Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • Gov Otu Donates WiFi Broadband Router Facility To NUJ

    Gov Otu Donates WiFi Broadband Router Facility To NUJ

    By Solomon Azu

    Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu has donated a 60-capacity WiFi Broadband Router facility to the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to facilitate the performance of their journalistic work.

    Presenting the facility on behalf of the governor to the state chairman of the union at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, the deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Edem Darlington said it was in appreciation of the cordial relationship and media support enjoyed by the state government since the inception of his administration.

    The governor thanked the leadership of the NUJ and journalists in the state for effective coverage and reportage of government activities, especially during the 2023 State Christmas festivities leading up to the just concluded 2023 Carnival Calabar.

    Otu who said he was not unmindful of the difficulty and challenges journalists in the state face in the performance of their duties, however pledged his continued support for the NUJ and its members to enable them do better, especially during this Season of Sweetness.

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    Receiving the item, the state chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Nsa Gill, thanked the governor for all the support given to the NUJ in the state and his thoughtfulness in donating the facility which he described as very vital to the performance of their duties.

    He lauded the governor for his developmental strides in just seven months of his administration in the area of road rehabilitation, infrastructural development, agriculture, health, education, human capital development, employment and poverty alleviation which he noted has completely changed the narratives of the state.

    The NUJ chairman who noted that  journalists in the state were going through difficult time in the performance of their constitutional duties due to lack of basic facilities and motivation, appealed for more government support to ease their job.

    The chairman however pledged the continued cooperation and support for the government in the area of information dissemination and education of the people on all government programmes and activities.

  • Cross River Govt Carries Out Digital Mapping Of Soil Across The State

    Cross River Govt Carries Out Digital Mapping Of Soil Across The State

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Cross River government has begun the digital mapping of soil across the state in order to determine their suitability for the cultivation of different types of agricultural crops.

    This was made known on Thursday by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary (DCPS) to the governor, Mr Edem Darlington, during an interactive session with some online news platforms in Calabar.

    According to the DCPS, “the government has sent agricultural professionals to various communities across the 18 local government areas of the state to do digital mapping. They will pick the soil sample and take it to the laboratory for testing. Then they will determine the soil fertility and the type of crop that will thrive on the soil.”

    The initiative, he stated, would make it much easier for investors coming into the state to invest in the agricultural sector to have knowledge of the soil type and the best crop to grow, thus eliminating trial and error in the process.

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    “The governor has decided to simplify the whole process and make it short for investors. As you come, you already know the type of soil in the various communities, it’s for you to choose what you want to cultivate. Wherever you are you can actually access the map and then decide what you are coming to plant,” he said.

    Darlington also said the governor is revamping social infrastructure in Cross River, beginning with Calabar, the capital city. He added that the governor has equally stemmed the tide of insecurity by putting service chiefs in the state on their toes.

    The DCPS, who was flanked by the SA to the governor on New Media, Mr Andrea Ekeng Inyang and the SA to the governor on Communications, Mr Nathan Otaba, appealed to the online media to publicize what the government is doing, stating that governor Bassey Otu-led administration places premium on the media, hence they should be partners in the development of the state.

  • Two Brilliant Students Bag Hope Waddel’s Alumni Scholarship

    Two Brilliant Students Bag Hope Waddel’s Alumni Scholarship

    By Anthony Uwadiegwu

    Hope Waddell Old Boys Association  (HWOSA) class of 1992 have awarded scholarships to two best overall students of the school in Junior and Senior Secondary categories for 2023/24 session.

    The scholarship endowment fund according to the association, was their way of promoting excellence and hard work while encouraging students to become more disciplined and focused on thier studies.

    Speaking shortly after the presentation of cheques to the two beneficiaries, Fabian Okon for JSS and Opla Effiom for SSS at the Institution’s Chapel on Thursday, the coordinator of Class class of 92, Dr Itojong Ayamba  explained that it was high time young minds were reorientated from believing that the key to success was by connections, and not hard work.

    Dr Ayamba said there was need to rejig the culture of hard work among young people, especially now that the get rich quick syndrome was taking over the space.

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    “A lot of young people no longer believe that hard work pays, they think it is all about connection, they forget that connection might get you to where you want but hard work is what keeps you there, hence the need to study hard and becoming exceptionally good at what you do.

    “What you study or read will always be with you, you can only transfer it by teaching others, nobody can take what you have learnt away from you.

    “We want to use the scholarship Endowment Fund to encourage these young ones to do better and become better version of themselves so that they can be fit to contribute to the growth and development of the country.”

