Tag: Cross River State

  • Otu Assures Civil Servants of Improved Welfare, To Clear Retirees’ Gratuities By December

    Otu Assures Civil Servants of Improved Welfare, To Clear Retirees’ Gratuities By December

    …Swears-in Eteng as Head of Service

    Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has assured civil servants of his administration’s commitment to improving their welfare and the working conditions in the workforce as well as clearing backlog of retirees’ gratuities before the end of the year.

    Otu, who made the commitment, today, during the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Innocent Eteng as the new Head of Service of Cross River State, said “It is saddening that someone would serve for 35 years, save for a rainy day, and then die for lack of cash to attend to their health needs,” insisting that “such ugly trend must stop.”

    Continuing, the governor said: “We want the civil servants to be focused in their places of assignment, knowing that their contributory pension is due them at the end of the day. Because without these people, continuity in governance would not be possible.”

    The governor, who acknowledged the depletion of personnel especially the older and more experienced ones in the service, informed that his administration was looking for a way to retain some of those retirees in order to mentor and transfer knowledge to the younger generation of civil servants.

    Read Also: 2023 Carnival Calabar: CRSG injects new innovations into festival, promises 32-day non-stop fun

    Congratulating the new Head of Service, Governor Otu reminded him that, “To whom much is given, much is expected. You are coming at a very precarious time where the state civil service is at the brink. We want you to rejig and put things in proper perspectives.”

    “Dr. Eteng, we want to build a smart civil service. You will understand that we do not play politics with civil servants. The bureaucracy is very important as the engine of government, so we want you to rejig and put it in proper perspectives. Due process must be prioritised at all times,” the governor said.

    Expressing belief in the newly sworn-in Head of Service, the governor enjoined him to take charge and deliver to the best of his ability for the betterment of the service and the state at large.

    He further assured the HoS of his administration’s support towards the service, saying “my doors would be open to you at all times.”

    Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, said Dr. Eteng, who until his appointment was serving in the SSG’s office as Permanent Secretary, is someone who has risen to the echelon of the civil service not by sponsorship, but by achievement and dint of hard work.

    He described him as a man of intellect, robust, energetic, charismatic, fearless, hardworking and sound, whose appointment is so well-deserved, expressing confidence in his ability to improve the civil service and bureaucracy of the state.

    In his response, the newly sworn-in Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng, thanked the governor for finding him worthy of the onerous assignment of recalibrating and reforming the state civil service, assuring of his best.

  • C’River Ministry of Justice, UNICEF train members of community based structures in Obanliku

    C’River Ministry of Justice, UNICEF train members of community based structures in Obanliku

     

    The Cross River Ministry of Justice in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has organized a 2-day training for members of Spotlight Initiative Community based Structures in Obanliku local government area of the state.

    Mr Kebe Ikpi, Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Cross River, and lead facilitator, said the training which took place between 29th and 30th September, 2023, was part of Spotlight Initiative’s activity in ending violence against children, violence against women and girls and gender based violence.

    He explained that the focus of the training was on child protection case management, principles of case management, legal instruments for ending Violence Against Children (VAC), among others.

    “During the training, violence against women that were identified and prevalent in the communities include money marriage, neglect, trafficking, issues of teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse.

    Read Also: Spotlight Initiative: Cal Municipal, Odukpani community structures trained on how to end VAC, VAWG, GBV

    “Participants were required to draw an action plan that would step down the training to their members during their meetings. We expect to hear from them and to see what they have done with the knowledge they are given. By reason of this knowledge they have themselves become ambassadors of the end violence campaign in their communities and groups,” he said.

    Participants at the training were drawn from 10 communities in Obanliku Local Government Area.

  • Spotlight Initiative: Cal Municipal, Odukpani community structures trained on how to end VAC, VAWG, GBV

    Spotlight Initiative: Cal Municipal, Odukpani community structures trained on how to end VAC, VAWG, GBV

     

    Members of Spotlight Initiative Community Structures in Calabar Municipal and Odukpani local government areas have been trained on the best approaches towards ending violence against children, violence against women and girls and as well as gender based violence in their various communities.

    The EU-UN Spotlight Initiative project which is currently implemented by the Cross River State Ministry of Justice with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to address cases of sexual and gender based violence in some selected local government areas in Cross River.

    According to Asari Nakanda, Public Relations Officer, Child Protection Network, Cross River State and facilitator of the training, “This is an EU-UN Spotlight Initiative project that is implemented by the Ministry of Justice, Cross River State and supported by UNICEF.”

    Nakanda who spoke at the end of the training said “This activity is actually to train community based structures on child protection. The aim of the training is to sensitize them on child abuse, sexual and gender based violence and on child protection. It’s also to sensitize them on the various types of gender based violence, the causes and effects, and what is expected of communities in order to address this issue.

    Read Also: Spotlight Initiative: Ministry of Justice, UNICEF build community structures to end VAC, VAWG, GBV in Calabar South

    “Another objective is to brew the commitment of the community members that are present at the training to find ways of addressing the issue of sexual and gender based violence, child abuse in their various communities.”

