₦airaland Forum

COVID-19: Extending lockdown will be catastrophic for Nigeria, says Ayade


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has warned that any further extension of lockdown of the country in response to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic will spell doom for the country.

He said any further extension of the lockdown will give rise as to uncontrollable youth restiveness, adding that it was better to lockout than lockdown.

The governor spoke Tuesday at the Industrial Park, Calabar.

Professor Ayade said the recruitment of 8000 youths was targeted at avoiding social tension in view of the harsh economic impact created by COVID 19.

Ayade: " With prices of oil falling, locking out is far better than locking down because another two weeks of lockdown will find this country under siege by young people. There is no way you can hold down these young energies for too long.

"It is demographic, it is statistics. Sixty Five percent of the population is below the age of 35 and the virus itself does not have penetrative force in such a demography and that is what we have to recognize as a country"

The governor explained that the difference in climate conditions between the west and Africa was the reason the pandemic is ravaging that part of the world.

"Our demography is different from the west. Our climatic conditions are different. If you take the wind speed, the wind direction, sun intensity, radiation and the factors that govern the movement of a virus, ours is a situation that makes it difficult to spread with the speed it is spreading in the western world.

"So, our response strategy should reflect our environmental sensitivity. May be what COVID 19 will eventually do is to sharpen the consciousness of young people to come together. That will be very dangerous and so, to nip that in the bud, we have to find jobs for them because sincerely, that is the provision in the constitution. Section 14 sub section 2 says the welfare and security of the people are the primary essence of government"

The Cross River state governor disclosed that industries established by his administration will absorb the youths and get them engaged.

" I have to get the young people off the street, I need to get them engaged. I need to get them to survive and that is the essence of government.”

He explained that the urgency of the situation has forced his administration to slow down on major projects: "At this time, major projects have to slow down and we have to switch attention to the young people who for no fault of theirs are out of school.”

The governor advocated channelling donations to the COVID 19 campaign to job creation. "If you have international support of N21 billion, you have to find how to use it to create jobs and not how to use it on COVID 19 campaign because it will end one day", he said.

COVID-19 has created 8000 jobs in Cross River, says Ayade


As part of measures to cushion the economic impact of lockdowns following the outbreak of coronavirus, the Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade Tuesday commenced the recruitment of 8,000 youths for a flat salary of N30,000 a month.

The flag off, which is in furtherance of the governor’s promise to give 8000 youths automatic employment, took took place at the Ayade Industrial Park in Calabar.

Speaking at the event tagged Job Carnival, the governor explained that the initiative was geared at teaching the youths how to fish rather than handing them fish.

According to him, “It is difficult to continue putting food on people's tables. If today I bring you bags of rice, beans and everything else and tomorrow I do the same, by the third day you are becoming a beggar.
“Any man who loses his identity and integrity, who cannot work with his own style has lost humanity and that is what makes you a human being.
“And so I do not want to turn my people to beggars who will depend on the gift of food. Rather, I have invented a system of only giving food to our old parents, the physically challenged, those who cannot farm , those who cannot fish because you don't give fish to a fisherman.”

The governor said as a leader, his duty was to ensure that no Cross Riverian goes to bed on an empty stomach.

His words: "A young man with all the energy cannot be allowed to waste it, you can only engage that energy. If you give him food with all that youthful energy he will still exert it either on something good or bad.
“So, we need to take that energy you have and convert it into value. That is why we are gathered here today, even though we do not have enough but we care enough. We have to show compassion and care.”

He said he had to personally flag off the exercise to underscore the seriousness he attaches to the initiative.

“I have no elections to run, but I have to do this personally. I have a Commissioner of Finance, I have a Commissioner of Health, I have different people who could do this, it's not my job but I am here personally to oversee this process because I didn't seek power for the mere aggrandizement of the office but clearly to serve".
The Cross River state governor maintained that the job recruitment cuts across the 18 local governments of the state, including non indigens resident in the state, adding that the job category covers different sectors of the economy with emphasis on Agriculture

"The 18 Local Government are here including non indigenes and we are going to take as much as we can...We have lots of equipments here as you can see and if you are interested in becoming bulldozer drivers please indicate in your form, for those who want to drive tractors and payloaders please indicate same in your forms. We also have category for farming, litter picking , urban renewal, please indicate accordingly.

