Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • 2023 Carnival Calabar: C’River Ready To Host Tourism World – Gov Otu

    2023 Carnival Calabar: C’River Ready To Host Tourism World – Gov Otu

    Governor Bassey Otu has stated that Cross River State is ready to host the tourism world at this year’s Carnival Calabar International Festival.

    Otu, who made the assertion, Sunday, while flagging-off the third carnival dry run at the Millennium Park in Calabar, said the State has concluded preparations for the 2023 edition of the carnival as seen from the massive dry runs.

    He posited that the booking of all hotels in Calabar was an indication that tourists and fun seekers are ready for an adventure of a lifetime at Africa’s biggest street party.

    The Governor welcomed tourists and visitors across the world to the 2023 Carnival, pointing out that their time in the State will avail them the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of Calabar as the real tourism destination in Nigeria.

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    Otu averred that the theme of this year’s carnival, “Season of Sweetness,” vividly captures all other themes of the celebration from inception.

    Speaking on the choice of the theme, the Governor said, “after a tough season comes a period where people will smile, and this represents that season.

    “This particular theme came as a result of almost all the other themes which captures the carnival from inception.

    “After COVID-19, there was a total breakdown and people were so disillusioned.

    “After that, the Carnival has been trying to pick up and never really picked up.

    “Whether people like it it not, after a season of very tough situation, hunger and other things there will actually come a season where people are going to smile and fortunately this is that season and people are going to smile”, the Governor said.

    The third dry run which signalled the end of preparations for the carnival celebrations, was graced by a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, members of the State Executive Council, among other dignitaries.

  • CPS: We want to exit to where AIGs, IGs exited to, Police Retirees tackle Egbetokun

    CPS: We want to exit to where AIGs, IGs exited to, Police Retirees tackle Egbetokun

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Retirees of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have told the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that they wish to leave the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) operated by the National Pension Commission to the want use by Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and Inspectors General (IGs).

    The Retirees made this know while responding to a statement reportedly credited to Egbetokun in which he alluded that the economy of the country was affecting the retirement benefits of Police Officers under the CPS.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary General, Nigeria Police Retirees Under Contributory Pension Scheme, Rtd DSP (Dr) Peter Silas and the Legal Adviser, Rtd (DSP) Elder Ofem Mbang, which was made available to the Paradise News on Saturday, the ex police officers said it was difficult to establish the connection between the retirement benefits of retired police officers under the CPS and the economy, because according to them, the Nigeria Police Force is not a profit making organization.

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    The statement reads;

    “Fellow Most Distinguished Nigerians, we humbly crave your indulgence to present as follows and this is without prejudice. If indeed the publication we read was borne out of IGP Egbetokun’s initiative, then something has gone wrong somewhere.

    “Even if the contrary becomes the case later, we still remain at a loss to understand the inconsistency in tying the retirement benefits of Retired Police Officers under the CPS to the economy of Nigeria without recourse to the macroeconomics indices of fiscal and monetary policies. These indices make up the driving force of every country’s economy and not the retirement benefits of Police Officers under the CPS or otherwise. The NPF is not a profit-making organization involved in any business venture.

    “In the language of macroeconomics, the NPF as a security organization is not oriented towards commercial production for profit making, rather we earn our incomes from the broad based economy of Nigeria. So, ours is a consummate one. Perhaps, the IGP’s inexplicable assumption is that the same economy that is sustaining the Army, DIA, NIA, DSS, NASS staff, Police Generals, a flurry of Permsecs, etc, etc will collapse if the NPF is exited.

    “There’s no nexus between the economy of a country and retirement benefits of Police Officers under the CPS. May we rhetorically ask if the economy will be better served to have all retired Police Officers under the CPS dead having meritoriously served their fatherland for 35 unblemished years? What we perceive to be spectacular in the IGP’s sudden twist in his focus is that he may have irresistibly, for what the eyes couldn’t see caved into the exploitative economic neocolonial practice of the DG PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar.

    “As financially distressed senior citizens under the CPS of the 21st century, it’s given that up to the least rank among us is older than the current IGP. We have come a long way and we don’t see the IGP as having the monopoly of wisdom and intellectual property than any one of us involved in this exit struggle to unilaterally decide on what’s not in our favour. It amounts to an aberration of any logical thinking and reasoning that a so-called pension of Fourteen Thousand (N14,000) Naira and Seventy-Nine Thousand (N79,000) Naira are respectively adequate for a retired Inspector of Police and a Commissioner of Police in that lower and upper levels of CPS retirees. The IGP’s position is at variance with the current economic realities.

    “All the ideas with which the DG PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar and her cohorts were confronted at all levels to a stand-still were generated by our collectivity. Let the IGP make the sudden twist in his focus to suggest including the Police Generals in the CPS arrangement instead, otherwise his position is not acceptable.