    On his part, the deputy coordinator of ’92 class, Mr Essessien Inyang who said that the association has been doing a lot for the development of the school, said they thought it wise to extend the gesture to the students themselves by initiating the scholarship scheme all in a bid to promote excellence.

    According to him, before now, they had embarked on various projects; including renovation of principals office and so on, but decided to reach out to the students this time.

    The Principal of the Institution, Mr Okon Ita, said it was a thing of joy to see old students return home and make impact on their alma mater, adding that it gives him hope that the future is bright.

    He lauded the association for their magnanimity while encouraging others, both at home and in the diaspora, to emulate the kind gesture by Class of ’92.

    “I am delighted by this goodwill, it’s a thing of joy to see your old students coming back to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the school, I’m very proud and happy.

    “We have them all over the country and the rest of the world, their visit shows they are doing very well wherever they are, because it is only a child that is doing well that can remember home,” he said.

    One of the beneficiaries and overall best student of Junior Secondary School category, 11-year-old Fabian Okon, said the scholarship is a boost for him and added that it will encourage him to study more.

    “I won’t let my guard down, I will study harder and better to achieve excellence in every session, I know that this scholarship is a huge relief for my parents this session, so I’m very happy for the gesture by the association,” he said.

  • 243 Cross River farmers receive FG’s agricultural inputs, feeds

    243 Cross River farmers receive FG’s agricultural inputs, feeds

    By Christian Njoku

    243 farmers in Cross River have received  Federal Government’s agricultural inputs and feeds in the ongoing National Poverty Reduction programme with Growth Strategy  (NPRGS).

    The farmers who were from different value chains in the state were first verified and validated to ensure that those receiving the items were the real farmers who needed the items donated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was a partnership among  the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

    Others include the Agriculture Development Programme, (ADP) and the government of Cross River.

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    Declaring the event open on Thursday in Calabar, Cross River’s Commissioner for Agriculture Mr Johnson Ebokpo said the event showed the love the government had for the small holder farmers in the state.

    Ebokpo said although the inputs would be distributed to the farmers free of charge, it was the responsibility of the farmers to make judicious use of the inputs.

    According to him, “we have done a data capture of all the farmers and it would not end with the ongoing distribution, the state government would continue to use this data to reach out to the farmers.

    “We understand the plight of the farmers in the state, while we urge them to be patient, we assure them that in the next two months the state’s policy on maize cassava, rice and fish would be seen,” he said.

    On his part, Mr Temitope Fadeshemi, Permanent Secretary in the FMAFS said the initiative was a training and empowerment programme of the NPRGS.

    Represented by Mrs Offiong Ina-Ibor, Cross River State Coordinator of FMAFS, Fadeshemi said the Federal Government was making conscious effort to reduce the state of poverty across the nation.

    He maintained that the NPRGS marks a significant milestone in the  collective commitment to uplifting the lives of the smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

    “To the participating farmers, I say this: your role is paramount in shaping the trajectory of our nation’s agricultural success.

    “As you undergo this training and empowerment journey, absorb the knowledge, hone your skills, and apply the insights gained to elevate your farms and communities,” he said.

    Similarly, Mr Etim Bassey, Programme Manager of the Agriculture Development Programme in Cross River said the idea of the programme was to fight poverty in the nation.

    He urged the farmers who would be receiving the items not to sell them but use them judiciously to ensure the growth of the agricultural sector in the state and nation at large.

    NAN reports that the crop farmers received 175 sprayers; 175 organic fertilizer, one Litre bottles; 350 bottles of glyphosate; 65 bags of maize seed; 71 bags of rice seed; 13 cans of tomato seeds; 13 satchet of pepper seed and 13 tins of okra seed.

    While the poultry farmer would receive 25 day chicks each and 40 bags of feed; the fish farmers would receive 28 bags of fish feed.

    (NAN)

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong leads tens of thousands of Efik, Efut, Abakpa people to Celebrate Nkotmbok Cultural Heritage in Calabar

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong leads tens of thousands of Efik, Efut, Abakpa people to Celebrate Nkotmbok Cultural Heritage in Calabar

    Tens of thousands of indigenous people of the three major language groups in Calabar Metropolis thronged the street of Calabar led by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Efik, Efut and Abakpa ethnic groups.

    This annual gathering, known as “Nkotmbok,” marks the unity of Efik, Efut, and Abakpa sons and daughters, becoming a tradition observed at the onset of each new year in Calabar.