“It is only in Nigeria that you have full students. In Europe you find students who are in school and working at the same time, so here we will give students work too.”

Ayade urged the applicants to use the N30,000 monthly payment judiciously if employed, adding, N30000 is no money but at least it is better than nothing. Here at the industrial park we have many factories and we are ready to employ many more to man these factories especially widows.

“I advice you, choose a job close to your home so that you don't end up spending all the N30,000 on transport every month. This program is our own little way of supporting you through this difficult period as a government.”

Ayade mourns Buhari's late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari


Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has expressed profound shock and sadness over the death of President Muhammadu Buhari's Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

The governor said he was utterly depressed by the sad news.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, Governor Ayade described Kyari's departure as a great loss to the nation.

"We have lost a great statesman, a consummate professional and an exceptionally brilliant mind. Our nation has lost one of its best."

According to Ayade, "Abba Kyari was a patriotic statesman, who was diligent and meticulous; uncommonly accommodating, a great listener who was ever receptive to anyone who came across him.

“My heart and prayers are with the family at this very difficult moment. I pray for the repose of Mallam Kyari's soul.”

Sent

"COVID-19 FIGHT CONTINUES IN CRS AS NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY SUPPORT THE CRSG WITH ASSORTED DRINKS"

The fight to ensure that Cross Riverians remains safe, sound, healthy and free of the Coronavirus Global Pandemic continues with various Organizations/Groups showing solidarity, love, and support for the Cross River State Government who is giving out palliatives to her citizens to help reduce the global effects that came alongside this pandemic.

The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), makers of Coca Cola, Eva water and other trademark brands has today donated a truck load of water and Carbonated Soda drinks to the Cross River State COVID-19 Response Taskforce team which is to be distributed as palliative provisions to residents of the State through the usual State’s Food Bank Commission which was earlier flagged off by H.E the Executive Governor of the State Sen Prof Ben Ayade on Wednesday the 15th day of April, 2020.

On ground to receive the items were the First Lady of the State, Her Excellency Dr Mrs Linda Ayade and the Secretary of The Taskforce/Commissioner for Finance, Hon Asuquo Ekpenyong. Reacting to their magnanimity, love and support for the State, Her Excellency Dr Linda Ayade thanked NBC for the support promising that the said items will be added to the provisions/palliative that will be distributed across the 18 LGAs of the State. She thanked them for standing with the State at this critical moment assuring them that such kind gestures will never be forgotten in a hurry.

The Honorable Commissioner for Finance who doubles as the Secretary of the COVID-19 Taskforce team on behalf of the committee expressed his satisfaction to NBC who he said has stood by the State at the very moment when they are mostly needed, he reiterated the committee's willingness and dedication to keep doing their best to ensure that the State continue to maintain its status of not recording any case assuring them that their name will be written in gold in the State's roll call of honor and a certificate issued to them in that regards.

COVID-19

Ayade Distributes Stimulus Package To Vulnerable C'Riverians, Approves N30,000 monthly salary for new 8000 employees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir57ipSD95s

Where Is this brutality? Please if you have any proof come forward.

New York is set to adopt the "No Mask No movement " Policy to help curb the spread of the coronavirus currently ravaging parts of the world with America one if the worst hit so far.
The "No mask No Movement" policy was first adopted by Government of Cross River State under the leadership of professor Ben Ayade himself a professor of science. Ayade maintains that the fastest way to curb the spread of the virus is to wear face and nosemasks during public outings for protection adding that while social distancing is effective, it is not the only effective way of curbing the spread of the virus.
With this new Policy about to be adopted by Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, it seems the world is beginning to align to with Ayade's position.