    “So, the questionable claim by the IGP regarding whether we know where we are exiting to is baseless. We knew our destination ab initio. That destination is where the retired Police Generals are at the moment and where the IGP will anchor himself effective 03/03/2024 upon retirement. Therefore, there’s absurdity in that publication, whether the IGP is the initiator or not as his name is mentioned. The IGP should come to the open and refute it for a more positive stand or accept that publication by Opera News and convince us on what we see as uncomfortable beyond reasonable doubt. Keeping silent will mean acceptance as what he relayed to the social media. Not minding such inconsiderate publication, there’s no going back and we are more determined now to see the end of what we started when he wasn’t the IGP.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, let’s refresh our memories with 2 of our instruments with which the DG PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar and her cohorts were tackled to a stand-still –

    “THE REACTION OF NIGERIA POLICE FORCE (NPF) RETIREES UNDER THE CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME (CPS) TO THE ASSERTION THAT: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (FG) WILL INCUR ADDITIONAL N2TRN LIABILITIES AS SENATE PASSES POLICE PENSION BOARD BILL AND COPIOUS REFERENCES ALLUDED TO AN UNIMPLEMENTED (OR REJECTED) WHITE PAPER DATED 10/06/2023; and

    “RE: PUBLIC HEARING:22/02/2022: THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE (NPF) HAS REASONS AND THE RIGHT TO EXIT THE CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME (CPS): THE BARE FACTS WITH STATISTICAL EVIDENCE OF PENCOM’S FINANCIAL CRIMES DATED 28/03/2022.”

  • Future of cocoa in Nigeria belongs to Cross River – CFAN President

    Future of cocoa in Nigeria belongs to Cross River – CFAN President

    By Christian Njoku

    Mr Adeola Adegoke, National President of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) has disclosed that the future of the cocoa in Nigeria belonged to Cross River.

    Adegoke made the remark on Friday in Calabar during the inauguration and oath taking ceremony of Cross River’s Executive Committee of CFAN.

    He said although Ondo was presently known to be the largest producers of the crop in Nigeria, the average age of a cocoa farmer in Ondo was between 55 and 60 which was an ageing population.

    According to him, Cross River has the potential in massive land and forest for cocoa farming and the youthful population cultivating the crop in the state.

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    He however noted that though these potentials were there, the state had to tap into them to succeed because cocoa alone could run Cross River’s economy effectively if the state seriously tapped into its potential.

    “Enough of talking about cocoa estates established by the old Eastern Region, we need to start establishing new estates; we want to see nothing less than 1000 hectares of new cocoa estates established by the state.

    “Enough of export of raw cocoa beans, we need to start adding value and coming up with cocoa wines, biscuits sweets, soap that we can consume and export because we cannot prosper by just exporting raw cocoa beans.

    “While it is important for the state government to be deliberate in infrastructural development in cocoa farming communities, there is need for extension services through innovation,” he said.

    He urged members to repay the loans they collected from government and also pay their annual dues to the association, adding that in 2024 the Third Cocoa Festival would be held in Calabar.

    On his part Gov. Bassey Otu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh said the state would do all within it’s power to ensure that cocoa farmers get the necessary inputs and resources they need.

    According to him, Cross River has been shortchanged for so long because the state produces cocoa, others come to the state to buy their cocoa but at the end of the day, it is not counted for Cross River as the origin state.

    “Going forward, Cross River will produce sell and export because we have the capacity and the farmers will get maximum yield for their investments.

    “I will have a private meeting with the newly inaugurated chairman of CFAN in the state where he will table the concerns of the farmers, so we can chart a new course for the sector,” he added.

    Similarly, Dr. Ramsey Tiku, the newly inaugurated Chairman of CFAN in Cross River said cocoa remained the mainstay of the state noting that if cocoa development was relegated the state was relegating the development of its people.

    He said as the state chairman he was going to be partnering with different groups and ministries while creating an action plan to add value to the cocoa produced in the state.

    He thanked his members for the confidence reposed in him adding that they need to start looking at the regeneration of cocoa estates in the state and acquiring data of farmers.

  • Teacher Essien Ita Itam Foundation announces scholarship beneficiaries for 2023/2024

    Teacher Essien Ita Itam Foundation announces scholarship beneficiaries for 2023/2024

    By Jimmy Jackson

    The teacher Essien Ita Itam foundation Board of Trustee has approved scholarship award for fifty beneficiaries in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

    This was contained in a statement released by the Board, dated December 5, 2023 and signed by Ekpenyong Esien Ita (koko) For chairman listing areas the award covers.

    According to the statement, the award covers, Tuition Fees, Book allowance, WAEC/NECO examinations fees, and Boarding fees

    “Fund was set up in 2014 by my late wife Barrister Temitope Ekpenyong Ita in memory of my late father. She was a strong advocate of access to education by every child, especialy the girl child.

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    “However, access to basic education by every child has since gone beyond the reach of a large number of Nigerian children.

    “Consequently, children so deprived are unable to make informed choices about life, provide opportunities, create money or stimulate the economy and a healthier life.

    “The ever widening gap between the “haves and the have nots” in educational opportunities in the Cross River South Senatorial District is what the Trust Fund is determined to bridge. I believe that children are the heart of every society and education wil enable them as good citizens to take on life challenges confidently and also contribute to building peaceful, secured and sustainable communities.” The statement reads.

