Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Economic intervention: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Facilitates Grants, Distributes Essential Business Items to over 700 Constituents

    Economic intervention: Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Facilitates Grants, Distributes Essential Business Items to over 700 Constituents

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, in a bid to ameliorate some of the economic hardship within the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, facilitated the award of grants and distribution of essential business items to over 700 of his constituents at a workshop that held on Thursday the 22nd of February 2024 at Channel View Hotel, Calabar.

    The Distinguished Senator initiated a series of proactive measures to help alleviate financial strains being felt in communities through the disbursement of a range of business enhancement items including laptops, sewing machines, deep freezers, fridges, generators, grinding machines, and tricycles (Keke Napep) to 200 constituents.

    Additionally, and in collaboration with SMEDAN and Trust Fund Microfinance Bank, over 500 women and young people, received grants ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 for Micro and Small businesses.

    The distribution efforts spanned across the seven local government areas (LGAs) that make up the Cross River Southern Senatorial District, ensuring a broad reach to those truly in need.

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    By targeting various sectors such as technology, tailoring, food storage, and transportation, Senator Ekpenyong aims to economically strengthen his constituents with the tools necessary to either start or sustain their businesses.

    This initiative is meant to not only address immediate financial constraints. but to also foster long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency within communities.

    Senator Ekpenyong in his remarks re-emphasised his commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and mitigating economic challenges. He also underscored his dedication to serving the people of his district by leveraging partnerships with government agencies and mobilizing resources through effective leadership in proactively addressing the needs of his constituents during times of hardship.

    As the beneficiaries received these vital resources, the Senator tasked them to make meaningful contributions to their local economies, ultimately fostering economic growth and employment across the region.

    Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s assistance, emphasizing the transformative impact the distributed items and grants will have on their lives and businesses.

    Prince Bassey Ita Edet (Baddest), the recipient of the Tricycle (Keke Napep) expressed sincere gratitude to the Senator for this generous gesture. He lauded the Senator as a champion of grassroots development and the master of the alerts to his Cross River South constituents.

    Jane Ekeng from Calabar South, a female beneficiary of a Tricycle, described the Senator as a great listener, achiever and a grassroots developer whose focus is making Cross River South great.

    One recipient, Mabel Effiom, an entrepreneur who received a sewing machine, remarked that “This gesture has opened up new possibilities for me. With this sewing machine, I can now expand my tailoring business and support my family.”

    Another beneficiary, who received a deep freezer, Offiong Essien shared that “I have been struggling to keep my perishable goods fresh without proper refrigeration. Thanks to Senator Ekpenyong, I can now store more products and increase my sales, improving my livelihood.”

    Additionally, a recipient of the ₦200,000 business grant expressed optimism about the future, stating that “This grant has provided me with the capital I need to invest in my business and take it to the next level. I am grateful to Senator Ekpenyong for believing in us and empowering us to succeed.”

    Overall, the remarks from beneficiaries reflect a sense of hope and appreciation for the Senator’s efforts in alleviating economic hardship and fostering entrepreneurship within communities.

  • C’River: I didn’t know myself because I had taken ‘combine’ – man who matcheted lover for not visiting on Valentine’s Day

    C’River: I didn’t know myself because I had taken ‘combine’ – man who matcheted lover for not visiting on Valentine’s Day

    By Kelvin Obambon

    A 30-year-old man in Cross River who matcheted his lover for failing to visit him on Valentine’s Day after he gave her money to make hair, has said that he carried out the dastardly act under the influence of “combine”, hence was not conscious of his action.

    Amba Ubung, a farmer from Okuni community in Ikom local government area, stated this on Thursday when he was paraded by the police alongside other criminal suspects at the state command headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar.

    Parading the suspect before journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, said on the 17th of February at about 1000 hours, some community leaders from Okuni in Ikom local government area reported at Ikom Area Command that one Amba Ubung ‘m’ age 30yrs of the above Community gave his girlfriend, one Blessing Onawu ‘f’ age 25yrs the sum of seven thousand naira (N7,000) to plate her hair and thereafter visit him the next day being 14th February 2024 (Valentine’s Day).