COVID-19: Ayade Distibutes Stimulus Package To Vulnerable C'Riverians
* Approves N30,000 monthly salary for new 8000 employees


Cross River state governor,Prof. Ben Ayade on Wednesday distributed stimulus package to vulnerable persons as well as citizens who cannot fend for themselves due to age or incapacitation across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at CROSPIL in Calabar during the distribution of the stimulus package, Ayade declared that he had already approved N30,000 as monthly stipend for beneficiaries of the automatic employement given to 8000 youths between the ages of 18 to 35 in the state starting from Tuesday next week.

He said, "Distributing food is not the real palliatives ,the real pallitive is in giving people jobs .Palliative which is temporal is for poor and vulnerable who cannot fend for themselves.

"We are starting the real palliative on Tuesday. Whether you are a gardner or cleaner, whatever you can do, we will give a job but we can only pay you 30,000 if you know you need it and want to earn that amount please put down your names and phone numbers; you will be contacted.

"The food will be shared through our traditional rulers to all the 18 LGAs: We want it to get to the grassroots; this is not about political party. It is about governace; we will also give to churches and various religious organisations to distribute because they know the people well.

"This is a time to show humanity. Humanity does not know colour or ethnicity. We need to stop spreading fear about the pandemic. What we need is to show the people love especially at this critical time. Fear and hunger is killing people even more than the pandemic.
"We want to thank President Buhari and the Central Bank of Nigeria for granting us clearance to deliver our rice seedlings to states.
"We have built industries and made serious investment. Federal government support is key. We need more of their support so that we can achieve more growth and development in our economy and even more".

WHO Secretary General validates Ayade’s position on social distancing



World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary General, Tedros Adhananom Ghenreyesus has re-echoed Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State's stance to the effect that social distancing is not practicable under certain conditions.


He, like Ayade, was also of the view that social distancing is at best, an alternative preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus as other public health measures are equally effective.


Governor Ayade, a professor of Microbiology had stirred the hornet's nest recently when he declared the observance of social distancing unnecessary where a population is properly protected with appropriate nose masks, which he has made compulsory in his state.


He said observing social distancing presupposes normal atmospheric conditions, which is far from reality given that variables such as wind speed and wind direction are outside anyone’s control.


Dr. Ghebreyesus in a series of tweets Monday, validated the governor’s positions on the matter.


According to him, “many poor people, migrants and refugees live in over-crowded conditions with few resources and little access to health care. Physical distancing is very difficult in such situations. So, other public health measures must be put in place.”


He concluded by saying that “while COVID19 accelerates very fast, it decelerates much more slowly. This is especially concerning for countries with large poor population, where #StayatHome orders and other restrictions used in some high income countries may not be practicable.”

Need Ayade say more?

COVID-19
CRSG Begins Supply Of Seedlings To States To Address Post COVID-19 Pandemic "Hunger".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTzO79LYixo

COVID-19: Danger Looms If We Protect Lives Without Protecting Livelihoods, Ayade Warns


Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has said since there will be life after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was the need for government to protect not just lives but also livelihoods.

The governor warned that protecting lives without protecting livelihoods of Nigerians will spell doom for the nation after COVID-19 as hunger will be the next deadly virus.

He explained that this reality is the reason his administration is protecting lives as well as livelihoods in the state.

"Globally, hunger and hunger-related diseases like kwashiorkor and tuberculosis kill about 8.4million people every year and so there is more pandemic when it comes to hunger.

“So we will do all we can to curtail the pandemic from spreading to our state and protect lives too but protection of lives without the protection of livelihoods is a complete imbalance. There must be a holy matrimony between protection of lives and protection of livelihoods.

“Some of our brothers and sisters depend on daily work. If you carry blocks for a living, the day you are stopped from going to work there will be no money to feed the children,” he stated.

He said it was for that reason that he is opposed to a total lockdown of the state, preferring instead to allow people carry out their businesses once protected with the appropriate nose mask.

He stated that COVID-19 will not stop his administration from focusing on its Agro-industrialization drive adding that the state owned ultra modern Rice seeds and seedling factory was unrelenting in producing rice seedlings at this time.