    In the same vein, the statement called on training and retraining of teachers in the state, indicating the foundation’s willingness to assist in training of some teachers in the state.

    “I am aware that teachers are pivotal and the fulcrum on which all educational activities revolve. They are indispensable in shaping the minds, attitude and skills of the coming generation. Conversely teachers also need the skills, knowledge and support that wil enable them meet the diverse learning needs of the next generation. In order to achieve the aim of education for all, more teachers need to be recruited and trained or replaced as they leave the profession.

    “Accordingly, because of dearth of teachers in some schools in the Senatorial District, the Trust Fund has employed eight (8) temporary teachers for Government Secondary School, Creek Town and Government Technical College, Efut Ibonda. The Trust Fund has also provided fifteen (15) computers to Edgedley Memorial Girls’ Secondary School, Calabar.

    “The foundation therefore, urge the state government to look into the issue of lack of teachers in educational institutions. Attention should be paid to rehabilitation of learning institutions and basic school facilities must be put in place. There must be monitoring and evaluation of the system in addition to improved allocations to the education sector.

    Mr. Ita called on the beneficiaries to properly utilize the opportunity as there wil be termly assessment of their performances.

    Among the benefiting schools includes, Hope Waddle Training Institution, Calabar, St. Patrick’s College, Calabar, West African People Institute, Calabar, Edgerly Girls Secondary School, Calabar, Government Technical College, Efut Ibonda, Odukpani LGA, Government Secondary School, Creek Town, Government Secondary School, Adiabo, Duke Town Secondary School, Calabar, amongst others

    Teacher Ekpenyong Ita Foundation was established in 2014 by late Mrs Temitope Ekpenyong Ita to help  indigent students, especially the girl child, get access to free and quality education.

  • C’River State Cocoa Farmers Association Of Nigeria Inaugurates New State Executive

    C’River State Cocoa Farmers Association Of Nigeria Inaugurates New State Executive

    By Our Reporter 

    Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) Cross River State Chapter, inaugurated new Executives that will pilot the affairs of the association in the Cocoa value chain industry in the State.

    The inauguration which was held in Five-Two- Zero Kolanut Conference Center, Calabar culminated in the presentation of Award of Honour as Grand Patron of CFAN Cross River State to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu by the National President of the Association, Comrade Adeola Adegoke.

    Speaking during the event, Cross River State Governor who was the Special Guest of Honour and ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh reiterated government’s commitment in the development of  Cocoa value chain and advancing the industry to a more viable economic sector, which will reposition Cross River State as the largest Cocoa producing State in the country and beyond.

    Prof. Anthony Enoh who attended the event on dual capacity, assured the farmers of his support to the new leadership, adding that the leadership of CFAN shall constantly have close engagements  with the State Governor inorder to address critical challenges affecting  the industry to increase production of cocoa in the state.

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    In his address, the Chairman of the Occasion and Former Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Patrick Ebam Emanghe congratulated the new Executive members on their emergence as leaders and enjoined them to be intentional about the welfare of members.

    In like manner, The National President of CFAN, Comrade Adeola Adegoke charged the new EXCO to consolidate on the milestones recorded so far by his predecessor.

    Adegoke noted that Cross river is already  positioned to overtake other states of the federation in the production of Cocoa as the state posseses a very high cocoa friendly soil capable of producing the entire quantity of the country’s production put together.

    He therefore  appealed to the State Government to create an enabling environment for Cocoa Farmers in the State to thrive, stressing the need for value addition in the industry.

    Pledging his support to the new Leadership, the National President announced the hosting of the 3rd Cocoa Festival, 2024 in Calabar.

    In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated State Chairman, Dr. Ramsey Tiku Ebam Ndep thanked members and other Stakeholders for their support and highlighted on the blueprint of his administration, stating that he shall be committed to members welfare in his tenure, adding  that his administration shall open up  inter-multi- ministerial collaboration with relevant MDAs in the State to drive the process

    Among other areas of interest, Dr. Ramsey Ndep advocated for the rehabilitation of Cross River State School of Produce Technology located within the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, assured that he will ensure Climate Smart Agricultural practices in the production of Cocoa while also discouraging the wanton destruction of the ecosystem by farmers in the sector.

    He concluded with a pledge to justify the confidence reposed on him to lead the affairs of the association and called for members and Stakeholders support.

    Goodwill messages were also received from the Paramount Ruler of Boki Local Government Area, HRM. Otu Fredalin Akamdo and the National Vice president of Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr. Ejor Bisong

    Those inaugurated were:
    Dr. Ramsey Tiku Ebam Ndep- Chairman, Sunday Ekekeh- Vice Chairman, Comr. Jones Emangha Ekwom- Secretary, Chief Jerry Agbor- Assistant Secretary, and Barr. Efiok Ekpenyong- Organizing Secretary.