    Speaking further, she explained that “Participants were drawn from 8 communities in Calabar Municipal local government and in Odukpani local government they were drawn from 12 communities. The participants were representatives of natural groups such as age-grade, traditional rulers council, youth organizations, women organizations. We also had representatives from religious organizations, health organizations as well as some other social groups like the okada riders etc.

    “In the 2-day training which held in the Akim Qua Town for Calabar Municipal, and in Odukpani, the local government secretariat, participants were trained on child abuse, SGBV – their various types and presentations, as well as their causes and effects on the individual, the household and the community at large. We had different facilitated discussions, questions and answers, role play, group activities. Participants used all these strategies to identify what and what were bothering their community specifically, and then they also identified through the help of facilitators who guided them in identifying ways of addressing these issues in their communities.”

    On the impact of the training, the lead facilitator said “By the end of the training participants’ initiatives or ways of thinking, especially surrounding child abuse were changed. Some concepts were changed such as using corporal punishment for discipline at homes and in schools; justifying rape with dressing; the concept of unequal power balance in communities which fuels most of the gender based violence cases in their communities.

    “Participants were grouped in their various communities where they identified child abuse issue, sexual and gender based violence issue prevalent in their communities, while also identifying what and what activities as child protection community based structures in their communities; what activities they could actually take to address those issues identified.

    “With that action plan, community based structures in both local government areas committed to addressing issues of child abuse and gender based violence in the communities.”

  • Spotlight Initiative: Ministry of Justice, UNICEF build community structures to end VAC, VAWG, GBV in Calabar South

    Spotlight Initiative: Ministry of Justice, UNICEF build community structures to end VAC, VAWG, GBV in Calabar South

     

    The EU-UN Spotlight Initiative project geared towards ending violence against children, violence against women and girls and gender based violence, has trained members of its community structures in Calabar South local government area of Cross River State.

    The project which is implemented by the Cross River State Ministry of Justice with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), seeks to address cases of sexual and gender based violence in some selected local government areas in the state.

    Speaking at the conclusion of the 2-day training, a representative of Spotlight Initiative, Williams Arikpo, who also supervised the training of Community Structures on prevention and response to VAC, VAWG and GBV in Calabar South, said “it was a follow up training from the training of trainers that held about three weeks ago at NAKS Hotel, where representatives from communities in Akamkpa, Odukpani, Obanliku, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and some members of the state team came together to receive training on prevention and response to VAC, VAWG and GBV.

    “As part of efforts to ensure that there’s community response to cases of child abuse and violence against women and gender based violence, there was need to train people from their natural roots.

    Read Also: 2023 Carnival Calabar: CRSG injects new innovations into festival, promises 32-day non-stop fun

    “The 2-day training in Calabar South had 48 participants from different community structures, and they were trained intensively.”

    He described the training as elaborate and enlightening, adding that “participants shared experience freely and were grouped in sessions. There were opportunities to ask questions. The topic that were discussed included, child protection, legal instrument supporting women and children, case management, roles of community structures.

    “Members of the community structures were informed about the roles they are going to play within their communities to ensure that violence against women and children is put to an end.

    “At the end of the day they did mapping of the resources that they have in their communities and also develop work plan of what they are going to be do to ensure that violence against children, violence against women and girls, as well as gender based violence completely come to an end in their communities.”

  • 2023 Carnival Calabar: CRSG injects new innovations into festival, promises 32-day non-stop fun

    2023 Carnival Calabar: CRSG injects new innovations into festival, promises 32-day non-stop fun

    By Kingsley Agim

    Cross River State Government has promised tourism enthusiasts and fun seekers all over the world a 32-day high-octane, well-packaged and fun-filled activities with the infusion of new innovations to the 2023 Carnival Calabar International Festival beginning in December.

    Speaking to newsmen after the maiden meeting of the 2023 Carnival Calabar Festival Planning Committee, the Special Adviser on Event Management and Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, said the high-level planning team was set up by His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, and saddled with the mandate of putting up the most amazing and breathtaking show of 32 days of nonstop fun.

    Mr. Ekpenyong revealed that the beehive of activities for the 2023 Carnival Calabar International Festival will begin on November 30 with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Millennium Park, with simultaneous occurrences at Ikom and Ogoja to avail those in the Central and Northern part of the State the feel of season.

    He also hinted that the children carnival would be reintroduced to the schedule, night of carnival kings and queens, where the bands would parade their respective kings/queens, as well as boat regatta, and a new innovation called the ‘Queen of Humanity Cross Pageant, among other numerous scintillating programmes for tourists and guests in the 2023 edition.

    Read Also: Dunamis Church Building Collapses, Kills Pastor in Nigeria

    In his remarks, the Chairman of Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, reminded fun seekers that Carnival Calabar is indeed looming, adding that its 2023 theme ‘Season of Sweetness’ was carefully chosen to offer the State the opportunity to ride on her rich cultural heritage to host the world.

    “The warmth that is not seen anywhere in the world is evident on the streets of Calabar during the festival,” Mr. Onah boasted, while calling on young people to key into the sector in order to derive that which would positively influence tourists and investors to the State.