According to Ayade,Cross River was ready not only to feed its citizens but also the entire nation during and after the COVID 19 Lockdown.

"For us as a State we are preparing ourselves for the post Coronavirus era when the planting season is just coming with the onset of the rains.

“We have prepared ourselves to be the biggest rice producers in the country with the Ogoja rice Mill which is the most professional and the first vitaminized rice Mill in Africa, and is currently under going a dry test and by May we should be ready to start milling", he said

On Ayade, Reuben Abati should shut up

By Christian Ita

I shuddered in disbelief watching Dr.Reuben Abati on Arise TV struggling to discredit Governor Ben Ayade's position on wearing of nose masks in relation to the observance of Social Distancing.
Abati, in his usual timidity, a well worn trademark he has become famous for, offered no scientific or medical basis to rebut what Governor Ayade said on Social Distancing.
Rather, he was out to regal his audience with his blissful ignorance on what constitutes Social Distancing.
For proper education of Abati and his likes, what Ayade, a Professor of Microbiology of 16 years standing, said was that where a population without a single case of COVID 19 infection is well protected by wearing mask, the chances of the transmission of the virus is almost zero.
Since the virus is transmitted through coughing or sneezing, anyone wearing a mask is safeguarded as the mucus is trapped within the walls of the mask.
In the event that the virus escapes through the mask it loses velocity and extent which the virus can travel. This is position is the fulcrum of Stokes Law.
It therefore, follows that since the virus is trapped within the wall of the mask, it makes Social Distancing superfluous.
This is perhaps explains why the Chinese experts brought into the country by the government to help contain the spread of COVID-19 didn't observe any Social Distancing. All members of the Chinese visiting team wore masks and clustered together.
Sweden is one of the few countries in Europe that is neither observing Social Distancing nor on Lockdown due to the virus.
The Scandinavian country, according to John Hopkins University, has of April 9, 2020, recorded 793 deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic.
The number of deaths this country has recorded pales into insignificance when compared to fatality figures from countries where tens of thousands have died, such as Italy, Spain and the UK, which are also under complete Lockdown and strict observance of Social Distancing regulations.
Indeed, only on Thursday alone, the UK recorded about 2000 deaths while the daily fatality figures in Spain and Italy are close to 1000 in each of these countries.
Czech Republic is another European country that has been able to contain the spread of the virus, relying solely on masks and without observing Social Distancing.
The figures from these countries clearly justify the position of Professor Ayade that where a population is well protected through the use of nose mask, then the imposition of Social Distancing becomes superfluous.
This is not to say that the government of Cross River state is not encouraging voluntary observance Social Distancing rules.
It is against this backdrop that Abati's abject outing brings to mind the event of two weeks ago when governor Ayade made it mandatory for every resident of Cross River to wear mask as a preventive measure against contracting COVID 19.
Some intellectual lilliputians had gone on social media to pooh pooh the directive.
Some others made noise as to why the nose mask made from Cross River state Garment factory which were distributed for free were made of clothing material.
This set of people were put to shame when the World Health Organisation, WHO, which had hitherto opposed the use of mask on the ground that it offers no protection, made a volte- face, asking that people living in Coronavirus endemic area should wear mask.
The United States taskforce led by VP Mike Pence, along with President Donald Trump was to follow suit by advising Americans to use face mask made of Clothing materials as well as scars.
So, clearly, Dr.Abati was out of his depth when set out to deconstruct governor Ayade on the issue, without offering any medical, scientific or empirical basis.
It is not a happenstance that Cross River which is surrounded by states with instances of COVID-19 and which shares borders with Cameroon with hundreds of COVID-19 infections, remains Coronavirus free.
It means therefore, that there is something Governor Ayade is doing right.
So Abati should limit himself to his forte, literature and social commentary. Displaying such crash ignorance on television can be avoided if he stays off issues he knows little or nothing about.
Chief Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory was once left to wonder aloud if there was a correlation between physical ugliness of the mouth and foul verbiage.
Certainly, Abati’s resort to uncouth language over an issue that requires intellectual discourse, tends to answer Gani’s question in the affirmative.