    The 2024 celebration, hosted by the Efut Kingdom, featured a grand procession spanning from Abasi Obori to various key points, including Mayne Avenue, Goldie, Eta Agbor, Mary Slessor, Marian, IBB, Calabar Road, Nelson Mandela, and concluding at Abasi Obori Street. The event not only showcased the rich heritage but also fostered a sense of togetherness among the diverse communities.

    The Nkotmbok celebration served as a vibrant tapestry of cultural pride, with traditional Ekpe Masquerade, dances, singing, and colorful attire weaving through the streets of Calabar.

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    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s support and presence underscored the importance of preserving and cherishing the unique identity of the Efik, Efut, and Abakpa ethnic groups.

    Beyond the festivities, the event also provided a platform for fostering community bonds and promoting cultural exchange. As the procession traversed the historic landmarks of Calabar, it not only celebrated the past but also envisioned a future where the unity and diversity of these communities continue to flourish.

    The Nkotmbok tradition stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of these ethnic groups, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage in shaping the collective identity of the people.

  • Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Pro-Health International Take Free Medical Outreach To 2,811 People In Obubra

    Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Pro-Health International Take Free Medical Outreach To 2,811 People In Obubra

    A total of 2,811 patients have benefited from the recently concluded Free Medical Outreach programme by Jennifer Etuh (JEF) in collaboration with Pro-Health International in Obubra LGA of Cross River State.

    A statement by the Program Manager, Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Mr Joseph Otu, which was made available to some newsmen in Calabar, said the outreach programme commenced between 25th-30th January, 2024 as the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon, Obubra was commissioned on January 26, 2024 by the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk.

    In a bid to enhance healthcare across the state and its neighbouring environment, the outreach played host to a dedicated team of skilled medical professionals on-site to offer an array of services which included: Medical consultations General and specialized surgeries, Ophthalmology, Dental care, Free Medications, Health promotion, Obstetrics and Gynecology, General medical services and Laboratory services.

    Breakdown of final Statistics from the programme as confirmed by the Board Chairman the Foundation, Mr. Thomas Etuh, showed that General Surgeries were carried out in 91 patients, Eye Surgery – 100, Eye Care patients seen – 681, Eye glasses given-414, Laboratory test done-1,432, Laboratory patients screened-566, Pharmacy patients seen -1,137, Dental patients seen – 224, Dental Procedures- 605, Health Promotion-148 and
    Consulting patients seen – 1,567. Thus a grand total of patients seen stood at 2,811.

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    Etuh said since inception, “JEF has intervened in the education and empowerment of women and girls from different walks of life with support ranging from educational fees, full scholarship, menstrual hygiene kits, palliative, relief materials to internally displaced victims of insecurity, Vocational skills training , training on Improved agricultural practices for women farmers and educational starter packs starter packs for children”.

    The vision of the JEF encompasses a multifaceted approach to creating a society where underprivileged women and girls have access to quality education, healthcare, and skill acquisition programmes.

    He said, “we are contributing our bit towards a Nigeria where no female is hindered from realizing her full potential due to financial constraints or limited resources and opportunities.

    The Foundation started in
    January 2021 and has so far built five hospitals and they are: Jennifer Etuh Medical Center, Jennifer Etuh Medical Center (JEMC), Tula, Gombe State and the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon in Obubura LGA Cross River State.

    The hospitals established by JEF are being managed by different institutions with a credible track record of hospital management.

    The Jennifer Etuh Specialist Hospital in Kagoro is managed by Bingham University. Jennier Etuh Medical Center in Kogi by Catholic Diocese of Idah, Jennifer Etuh Medical Center – Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Tula, Gombe State is being managed by the foundation

    The latest which is the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon in Obubura LGA, Cross River is being managed by Pro Health International led by Dr. Iko Ibanga.

    The Foundation recognizes the importance of maintaining effective follow-up, monitoring, and learning processes and to achieve this, Etuh said, “the foundation has implemented a strategy of employing community-based field officers who serve as the primary point of contact between the hospital management and the foundation. These officers play a crucial role in reporting activities and deliverables to the foundation’s office, establishing a seamless flow of information.

    “This proactive approach enables ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the foundation. By collecting and analyzing relevant data, the foundation can make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the operations and progress of the hospitals. This valuable information helps identify areas of improvement, recognize successful practices, and make necessary adjustments to enhance the overall quality of healthcare services provided”.

    In addition to the field officers, he said “the Jennifer Etuh Foundation maintains an active role in overseeing and supporting the management of these hospitals. This commitment ensures that the hospitals consistently deliver high-quality healthcare services to the communities they serve. By actively participating in the management process, the foundation can provide guidance, resources, and support to address any challenges that may arise.