    “Above all, the ancient city of Calabar would resume her warmth of playing host to the world,” the Carnival Commission Chairman concluded.

    Highlighting some of the new innovations to the globally acclaimed fiesta, the Committee’s secretary and Executive Secretary of the State Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham, informed that the King and Queen of the bands, an academic component – essay competition, the children arcade (a hub for children’s entertainment, education and fun), waterfront boat contest, and a new creation called the ‘Veterans Night,’ which is aimed at bring retirees and senior citizens together to have fun and relive their youthful years, and the Face of Humanity Cross River Ambassador, which would be premiering in few days to come.

    Cobham said the winner of the Face of Humanity Ambassador would be at the forefront of identifying people are in direct needs of humanitarian assistance. He assured that the 2023 Calabar International Carnival and Festival would live up to its billing of guaranteeing culture, camaraderie, frenzy, glitz, glamour and mirthful nature of the people of Cross River.

    Articulating his views, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Akiba Ekpenyong, Esq, noted that under the leadership of the ‘People First’ administration, the tourism sector in the State has worn a new look, with the composition of a team of technocrats and industry experts to drive the successful hosting of the renowned tourism fiesta.

    He mentioned that the State going round the clock in its preparation for the 2023 Carnival Calabar International Festival, with the environment fast returning to its lush clean and green status, as well as nibbing crime and criminality on the butt.

    The Governor is ready to give the needed support to the planning committee to host the best Carnival Calabar International Festival yet. Modalities are also being put in place for easy movement from place to place during the month-long festival.

    “The whole package of the 2023 Carnival, from fusion of the educational component to humanitarian service angle, portend to the fact that the Season of Sweetness is indeed upon Cross River State,” Ekpenyong stated.

  • Skolombo: Calabar’s ticking time-bomb

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, Oct. 14, 2022 (NAN)
    Calabar which literally means “come and live and be at peace,” has always been a society of serenity, peaceful people who take life easy and a home of culture and tourism.

    Named one of the neatest cities in Nigeria, Calabar in the last 18 years has witnessed a rise in the number of visitors who come to catch a glimpse of the Calabar Carnival, Nigeria’s biggest street party.

    However, in the last few years, this once serene environment has become a shadow of itself with huge refuse dumps and the rise of Vulnerable Children in Street Situations popularly known as “skolombo” for the boys.

    “Skolombo” as they are popularly known in Calabar are boys from as young as 7 to as old as 21 years who live on the streets of Calabar, around Marian Road, Flour Mill, Cultural Centre and many other parts.

    These homeless and vulnerable boys seen scavenging in the city’s refuse bins in rags also beg, gesturing to passersby by touching their tummies and their mouths, showing that they are hungry and in need of food.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) went to some of the spots where these boys are found and spoke to some of them about how they ended up on the streets, their challenges and aspirations.

    Around Marian Road, one of them, Felix Henshaw, a 20-year-old young adult, with a terrible scar on one side of his face and a massive sore on the heel of his right foot said he has been on the streets for 12 years.

    Henshaw said he left home in 2010 after writing his Common Entrance Examination but could not proceed to any secondary school or learn a trade because his father had no money.

    “I scavenge for empty bottles and cartons that I sell to feed, that is how I got the wound on my leg, I stepped on a broken bottle in one of the refuse bins.

    “The wound has refused to heal because it has not been treated, for the fresh scar on my face, I was stabbed with a broken bottle by a rival group from the Bogobri area that comes to forcefully collect money from us and I resisted.

    “We are a small group here and I am their leader and try to protect them whenever we are threatened,” he said.

    Similarly David Etim a member of the group who is 19 said he started living on the streets 8 years ago when he and his elder brother were driven from their home by their mother on the accusation that they were wizards according to her church.

    “On the streets, my brother was hit by a vehicle and he died, since we have no one to help us we looked for somewhere dug the ground and buried him as we always did.

    “The street is a hard place to survive in, we have no food, wear rags, nowhere to take our bath and we still have rival groups that attack us with weapons to collect proceeds of our scavenging and begging from us, he noted.

    On his part Faith Sunday, a 13-year-old boy who begs on the premises of the Cultural Centre, said he had been living on the streets since 2018 after he was sent out of his aunt’s house for losing N500 given to him to keep.

    The boys who all stank as they spoke to NAN because they had not taken their baths for days said all they needed was a place to live, sleep and something to do like a job or a skill.

    The United Nations General Assembly in November 1989 adopted the convention on the rights of the child (CRC).

    In July 1990, the Organisation of African Union, (OAU), Assembly of Heads of States and Government adopted the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).

    The member states of OAU now African Union (AU) believed that the CRC did not adequately reflect sociocultural and economic realities peculiar to Africa and relevant in articulating the rights of the child.

    Nigeria in 2003 enacted the Child Right Act in drawing from the provisions of the CRC and ACRWC, this same law was domesticated in Cross River in 2009 as A Law to Protect the Rights of a Child and for Other Related Matters.