Ita is Special Adviser to Governor Ayade on Media and Publicity

Governor Ayade keeps vigil at Cross River, Akwa Ibom Boundary, enforces ban on entry into state

Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, Tuesday kept vigil at th boundary between his state and Akwa Ibom State, personally taking part in enforcing his government's order banning human and vehicular movements into the state.
The governor, who arrived the Calabar-Itu head bridge before mid-night on Tuesday, spent several hours with members of the State Covid-19 task force, departing at about 9am on Wednesday.
As a consequence, they were long lines of vehicles on both sides of the boundary, as the taskforce prevented movement across the boundary.
Speaking to news men, the governor said he was denying himself sleep so that the people of the state can themselves sleep.
According to him, leading the enforcement himself was to ensure that the boundary was totally locked down in line with his directive to ensure the state remains Covid19 free.
He said the strict enforcement of the order was necessitated by the reality that all of the neighbouring states have recorded incidences of coronavirus infections.
“We will know no sleep so that our people can sleep. It is for the sake of their own security and safety that we are all out here.”
At about 8am the following morning, the Governor personally screened trapped vehicles, allowing only those on essential services, including newspaper distributors to make it through the boundary, after being tested by medical personnel.
Those considered to be on non-essential services, were turned back.
The governor announced that he will be embarking on a similar exercise at the border between Cameroon and the state.
He said he needed to feel the pulse of the team enforcing the lockdown by taking part in the exercise himself.
“Our ambition is to have zero incidence of Coronavirus in the state. While other states are locking down, we are locking out. We are locking out because inside our state, we are safe and free.
“Those who locked down, locked down with the virus but for Cross River, we are locking out, not locking down. That way we are staying safe.”
On his part, the state commissioner of police, Anozia Uche, who accompanied the governor, commended him for the preventive measures being adopted to keep the state free from the virus.
“The Governor and the rest of us have come here at this particular time to ensure that the measures put in place are actually obeyed and enforced.
He said he was impressed with what he had seen.

Governor Ayade minutes ago paid an unscheduled visit to the Cross River State garment factory to oversee the sewing of face masks for Cross Riverians to protect themselves from Covid 19. Governor Ayade had earlier released 50 cars to the States taskforce on Covid 19 to ensure adequate policing of border points into the state.

Ayade rolls out 50 vehicles for COVID-19 response, says Govt must protect lives, livelihoods

Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade Tuesday rolled out 50 vehicles for the enforcement of preventive measures to keep the state free from coronavirus.
Ayade, who had some days earlier, promised to make 20 vehicles available to the COVID-19 task force, upped the number by adding 30 additional vans to bring the number to 50.

The governor, who went round Calabar, the state capital to monitor enforcement of the no mask, no movement order, said since there will be life after the coronavirus pandemic, it was imperative that government should protect not just lives but must also protect livelihoods.
He said this explains the continuing commercial and business activities in the state.

The governor said since the state was coronavirus free, his government decided to shut its borders with neighboring states and Cameroon Republic, while allowing economic activities to go on within the state

He warned that protecting lives without protecting livelihoods of Nigerians will spell doom for the nation after COVID-19 as hunger will be the next deadly virus.

Ayade explained that his administration was determined to protect the lives and livelihoods of Cross Riverians in the face of COVID-19 which was why, according to him, internal businesses are still thriving in the state while locking down every entry points into the state with citizens compelled to wear nose masks in public.

The masks, which are produced at the state garment factory, is distributed for free to residents of the state to enhance compliance with the no mask no movement order issued by government.
Said he: "Globally, hunger and hunger related diseases like kwashiokor and tuberculosis killabout 8.4million people every year and so there is more pandemic when it comes to hunger.

He thanked the people of the state for complying with the directive to wear masks, assuring that working together, the state will remain COVID-19 free.

His words: "All around us are countries and states with already confirmed cases of COVID 19, Cross River is just at the middle, so we will do all we can to curtail the pandemic from spreading to our state and protect you too but protection of life without the protection of livelihoods is a complete imbalance.