    Others are Emmanuel Ukwu- Auditor, Ndifon Takim Obim – Assistant Auditor, Financial Secretary Obi Owan,
    Nseobong Effiong- Assistant Financial Secretary,  Elder Gabriel Okimba-Treasurer, Martins Isong-PRO and Mary Takim- Assistant PRO.

    Similarly, Chapter Chairmen were also inaugurated as follows:
    Pst.Njor Duke Assam- Etung, Pst. Elias Ajah Oduo -Boki, Mr.Raymond Agbor Nsor-Ikom, Thomas Omang-Bekwerra, Chief.Okpa Oyira- Obubra, Chief Inyang Ekpeyong-Biase, Mr.John Obanghe- Yakurr, Chief. Abila Sylvester – Obanliku, Mr.Francis Ntui Etta- Akamkpa, Chief. Rt.Hon.Etim Asido-Odukpani, Mr.Godwin Agim- Obudu Local Government Area respectively.

    Upon administration of Oath of office, the respective Leaders were presented with certificates of their various offices.

    Notable dignitaries at the event include: The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ekpe Bassey, Chairman of Cross River State Cocoa Allocation, Rehabilitation and Development Committee, Prince Cosmos Ebori Nku, Former Commissioner in Cross River State Forestry Commission, Mr. Okoma Inyang among Others. Royal Fathers from the Cocoa producing Communities graced the event which also featured cultural dance.

  • Calabar-Itu Road: NSE, Sermatech complicit in underdeveloping C’River – Cross River South Consultative Forum

    Calabar-Itu Road: NSE, Sermatech complicit in underdeveloping C’River – Cross River South Consultative Forum

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    A socio-political group, Cross River South Consultative Forum has accused the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Cross River State chapter of conniving with an indigenous construction firm, Sermatech Nigeria Limited, to underdevelop and defraud Cross River State, the Federal Government and the suffering masses.

    The group in a statement made available to The Paradise News on Friday, chided the NSE for rushing to defend Sermatech on the issue of incompetence in executing the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene federal road project awarded to the company in 2020.

    The forum, however, reaffirmed its earlier call on the federal government to revoke and terminate the construction contract awarded to Sermatech, maintaining that the company is incompetent to execute the project, hence its inability to complete the dualization and resurfacing of an existing road made up of 28.8 kilometres and 4 short bridges over a period of 3 years.

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    Below is the full statement:

    Re: ROMANCE OF SERMATECH AND NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS (CROSS RIVER STATE BRANCH) AND THE UNANSWERED QUESTION OF INCOMPETENCE AND UNTOLD SUFFERINGS OF THE MASSES ON CALABAR – ITU FEDERAL HIGHWAY

    We refer to the publication contained in Guardian Newspaper of 3rd December, 2023 captioned – SERMATECH, Nigerian Society of Engineers “tackle” group’s misinformation on Calabar – Itu Road construction” wherein representatives of both SERMATECH and Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE “Lambasted” Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) for so called misinforming the public over the ongoing dualization of the portion of the Odukpani – Itu highway.
    Cross River South Consultative Forum is not surprised at this publication and attempt to defend incompetence, ineptitude, and fraud by SERMATECH and its pay rollee, NSE. To say the least, the principal actors behind the suffering of the masses on this highway are beginning to unveil their shield of complicity in the underdevelopment of our poor State. We call on patriotic Cross Riverians and the suffering masses to ask the following critical questions:
    Why has the NSE rushed to put a joint defence with SERMATECH if it has no pecuniary benefit to defend in this construction saga brought to the fore by the CRSCF?

    Whether an Association that has integrity and public safety at heart should not exhibit manifest objectivity by condemning incompetence in order to protect the wellbeing of the populace rather than forming an amalgamation of strange bed fellows in attempting to bully CRSCF into silence, for reasons best known to NSE. No doubts, the payer of the piper dictates the tune.

    Why did SERMATECH display photographic evidence or picture of the portion of Itu-Uyo Road constructed by His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio during his first tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and handled by Julius Berger, rather that pictures of the actual construction site or portions awarded under the current dualization contract. This picture is clearly on display in the guardian newspaper publication referred to above.

    Has SERMATECH in any way rebutted the statement of fact that the first appearance on the construction scene in Cross River State was for the construction of Jonathan Bypass and the state of the Road currently speaks for itself and is evidence of gross incompetence?

    Has NSE while rushing to file a compromised defence for SERMATECH by casting aspersions on a well-meaning body like CRSCF, commented on the state of the Jonathan Bypass filled with collapsed culverts? NSE was fast in loading praises on its sponsor by commending the track record of SERMATECH while evading the nearest evidence of incompetence as exhibited along Jonathan Bypass.

    Finally, the suffering masses of Cross River State should question further the length of time that a so called competent Engineering company should take to dualize and resurface an existing road made up of 28.8 kilometres and 4 short Bridges, as acknowledged by SERMATECH and NSE, having in mind that the contract was awarded and paid for since 2020.