    However, despite these bogus international and local frameworks, the protection of children in the state has been totally ineffective or almost non-existent.

    In 2009, Mrs Obioma Imoke, wife of Sen. Liyel Imoke, the then governor of Cross River founded the Destiny’s Child Centre in Calabar to provide shelter for vulnerable children.

    The centre enrolled 201 children out of which 153 acquired formal education and 36 were trained in vocational skills.

    However, like most government interventions, it died as the tenure of that administration elapsed in 2015 and many of these children returned to the streets of Calabar.

    The response of the present administration of the state was the setting up of a security outfit comprising all the security agencies and code-named “Operation Skolombo” in 2015 to carry out punitive actions against these boys.

    While this enhanced society’s negative perception of these kids, it did not address the issue of how children who are God’s blessings became products of the streets and how they survive daily.

    Similarly, in 2018, the government of Cross River announced plans to rehabilitate over 1000 street children and established The Child Protection Commission.

    The agency visited locations where street children clustered and made promises but nothing came out of it afterwards.

    Mr James Ibor, Principal Counsel of Basic Right Counsel Initiative (BRCI) said as the challenge of Street Children in Vulnerable Situations grew, residents of Calabar blamed them for the growing insecurity in the city.

    Ibor said BRCI publicly condemned the accusations and recommended ways to solve the problem in Calabar and this gave birth to a pilot programme that was largely successful.

    He said for the first time, in 2018, BRCI in collaboration with The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Cross River’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare and others did a census of these children and discovered 317 of them.

    “50 of these children were successfully camped for three weeks during which, they were taught livelihood skills, we conducted family tracing, counselling and built a foster care network for those we could not reintegrate with their families.

    We also started advocacy against people and religious organisations whose actions were drivers of the menace but the pilot project, though largely successful, was discontinued because government institutions whose efforts BRCI ought to complement were poorly funded.

    Similarly, Mrs Victoria Emmah-Emmah, Executive Director of Neighborhood Carewell Foundation said they have been working with street children for the last 22 years with support from the American Embassy, Global Affairs Canada and others.

    Emmah-Emmah said they have the records of over 5,000 children they have supported in school because education was a key way of dealing with the issue of “skolombo” in the state.

    According to her, the lack of sincerity and will from the government was a major challenge as there were no available shelters and programmes for these boys to be effectively rehabilitated.

    Mr Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, an NGO in Cross River said the menace of “skolombo” started becoming a problem in Calabar around the year 2000 as religious houses which branded children as witches and wizards grew.

    He said even though it was criminal to brand any child a witch or wizard according to Cross River’s Child Right Law, implementation of this law was a problem.

    “In 2020, we published a detailed report of six months of investigation titled ‘Left to Die’ the story of Cross River’s street children, a 10 minutes documentary with the same title and launched a petition that got 3,800 signatures calling on the state government to take action based on the recommendations we gave.

    “But as I speak to you nothing has been done by the state government, the problem is getting worse, these children are growing on the streets, many of them who were kids five to seven years ago are now teenagers,” he said.

    He asserted that from the available data of 2018 out of over 300 street children discovered on the streets of Calabar only about 10 to 15 per cent are girls the rest are boys who scavenge for food like animals, are exposed to all sorts of drugs and even bury their dead colleagues.

    He added that if nothing was done, in the nearest future, not just crimes but violent crimes committed not out of hunger but anger will increase because that is the only thing the society has taught these boys.

    A few months ago, one of the popular street kids in Calabar, known as John was mobbed to death on the accusation of stealing, nobody including the police did anything about it because according to the residents of Calabar, these boys are criminals.

    As a society, we must stop and ask what happened to the “skolombos” of yesterday who were children and are now adults in relation to the increase of violent crimes in Calabar.

    Pretending that these boys don’t exist won’t solve the problem, the government needs to wake up to its responsibility of implementing the Child Right Law it domesticated in 2009 and positively empowering the already existing street children.

    While Civil Society Organisations and all well-meaning residents of Calabar should support in advocating for responsible parenting. The time to act is now.

    (NAN)

  • Emir of Calabar: C’River Gov’t orders Hausa/Fulani Community to tender an apology

    By Frank Ulom

    The Government of Cross River State has mandated the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state to write an apology letter debunking the “Emir of Calabar” title allegedly bestowed on one of its leaders.

    This is coming from the Department of Special Services, Governor’s Office, in reaction to a trending post made by one Hajiya Amina Muhammed on July 12, 2022, after the coronation of Alhaji Garba Lawan as the leader of the Hausa/Fulani Muslim community in the state.

    “EID-EL-KABIR GREETINGS FROM HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE EMIR OF CROSS RIVER STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI GARBA.

    He Prays for the Peace and Unity In the State Cross River And NIGERIAN at Large.

    We, The Entire Hausa Women in Cross River State, We are Saying a Very Big THANK YOU,

    Your Royal Highness Sarkin Hausawa.

    Hajiya Amina Muhammed”, the post from Hajiya Amina Muhammed read.

