Paradise News

Tag: Cross River State

  • BREAKING: Ayade imposes 24hrs curfew in C’River after residents discovered hidden COVID-19 Palliatives warehouse

    By Frankie Ifop

    The governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade has ordered the imposition of 24 hours curfew in Cross River State.

    PARADISE NEWS gathered that the order came in shortly after residents discovered hidden warehouse loaded with COVID-19 Palliatives on Friday, October 23, 2020, in Calabar, the state capital.

    Sources said the palliatives which include food stuffs and other items that were supposed to be distributed to citizens of the state were locked in a warehouse at CROSPIL office, Bishop Monagh Avenue, State Housing Estate capital.

    A statement signed by Mr. Christian Ita, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, on Friday said the #EndSARS protest has been hijacked by hoodlums.

    “Following the hijacking of the peaceful protest against police brutality in the state by hoodlums, the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade has imposed a 24hr curfew in the state starting from 6pm on Friday, October 23, 2020.

    “Residents of the state are advised to observe the curfew as security agents have been mandated to arrest anybody who flouts it”, the statement read.

    Watch Videos below;

  • BREAKING: Daniel Obo emerges NYCN Chairman, Cross River State Chapter

    By Frank Ulom

    Comr. Obo Daniel Obo has emerged as the Cross River State Chapter Chairman of the National Youths Council of Nigeria, NYCN, following the election held in Calabar on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

    Dan Obo was elected chairman of NYCN-CRS, after polling a total of 51 votes ahead of rival, Comr. Ndifon Victor Ogar, who polled 27 votes. Comr. Gifted Nelson and Comr. Ofem Okoi also scored 2 votes and Nil for the chairmanship position.

    Obo and other excos were declared winners by the returning officer, Comr. Innocent Ajayi, Vice President, South South zone at State Housing Estate field, 3rd Avenue, Calabar.

    Also, the newly elected Eleco Chairman, Comr. Isaac Akpa affirmed the Exco Members to run the affairs of the NYCN, Cross River State (CRS) Chapter from 2020 to 2024.

    Speaking shortly after the electoral process, the immediate past Chairman of NYCN, Cross River State Chapter, Comr. Ndiyo Ndiyo, assured the newly elected Chairman and his excos that they are not alone in this administration.

    Ndiyo further stated that “We’ll give you our support, we’ll give you our necessary advice, we’ll not interfere in the running of your excos. My advice is, carry everybody along, and see them as equals – even those who didn’t support you.

    “As a youth below 35, you have the capacity to drive the youths of Cross River State from where we stop. Those things we did that you know were not correct, technically and diplomatically correct them. Those that we’ve done right, God will give you the wisdom to maintain them and make sure you take the NYCN to the next level.”

    On his part, the newly elected Chairman of the NYCN, Cross River State Chapter, Comr. Obo Daniel Obo, said he will utilise the opportunity mandated to him to serve better.

    “For me, it is an opportunity to serve, it is also a privilege that young people will come together in the cost of a very peaceful transition and decide that I should lead – and I feel that it is an opportunity to show leadership, an opportunity to grow and to put the youths together to support the activities of the present administration of Governor Ben Ayade and also support the activities of every meaningful Cross Riverian who in one way or the other; by the way of elective position, way of appointment, is contributing his/her quota to the development of Cross River State,” Obo said.

    Obo further stated that: “For everybody that contested the election with me, it is a victory for all.

    “Nobody has lost the election, we’re all young Cross Riverians and together we are going to put up a committee to reconcile those who feel aggrieved in the process. I believe that in every election, someone will emerge and it is not a do-or-die affair.”

    WATCH VIDEO OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS BELOW;

  • Cross River First Lady commissions 1st ever Home Health Care

    By Frank Ulom

    Cross River State First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade on Saturday commissioned the launch of Home Health Care, a programme by Vital Signs in collaboration with AyadeCare in Calabar.

    Speaking, Dr Ayade who praised the innovation said, in the past years, it’s been difficult to get good medical services due to the torrential system. And that, many efforts from those in the medical sector have proved infertile.

    She added that, it was a very big delight to the state when His Excellency, Senator Professor Ben Ayade brought in the AyadeCare. According to her, the innovation is there to help both the rich and the poor and for all to have quality healthcare at the time of need.