    In conclusion, we state as a group of Cross Riverians who are committed to the development of our State and the desire to break the culture of silence that has placed our State on perpetual underdevelopment, that the portion of the road awarded to SERMATECH runs from the Power Plant in Odukpani to Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State and has the following Bridges:

    The bridge across Atan Onoyom River just after the Independent Power Plant in Onim Ankion ward. The Bridge across Calabar River. The Bridge across Okoyong River
    The Bridge on Cross River. And the Bridge across Ayadeghe Estuary in Itu Akwa Ibom state.

    On site inspection of the project will reveal the truth and attempt by these bedfellows to deceive the general public.

    The stretch from Calabar River to Efut Mkpara junction in Onim Ankion ward and the stretch from Obot Obio Inwang in Odot ward to Calabar River are the most deplorable parts of this Road and is an area under the construction of SERMATECH.

    Other failed projects handled by SERMATECH with the knowledge of NSE includes Ikom – Alesi – Ugep – Calabar Federal Highway, an unending construction that has lasted for several years now.

    We reiterate that a journey by the ordinary Cross Riverian or the man on the street, through the three major projects handled by SERMATECH will affirm the position of CRSCF that SERMATECH lacks the competence, equipments and manpower to continue and deliver on the multi-billion naira contract awarded for the dualization of portions of Calabar – Itu Federal Highway.

    That NSE has its vision beclouded by pecuniary reasons, in supporting this company. Their connivance with SERMATECH to underdevelop and defraud Cross River State, the Federal Government and the suffering masses is manifest in the distortion of facts, insinuations and aspersions casted on the Cross River South Consultative Forum.

    We reaffirm our commitment to the delivery of good service to our people by calling on the Federal Government through the Minister of Works to terminate this contract awarded to SERMATECH and its crony NSE.

    This appeal is made in good faith as a stitch in time saves nine. We await further response from SERMATECH and NSE for us to finally publish a list of fraudulent Cross Riverians who aided and abated the award of this portion of the road to this incompetent construction company in preference to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited.

    He who lives in a glass house should not throw stones.

    HON. BARR. JOSEPH E. ETENE

    REV. HON. JAMES ANAM

    HON. VICTOR E. OKON

    SIR MAURICE EFFIWATT

    HON. (CHIEF) ANI ESIN

    HON. MRS ADA CHARLES EGWU

    PROF. (BARR.) EMMANUEL EYO

    HON BARR. EYO NSA EKPO
    CHAIRMAN.

    End.

  • UNICAL Fee Increment: Embrace Dialogue, Protest Isn’t The Best Option – C’River NYCN Chair

    UNICAL Fee Increment: Embrace Dialogue, Protest Isn’t The Best Option – C’River NYCN Chair

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Dan Obo Jnr, has called on both management and students of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, to embrace dialogue in resolving issues emanating from the increment of school fee in the tertiary educational institution.

    Obo who made the call in Calabar on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists, said that protest should only be considered the last option in a situation where the university management fails to grant audience to the students leadership on how best to resolve complaints accompanying the school fee increment.

    He said the NYCN as an umbrella body for youths in the state was very much concern about the peace and tranquility in the state, hence it would not get itself involved in any form of protest capable of disturbing the peace in the capital city, especially now that the Calabar Carnival is around the corner.

    The NYCN Chairman said given the level of hardship, hunger and desperation in the land, a protest like the one embarked upon by a section of students in the University of Calabar could easily be hijacked by miscreants to perpetrate looting and destruction of properties within and outside the school environment.

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    “This media interface has to do with the recent school fee increase in UNICAL and the after effect and possibly the security threat to our state. Every time we try to talk about crisis within the state we first take is that when you do a protest it will be hijacked, whether you like it or not. We did a protest within Calabar Municipality and it was hijacked, so if you do a protest within Calabar South you are in serious trouble.

    “As someone who had the opportunity to go through that level of education, if anything happens the students will be the ones to pay for the damage. For example, if you do protest in Ekpo Abasi and the youths in Ekpo Abasi now enter into Crutech and loot, at the end of the day those who are students in that school will pay whatever damage the school encounter in their various school fees.

    “Security report getting to us is that people are even calling students and encouraging them to go and protest. They are calling them to say that the school fee increase doesn’t make sense, to the extent that people want students from Unicross to come and protest in the activities of UNICAL. The SUG president seems to be very handicap. How about NACRISS, that’s the umbrella body of Cross River State students? The reality here is that UNICAL is a federal institution, so if you go into UNICAL you will see other states student union bodies there. It’s not like a school where you go and it’s totally Cross Riverians.

    “For me, first I believe that protest is not an option. The best option is to see how there could be dialogue because when school fees is increased, the highest you can do is to demand for reduction. But you do not have the right to say it cannot be increased anymore. And if you look at the present economic situation, you will also discover that… Some have also said that every year the present Vice Chancellor increases school fees.

    “As I sit here, I belong to a national platform where virtually activity of every state is being dropped. I can tell you as at today that about 6, 7 universities have also increase school fees. We cannot continue to talk about leadership from bottom-top approach. It is time we begin to look at area that even make laws, as regards people governing us. They are also asking some youths to go through protest. If you put all of these together, it’s beginning to be political. And so when the destruction happens, it becomes a Cross River State destruction.