    The post, THE PARADISE NEWS learned attracted a lot of comments including one from Mustapha Gembu, which stated thus:

    “Agbor Florence The latest state with an emirate is Cross River and the name of the emir is His Royal Highness Alhaja Garba the 1st class emir of Calabar, soon 2nd class emira as subordinate across the LGAs will emerge.

    The emir intends to ensure the leadership of ensuring peace, equity, fairness, and harmonious consistency prevail across Calabar and the Cross River at large.

    The emir is also saddled with the responsibility of Islamization of Cross Rivers and its environs.

    Nobody claim landlord, the real owners of the land called Nigeria from Sokoto down to the Atlantic Ocean is the Fulanis.

    For more clarity, kindly inbox me for private charts.

    Thanks”.

    Speaking while meeting with the leaders and stakeholders of the Hausa/Fulani community in Calabar on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the Permanent Secretary of Special Services, Governor’s Office, Sir Alfred Mboto said on no account should any member of the public address any Hausa/Fulani leader as “Emir” in Cross River State as this is not acceptable in the state, noting that the state is known for peace and tranquillity.

    Mboto further stated that at the time of the meeting, the publisher of the Facebook write-up has not been identified while suing for peace amongst the people.

    In separate speeches, the leader of the Hausa/Fulani Muslim community in the state Alhaji Garba Lawan, the Chief Imam Imam Kabeer Olowdayemi and other leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state appreciated Mboto for wading into the matter, saying apologies will be tendered immediately as they are not sure of the publisher.

    They pleaded that the scenario will not repeat itself as the community will remain law abiding to the state government.

    Highlighting the resolution by the State Government, the State Security Adviser Central, Mr Ransome Odey said amongst the resolutions are:

    •No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should be addressed as Emir.

    • No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should have or be seen with palace guards.

    •No leader of the Hausa/Fulani community should be seen with men with swords.

    • That the leadership of the Hausa/Fulani community must report to the State Government any illegal activities around its environs.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor on Chieftaincy Mr Adoga Ifop stated that on account should the Hausa/Fulani community issue a chieftaincy title in the state as issuance of chieftaincy tittles is not part of their duties.

    Also present at the meeting were the State Security Adviser (North), Mr Murphy Ntol, the State Security Adviser (South), Mr Henry Okokon amongst other security experts.

    Recall that there is only one first-class monarch in Calabar in the person of Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.

  • Over 100 ex-Convicts take a stand to curb crime in Cross River State

    By Frank Ulom

    When people hear the word “ex-convict”, their minds immediately go to harden criminals convicted of heinous crimes but that is not always the case. Yes, some persons may go to prison because of the crimes they committed, ranging from killings, armed robbery, terrorism but some are also convicted for not committing any crime at all (falsely accused) – and the society treats them the same when they come out of prison or correctional facilities.

    On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, over 100 ex-Convicts took a stand, surrendering their lives in totality to fighting and curbing crimes in Cross River State. The group call itself “Cross River State Youths For Christ”, a vision conceived in 2008 by Evangelist Paul Effiong.

    Evangelist Paul Effiong, Founder of Cross River State Youths For Christ

    THE PARADISE NEWS learned that Effiong started the movement in 2008 and it was called Victorious Armies of Christ Evangelical Mission with only 14 members, where he gathered ex-convicts, give them the gospel and hope for a new life.

    “The purpose is to rehabilitate former prison inmates, former cultists and those tagged as bad boys/wayward women or societal menace, helping them to find a better purpose to live for and showing them just how God loves them. To visit prisons, hospitals, police stations, cocaine joints and criminal joints for evangelism and prayers, encouraging men and women who have decided to leave criminal lives by giving them means of survival through jobs such as taxi driving, police work, car repairs and empowering them through skills. However, by 2021 with a growing membership of over 100 youths, Youths For Christ has been risen like a Phoenix not as a new organisation but as a better refined and restructured organisation with the determination to achieve its core objective which is to curb crimes to its barest minimum.

    “Our future goals are to have Youths For Christ firmly established in all 36 states of Nigeria, to be a globally recognised NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) which has its footing in over 70 countries of the world all-inclusive, to build rehabilitation centres and skills acquisition centres all over the world where these repented men and women who have been taken off the streets will be trained to acquire skills to make ends meet and survive as better people with skills such as trading, car repairs, designing, barbing, cooking, taxi driving and so much more and Youths For Christ would partner with the Government to ensure free and fair elections”, Effiong said.

    Mrs Theresa Ikwen, former Cross River State Head of Service and the Chairman of the occasion said she was glad when she heard about the Youth For Christ and its vision. She assured the organisation that she will take the message across, ensuring the Cross River State Government partners with the organisation in order to curb crime in the state.

    “I am glad about the vision of Youth For Christ. It will not only be an NGO  but a world-class organisation. It will grow across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State. I come from Obanliku which is the farthest LGA from here, I will take the message across. I will work with the founder, Evangelist Paul to ensure the vision grows – and the State Government will partner because the vision will help the Government to curb crime. I hope that other States emulate what is happening here in Cross River State”, Ikwen said.