    Speaking on the benefits of these programmes, Dr Ayade spread the play on why everyone should get a health insurance.

    Her words: “Sometimes when someone falls sick, it’s either you don’t have the means to go to the hospital or you don’t have the hospital near you at the time you need it. Those are the challenges that AyadeCare is here to tackle.”

    The stipend of N1000 per month which is an accumulative of N12000 per year for Home Health Care, Dr Ayade said is cheaper for everyone than what a person pays when he/she falls ill and later admitted in a hospital. But with AyadeCare, she said no matter the illness and number of times, the insurance covers all.

    “As we are launching the Home Health Care of the AyadeCare, we hope that Cross River State in the nearest future would be a hub to refer to in Nigeria in terms of medical care.

    “Health is wealth and if we know we’d keep ourselves healthy, then we shall get even wealthier. We’ve exemplified that today, and hopefully in the future, Cross River State will begin to get quality healthcare”, Ayade said.

    Giving her remarks, the CEO of Vital Signs and the Chief Host of Home Health Care, Dr. Genevieve Barnaby Ephraim said the programme will slow the growth of Healthcare cost for families, businesses and the government. She added that, it’ll save lives due to early intervention and at the same time reduce infection rates as well as encouraging and continuing care between the home and hospital.

    Dr. Barnaby whose inspiration was drawn from her livelihood in Cross River State and the United Kingdom said, “Healthcare is decisive of our future prosperity, it concerns more than material things, it is above all moral issues but concerns fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our state.

    “The government has stepped in to bring Home Health Care Services. Let us all join hands together to bring some basic peace of mind to our families”, she concluded

    His Royal Highness, the Ndidem of the Quas, Sir Barr. Dr. Patrick Inok Agbor who blessed the project also applauded Governor Ayade who innovated the Home Health Care.

    He advised all and sundry including the members of the royal palace to embrace the programme as it will help curb poverty in Cross River State.

    His words: “This is the healthcare that has been made feasible, affordable and ever ready to reach you wherever you are.

    “For our Elders and the senior citizens of this State, I brought you purposely to see what is going to happened, so that tomorrow no one will say he’s not informed.

    “This is the process where you can stay at the comfort of your home and use a simple phone call and services will be delivered to you in a very short period of time. The service you’ll derive from here will be far much cheaper than that of the hospital which is more stressful and barely reliable”, he said.

    Speaking also at the event was the Chairman, Dr. Inyang Asibong, Honourable Commissioner for Health who pointed 4 key things about health insurance which includes; making Healthcare available, affordable, feasible and accessible for everyone. She added that, the Vital Signs’ Home Health Care is a component of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme (CRSHIS) known as AyadeCare that is starting October 1st, 2017.

    “The Home Health Care is the concept of bringing healthcare services to the comfort of our homes for just N1000. It’s specifically designed for the elderly ones, people who are very sick and cannot make it to the hospital, etc.

    “It is the first of it kind in Nigeria and other states are watching to see how it’ll work out so for them to follow. Therfore, everybody should key in, since it’s everyone’s programme and not for government alone.

    “The programme is designed for everybody, both indigenes and non-indigenes and at the same rate of N1000, just like the AyadeCare”, she concluded.

    The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu who lauded the innovation was pleased to say the Agency has donated a building already for the Home Health Care. She thanked Governor Ayade, Dr Linda Ayade, the Commissioner for Health and the chiefs for the support as the programme is the key to quality healthcare delivery at everyone’s door’s step.

    She said that, one of the very strong request of Governor Ayade was to see that quality healthcare services can be taken to the doors of everyone in Cross River State; this is what gave rise to the AyadeCare.

    She said, “I am so grateful that we have a little part of the AyadeCare which is today Home Health Care.

    “We have equally given our supports to ensure that workers will go to homes to deliver services to all registered persons.

    “This is the first in Nigeria, and we hope we can replicate other Local Government Areas across the state almost immediately so that other states in Nigeria can emulate Cross River State.

    “We are proud of AyadeCare as it’s started from the Home Health Care, we are proud that Cross River is making progress in achieving Universal Health Coverage,” Dr Edu said.

