then seeing to the mobilization of the political parties that are here and listen to them carefully and take the appropriate move. We look forward to further interaction among them. It is a well done activity. We pray for the executive to work in harmony,” he said.

    On his part, the newly elected secretary of IPAC, Omari Frederick Eje, said “This newly elected IPAC members know their onions very well. They’ve been in the system for a very long time and as such they are not going to derail in any way in bringing the most peaceful solutions to matters that affect electoral system in our state. Peaceful cooperation is what is going to translate to good governance, and it will enable us achieve better things for our state politically and economically.”

    Security agents were on ground to ensure a hitch free exercise.

     

  • NYCN Election: Deputy Chairmanship Aspirant, Emmanuel Ndoma, Consults Stakeholders

    NYCN Election: Deputy Chairmanship Aspirant, Emmanuel Ndoma, Consults Stakeholders

    By Kelvin Obambon

    As elections into the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter is in view, Comrade Emmanuel Ndoma, an aspirant for the deputy chairmanship position, has begun consultation with stakeholders.

    Speaking during a meeting with both past and serving executives of NYCN Ikom chapter, held at the Youth House, Ikom Township Stadium on Saturday 24th February, 2024, Comrade Ndoma declared his interest in the State Deputy Chairmanship position for the upcoming National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) elections.

    He expressed his commitment to collaborate diligently with the Chairman that would emerged to build upon the successes of Comrade Dan Obo’s led administration.

    Read Also: One Year After Election, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Sends Message To Constituents

    The aspirant shared ideas with the stakeholders, while emphasizing the importance of broadening youth inclusivity by actively involving persons with disabilities. This approach, according to him, “aims to make the youth council more formidable and align with 21st-century standards.”

    He continued, “It is our prayer that the people will grant us this opportunity to serve the youths of Cross River State. I humbly seek the support, prayers, and contributions of all as we navigate through the electioneering process.”

  • One Year After Election, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Sends Message To Constituents

    One Year After Election, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Sends Message To Constituents

    My dear constituents,

    I write to you on this memorable day, it’s been exactly one year since the elections in which you gave me the mandate as your Senator.

    As I reflect on the past year, a wave of gratitude engulfs me for the trust and support you bestowed upon me. I vividly recall this video released on the eve of the elections where I shared my hopes and aspirations, I vowed to work for you.

    Since my inauguration as your Senator seven months ago, I have spent every single day working hard and relentlessly to achieve the mandate you gave me.
    Together, we have embarked on a journey of progress and development, working hand in hand to empower our communities and enhance our infrastructure amongst many other strides that we have made since the inception of this term. As we mark this one-year milestone, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved collectively, laying the foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future.

    I will not dwell on listing our achievements here, as the appropriate time buds, but you are witness, that our actions speak louder than words. For those interested in the progress we’ve made, you can find a detailed account on our website: https://asuquoekpenyong.com/newsletter

    I will continually strive as a Federal Legislator to assist the Executive at the Federal and State levels.

    Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of representing you. Together, let us keep building a brighter and more prosperous future for our community.

    I thank Governor Bassey Otu, H.E Ben Ayade, my Leaders, the APC, all Cross River South residents, and of course friends & family for the opportunity, their belief and support, may God continue to bless us all.

    Warm regards,
    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Pushes Bill for Creation of South South Development Commission

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Pushes Bill for Creation of South South Development Commission

    The bill proposing the creation of the South South Development Commission has successfully passed its first reading. It is officially known as the Establishment Bill, 2024 (SB, 358), and is sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River South and co-sponsored by all South South Senators.

    Senator Ekpenyong disclosed that the bill was necessitated by the proposed Development Commissions for the North West, South West, North Central and South East. He noted that there are three other states in the NDDC that are not in the South-South region.

    Read Also: Presidency reacts to leaked memo about Tinubu’s planned visit to Qatar

    Abia and Imo States, which are part of the NDDC, are also included in the proposed South East Development Commission just as Ondo, which is part of the NDDC, is included in the proposed South West Development Commission.

    The proposed South South Development Commission is necessary to ensure equity amongst the 6 geopolitical z

  • Delayed Salary Payment In Cross River State – Facts Against Myths

    Delayed Salary Payment In Cross River State – Facts Against Myths

    By Edem Darlington

    In 1987, Nigeria’s then military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida announced the creation of Akwa Ibom State from present day Cross River. By that action, the Cross River State Civil Service system automatically dwindled with the exodus of Akwa Ibomites out of the Civil Service system in Cross River State.

    The situation prompted the military administrator in Cross River State, Navy Captain Eben Ibim Princewill to authorize massive recruitment of about 10,000 workers into the State Civil Service workforce. A large number of that workforce will be leaving the Service later this year.

    During the 2018 May Day (Workers Day) celebration at the U.J. Esuene sports stadium in Calabar, Comrade John Ushie, then state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC in Cross River State affirmed that over 95% of the total work force within the state civil service would retire by the end of 2023. In his words according to Ushie, “There is an urgent need to recruit staff into the civil service, because currently over 95 percent of the staff in the state civil service will be retiring in 2023; and as such, the civil service may come to a close at the end of the Ayade Administration if recruitment is not carried out promptly,”

    Again, last year, during the 2023 May Day celebration at the Calabar stadium,  Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC in the state, Comrade Monday Ogbodum, said that 80% of Civil Servants are nearing their retirement age and should leave service later this year, 2024.

    Read Also: President Tinubu’s economic reforms are yielding fruits- Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, says

    The obvious truth is that by the end of 2024, all of those employed into the State Civil Service during the 1987 exercise would have completed their mandatory 35 years in service and therefore retire. In 2023 alone, an available record shows that over 7000 Civil Servants had retired from the state Civil Service.

