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  • Forum commends Gov Otu over appointment of C’Riverians into South South Devt Commission

    Forum commends Gov Otu over appointment of C’Riverians into South South Devt Commission

    The Cross River State Consultative Forum has commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for nominating indigenes of the state for appointment into the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

    The group made the commendation in a letter dated Friday 9 May, 2025 and signed by Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq.– Chairman; Sir Maurice Effiwatt, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, Esq., Apostle (Hon) James Anam, Ntufam (Hon) Victor Okon, Hon. (Mrs) Ada Charles Egwu, Hon. (Chief) Ani Esin, Hon. Joseph Etene, Esq., Prof. Offiong E. Offiong and Hon. (Mrs) Abigail Duke-Orok.

    Other signatories are Barr. Bassey Mensah, Dr. Esu Effiong Esu, Prince Edwin Okon, Ntufam (Hon) Okon Owuna and Hon. Charles Atu (Secretary).

    According to the letter, “The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) heartily commends His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Your Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for the  nomination of Ambassador Sony Abang as Executive Director (Finance) and Hon. Larry Odey as Commissioner in the newly constituted South-South Development Commission (SSDC). 

    “This decision reflects a profound commitment to inclusive governance and recognizes Cross River’s pivotal role in regional development. Ambassador Abang’s expertise in finance and diplomacy, combined with Hon. Odey’s administrative acumen, positions them as invaluable assets to the SSDC’s mandate of fostering sustainable growth in the South-South. 

    “As a Forum representing Cross River’s diverse leadership, we applaud: 
    1. President Tinubu’s foresight in selecting competent Cross Riverians for national service. 
    2. Your Excellency’s advocacy for equitable representation across senatorial district in federal appointments. 
    3. The nominees’ proven track records, which align with the SSDC’s goals. 

    “We urge the Senate to expedite their confirmation and pledge our support for the SSDC’s success.”

  • Global Stakeholders Laud Cross River TCTI-EFCC Plan on Digital Literacy for Nigerian Youth

    Global Stakeholders Laud Cross River TCTI-EFCC Plan on Digital Literacy for Nigerian Youth

    Major stakeholders have lauded the Cross River State government’s innovative partnership between its Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to equip Nigerian youth with crucial digital literacy skills.

    The commendations followed the formalization of a landmark partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on April 30, 2025, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties and current Director-General of the Cross River State TCTI, along with Cross River State TCTI team, finalized and formalized the collaboration with the EFCC.

    The synergy lays the groundwork for a collaborative effort to develop and implement comprehensive digital literacy and cybersecurity programs. These initiatives are designed to harness Nigeria’s growing pool of talent and direct it toward legitimate opportunities within the digital economy.

    Dr. Adekunle Adekola, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank’s Abuja office, expressed his enthusiasm for the high-level collaboration, emphasizing its significance for national development. He stated that the partnership demonstrates the nation’s commitment to providing global digital knowledge to its vast populace. Dr. Adekola explains that the training would significantly enhance the digital capabilities of both the workforce and the younger generation in the global digital landscape.

    “This partnership will improve the quality of digital literacy, not just for the trainees but also for state and non-state actors, ultimately impacting the nation overall,” Adekola remarked. “It will foster collaboration and cooperation, enhance the skills of the trainees and promote increased knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it will strengthen the partnership between the state and federal governments, as exemplified by the EFCC and the Cross River State government, which is highly commendable.”

    Professor Chris Igodan, President of the Institute for International Training and Development, Ohio, USA, praised the initiative as “excellent out-of-the-box thinking.” Igodan believes it will generate global goodwill while empowering unemployed youth with high-level digital skills, positioning them as key players in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

    “This will further strengthen our hands-on vocational education system and facilitate the attainment of minimum standards for utilization by the Nigerian government,” Professor Igodan added, praising the EFCC for its partnership with the Cross River TCTI.

    Honorable Philip Obin, Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Digital Economy, expressed his excitement about the project. “This is a very important development, a win-win for our nation,” he stated. “The training is important for injecting relevant digital literacy proficiency into young people. Professor Adedoja’s dedication to this cause gives me confidence in a positive future. As Special Adviser, I am proud that Cross River State is taking the lead in the digital space, and I commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu on this achievement.”

    Dr. Emmanuel Omini, Acting Director of the Center for Digital Literacy and Emerging Skills at TCTI and a member of the delegation to the EFCC headquarters, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the significance of TCTI’s role in promoting digital literacy training nationwide, seeing it as a major role for Cross River State.