“There must be a holy matrimony between protection of lives and protection of livelihoods. Some of our brothers and sisters depend on daily work .If you carry blocks for a living, the day you are stopped from going to work there will be no money to feed the children.

Therefore, I do not believe in shutting down my state, I shut down the borders to protect my state and allow businesses to thrive.”

Continuing, the governor said: "As a Professor of science, I know that once you wear face and nose masks you are already protected, you don't need Social Distancing when you are properly protected"

He stated that COVID-19 will not stop his administration from focusing on its Agro-industrialization drive adding that the state owned ultra modern Rice seeds and seedling factory was unrelenting in producing rice seedlings at this time.

According to Ayade, Cross River was ready not only to feed its citizens but also the entire nation during and after the COVID-19 Lockdown.

"For us as a state we are preparing ourselves for the post-Coronavirus era when the planting season is just coming with the onset of the rains.

“We have prepared ourselves to be the biggest rice producers in the country with the Ogoja rice Mill which is the most professional and the first vitaminized rice Mill in Africa, and is currently undergoing a dry test and by May we should be ready to start milling", he said

The governor maintained that the state was committed to the welfare of its citizens especially the vulnerable ones in the society as food items would be distributed to the poor all over the state using the YESSO register.

"We are giving out nose masks for free, we are also deploying the world bank poverty register for Cross River State which was developed in partnership with Cross River State under our YESSO program to identify those who are so poor that they cannot afford to stay two weeks at home without support.

“Those are the people that we are going to be delivering food items to their door steps and we are doing so in a systematic manner in the sense that the families are already known to us. Their addresses and phone numbers are all with us so contacting them will be easy,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7awne0YKhpQ

*Covid-19: FGN supported by CRSG begins disbursement of #239,900,000.00 for poor and vulnerable households across the State; As State begins distribution of relief materials*

The Cross River State Government today began the disbursement of #239,900,000 (Two Hundred and Thirty-nine Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) by the Federal Government to give succor to poor and vulnerable households across the State.

This is sequel to the announcement by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, a week ago for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) of N20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira) per household and the adoption of the World Bank certified Single Social Register by the State Government to ensure even distribution of relief materials and cash transfer.

“Today, the 596 beneficiary households from the 30 communities that make up the 13 wards in Odukpani LGA received their own tranche of the payment, as the same is being done simultaneously across the other 17 LGAs of the State.

Also, through the Special Top-Up Intervention Program, pregnant women, lactating mothers and mothers with children under-5 will receive #40,000 (Forty Thousand Naira) as a double of the N20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira) accrued to them for an improved livelihood and general well-being.” -Dr. Inyang Asibong; Commissioner for International Development Cooperation.

According to the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara, the Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-five (11,995) beneficiary households across the State were mined by the Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare from the World Bank Social Register domiciled in the Ministry of International Development Cooperation.

While Hon. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr., Commissioner For Finance and Secretary of the CRS COVID-19 Task Force, asserted that the State Government is following the CCT disbursement with food items to further cushion the effect of the COVID-19 precautionary measures taken across the State.

COVID-19: Ayade distributes face/nose masks in Calabar


Cross River state governor, Prof Ben Ayade on Thursday began the distribution of face and nose masks produced at the state-owned Garment Factory to residents of Calabar

The governor had on Wednesday issued an executive order that nobody will be allowed in public in the state without a nose mask.
In furtherance of that order, he promised to give out free nose masks to residents of the state.

Speaking with journalists shortly after distributing the masks to some persons himself, he said he will do everything humanly and materially possible to ensure that everyone living in the state is safe from COVID-19.

His words: " Section 14 sub section II of our constituion says the primary purpose of government is the welfare and security of the citizens and as governor my primary responsibility is to protect the citizens either from physical or social harm and we have a case which is both.

"I cannot at this difficult momement when you are asking people to stay at home and you also task them to put on a mask at a cost but we as a government had to find a way to reduce the burden on the people.