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    According to the commissioner, “After waiting patiently, the said lady did not show up. The suspect Amba Ubung, armed himself with a machete, went to the dwelling house of Blessing Onawu, attacked and gave her several machete cuts all over her body with intent to kill her. In an attempt by the victim’s mother to rescue her, from the blood thirsty Amba, he in turn used the same machete to inflict various degree of machete cuts on her.

    “In a swift response, a team of Policemen were mobilized to the scene, the suspect was arrested with the machete. The suspect was transferred to SCID for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution as soon as investigation is concluded. Meanwhile the victims are receiving treatment in different hospitals.”

    However, when interviewed by journalists, the suspect said “I didn’t know myself that day because I had taken ‘combine’. When I went to her place I wasn’t happy because of what she had done. When I asked her why she refused to show up she started laughing. I felt so bad and used the cutlass I was holding to injure her. When the mother came and hold me and we started dragging the cutlass; I didn’t know if in that process the knife cut her. I didn’t know myself.”

  • NYSC remains veritable tool for national unity – Gov Otu

    NYSC remains veritable tool for national unity – Gov Otu

    By Christian Njoku

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has disclosed that the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) scheme remains a veritable tool for national unity and integration against all odds.

    Otu made the call on Tuesday during the official opening/swearing-in ceremony of 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 Prospective Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Obubra.

    The governor who was represented by Mr Odum-Ijom Ukam, Cross River’s Commissioner for Youth Development charged the Corps Members deployed to the state to contribute positively to the socio-economic development of Cross River.

    He reminded the newly sworn-in Corps Members that this was a period for them to make personal sacrifices and prepare themselves for the enormous challenges of nation building.

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    According to him, “l charge you to contribute  to the socio-economic development of the state which will stand you out at the end of your service year.

    “My administration is people-driven, that will create a conducive atmosphere for Corps Members to operate, also, the welfare of the Corps Members will be given top priority,” he stated.

    Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Andrew Zemoh, State Coordinator NYSC Cross River, said the three weeks Orientation Course was structured to prepare Corps Members for the compulsory one year national service.

    Zemoh said Corps Members would be exposed to Camp activities such as leadership training, drills, lectures, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, (SAED) training to prepare them ahead.

    He also used the opportunity to urge Corps Members to be patriotic as their services were crucial in many sectors for national development.

    Highpoint of the ceremony was the administration of Oath of Allegiance on the Corps Members by the Chief Judge of Cross River, Jus. Akon lkpeme who was represented by the Judge of Obubra High Court Justice Emmanuel Ubua.

    (NAN)

  • Group calls for resignation of C’River APC Chairman over embezzlement of funds

    Group calls for resignation of C’River APC Chairman over embezzlement of funds

     

    …Party insists no fund is missing

    The Northern Cross River Reconciliation Movement has called on the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, to immediately resign from office over allegation of financial impropriety.

    The group in a statement signed by its chairman, Bernard Ingio, stated that “At the wake of 2023 General Elections, All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirants made bountiful donations to the party. These donations are outside the huge sums given to the party, by Senator Professor Ben Ayade, then governor of the state for the prosecution of the 2023 Elections.

    “These monies were handed over to Alphonsus Eba, the State Party Chairman who pocketed every kobo of that money and a year after the election he has not given an account of the money or even an evaluation of the outcome of the election where the party lost woefully in the northern district where he hails from.

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    “A run down of few of the donations made by aspirants include:

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong – 25 million naira

    Chief Chris Agara – 20 million naira

    Senator John Owan Eno – 10 million naira

    Hon Okon Awuna – 10 million naira

    Engineer Ekpenyong Nsa – 10 million naira

    Hon Legor Idagbor – 10 million naira

    Hon Joseph Bassey – 5 million naira

    Hon Victor Abang – 5 million naira

    These sums amount to 90 million naira.

    “There were a deluge of other donations from virtually all aspirants seeking tickets on the platform of the APC across the state in the range of 4 million, 3 million, 2 million, 1 million and 500 thousand naira. All these monies amounted to over two hundred million which were handed over to Eba. The veritable question is, where are all these monies and who has he given account of the money to?