    During the signing, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, had stated that the three-year joint efforts will see both institutions develop a standardized nationwide digital literacy framework and certification program, as well as launching cybersecurity training for personnel.

    “We can integrate this into our preventive measures and that’s where we see the need for synergy with the Institute,” Mr. Olukoyede explained. “This MOU is a viable framework, and we will immediately operationalize its provisions.”

    The EFCC Chair further hinted that: “This partnership aligns with the EFCC’s preventive strategy through education and empowerment. Together with the TCTI, we are building a digital future that safeguards our economy and uplifts Nigerian youth.”

    The anti-graft Chairman expressed his belief in the potential to reorient idle youth through skills acquisition. “It is when they possess basic skills that we can encourage them to engage in productive activities. I want to affirm our alignment with the proposal on digital skill acquisition for youths and our commitment to this collaboration.”

    The tech partnership continues to garner significant local and international praises, recognizing its anticipated positive impact on national development.

  • OCHA Brigade Named Best-Performing Government Agency in Anambra

    OCHA Brigade Named Best-Performing Government Agency in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade has been recognized as the overall best-performing government agency in Anambra State for 2025.

    It was  gathered that the recognition followed a comprehensive assessment and online voting process conducted by relevant stakeholders across Anambra State and beyond. The evaluation was organized by the World Peace Advocate.

    The group assessed the performance of various government agencies in line with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to transform Anambra into a livable and prosperous homeland, as well as a top destination for investors.

    Presenting the award of excellence to the OCHA Brigade at it headquarters in Awka, on Wednesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pechilly Investigative Limited/World Peace Advocate, Ambassador Karen James, stated that the agency secured the top spot due to its consistent efforts in restoring environmental order and promoting a culture of cleanliness among residents.

    Receiving the award on behalf of the agency, the Deputy Managing Director, Comrade Agbafune Anthony Onyekwelu, expressed gratitude to the organizers for recognizing their contributions toward making Anambra cleaner and more livable.

    Onyekwelu also praised Governor Soludo and the agency’s Managing Director, Comrade Celestine Anere, for their leadership in championing the fight against environmental degradation in the state.

  • SEDC boss urges Ohanaeze youth, others to have confidence in government

    SEDC boss urges Ohanaeze youth, others to have confidence in government

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), Mr Mark Okoye, has called on youths in the region to have confidence in government and hold their elected representatives responsible.

    Okoye made the call during a reception organised for him by youths organisations in Anambra on Friday.

    Some of the youth groups were, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Not Too Young to Run,  National Union of Anambra State Students and Political Support Groups.

    Okoye  said it had been observed that years of neglect and unmet expectations had created the attitude of indifference among them but regretted that ignorance was also a worrisome factor for their non participation in governance.

    The MD said the Southeast youth must see themselves as bonafide components of Nigerian construct and go for their rights with boldness and full rights of citizenship.

    He described the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as youth friendly with a good number of under 40 years persons heading Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

    He urged them to embrace Federal Government policies and programmes by filling their quota in in opportunities such as NELFUND loan for undergraduates, business support fund, recruitment in Army, Police and other opportunities.

    According to him, “We are part of the Nigerian construct and we must participate in governance, we must identify what’s ours and go for it and we have to find out if those leaders representing us are doing enough, we should hold them accountable.

    “Southeast has the lowest application for NELFUND, we are lowest in application for Nigeria, Police and Army, there are various Federal Government initiatives to support businesses but we are not accessing it.

    “Youths have a great future in President Tinubu’s administration, who would have believed that this job would have gone to a youth, let us appreciate and support this government it,” he said

    Okoye said the Southeast owed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a debt of gratitude for creating the SEDC within one year in office whereas six military administrations and five presidents failed to do it in 54 years.

    He said SEDC was a platform for investing in infrastructure in the region adding that the Commission would work with the five Governors to make Southeast the most preferred investment destination in Nigeria

    He said the vision was to develop Southeast not just for the people of the region but for the entire country. He added that collaboration and development of states would be in their areas of comparative advantages.

    He said the SEDC had robust programmes for young people and would work with youths across Southeast states and give them platform for greater opportunities.

    “The SEDC is focused and ready to work with governors and groups, our development roadmap was approved two days after inauguration, we are working towards a prosperous Southeast not just for Igbos but for the entire country.

    “We shall Invest in mechanised farming, infrastructure that would open up industrial parks, create technology hubs in universities and support our youths to take part in the sports sector which is about a $700bn economy.