    The pertinent question is, despite the available data, why is the Cross River State wage bill still the same, why has there not been a significant decline in the payroll system?

    While most government offices in the state are empty as a result of lack of staff, the wage bill has remained the same and consistently crowded with names of people with either lack of proper identification and/or with multiple banking details.

    For example, the ongoing verification exercise and payroll sanitisation revealed a particular level 6 staff within the local government system who earns a whopping N4million monthly, while some cases have revealed names some appearing four times with the same banking details. In another revelation the team noticed the padding of over N40million into the local government monthly wage bill as well as several other fraudulent activities dangerously draining the State government already lean resources into private pockets.

    From these revelations, It is clear that there are many who do not want this exercise to see the light of the day because of their obvious merchandise. To such persons, there is bad news for them, the exercise will be successful.

    They are strong allegations that such criminal activities are usually carried out in collaboration with other civil servants, politicians and even some leaders of the Labour Union.

    This is the right time for all stakeholders including the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress to join hands with the state government and firmly support this exercise if they must prove their accusers wrong.

    According to statistics released by the state Head of Service, so far,  out of the 11,062 pensioners within the State Pension system, 1051 cases of issues with duplicated names as well as other  challenges have been tracked, this is  apart from those who suspiciously decided to abscond during the verification exercise.

    In the Local Government Pension scheme, the verification exercise has been able to discover about 989 instances of missing files or name duplications. In the same vein, the Local Government staff payroll revealed 847 discrepancies, while the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the broader state payroll recorded 597 and 1,893 discrepancies, respectively.

    Although the governor, in his usual magnanimity has directed the payment of January salaries, owing to the current hardship, he has however instructed that the exercise be sustained in February.

    It is important to rally massive support for the state government so as to ensure the completion of this exercise. As His Excellency, governor Bassey Otu had said, monies saved from this exercise will be used to meet other basic needs staring the state right in the face, while the rest will be used to pay thousands of other young people in the state who will be drafted into the State Civil Service.

    Edem Darlington is the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Edet Otu

  • Exclusive Interview: Journalism’s Core is to Bridge Information Gap, Mirror Society – Dr Jesam Ofem Reveals

    Exclusive Interview: Journalism’s Core is to Bridge Information Gap, Mirror Society – Dr Jesam Ofem Reveals

    In a riveting interview with Miss Samuel Precious Chisom (a second year student of Mass Communication, Arthur Jarvis University), Dr. Jesam Ofem, popularly known as Trinity, a scholar and well-known journalist sheds light about growing up, his burgeoning journalism career and other sundry issues.

    Excerpts.

    Good morning Sir. Kindly let us meet you and probably have some insight about your childhood experience and growing up, please?

    My name is Jesam Igri Ofem, PhD.  I was born over three decades ago in Enugu State, Nigeria. I did my nursery school there, but the rest of my education was acquired in Cross River State. I attended Government Primary School in Lebang (Mkpani), Offot Ukwa Secondary Grammar School Uyo, and Presbyterian Secondary Grammar School Mkpani. I went ahead to bag my bachelor’s degree, MSc. and PhD, respectively at Cross Rivers University of Technology (CRUTECH), now the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).

    That’s interesting. What inspired you to pursue a career in journalism?

    Well, as a child, I always loved to speak. I had this innate desire to express myself and share stories. But what fueled my passion for journalism was my strong aversion to injustice. I couldn’t stand seeing people being treated unfairly, and I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to be vocal about the change of the world for the better. Journalism seemed like a good platform to shed light on important issues and bring about positive change.

    Read Also: Man arrested in brutal slaying of LA model whose body was found in refrigerator

    After efforts to gain admission to study law at that time were abortive, I resorted to the next potent alternative, which was Mass Communication.

    How was the journey during your studies?

    Certainly, studying Mass Communication was a fascinating journey for me. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring various aspects of the field, such as journalism, public relations, photojournalism, advertising, and health communication. These areas have increasingly been influential in today’s society and making waves everywhere. Daunting as studying in Nigeria might seem, the inner fire to make my family proud could not be extinguished. I was focused and undaunted. And today, I could look back with a great sense of fulfillment that indeed i made it through.

    Tell us about your Industrial Training (IT) experience, shed more light on it.

    I did my IT at my department’s television studio. It was a nice experience that allowed me to add practical knowledge to the theoretical knowledge already gained. Interestingly, I was able to handle different studio equipment like cameras and was involved in covering events around the school. With the experience, I was even thinking of another degree in photojournalism and videography.

    What is your contribution to the advancement of others’ careers especially politics?

    Dr. Jesam: Well I can proudly say that I am a practicing journalist. I am the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of Detailing News (an online news blog) and because of my adherence to the ethics of the journalism profession, with credible and balanced information dissemination, I was opportuned to work with the former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, and now Senator representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams. I assisted him in my little way with media presence and that, I can say, contributed to his victory at the last election. Today, he is a Senator. I am proud to have worked with such high caliber leaders in the society. By my profession, I am preoccupied with keeping the public abreast of the happenings of the society, be it governance, politics, business, security, crime, socioeconomic and cultural developments. The interest is to keep people in the know, mirroring to society and bridging the gap between the government and the governed.

    Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

    My destiny is in the hands of the Lord and by His Grace, my name will be written in Gold in international and local arenas. God has continually strengthened me to keep working hard. And it is only by hard work and consistency that results are achieved. I will keep pushing, and without a shadow of doubt the sky is my point of view.

    Thank you.