    “Through this collaborative approach, the foundation fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in the healthcare sector. By leveraging ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and learning, the Jennifer Etuh Foundation strives to create sustainable positive impact and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the communities it serves”.

    JEF was officially launched  on February 16, 2021 in memory of the late Mrs. Jennifer Rematu Etuh who lived an exemplary humanitarian life. She was passionate about supporting the needy, creating opportunities to uplift disadvantaged women and girls she came in contact with by giving them educational and vocational support and other access to other economic empowerment opportunities.

    During her last moments she gave explicit instructions on the vision of the Foundation, it’s intervention and the sitting of six hospitals across the six geopolitical zones.

    Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Ochon in Obubra LGA is the fiith in a series of full-service hospitals to be built by Mr. Thomas Etuh and Jennifer Etuh Foundation in memory of his late wife, Mrs Jennifer Ramatu Etuh, who was called to glory on 26th January 2020.

  • Drone technology is enhancing vaccination in Cross River rural communities – Health Practitioner

    Drone technology is enhancing vaccination in Cross River rural communities – Health Practitioner

    By Kelvin Obambon 

    Mr Augustine Okutu, the Community Health Officer  in Ijiraga Community Primary Healthcare Centre, Yala Local Government Area has disclosed that the use of drone technology was bridging vaccination gap in rural Cross River.

    Okutu stated this on Monday during a visit by journalists to the facility to ascertain the effectiveness of the use of drones powered by Zipline to enhance provision of vaccines, drugs and other medical consumables in rural areas.

    Zipline is one of the world’s largest autonomous delivery system, specializing in on-demand drone delivery. It partnered with the government of Cross River with its facility in Nduk in Ogoja LGA to support the government in delivering on its mandate of providing access to healthcare to rural dwellers.

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    According to the community health officer, the drone system has helped them to reduce their preaching of the importance of vaccination and immunisation in rural areas.

    “The dramatic way in which the drones drop the vaccines from the sky is a source of advert for us; the people believe the vaccines and drugs dropping from the sky are more sophisticated.

    “Now, there is an increased demand for immunisation and vaccination with the vaccines that dropped from the drones and not the ones from our cold chain stores.

    Speaking further, Okutu said the drone technology has saved them the cost of moving out of the health facility to look for drugs and other medical needs.

    He said the people believe that the items  delivered by the drones were from trusted sources noting that the acquisition of fake or expired drugs was eliminated.

    Similarly, Mr Raphael Obok, Focal Person for the Primary Healthcare Centre in Nfuma, Yala LGA said the response for vaccination has increased as people now come on their own to be vaccinated.

    “We no longer travel to get or store drugs and vaccines but from the comfort of our facility we just call or text Zipline and in a matter of minutes, we get what we need through a drone delivery.

    “The drone technology has come as a fulfillment of all the parameters of primary healthcare which include, affordability, availability and accessibility,” he said.

    Earlier, in an interview with Dr. Henry Ayuk, Cross River’s Commissioner for Health, he said what Zipline was doing in the state was commendable and a fulcrum of healthcare delivery.

    He added that the state was consolidating plans to ensure that there was another Zipline facility in Akamkpa, Local Government Area that would service the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

  • C’River NDDC Rep congratulates Emil Inyang for winning Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency rerun

    C’River NDDC Rep congratulates Emil Inyang for winning Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency rerun

    Dear Hon. Dr. Emil Inyang,

    I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your resounding success in the recently concluded rerun election for the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency.

    Your victory, with an increased margin of over 1200 votes, is a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of the people of Biase/Akamkpa Federal Constituency. I commend your commitment to public service and the democratic process.

    I believe that your leadership will bring positive changes and development to the constituency. May you continue to serve with integrity, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility. Your success not only reflects your capabilities but also underscores the trust and confidence the electorate has placed in you.

    As you embark on this new chapter of your political journey, I wish you every success and fulfillment in representing the interests of the people. May your tenure be marked by progress, unity, and prosperity for the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency.

    Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved victory.

    Sincerely,

    Otuekong (Rt. Hon.) Orok Duke
    Commissioner Representing Cross River, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),
    5th February 2024.

