Tag: Cross River State

By Christian Njoku

The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Wilder Institute has donated equipment worth N8 million for the conservation of Cross River’s endangered gorillas.

According to the foundation, it is part of it’s efforts in contributing to the protection of threatened species in the nation such as the Cross River gorillas found in wildlife sanctuaries in the state.

In a release signed by the Head of Communication Mr Oladapo Soneye on Friday, he said the donation was to boost ongoing research project on the conservation of the gorillas in partnership with other organisations.

Soneye said the donation was made to some of the partners of NCF which included, Cross River National Park, Cross River Forestry Commission and the University of Calabar, (UniCal).

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“The equipment which will aid researches include digital cameras, desktop computers, laptops, projector and projector screen, video conferencing gadget, 65-inch flat screen Hi-sense TV, professional Video Conference Cameras.

“Others are MC3000 USB HD PTZ auto rotate tracking voice camera, built-in 4 digital microphone array and 10 meters voice pickup,  2.2million pixels, 1/2.8 HD color CMOS sensor, 1920*1080HD display, walkie-talkie, still cameras for GPS handsets and drones.

“The television and computer equipment will support video conferencing for  meetings at the University of Calabar while the, camera traps, drones and other equipment are for the student research projects,” he said.

Speaking further, he noted that the Cross River Gorilla Initiative commenced in 2022 and has awarded scholarship to two masters and a doctorate student all in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management in UniCal.

He said the students have resumed their three months internship programme with NCF to gain practical experience in the use of field equipment, conduct field surveys and familiarize themselves with project communities.

According to him, the students will also understand the role of gender in forest resource management with reference to gorilla conservation.

Similarly, Mr Emmanuel Owan, Head, Calabar Office of NCF said to achieve the project goals, a two day training on gender and conservation was held recently in the University of Calabar.

Owan stated that the essence was to give participants a robust understanding Of the importance of gender in the conservation of Cross River gorillas and it’s applicability in field research.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Cross River gorilla is a critically endangered subspecies of the western gorilla and live in small areas of highland forest that span the border of Nigeria and Cameroon.

It is estimated that there are at most 300 Cross River gorillas left in the wild as a result of threats associated with habitat loss and hunting.

(NAN)

By Itam Offor

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N296, 985,631,978.01 into law.

The State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu had on October 26, 2024 presented the budget  estimates of 250,564,235,077.05 christened, “The People’s First Budget” to the Assembly for consideration and passage.

The passage of the bill followed,  amongst other things, the presentation of the report of the  Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Hon Cyril Omini (Yakurr 1).

Omini commended Governor Otu for his adherence to the provision of the State Public Finance Management Law which provides that the Governor shall not later than the last working day in  the month of October of each year, cause to be prepared and laid before the Assembly, the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure of the State for the new financial year.

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Earlier, the Committee had an interface with various Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the defence of their  various budget estimates before presenting it’s report to the House.

Announcing the passage, the Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed appreciation to the  members of the Finance and Appropriation Committee  as well as other Lawmakers for their commitment and dedication towards the expeditious passage of the budget.

Sectoral Allocation of the 2024 budget is as follows; Economic, 104,986,870,898.59, General Administration,95,815,641,732.59, Social, 86,973,489,533.02 while  Justice and Regional sectors were allocated 7,947,139,687.33 and 1,262,390,126.53 respectively.

Embracing the festive spirit of the yuletide season, Prince Charles Ekanem, a former aide to Senator Prof Ben Ayade, the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, demonstrated generosity on December 21st, 2023. In a heartwarming gesture, he distributed bags of rice accompanied by cash to the party stakeholders within Ward 5 of Calabar Municipality.

During his address, Prince Charles Ekanem emphasized that his benevolent gesture stemmed from a genuine desire to share what he has with the ward party members, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support in voting APC 5/5 in the last general election. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the Ward Leaders, Party Executives, and stakeholders, acknowledging their steadfastness and belief in the All Progressives Congress.

Prince Charles also highlighted the unexpected support from Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the representative of Cross River South Senatorial District. Senator Ekpenyong, unaware of Prince Charles’s planned outreach, generously donated 25 bags of rice, showcasing a spirit of benevolence that further amplified the impact of the community initiative.

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Expressing gratitude, Mr. Alex Essien, the Ward Chairman,  thanked Charles Ekanem for his generous outreach, noting that he was the first in the ward to extend such gestures since the general election. Notably, Mr. Essien emphasized the sincerity of Prince Charles’s actions, highlighting that this act of kindness occurred despite him not holding a major appointment in the state. He concluded by offering heartfelt prayers for God to replenish Prince Charles Ekanem’s pockets.

The act of benevolence not only reflects Prince Charles Ekanem’s commitment to community engagement but also underscores the importance of solidarity and shared joy during the holiday season. His outreach to the party members exemplifies a thoughtful contribution to the well-being of the community, fostering a sense of togetherness as they celebrate the festive occasion.

…Says There Is Ability In Disability, Promised Them Monthly Stipends

Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member Representing Boki II State Constituency, Rt Hon Hilary Bisong JP, has said that creativity and capability has no restriction, irrespective of physical disabilities.

The Boki-born philanthropist stated this during a chit-chat and distribution of food items to Persons Living With Disabilities in his Constituency, marking the Christmas celebration.

Describing disability as “No fault of the individual”, says no man has limitations to greatness. The MP also noted that humans have different creative abilities, which if put to positive use, can become successful, without recourse to physical deformities.

“Disability is a thing of the mind. Every human being has the capability to be creative, and this goes beyond physical appearances. There is no limitation to success, neither the wheel chair nor visual impairment can stop a determined mind”.

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He expressed confidence in the exploits of persons living with disabilities who according to him, have demonstrated self-reliance and have carved a niche for themselves by their sheer creative ability.

He further pledged continued support to them, while also calling on well-meaning individuals to show them support and not discrimination.

He presented them with items such as; Bags of Rice, Spaghetti, Bags of Beans Bathing soaps, Detergent, gallons of Vegetable Oil and Cash support. He also promised to a monthly stipend for them.