    “This same APC Chairman collected a whopping 50 million naira for his official car and as I write this, Eba has pocketed the money meant for the official cars of other State Executive Council members. Many of them walk or take public transport to the office which is quite embarrassing for Exco officials of the ruling Party.

    “This odious state of affairs makes the Party stinks and it breeds dissatisfaction, despondency and rebellion by the officials and members.

    “It is clear that Eba is ruining our Party before our very eyes because of avarice, rapacious personal aggrandisement and should therefore be brought to book immediately.

    “We in Northern Cross River Reconciliation Movement insist that Eba should immediately account for these huge sums of money in his possession and tender an APOLOGY to stakeholders and members for destroying our great party and then RESIGN.

    “We call on stakeholders to demand the immediate RESIGNATION of Mr Alphonsus Eba or be forced out before he inflicts incalculable damage on the fortune of our dear party.”

    Reacting to the allegation, the state chapter of the Party in a release signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang JP, said that the chairman did not embezzle any fund as no money of the Party was missing.

    According to him, “The question is, can the state chairman unilaterally in an Exco of 38 members collect almost 200 million as alleged and squander same without any outcry from the Exco?

    “Interestingly however, the State Executive Committee has spent in excess of 200 million to carter for official car support to over 21 Exco members / the welfare of Executive and non Executive members.

    “The State Working Committee is responsible for the day to day administration of the party, therefore every fund authorized by the state Chairman is appropriated, approved and ratified by the State Executive Committee in tandem with the provisions of the party’s constitution.”

  • Technology can secure Nigeria’s future, women engineers advise leaders

    Technology can secure Nigeria’s future, women engineers advise leaders

    By Christian Njoku

    Women engineers under the auspices of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has advised leaders that only science and technology could secure the future of Nigeria.

    This was disclosed by Dr. Adebisi Osim, Pres. of APWEN on Saturday in Calabar  while commemorating the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, with the theme: “women and girls in science leadership, a new era for sustainability.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day for Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on Feb. 11 to empower women and girls in the scientific community and promote gender equality.

    NAN also reports that the association organised a science competition for girls in nine secondary schools in Calabar which was won by the girls from Government Technical College, Mayne Avenue, Calabar.

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    Osim said the nation needed to acknowledge the crucial role played by women and girls in the scientific community and the immense impact they can have on creating a sustainable future.

    According to the president, “science and engineering have the power to transform societies, drive innovation and address some of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria and the world at large.

    “It is our collective responsibility to encourage and support the participation of women and girls in these fields, fostering an environment where they can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives,” she said.

    She encouraged the students to dream big and believe in their capabilities, noting that science and engineering were not just fields for boys but domains where their creativity, intellect and passion could make a lasting impact.

    Similarly, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, Pres. Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) said few days ago, Pres. Bola Tinubu met with governors and other stakeholders to address issues of insecurity, hunger and unemployment, noting that engineering was the way out of these challenges.

    Oguntala who was represented by Mr Ndifon Agbiji a National Executive Member said Nigeria could rise from its present state through a sustainable producing economy powered by science and engineering.

    “We can sustain the productivity of Nigeria in the next four years through the deployment of science, technology and engineering, this would pull the nation from its present state,” she said.

    On her part, Mrs Faith Itam, Chairperson of APWEN in Cross River said they had to involve girls in secondary schools to get them into thinking science and engineering early in their lives.

    While encouraging the girls to follow their dreams against societal and family pressures, Itam said the association aimed at helping to increase the number of girls going into the field of engineering by encouraging and supporting them.

    Miss Promise Offiong a junior secondary student of Government Technical College Mayne Avenue that won the science competition said she was happy for the engagement with APWEN adding that she was going to continue on the path of science and engineering.

    (NAN)

  • Cross River NDDC Rep, Hon Orok Duke, mourns Prince David Ikpeme

    Cross River NDDC Rep, Hon Orok Duke, mourns Prince David Ikpeme

    The Cross River State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Duke, is in a state of grief following the passing of Prince David Ikpeme after a brief illness at the age of 23.