    In his address of welcome, Mr Tochukwu Obiadi, a youth leader thanked President Tinubu for finding Okoye worthy of appointment as MD/CEO of SEDC while pledging commitment of Anambra youth to work with the Commission to achieve its development objectives.

    Mr Ken Okoli said the appointment of Okoye was an indication that youths had taken centre stage in governance at the national level.

    Okoli said they were happy that youths were the key drivers of the Renewed Hope economic transformation agenda and that the SEDC commission under Okoye would make the region be part of the centre.

    He said youth organisations were united and were willing to work with the Commission.

    Mr Chineme Oguegbe, Chairman of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Anambra said Okoye was not just the Chairman of SEDC but a role model whom youths looked forward to.

    Oguegbe urged the Commission to come up with a policy for youth development and empowerment in the region.

  • Social Commentator, Simon Utsu, congratulates Usoro Akpabio on her appointment as MD, SSDC

    Social Commentator, Simon Utsu, congratulates Usoro Akpabio on her appointment as MD, SSDC

    …Describes her as a square peg in a square hole

    Cross River-born social commentator and political analyst, Engr. Simon Utsu, has congratulated Usoro Offiong Akpabio on her appointment as Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In a congratulatory message posted on his social media handle, Utsu expressed delight over Usoro’s appointment, describing her as a square peg in a square hole.

    He said the pioneer MD comes to the job with the right industry know-how and political acumen and savvy needed to navigate the south-south and its predominantly oil and gas terrain, believing she would leave behind a legacy of human and capital development.

    “Congratulations to the tear rubber, pioneer MD of the South South Development Commission, Ms. Usoro Akpabio; a square peg in a square hole. I’ve known her for a little while and I must say this appointment is deserved. She’s mounting the saddle with the right industry know-how and political acumen & savvy, needed to navigate the south-south and its predominantly oil & gas terrain & leave a lasting legacy of human and capital development.

    “It’s also a good move as it’d tilt the gender imbalance in appointments – something I have been complaining about up here,” he writes.

    He ended by wishing her the very best on her new regional assignment, even as he expressed optimism that Usoro would do the region good.

    Simon Utsu is based in Europe.

  • US4US Movement Congratulates Pioneer Managing Director, South South Development Commission, Madam Usoro Akpabio

    US4US Movement Congratulates Pioneer Managing Director, South South Development Commission, Madam Usoro Akpabio

    The US4US MOVEMENT receives with profound joy, the heartwarming news of your well-deserved appointment as pioneer Managing Director, South South Development Commission.

    Your appointment is a demonstration of President Tinubu’s  commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda, and a display of his impeccable belief and trust in the ingenuity, competence and credibility of young people in Nigeria. This marks the highest expression of confidence in your sterling qualities as a seasoned technocrat. As you bring to bear your expertise in your new role as Managing Director, South South Development Commission, we have no doubt in your ability to deliver excellently.

    To this end, as you channel your developmental effort and leadership skills to turn around the fortunes of the people of South South geopolitical zone, I humbly plead that you drive a more formidable and synergistic effort alongside other members of the commission and the teeming youths of South-South geopolitical zone, in consolidating on the achievements and giant strides recorded by the President in the area of infrastructure, human capital development and educational advancement in the geopolitical zone.

    We wish to assure you of our unalloyed support and readiness to always collaborate with the commission.

    Kindly accept our warmest felicitation.

    Signed.
    Comrade Richie Romanus,
    Convener, US4US MOVEMENT

  • Tinubu Appoints Usoro Akpabio Pioneer MD of South South Development Commission

    Tinubu Appoints Usoro Akpabio Pioneer MD of South South Development Commission

    By Obeten Godfrey

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms. Usoro Akpabio as the pioneer Managing Director of the newly established South South Development Commission (SSDC).

    This was disclosed in a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio by the President on Thursday.

    The memo listed the appointees nineteen persons for the North Central Development Commission, with Cosmas Akiyir as chairman and Cyril Yeltsin as managing director.

    The South-West Development Commission has eighteen appointees, with Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi and Dr Charles Akinola as chairman and managing director, in that order while the South South Development Commission has eighteen members on its board, with Chibudom Nwuche as chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio as managing director.

    An indigene of Akwa Ibom state, Ms. Akpabio brings to the role a solid blend of industry expertise in the oil and gas sector, and is expected to harness development across the South-South region.