    “I’ve also been asked too to be part of protest as a youth leader of the state that it doesn’t make sense to increase school fees, and I said no. That’s not an option. Rather they should strengthen the student union government whose responsibility it is to negotiate for students in campus. So they can get involve and possibly be sure that there’s a dialogue.

    “As an umbrella body for the young people, any youth who goes out to do protest within our name, we will say no. Even when you try to do something that carries our image and we are not comfortable with it we must rise up to say no. We are not in support of protest. Even people who are in government, whether in the executive or legislative arm, it is not necessary to encourage people to go and do protest.

    “To even start with, as representative how many scholarship do we have? As representative how many education programmes do we have? As representative how many of our students are going outside to study? Between you and I you can also not take away the fact that there’s some level of both infrastructure and academic that’s getting better in UNICAL,” he said.

  • Odukpani-Itu Road: Youth Group Counters Cross River South Consultative Forum, Passes Vote Of Confidence On SERMATECH

    Odukpani-Itu Road: Youth Group Counters Cross River South Consultative Forum, Passes Vote Of Confidence On SERMATECH

    By Kelvin Obambon

    A group, the Combined Youth Council Of Landlord Communities Of The Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway Project has countered the call made by the Cross River South Consultative Forum for the revocation and termination of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road construction contract awarded to SERMATECH Nigeria Limited over claims that the indigenous company lack the technical expertise to execute the project.

    Youth council of the landlord communities in a letter dated December 5th, 2023 and addressed to the Honourable Minister of Works, urged the Federal Government to ignore the call by the Cross River South Consultative Forum, while expressing confidence in the capacity of SERMATECH to effectively execute the construction of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene federal road. It added that rather than castigating SERMATECH, the company should be commended for remaining on the site while the other company, CCECC left.

    The letter reads;

    “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to a certain “Cross River South Consultative Forum” with the above caption alleging “lack of competence, manpower, pedigree, technical expertise and equipment” in handling the construction of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway, as some of the reasons they are calling for the revocation/termination of the road project as awarded to SERMATECH NIGERIA LIMITED.

    “As law abiding and peace loving citizens and especially in the light of our knowledge of the Authors of the said statement, we have come out to issue this rejoinder (even when it is against our revered tradition of ignoring such uncomplimentary remark) just to avail the gullible public the truth of the matter as we put the records straight.

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    “We hasten to state here that the statement by the Authors is a disjointed compendium of falsehood, which further manifestly expresses the utter ignorance on their part, of how modern day contracts are awarded. Besides,the tone of presentation in the said piece speaks volumes of the gross act of mischief being plotted by the socio-political group, Cross River South Consultative Forum.

    “While we commend the Federal Ministry of Works for awarding Messrs SERMATECH NIG. LTD and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, NNPCL, for the initial financing of the project,we would like to remind the Cross River South Consultative Forum that SERMATECH NIG LTD did not just land the road construction from the blues, without passing through thorough scrutiny.

    “The public should put on notice that when the contract was first awarded to Messrs Julius Berger, CCECC and SERMATECH, CCECC withdrew its services for whatever reason, leaving Julius Berger and SERMATECH NIG LTD.
    Today, Julius Berger has been reported to have pulled out of the project while SERMATECH NIG LTD is the only company on site. Should this attract condemnation or commendation from the Socio-political group,Cross River South Consultative Forum? Until a proper answer is given by the group of this very important question, the attack by the group crumbles like a pack of card.

    “Raising the issue of incompetence and other such accusations against the company is more or less an attempt to indict the Federal Ministry of Works through which SERMATECH NIG LTD got the job. How unfortunate!

    “It is important to point out here that our interest as great citizens is to see to the seamless construction of the road by the company, having seen several attempts to disrupt the progress of work or distract the company from making progress in their work delivery.

    “While not holding brief for SERMATECH NIG LTD, we would lay bare our knowledge of the project, of the company and then attempt an overview as to why the gullible public should not believe any deliberate falsehood which may pitch them against the construction company or the Federal Government.

    “SERMATECH NIG LTD, we are fully informed; with verifiable proofs, has a proven track record of excellent job delivery. In fact, a section of the Calabar-Ikom Federal Highway for instance, which was constructed by the company is still in use and a testament to the company’s competence and excellent delivery.

    “We are also aware that the company decided to settle only for excellence in the construction process and has maintained this reputation and standard in the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road sites and bridges so far constructed by her. (vide pictures of such excellent job delivery on the highway attached).

    “We are also aware that the Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) have commended SERMATECH NIG LTD for the excellent job she is doing in the project site, just as Your Excellency during your recent inspection of the project, also gave the company a path on the back for a great job.

    “At this point, we make bold to say that there was never a time that the section of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway awarded to SERMATECH NIG LTD has witnessed traffic collapse. Rather the company has always voluntarily intervened in other sections outside of its jurisdiction in a bid to ensure the collapse from those sections does not result in severe damage that would thereby raise the cost implications for her own repair works. In fact, until Faith Plant was brought in to the section handled by Julius Berger, SERMATECH NIG LTD, has always intervened in the aforesaid section on Julius Berger’s behalf.