    Earlier speaking was Prof. Rowland Ndoma-Egba, Consultant Surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital who said, health insurance is an interesting new innovation.

    He added that, Nigeria Healthcare has undergone several innovations including; the paediatric care, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), etc.

    “The problem in our society today is for the arrangement of patients to be administered into the hospital, but with the advent of Home Health Care Plus, that problem can be partly solved.

    “The benefit of health care services is not only for healthcare alone. The service is for patients to be cared for and nurtured in the environment they’re familiar with”, Prof. Ndoma-Egba said.

    Speaking also was the SA to the Governor on Insurance, Mr Godwin Iyala who spoke elaborately on why Governor Ayade tied insurance with health care. He said the objective can be drawn from the AyadeCare and the Home Health Care today.

    The SA applauded the innovation of Governor Ayade and the thinking force of Dr Barnaby as Cross Riverians cam now accessed quality healthcare with just a token of N1000.

    “What is happening in Home Health Care is just a little beginning of the AyadeCare. When you pay N1000 a month, you’re entitled to quality health services; this is just the beginning”, Mr. Iyala said.

    Highpoint of the event featured free medical checkups, health lecture speeches delivered by Mr Paschal Akpo, Dr Jane Adah, Provost, College of Health Technology, Professor Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, Professor Victor Ansa, Nurse Emelda Duke.

    Present at the event were Her Excellency, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo; Professor Okegbe, Chief Medical Director, Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar; Dr Nchewi Ani, President of Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter; Dr Ene-Obong, a UK based Health Expert; Comr. John O. Ushie, Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, Cross River State Chapter; and others.

  • CRSPHCDA Partners Positive Care And Development Foundation to Fight HIV/AIDS

    Dr Betta Edu (standing) addressing PACF IMPACT project meeting
    Charles Ekanem|14 June 2017 
    As part of effort to eliminate HIV infection among Nigerian Children and prevent positive mothers from transmitting the disease to their unborn babies, a stakeholders meeting was held at City Gate Hotels, Calabar with key stakeholders from various MDAs and Primary Health Care Staff selected from facilities where the PACF IMPACT project will be undertaken.
    Speaking, Dr  Betta Edu said elimination of HIV infections in Cross River State is one of the priorities of the State while advising them to also work closely with SMOH, SACA and other relevant NGOs on Prevention of Mother To Child Ttransmission of HIV in communities. She charged the Impact consortium to always share data and report gotten from their work with the state for records purpose and documentation.
    She noted that the project will  improve access to prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), Ante Natal Care (as delivery kits will be provided in this facilities as incentives for mothers), increase access to family planning services and Comprehensive treatment/ support for HIV patient which will contribute to the elimination of new HIV infections in Cross River 
    The DG passionately spoke to the health workers, appealing to them to treat HIV patient with all dignity and give them support the need or they will run from health centers and resort to traditional medicine or TBAs which is dangerous. “no matter how much state government and partners invest in fight against HOV/AIDS if you don’t show them care and empathy, our investments will not produce results.
    Earlier Speaking, Project Coordinator, Mr Patrick Onen said the project is planned to reach not less than 48,803 direct beneficiaries comprising pregnant women living with HIV and other women of childbearing age including those living in rural, hard to reach LGAs and communities in Cross River State. 
    He further stated that Commodities such as contraceptives, female condoms, drugs, telephone for centers, delivery kits etc will be provided to supported facilities.
    Their package was unveiled by the Hon. Commissioner For Health Department Inyang Asibong who was represented by Dr Joseph Bassey the PS SMOH and supported by DG PHC, Dr Betta Edu and DG SACA Mrs Rosemary Iyambi
    Also Present at the meeting were Executive Director of Dreamboat Foundation, PHC Cordinators Heads of facility and a host of others.