    The South-South Development Commission is among the newly established regional Commissions established by President Tinubu to address ecological degradation and economic disparities in Nigeria’s oil-producing region, with a focus on road infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialization, and trade, which will help unlock the economic potential of the South-South, fostering job creation and improving the quality of life for millions.

    The ministry is also responsible for coordinating inter-regional collaboration, while enhancing infrastructure, economic growth, and social welfare, ensuring comprehensive development in all aspects of the region’s economy.

    The nominees will be screened by respective committees before confirmation.

  • Senator Eteng Williams is going home in 2027, Youths in Central Senatorial District declare

    Senator Eteng Williams is going home in 2027, Youths in Central Senatorial District declare

    The youths of the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State have unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on Senator Eteng Jones Williams, citing poor performance and lack of effective representation.

    The event, which took place with a large turnout of youth leaders and stakeholders, began with a welcome address by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comr. Dan Obo Jnr., who emphasized that the gathering was aimed at holding elected leaders accountable and promoting youth involvement in governance. He noted that it was time to challenge underperformance in leadership.

    Leading the charge was Comr. Obuli Arikpo, Youth Chairman of Yakurr LGA, who moved the motion for a vote of no confidence on Senator Eteng Williams, the current representative of the Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Arikpo accused the senator of neglecting the developmental needs of the district.

    The motion was seconded and adopted by Comr. Odu John, Youth Chairman of Etung LGA, who echoed the sentiment that the senator has fallen short of the expectations of the people.

    Speaking further, Comr. Mbeh Sagas Etta, Community Relations Officer (Ikom 1 Constituency) to the Governor, commended Governor Bassey Otu for his strides in infrastructure development, including road construction and hospital rehabilitation across the senatorial district.

    On behalf of the youths, he appealed to the governor to allow the people of Central Cross River to democratically select a more competent representative ahead of the 2027 elections. He concluded by thanking the APC Chairman for keeping the senatorial seat open for new aspirants.

    Other youth leaders from various local government areas in the district also voiced their support for the call, commending the governor’s development agenda and stressing that “there is no vacancy for Senator Eteng Jones Williams in 2027.”

    The event ended with a renewed call for youth unity and political participation, with a strong message that leadership must be earned through performance and accountability.

  • NMA National Ports Health Committee Chair Visits Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment

    NMA National Ports Health Committee Chair Visits Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment

    In a move aimed at strengthening national health and safety protocols across Nigeria’s entry points, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) – National Committee on Ports Health, Dr. Freeman Jabengo, FCAI, has paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment Sen. John Owan-Enoh.

    The visit, which took place on Wednesday, was part of efforts by the NMA’s committee to foster a synergy with the Ministry in order to improve health safety outputs at airports, seaports, and border communities across the country.

    Speaking during the visit, Dr. Jabengo emphasized the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring safer points of entry, stating that the committee remains committed to providing robust safety protocols in line with national and global standards.

    Minister Owan-Enoh warmly received the delegation and expressed a strong willingness to support the activities of the committee, acknowledging the importance of public health to economic growth and national development.

    Dr. Freeman Jabengo reiterated the NMA’s dedication to public safety, noting that such partnerships are crucial for building a healthier and more secure nation.

  • Anambra Govt arrests three suspected illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha

    Anambra Govt arrests three suspected illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra state government has arrested three suspected illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    It was gathered that the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, April 6, 2025 extorting and intimidating traders, residents and motorists in the commercial city of the State.

    They were also nabbed for masquerading themselves as state government IGR collectors.

    Addressing the press shortly after parading the suspects at the Revenue House Awka, on Wednesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Dr Greg Ezeilo, said that the three suspects who are unknown to the state government, intimidate and extort unsuspecting members of public of their hard earned money in Onitsha and it environ.

    According to him, the present administration of governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in Anambra has migrated from printing papers formed of revenue collection to digitalized system in the state.

    “The printing receipts boldly writing, “General Purpose Levy N30,000 found with the arrested culprits is fake and not know to the Anambra Internal Revenue Service AIRS under my watch. The public should take note of it.

    “The culprits are trying to undermine Mr governor’s vision of making Anambra State a destination point in Nigeria.

    “The suspects must be charged to Court to proof to the Court whether the tickets they are giving to the public, particularly Onitsha traders are genuine or fake and if its fake, they would be punished severely.

    “Investigation is ongoing to arrest the major sponsors of this culprits.”

    Ezeilo warned every tax payer in the state not to pay their taxes to anyone who don’t operate via electronic system of levy collection.