    “They also alleged that they have had cause to condemn SERMATECH NIG LTD’s “shoddy handling” of their section in concert with other Stakeholders which they went ahead to mention. But we ask these Purveyors of lies and deliberate falsehood against SERMATECH NIG LTD why they failed to invite to such meetings, the Federal Ministry of Works and the NNPC Ltd. who are also critical Stakeholders, at least to have a first hand knowledge of the job description and terms of the contract before they resorted to exposing their gross ignorance of the entire issue.

    “We are youths in the Landlord Communities. But there is never at time we or our Elders were told about any such meeting(s) nor invited  by the Socio-political group to attend any. It beggars believe that some persons even as adults, are still co-habiting with lies and sentiments that they would naturally do away with at a certain age.

    “However, the fact remains that SERMATECH NIG LTD has two major swamps of Okpokong and Calabar River. The Okpokong Swamp has 5kilometre length and has been fully constructed with pavement works done up to binder course level awaiting the final wearing course layer.

    “The work has survived the vagaries and other such situations for more than two years, and yet has no issue whatsoever. Motorists are enjoying a smooth ride daily on that portion of the road.

    “Also, active work is ongoing at the Calabar River Swamp with adequate Geo-technical Treatment, sub-soil drainage to lower the ground water table, excavation to remove  unsuitable materials, hardcore filling and sand filling to stabilise the road section. Alleging that the job is difficult for the construction company to handle is certainly revealing of the utter ignorance and mischievous inclinations of the characters involved in those tissues of lies.

    “Construction job is not an aile party where people sit in drinking pubs to gossip. It is purely technical and we bet the Cross River South Consultative Forum to come up with any technical report or outcome of any inquest they have conducted on the project, to support their claims.

    “We find it equally appalling that the Authors of the said jaundiced report did not find out the number of bridges on the SERMATECH NIG LTD section, before going public in their accusations of the company finding it difficult to handle five bridges.

    “To also straighten the records on the foregoing, the company had four instead of five bridges on its section: two of the bridges have been fully constructed and completed; Atan Okoyong and Okpokong bridges respectively. A third bridge, the Ayadeghe bridge is at capping beam level, and all the precast beams are completed for fixing just as the two abutment walls are set. The four old  bridges have also been given a facelift having been rehabilitated.

    “Hon. Minister Sir, after a careful and dispassionate analysis of the statement by the so called Cross River South Consultative Forum, we have come to the realisation that the main objective of the socio-political group in delving into the construction issue is not as genuine as they may want people believe.

    “Their aim is to smear the SERMATECH NIG LTD; move further to strip her of the construction work and then come out later on with their mischievous and self serving agenda cloned in unhealthy rivalry.

    “We recall that, SERMATECH NIG LTD has suffered several cases of protest, undue rivalry and backlash for refusing to yield to similar distractions and the disruption of its operations in the past.

    “Now, again they are on another inglorious voyage of sponsoring deliberate falsehood. Some of them initially brought up the issue of Community Liaison Officer, CLO, as a bait agitations to drag the company’s name and reputation in the mud. Incidentally, SERMATECH NIG LTD was smarter and they failed woefully.

    “Hon. Minister, we want to place on record that as concerned Stakeholders in the road project, we will stop at nothing to ensure that SERMATECH NIG LTD enjoys the peace, and stability required to do a perfect and seamless construction job, so that posterity will always remember and speak for us when the Clarion call requiring those who meant well for the road project to see the light of day would be made.

    “On this note, we urge that you utterly set aside, jettison and or ignore the so-called Cross River South Consultative Forum and her unnecessary request for the revocation and termination of the contract for the construction of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway as currently handled by SERMATECH NIG.LTD.

    “Thank you and please accept the assurances of our very warmth regards.”

  • Celebrating International Volunteer Day: CyanahPEN’s Inspiring Story on the Edge of Free Service

    Celebrating International Volunteer Day: CyanahPEN’s Inspiring Story on the Edge of Free Service

    As the world marks International Volunteer Day on December 5, 2023, we are delighted to share the inspiring story of Cynthia Maduekwe, affectionately known as CyanahPEN, whose journey encapsulates the essence of volunteering and its transformative power.

    Title: “VOLUNTEERING; THE EDGE OF FREE SERVICE POSITIONING TO FREEBIE & FEE AS A WAY FORWARD TO POSITIVE VISIBILITY OF INNOVATIVE CREATIVITY”

    CyanahPEN’s narrative beautifully captures the spirit of volunteering as a powerful force for positive change. Her journey showcases how volunteering goes beyond a mere act of giving time; it is a pathway to unlocking innovative creativity and positive visibility.

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    This year’s International Volunteer Day theme, “The Power of Collective Action: If Everyone Did,” serves as a beacon of inspiration. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and service leadership in creating meaningful impacts. CyanahPEN’s story aligns seamlessly with this theme, demonstrating the profound outcomes that can emerge when individuals come together for a common cause.