    Evangelist Paul Effiong, Founder of Cross River State Youths For Christ (Blue)

    Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Field Marshall/President of Youths For Christ, Honourable Prince Paul Okon Effiong who now preferred to be called Evangelist Paul Effiong said he went to the prison not as a criminal but because of a family land problem.

    Effiong said the Youths For Christ is made up of a group of people earlier condemned by society but have now put on the new garment of Christ, the garment of righteousness to serve God and spread his words which salvaged them while in prison.

    He said all the politicians in Cross River State including the Governor and his Deputy were invited to the inauguration of the Youths For Christ but none of them showed up because of the fear of being exposed by the same people they used and dumped in the prison. He urged the congregation and the youths especially, to be wary of politicians this coming election as their only goal is to use and dump them just like they did to some of them years back.

    “I want to make this clear to everyone here that the real meaning of our clothes, white and blue – white means purity while blue means royalty – which signifies the second coming of Christ. The men you are seeing today have decided to remove the dark colour of sin and put on the colour of righteousness. These men here will bring positive change to Cross River State. If MC Neil could call the name of the Lord, you should repent too.

    “I want to say this so that tomorrow you can bear me witness. Have you seen any politicians here? (Congregation: No!). All of them have been invited to this programme but they didn’t come because they’ve heard of Youths For Christ. They are not here because these are the men they used to perpetrate crimes and do their dirty jobs.

    “I want anyone to come out and tell me if there is any group powerful than Youths For Christ. No politician gave anything for this programme, it is the sole contribution of Youths For Christ. We are here to tell you that in 2023, do not give in to any politician. The same politicians are talking and campaigning but ASUU are on strike while their children are studying abroad. We will visit all the politicians in their houses to show them that we are now a new people. We are not saying you shouldn’t vote – we all have our PVCs (Permanent Voter’s Cards) – all we are saying is that know the person you’re voting for”, Effiong said.

    The founder of Youths For Christ further admonished: “Do not look down on God or yourself because God has not condemned you – so, don’t condemn yourself. Jesus Christ did not come for the righteous people, he came for the sinners. He [Christ] said sinners will be the first to enter into the kingdom of God. Put away crime, drugs, violence and let God use you”.

    On his part, Evangelist Ndifon Okpa, Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASP) said he had overseen the ex-convicts while in the Correctional Facility and Evangelist Effiong was exceptional.

    “I am an Assistant Superintendent of Prison and I know all these people while serving their jail terms. I am so happy to see Pastor Paul dancing today. I remember how he came to the prison and how he changed the atmosphere. He used to prophesy the release of some inmates (sometimes four) when taken to the court and it will be so. I am not better than them. No one should call them ex-convicts because they are just like everyone else. No one should condemn them, we should all emulate Christ and lead others to repentance”, Okpa said.

    Testimonies were given by ex-convicts on their past and new lives.

    The Cross River State Youths For Christ was formally inaugurated by AIG Usman Gomna, AIG Zone 6, who was represented by Rev. Emmanuel Tom. Meanwhile, the vision statement was read by Mrs Amarachi Effiong, wife of Evangelist Paul Effiong, founder of Cross River State Youths For Christ.

    The names of the excos are as follows:

    1. Evangelist Paul Effiong – President
    2. Prophet Linus Okeke – Vice President
    3. Evangelist Michael Eze – Secretary
    4. Evangelist Ekpenyong Efa – Assistant Secretary
    5. Evangelist Samuel Ekpenyong – Senior Pastor
    6. Evangelist Ndifon Okpa – Treasurer
    7. Okon Effiwat – Chief Security
    8. Cyril Ene-Ita – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
    9. Joseph Inyang – Assistant PRO

    The group is also made up of members who are not ex-convicts, including Evangelist Ndifon Okpa and Joseph Inyang.

    The event was attended by Nsikak Effiong, State Commander, Man O’ War; Prince Nsa Ekpenyong, President, Media Practitioner of Nigeria; Pastor Douglas Vincent, Head Pastor, Rehoboth Ministry and several others.

  • Biography of Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V

    By Frank Ulom

    The current Efik monarch, Obong of Calabar is Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.

    Birth and parentage

    He was born on the morning of the 20th day of November 1949 and is reputed to be initiated into the Ekpe Efik Iboku confraternity on the day of his birth. His parents were Etubom Okon Abasi Otu Ukpong Mbo Otu and Madam Ikwo Okokon Ansa of Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu. The current Efik Monarch, therefore, descends from the Adiabo clan of the Eburutu tribe and is traceable to the founding ancestor of the Efik kingdom with the genealogical name Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu Ukpong Mbo Otu Meseme Ukpong Ukpong Atai Ema Atai Iboku.

    Education and training

    The young Prince Ekpo Okon attended St. Patrick’s Convent and St. Mary’s Schools for his primary education and received his first school leaving certificate from the later in 1963. In 1968, he obtained his West African School Certificate from the famous West African Peoples Institute (WAPI) established by the first Nigerian professor, the late Professor Eyo Ita. At the age of 24 years, he obtained a diploma certificate in Telecommunications Engineering where he bagged the International Telecommunication Union best student award. The award conferment was made by the late Nigerian Military Head of State; General Murtala Muhammed who was then Minister of Communications.