    Charles Ekanem 
    Writes from Calabar 

  • World No Tobacco Day 2017: FG Releases Legislative Regulations

    Our Correspondent|14 June 2017 
    The theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day – Tobacco threatens us all – highlights how tobacco threatens the development of nations worldwide, and to this the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on governments around the world to implement strong tobacco control measures. These include banning marketing and advertising of tobacco, promoting plain packaging of tobacco products, raising excise taxes, and making indoor public places and workplaces smoke-free.
    The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health has set up some legislative regulations that are to be implemented and enforced to the general public with strict monitoring, and they include: 
    1. Prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to and by anyone below age 18.
    2. Ban of sale of cigarettes in single sticks; cigarettes must be sold in packs of 20 sticks only.
    3. Smokeless tobacco shall be sold in a minimum of a pack of 30 grammes.
    4. Ban of sale or offer for sale or distribution of tobacco or tobacco products through mail, internet, or other online devices.
    5. Prohibition of interference of tobacco industry in public health and related issues.
    6. Prohibition of smoking in anywhere on the premises of a child care facility, educational facility, and healthcare facility. Other prohibited for smoking include playgrounds, amusement parks, plazas, public parks, stadia, public transport, restaurants’ bar, and other public gathering spaces.
    7. Prosecution of owner or manager of any of the places listed above who permits, encourages or fails to stop smoking in the above listed places.
    8. Prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship of any kind.
    9. Compliance with specified standards for content.
    Meanwhile the Cross River State Commissioner for Health Dr Inyang Asibong has called on the public to quit smoking as it is dangerous and unhealthy. She made the call during a brief interview with newsmen at the ministry headquarters in Calabar. 
    “Almost everybody is a smoker either passively or actively, but the second hand smokers are more liable to the dangers of tobacco. Let us stop smoking. We are trying to reduce poverty and protect our health. It’s not easy but it is very doable and in the long run your health will be better with it. Let’s not give in to peer pressure and let us take care of our health holistically.” 
    Tobacco is very dangerous and it affects all parts of the body from the hairs on the head to the nails on our toes. It causes cancer of the lungs, breast, oesophagus, larynx, oral, bladder, kidney and ureter, and pharynx. It also causes ovarian cancer, infertility, discoloration of the nails, friability of hairs etc.
    Let’s stop smoking today!!!

    NegroidHaven… Truth in view of Africa’s liberty! 

  • Nyok just change the world! Ayade's aide Betta Edu, told Publisher of NegroidHaven, on his birthday.

    L-R: Dr Betta Edu and Efio-Ita Nyok
    Efio-Ita Nyok|13 June 2017 
    Dr Betta Edu, pioneer Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has charged the publisher of NegroidHaven to ‘change the world’ our press outfit has gathered. 
    In a four paragraph birthday wish via social media, Dr Edu, who, Monday, described Nyok as being a wonderful, awesome, outrageous and astute writer tasked the ace online publisher on writing more positive things (about Cross River) and be an example to Nigerian youths. 
    Her words, ‘Happy birthday to a wonderful, awesome and outrageous astute publisher, blogger and writer Efio-Ita Nyok of Negroid Haven.
    ‘On this special day, I wish you long life and unlimited favours. May you be blessed abundantly as this is the time to fulfill your dreams. 
    ‘Write more positive things, be an example to the youths……Nyok just change the world!!!!’
    While encouraging him to consider the divine in his activities, she appreciated him for the unrivaled branding efforts of NegroidHaven on her agency.
    ‘May you include God in all you do. We are proud of you.
    ‘Thank you for all your support to the Agency. We are grateful as your medium has branded the Agency to the fullest’.
    There seem to be this profundity in her statement —’Nyok just change the world!!!!’. Writers actually change the world! Besides this is about the first time that a public officer is admitting the positive credentials of our media outfit 

    NegroidHaven… Truth in view of Africa’s liberty! 

  • Nyok just change the world! Ayade's aide Betta Edu, told Publisher of NegroidHaven, on his birthday.

    L-R: Dr Betta Edu and Efio-Ita Nyok
    Efio-Ita Nyok|13 June 2017 
    Dr Betta Edu, pioneer Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has charged the publisher of NegroidHaven to ‘change the world’ our press outfit has gathered. 
    In a four paragraph birthday wish via social media, Dr Edu, who, Monday, described Nyok as being a wonderful, awesome, outrageous and astute writer tasked the ace online publisher on writing more positive things (about Cross River) and be an example to Nigerian youths. 
    Her words, ‘Happy birthday to a wonderful, awesome and outrageous astute publisher, blogger and writer Efio-Ita Nyok of Negroid Haven.
    ‘On this special day, I wish you long life and unlimited favours. May you be blessed abundantly as this is the time to fulfill your dreams. 
    ‘Write more positive things, be an example to the youths……Nyok just change the world!!!!’
    While encouraging him to consider the divine in his activities, she appreciated him for the unrivaled branding efforts of NegroidHaven on her agency.
    ‘May you include God in all you do. We are proud of you.
    ‘Thank you for all your support to the Agency. We are grateful as your medium has branded the Agency to the fullest’.
    There seem to be this profundity in her statement —’Nyok just change the world!!!!’. Writers actually change the world! Besides this is about the first time that a public officer is admitting the positive credentials of our media outfit 