    Expressing his sorrow, Duke lamented, “I feel saddened by this event as his life has been cut short. The last time we met was 20 years ago when he was still a little kid. My coming to meet with him should have been in a celebration and not in death but God knows best.”

    Despite the sober occasion, Duke commended the youth, students, and family for their resilience in coming together to lay Prince David Ikpeme to rest. He acknowledged their strength during this difficult time and offered his support to them as they navigate through their grief.

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    In a commitment to address critical issues facing the community, Duke emphasized his dedication to tackling challenges in education and health. He assured the people, stating, “I am a phone call away from you as there are two areas I don’t joke with. These are health and education, hence I am giving you the assurance of a prompt response.” Duke’s pledge underscores his determination to prioritize the well-being and development of his constituents.

    As the community mourns the loss of Prince Ikpeme, Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Duke remains steadfast in his resolve to serve and support those in need, honoring the memory of the departed while striving for a brighter future for all.

  • Valentine’s Day: Partners for Peace Challenges Governor Otu to Intensify Peace-building Efforts

    Valentine’s Day: Partners for Peace Challenges Governor Otu to Intensify Peace-building Efforts

    Partners for Peace, a prominent advocate for harmony and conflict Management, has sent a open message to the Cross River State Government, urging a more robust approach to peace-building mechanisms in the state.

    In their Valentine’s Day communication, the organization emphasized the role of love and connections in navigating life’s challenges. However, the message takes a pointed turn as Partners for Peace addresses the pressing issue of communal conflicts and the government’s response.

    While acknowledging the People’s First initiative led by Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the network of Peace building Partners contends that commendable efforts must extend beyond basic amenities to address the escalating communal conflicts. The organization calls for a reflection on the over 700 lives and properties worth billions of Naira lost in the state due to these crises within the last one year.

    Expressing concern about the immediate attention required, especially with the approaching farming season, the Statement signed by its State Coordinator, Ukorebi Esien stressed on the need for a proactive and comprehensive peace-building strategy. The organization contends that such an approach is not only crucial for the well-being and security of citizens but is also indispensable for the sustainable development and prosperity of Cross River State.

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    In a sincere plea, Partners for Peace calls on the government to collaborate in prioritizing and investing in peace-building initiatives. The organization urges a united front to create an environment where every citizen feels secure, valued, and included.

    This Valentine’s Day serves as a poignant reminder for both citizens and the government of the importance of compassion, empathy, and unity in the pursuit of lasting peace. Partners for Peace encourages continued support and hopes for a collective effort in building a harmonious and secure future for Cross River State.

  • Nigeria needs to revert to proper, honest federalism – Archbishop Adeleye

    Nigeria needs to revert to proper, honest federalism – Archbishop Adeleye

    By Christian Njoku

    Retired Archbishop Tunde Adeleye, Former Archbishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta has asserted that Nigeria needed to revert to correct, proper and honest federalism, if it must experience change.

    Adeleye disclosed this on Tuesday during the second edition of Birthday Colloquium in his honour in Calabar with the theme “recovering Nigeria through transformational leadership.”

    The former bishop of Calabar diocese of the Anglican Communion said the present type of federalism practiced in Nigeria where one person was governing 250 million people from Abuja would not work.

    According to him, we need to ensure that the nation is properly divided into component units that are virile and functional.

    Read Also: Economic hardship arousing negative, positive creativity in Nigerian students – UNICAL Undergraduate

    “There is no reason why somebody should be in Abuja and tell somebody in Calabar when to go on holiday, the system of education to run or when the police is to function or not.

    “We can’t continue like this and expect transformational leadership; it really has nothing to do with age because even today many people being tried are younger people in politics like their older counterparts.

    “Unless and until we begin to practice a proper federalism where for example Cross River has its own police, school system suitable for its environment, we will be wasting our time aiming for transformational leadership,” he said.

    Speaking further, Adeleye said if the nation wants to create leaders that were properly transformed, then, it had to root them in their places of origin so that they could transform their areas.

    He added that bringing someone from the north to transform oil in the east would be difficult because he is not used to it and vice versa.