    Married life and nuclear family

    The present Obong of Calabar (Efik Monarch) is married to Princess Ansa Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu nee Edet Ukpong Okon Otu Ekpenyong Efa of Adiabo. The marriage is blessed with seven children namely Arit, Abia, Ukpa, Ekpo, Otu, Asa and Ukpong.

    Work experience

    The current Monarch first worked as an assistant technical officer-in training at the then Post and Telecommunications (P&T) department of the Federal Ministry of Communications and became an outstanding trainee officer who rose to the position of Operations and Maintenance Manager in the Domestic Satellite Division of P&T. Following the deregulation of the telecommunications sector by the Federal Government, the young Prince got employed at the Telnet Nigeria Limited whose major client was Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. Here he rose to the position of Divisional Manager on merit from where he was called to serve on the throne of his ancestors.

    Journey to the throne

    Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu’s journey to the throne started when he was made a chief by his family and community in 1976. He became head of the Ukpong Mbo Otu family and consequently the village head of Adiabọ Ikọt Mbọ Otu in 1999. In 2003 he became the clan head-elect of Adiabọ Ikọt Mbọ Otu and was capped Etubom obio by His Eminence the late Edidem Nta Elijah Henshaw VI, the immediate past Obong of Calabar, in 2004. He was made the Iyamba Ekpe Efik Iboku (President of the Ekpe conclave) of Otu Meseme Lodge at Adiabọ.

    The installation, recognition and coronation

    Following the demise of the immediate past Obong, His Eminence, the late Edidem (Prof.) Nta Elijah Henshaw VI on the 16th day of February 2008, a suitable successor was found in Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu from the Western Calabar geographical bloc of the Kingdom, who was traditionally crowned at Efe Asabọ (shrine of the cobra) on the 3rd day of May 2008. He thenceforth became His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Obong of Calabar, Natural ruler, Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom.

    On the 11th of July, 2008, the new king was officially recognized by the Government of Cross River State of Nigeria and was presented with a staff of office as Obong of Calabar, in a public ceremony at the State Cultural Centre Complex, by the then State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke. Finally, the current Monarch was presented before God in keeping with the tradition of Church Coronation suggested by the late Queen Victoria of Great Britain in 1878, at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Parish in December 2008. He was crowned by the late legendary Pastor Eyo Edet Okon of The Apostolic Church of Nigeria and admitted into the comity of world Christian Kings as the 78th recognized Monarch of the Efik Eburutu people.

    Life as an Obong and achievements so far

    The year 2008 in Calabar was filled with royal events primarily the traditional installation of the Obong, his presentation to the state government for recognition and finally the church coronation in December. The Efik Monarch; a member of the comity of world Christian kings and Knight of Saint Molumba of the Catholic faith, began his life as an Obong with a thanksgiving service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Mission on the 25th of January, 2009.

    His ascension to the throne, it will be recalled, was plagued with court cases where a number of people came up with claims of better qualification to the revered Efik throne. The Obong identified the absence of a written constitution as a guide to the selection of Obong of Calabar as a major reason for the spurious claims by some segments in the kingdom. He, therefore, set up a select constitution drafting committee to come up with a working document for the Efik Kingdom. The constitution was proclaimed in 2010 but was followed with heavy criticisms from sectors that felt left out in the general scheme of things. At the moment, the constitution is undergoing review and will be ready soon.

    Following the emergence of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V as Obong of Calabar and Grand Patriarch of the Efik people, a number of dissenting groups took the Palace of the Obong of Calabar to court challenging the fairness of the selection process. One of such claimants was Chief Anthony Ani, a former Minister of the Federal Republic. On Monday, January 30, 2012, the Federal High Court ruled the case in his favour, claiming that he was the rightful candidate for the Efik throne. But the Obong’s Palace headed for a higher court (the Court of Appeal) to seek redress and on July 4, 2013, the Appeal Court ruled that Chief Anthony Ani was not qualified to vote and be voted for as an Obong of Calabar. At the same time, the court ordered that the selection process be repeated with the Obong of Calabar as contestant if he so desired as he was fully qualified to do so. The Etuboms’ Conclave, as a law-abiding group, obliged the court and His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V was returned as the Obong of Calabar, Natural Ruler, Treaty King and Grand Patriarch of the Efik people.

    The Obong noted that the dwindling fortunes of the Efik kingdom in recent times are traceable to the tribal fragmentations and unfair discriminations, borne out of a poor understanding of who the Efik people are. He, therefore, initiated steps to bring together all the descendants of Iboku who founded the twelve ancestral clans of the Iboku people to establish a cohesive and more robust kingdom that will shoulder all challenges responsibly. This, he says, will be done by reviewing the family trees of all Efik Houses and families which will surely help the people to make a more purposeful thrust into the future.