    NegroidHaven… Truth in view of Africa’s liberty! 

  • UNICAL Pro-chancellor calls for Value Addition

    UNICAL Pro-Chancellor inspecting a Guard of Honour during her visit to University of Calabar recently
    6 June 2017 
    The Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the University of Calabar, Sen. Nkechi Nwaogu, has challenged members of the Council to strive to add value to the University.
    Sen. Nwaogu gave the charge today during a brief welcome ceremony for her in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.
    She enjoined them to work together in unity for the development and progress of the institution adding, “if we work together in unity we can turn a storey building to a skyscraper, but if we do not work in unity we can reduce a skyscraper to a bungalow.” 
    The Pro-chancellor assured that she is a team player and would endeavour to carry everyone along throughout the duration of her tenure. 
    In his welcome remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu, expressed optimism that Sen. Nwaogu’s tenure would witness remarkable achievements. 
    He pledged the cooperation and support of management and staff of the university to enable her to succeed. 
    Earlier on arrival, the Pro-chancellor inspected a colourful Guard of Honour mounted by a detachment of staff of the security unit of the university who also presented her with University of Calabar flag.
    Joseph Ekpang II
    Writes from University of Calabar 

  • Double taxation, illegal revenues, revenue agents alleged to frustrate business in Ogoja

    Efio-Ita Nyok|6 June 2017
    Business owners in Ogoja met on 3rd June under the aegis of Ogoja Amalgamated Trader Association, Hausa Community, Igbo Community, Yoruba Community and sundry enterpreneurs to decry the state of suffocation of the business climate in Ogoja. They have particularly highlighted double taxation and intimidation/embarrassment of revenue agents as the bane of business development in the LGA. For them, illegal charges are frustrating their business. 
    For instance, it would be recalled that Prince Thomas Abi Jr had said earlier that the taxation in Ogoja is too much. Things in Ogoja are too expensive. That there’s high cost of goods and services in Ogoja. In his words, ‘It can be recalled that I had brought the issues of high taxation in Ogoja to public domain. A drop in Ogoja is 100 on Okada. From Abakpa to igoli is 200 naira. Everything in Ogoja is too expensive’.
    Read documents. 

    Efio-Ita Nyok
    Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org 

  • When corruption becomes a necessity, Princewill Odidi, Int'l Dev't expert explains

    Mr Princewill Odidi
    Efio-Ita Nyok|6 June 2017 
    Princewill Odidi, international development economist, Monday, stated that when the basic earnings of an individual cannot take care of his elementary needs,at such a point corruption becomes inescapable NegroidHaven can report.  
    The Atlanta-based social entrepreneur who differentiated between ‘basic sustenance’ and ‘luxury’ observed that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, by reason of its organisational design encourages corruption. He thus stated that corruption isn’t intrinsic in the country but a category of human creation. 
    By sound economic policy and efficient administrative legal system according to Odidi said that corruption could be eliminated. 
    His words, ‘When a man’s basic wage is Not commensurate with his basic sustenance, NOT luxury, then you encourage corruption. At that point corruption becomes a necessity not a choice. 
    ‘The organization of the Nigerian state by design encourages corruption. It is not inborn neither is it in our DNA. Corruption is man made, it can also be eliminated based on sound economic policy and efficient administrative legal infrastructure’. 
    Odidi in essence highlighted two types of corruption, namely, that necessarily born out of the need for basic survival and corruption born out of greed. According to him, the former ‘should not be confused with corruption borne out of greed like the stealing and concealing of billions in holes and apartments’.
    What’s your take on Odidi’s submissions? I couldn’t agree less, what about you? 

    Efio-Ita Nyok
    Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org