  • Inspired by Erigga Paperboi, Illbliss Oga Boss, M.I Abaga, Phyno and Vector tha Viper, I.Z DSG style of music shows he learned from the Best

    Inspired by Erigga Paperboi, Illbliss Oga Boss, M.I Abaga, Phyno and Vector tha Viper, I.Z DSG style of music shows he learned from the Best

     

    Ndiodimma Thaddeaus Izuchukwu, born in Cross River State and originally from Anambra State, professionally known as “I.Z. DSG” is a Lagos based conscious rapper, singer and songwriter who is redefining the HIP HOP Culture in his own way with deep and thoughtful lyrics that makes him stand out amongst others.

    I.Z DSG was born in 1996 to a family of 6; he’s the 5th child and third son of his parents. He is a business minded artist, in his words “music is my first love and I’m passionate about making and putting out music, but that doesn’t stop me from investing in other things and becoming successful in them.”

    Inspired by Erigga Paperboi, Illbliss Oga Boss, M.I Abaga, Phyno and Vector tha Viper, I.Z DSG’s thoughtfulness in his lyrics clearly shows he’s learned from the best as has in several occasions, been applauded as one of the best lyricist in the industry. He has received several awards as Best Rapper in his department and faculty in the University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (Warri) which further says so much about his personality as he was also a ‘brain box’ in school.

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    I.Z DSG had always loved singing since he was a child but started making music professionally from 2017.

    Since then, he has put out a lot of singles including; ‘Show you’ ft. Teddy Banty, ‘Do am 4me’ ft. Young Shall Gro and ‘Help’ ft Tushi Gucci. 2022 was a special year for him as he rebranded and tapped into the mainstream and debuted with ‘No Comparison’; a lead single from his first-ever Body of work titled “De Sharp Guy Ep.”

    ‘No Comparison’ was specially highlighted by Albumtalks and Wetalksound as a hit single that will introduce I.Z DSG to new listening audiences. This was true as the 2022 hit single had an official video produced by Kenny J visuals and debuted on ‘Best of Spanking New’ on MTV Base. The EP was later released the same year with other notable hit songs like ‘Your Body’, ‘Peace of mind’ ft Dj Olodo and ‘Salvin and Hustle’.

    In 2023, I.Z DSG went even deeper with a very thoughtful low tempo hit single titled “Lifestyle” which narrated a story of a lady whose behavior and character were self destructive. I.Z DSG showed his artistry in this song and is considered by his fans as an everlasting piece and the message he passed will outlive him.

    2024 is here and I.Z DSG has teamed up with ‘Killerbwoy’ to anticipate one of the biggest drill songs in view titled “Make Bread.” I.Z DSG, for the first time professionally, has jumped on a drill song which he still made sure there’s a message for his listeners and new audience.

    It’s already a big year for this amazing artist as he believes “Make Bread” will take his brand to a whole new horizon.

     

  • Journalist hit by reckless driver in Calabar needs help

    Journalist hit by reckless driver in Calabar needs help

    By Frank Ulom

    Mr Peter Okon, a senior journalist working with the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, CRBC, is in real need of help after he was run over by a reckless driver in Calabar.

    Okon was jogging with his wife in the morning hours of Saturday, 20 January 2024, when the driver, talking on his phone and holding hands with a woman in the passenger seat, hit him.

    On the verge of trying to save his wife from the reckless driver, Okon ended up being badly hit as his two legs were crushed by the vehicle.

    He was later taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH Male Orthopaedic Ward, where he is currently on admission.

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    The incident happened near Calabar-Calabar, along the Murtala Mohammed Highway.

    Narrating the incident on his hospital bed, Okon who is a News Director at CRBC, said: “As my wife and I were about to jog back to our home in the nearby Federal Housing Estate, Calabar, after the usual weekly exercise, here comes a car veering off the roundabout towards us with speed.

    “Sensing danger, I was able to push off my wife who then fell into the gutter with degrees of injuries.

    “It was now too late for me to jump away and help myself. As a result, the reckless driver who was steering the wheel with one hand answering a call whilst a woman held his hand, hit me, crushing my two legs.

    “My wife told me that the only person that came to her head was the Chairman of NUJ (Cross River State Council), Comrade Gill Nsa-Abasi whom she called to evacuate me to UCTH.”

    Okon further said he has spent a lot on tests, major surgery, bed space, medical consumables, and lots more.

    He said the doctors told him they would carry out a plastic surgery on one of the legs that was badly affected.

    Comrade Nsa-Abasi, the State NUJ Chairman has appealed to fellow journalists and the general public to assist Okon and his family at this trying time.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the young man who drove the car did not run away.

    To help Mr Okon, you can visit the Male Orthopaedic Ward at the UTCH, Calabar, Cross River State.

    You can also reach him via his phone number: +2348037929718.