    In a world where economic challenges abound, the story of CyanahPEN highlights the significance of volunteering, even in the absence of monetary compensation. Volunteering is an investment in community building, personal growth, and the betterment of society as a whole.

    The United States has long recognized and appreciated the invaluable contributions of volunteers, and it serves as a testament to the positive changes that can be achieved through selfless service. As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, it is an opportune moment for Nigeria as a nation to fully embrace and encourage the culture of volunteering.

    Engaging the Public: Relevance and Importance of Volunteering
    While volunteering may not provide immediate financial gains, it paves the way for a future where the collective efforts of volunteers contribute to the development and prosperity of the nation. The press release aims to engage the public by underlining the relevance and importance of volunteering, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring individuals to contribute their skills and time for the greater good.

    International Volunteer Day is a reminder that collectively, small actions can lead to significant impacts. Let’s celebrate the volunteers like CyanahPEN, who embody the spirit of selflessness and service, making a difference in their communities and beyond.

  • C’River: UNHCR organizes Global Compact on Refugees workshop for officials

    C’River: UNHCR organizes Global Compact on Refugees workshop for officials

     

    …Refugees enjoys similar rights like other Nigerians – NCFRMI Zonal Coordinator

    By Anthony Uwadiegwu

    Refugees in Nigeria enjoy every rights the citizens enjoy, except the right to vote and be voted for, Innocent Efoghe, South South Zonal Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has disclosed.

    Efoghe made the disclosure in Calabar at a one-day workshop on Global Compact for Refugees (GCR) organized by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in partnership with NCFRMI.

    According to Efoghe, “The Global Compact for Refugees (GCR) has to do with the advancement of partnership for providing services to refugees and their host communities. It’s about responsibility sharing. The GCR comes up every four years.”

    Speaking further, Efoghe said, “In 2019 the federal government actually made four major pledges. The first one was to include matters of refugees, IDPs and their host communities in the national development plans.

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    “The second one was to strengthen the country’s protection capacity, for instance when refugees cross the border into the country, what the federal government does is to grant them protection, starting from the process of profiling and registration, and then they are granted protection.

    “And also to ensure availability and accessibility to durable solutions, and then to sustain Nigeria’s role in regional and subregion efforts in addressing the root causes of displacement. Those are the four major pledges.”

    The zonal coordinator said the Nigerian government has been doing a lot to see that these pledges are carried out, adding that one of such roles had to do with the inclusion of refugees in the national identification registration exercise.

    “Refugees can actually register in the NIN programme. This started about two years back.

    “The government also made it possible for refugees to work, do business and move freely within Nigeria. They are allowed to move freely as long as they don’t cross international borders.

    “The only thing they cannot do is to vote and be voted for. Every other thing that Nigerians can do, refugees can do it.

    “Government has equally assisted refugees in the area of agriculture. When we talk of durable solutions and livelihood programmes, government has carried out a lot of workshops, trainings and also provided implements for refugees and equally make sure they have access to lands for farming. That has been done since 2019 that the pledges came up,” he stated.

    He said unlike other countries, the Nigerian government does not want the camping system for refugees, explaining that “here refugees are allowed to live within the host communities.What we have in Ogoja that you hear people calling camp, it’s not a camp. It’s a settlement.

    “The government does not run a camping system, reason being that refugees are free to move and do business; and it means that as they don’t keep them in camps, they can equally look for jobs and get employed.

    “In the area of health, with the support of UNHCR, the government has been able to revitalize most of the primary health centers in the host communities where refugees are. A lot of them have been brought up to standard.

    “In Cross River State we are looking at about 52,000 refugees as at today, and as we speak, the registration is still ongoing. Some of my staff are in the field carrying out registration.

    “As the days go by the number increases. Nigeria is hosting close to 90,000 refugees from Cameroon,” he said.

    On her part, Ms Irene Umondi, head of sub office, UNHCR, Ogoja, rated Cross River high in the implementation of the GCR.

    According to her, “The state is very much exemplary in terms of how it has already undertaken inclusion and integration of refugees in various ways and the basic services that are given through education, health and even access to livelihood.”

    The GCR provides a framework for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing in finding sustainable solutions to refugee situations.

    The workshop preceded the Global Refugee Forum 2023 which will take place from 13 to 15 December 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, where the Government of Nigeria will renew pledges and commitments to the GCR.

    Nigeria’s commitment to the pledges include refugees, IDPs and their host communities in the national development plans; strengthening the country’s protection capacity; ensure availability and accessibility to durable solutions for refugees and IDPs.

    The objective of the workshop was to orient key stakeholders and review progress made towards the implementation of the GCR through Nigeria’s pledges. It also provided essential information on the opportunities in implementing the GCR, focusing on actions to advance a GCR roadmap in Cross River State in line with the pledges of the country.

    In attendance were 40 government officials, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, commissioners, special advisers, Directors General of relevant agencies, UNHCR, partners and refugee leaders.