    A very significant achievement of the current Monarch is his vision to set up an advisory and executive body in his royal court. The body is called Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) and is made of Efik gentlemen and ladies who have excelled in their different fields of training/or endeavours; in Academia, Medicine, Law, Engineering, Security, Commerce, Industry and Politics pooled from all twelve ancestral clans. A brief on the organization and functions of this forum follows under discussions on the Palace of the Obong of Calabar.

    On Tuesday 7 November 2023, Governor Bassey Otu recognised Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V as the authentic Obong of Calabar.

  • Cross River: 39 New Commissioners, Their Portfolios And Contact Details

    By Frank Ulom

    Below are the 39 Commissioners appointed by Governor Ben Ayade and their portfolios and contact details.

    (1). Barr. Tanko Ashang, Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice

    (2). Hon. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr., Commissioner For Finance
    Phone: 08039742021

    (3). Prof. John Inyang, Commissioner for Lands
    Phone: 08039860118
    Email: jesameasy2009@yahoo.com

    (4). Hon. Dan Osim-Asu, Commissioner for Works
    Phone: 080367449245
    Email: engrdaneosimasu@gmail

    (5). Dr. Godwin Amanke, Commissioner for Quality Education

    (6). Comrade Asu Okang, Commissioner for Information and Orientation
    Phone: 08035044102
    Email: sukanghart@yahoo.com

    (7). Hon Stella Oreme Odey, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs
    Phone: 08069219586
    Email: ngushu@yahoo.com

    (8). Hon Okon Owuna, Commissioner for Agriculture

    (9). Dr Betta Edu, Commissioner For Health

    (10) Hon. Rita Ayim, Commissioner for Women Affairs

    (11). Hon Eric Anderson, Commissioner For Culture and Tourism

    (12). Hon Mfon Bassey, Commissioner For Environment

    (13). Hon. Thomas Udam, Commissioner For Foreign Affairs (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08039109969

    (14). Prof. Alice Ekwu, Commissioner For Establishment and Payroll (New Ministry)
    Phone: 07034493343
    Email: ekwualice@yahoo.com

    (15). Hon. Francis Etta, Commissioner for Special Duties (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08108436025
    Email: ettahfranc@yahoo.com

    (16). Dr. Inyang Asibong, Commissioner for International Development Cooperation
    Phone: 08037150872
    Email: inyangasibong@yahoo.com

    (17). Hon Victor Agwu, Commissioner for Power
    Phone: 08058298163
    Email: vicegwu2004@yahoo.com

    (18). Dr. Jake Otu Enyia, Commissioner For Aviation (New Ministry)

    (19). Hon. Mike Usibe, Commissioner for New Cities Development

    (20). Barr. (Hon.) RoseMary Archibong, Commissioner of Commerce (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08033244694
    Email: rosemaryarchibong@yahoo.com

    (21). Hon. Peter Egba, Commissioner for Industry
    Phone: 08039575856
    Email: akampeter@yahoo.com

    (22). Hon Chris Njar, Commissioner for Social Housing
    Phone: 08037168329
    Email: cnjar2011@yahoo.com

    (23). Hon. Donatus Etim, Commissioner for Climate Change

    (24). Hon. Signor Omang Idiege, Commissioner for Youths and skills Acquisition

    (25). Hon. Ofu Aya, Commissioner for Sports and Cinematography (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08033788881
    Email: dr.aya.foundation@gmail.com

    (26). Barr. Joe Abang, Commissioner for ICT (Information, Communication and Technology)

    (27). Hon. Dr. Godwin (Goddy) Ettah, Commissioner for Water Resources
    Phone: 07089030455
    Email: ettah2000@yahoo.com

    (28). Hon. Saviour Nyong, Commissioner For Gas Development
    Phone: 08037321089
    Email: saviornyong@yahoo.com

    (29). Hon. Oliver Orok, Commission For SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
    Phone: 08063350686
    Email: orokoliva@gmail.com

    (30). Engr. Mike Eraye, Commissioner For Robotics & Artificial intelligence (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08036174101
    Email: raykor08@yahoo.com

    (31) Blessing Egbara, Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare (New Ministry)

    (32). Hon. George O’ben-Etchi, Commissioner for Solid Mineral
    Phone: 08038882128
    Email: george.etchi@gmail.com

    (33). Hon. Edem Okokon Effiom, Commissioner For Rural Transformation
    Phone: 08033185864
    Email: edemeffiom56@yahoo.com

    (34). Hon. Gabe Odu Orji, Commissioner for Infrastructure
    Phone: 08023390429
    Email: ojigab@yahoo.com

    (35). Prof. Anthony Eneji, Commissioner For Training and Doctoring
    Phone: 08060747554
    Email: aerinya@yahoo.com

    (36). Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, Commissioner For Transportation

    (37). Hon. Itaya Asuquo Nyong, Commissioner for Petroleum Resources
    Phone: 08030621288
    Email: itayausus@yahoo.com

    (38). Hon. John Ulafor, Commissioner For Grants and Economic Empowerment (New Ministry)
    Phone: 08033710317
    Email: johnulafor@yahoo.com