  • Economic hardship arousing negative, positive creativity in Nigerian students – UNICAL Undergraduate

    Economic hardship arousing negative, positive creativity in Nigerian students – UNICAL Undergraduate

    By Christian Njoku

    Mr Stanislaus Michael, a third year student of Microbiology in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has disclosed that the present economic hardship in the nation was making students creative both positively and negatively.

    Michael made the assertion in an interview with Paradise News on Tuesday in Calabar while reacting to the economic challenges many students of the institution were going through.

    Paradise News reports that in the last few weeks there have been protests in some states in the nation over the prevailing economic hardship and high cost of foodstuffs and most of the Federal Civil Servant we’re yet to receive their salaries for January.

    The 300 level undergraduate said students were going through difficulties as things such as consumables they used to buy for N100 or N200 had doubled in price to about N400.

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    According to him, cooking has also been made difficult because the prices of gas and kerosene are beyond the reach of average students who can’t afford to buy a kilogram of gas for N1,300.

    He said to survive on campus, many students like himself now take up multiple jobs, as money was no longer forthcoming from parents as it used to, while others look for other means.

    “Today is Monday and about 30 per cent of the girls in the hostels will be coming back from their journeys that they refer to as hustle.

    “Some travel as far as Abuja, Lagos, Kano to meet different clients and their parents are not aware, they only tell their close friends.

    “Come to the hostel on Friday evening, you will see a lot of ladies with their luggages leaving the hostels, some travel very far to return on Monday,” he said.

    He also noted that the present situation had increased extortion in the institution because many offices now extort between M500 and N1,000 from students to rectify student issues even though they receive salaries for these jobs.

    He added that formerly when he called his parents for money, he used to get his response in hours but in the current situation, it take his parents, sometimes a month before they listen to him.

    Similarly, Miss Gladys Amadi a final year students of Medical Laboratory Science (MedLab) said things had been difficult for her with the recent increase in school fees, other payments in school and the harsh economic reality.

    “My parents try their best when they can and I have received assistance from some really kind persons.

    “Also, by God’s mercies I started a little business of producing peanut in school which is helping to offset some of the bills but I must confess, things are really hard,” she maintained.

  • BFN, CSED hold badminton outreach training in Ogoja

    By Our Reporter

    The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Education and the UNHCR Ogoja Zonal Office recently (8th and 9th February 2024) organised a two-day badminton outreach training for Physical and Health Education Teachers from 16 secondary schools.

    18 P.E. Teachers were joined by 52 secondary school students, as well as nineteen students/volunteer trainees from the Cameroonian refugee community that reside in Ogoja Local Government Area.

    This training event which was held at the premises of St. Catherine College, Igoli, Ogoja is aimed at taking the game of badminton to hard-to-reach and underserved members of the community.

    The event was powered by the Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative, as part of their two-year grassroots badminton development agreement with the BFN.

    The attendees at the training event were taught the basics and practical aspects of the game of badminton by Godswill Ifejika; who is a trained “Shuttle Time” instructor, as well as a Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) accredited umpire, and he was supported by Nwachukwu Igwe and Obianuju Eneh.

    The BFN which is one of the most active sporting Federation that promotes grassroots sports development in Nigeria, decided to organise this particular event in order to use sport in promoting community integration and peaceful co-existence between the Cameroonian refugees in Adagom, and members of the Ogoja community.

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    At the end of the training event, basic badminton training equipment (rackets, shuttlecocks and nets) were freely distributed to the representatives of the secondary schools, as well as representatives of the three Cameroonian refugee camps that are located in the Ogoja local government area.

    During an interview, a representative of the Cameroonian community in Ogoja, Ako Allan Agbor, thanked the event organisers, as he stated that taking part in sports helps to alleviate the trauma of the refugees and will provide them with the opportunity to take part in an organised pro-social activity like badminton.

    However, Ako Allan Agbor re-echoed the yearnings of the other attendees for government agencies and NGOs to take capacity-building programmes to marginalised groups and residents of rural areas in Nigeria.

    A representative of the Cross River State Ministry of Education, Mr Francis Odey urged the P.E. Teachers, the students and members of the Cameroonian community to strive to put into good use the training that they have received from the BFN trainers.