"We are prividing food to the vulnearble and less privileged. We would not distribute the food through politicians but we shall be using the world bank register developed during our YESSO program to make sure food gets to all the vulnerable people in the state.

"Food will be deliverd to the door step of the people because we do not want to cause a crowd

"We have began the distribution of face and nose masks to our people because from 12am Friday: no mask, no movement. Nobody will move around the streets without a nose mask," Ayade said.
Speaking further, he vowed to personally monitor the enforcement of government’s order that all exit and entry routes into the state be shut to both human and vehicular traffic.

He disclosed that his decision was informed by reports that the order was not being totally enforced by security agents.

Ayade release N500m, 20 vehicles for COVID-19 response, inaugurates task force


As part of a proactive measure against the spread of the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic, codenamed Covid 19, Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade,Tuesday approved the release of N500 million for the state's newly inaugurated COVID-19 Response Team.

The team which was inaugurated on Tuesday, by Ayade at the open field of the Governor's Office,  Calabar, was also given 20 vehicles to support its operations.

The mandate of the Response Team, according  to the governor is to safeguard the state against the global scourge.

Ayade used the opportunity to appeal to the federal government to give special treatment to the state as a result of its strategic border location.

Said he: "Cross River is an international border state, and with the incident in Cameroon, I call on President Muhammadu Buhari, I call on the Minister of Health to treat Cross River in a very peculiar way. We need the obvious and express attention of the federal government"

charged the team headed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr.Betta Edu to work assiduously to ensure that all preventive measures against the spread were adhered to.

The governor announced the release of N500m and 20 vehicles to support the activities of the Respons team, saying it was the desire of his administration to ensure Cross River remained Covid 19-free.


While charging the task force, Ayade said: "You are all aware that there is no unanimity about the history of this global pandemic but Cross River, as a state governed by two Professors, we must find ways and provide a leading direction at the sub-national level.


It is therefore, our desire to ensure that Cross River continues to maintain zero incidence as far as this pandemic is concerned."


Spelling out the mandate of the taskforce, Ayade said: "To achieve this, we are hereby setting up this Taskforce whose core mandate is to guarantee the full implementation of the lockdown of our borders to ensure that medicines, food supplies and welfare packages are made avilable to our people.

"We are sensitive to the challenges of locking down a state where people have barely earned their last salary, therefore, the social sensitivity of our lockdown must reflect in the subsequent actions we take. Against this background, I'm setting up a this taskforce with subcommittees. As I said before, this taskforce is to realise a COVID 19- free Cross River."


Governor Ayade lamented the effect of partial lock down on the people of the state but assured of palliative measures to crushion the effects.


"Let me inform you also that we have recalled workers at the garment factory for the mass production of face and nose masks to protect our citizens.


"The closure of our borders no doubt has come with adverse consequences for our people. I have a moral obligation to give our people protection. With a heavy sense of burden, with spiritual consciousness that I have a responsibility to those who in search of their daily living have been affected by this border closure. It is against this background therefore, that I'm asking the Chairman of this taskforce to expedite action in ensuring that in all of those border points, proper screenings must take place so that all those who are free must get all the necessary medical supplies- sanitizers, nose masks etc.


"We are going to release the sum of N500m in the first instance. I will like to announce also that we have received the sum of N28M from UBA, we are also going to get support from Zenith Bank and First Bank. We hope that other corporate organisations will at this time come to our rescue."

According to the governor,  "As a state whose last allocation was little above N1b, Cross River cannot afford to have even a single COVID 19 incident, so prevention indeed is better than cure. And to achieve this, public fumigation of public centres becomes imperative.


"You are also to ensure that citizens have access to food, access to livelihood because after the Coronavirus comes humanity. And so we must be careful so that we dont create social vices- increased in criminality because of lack of food.That is why the Food Bank Director- General must recognize that food supplies to the various local governments are essential."


Ayade further mandated all his commissioners to ensure that food supplies from the Cross River Food Bank get to their local governments.

 " I use this opportunity to announce that all commissioners are the Food Coordinating officers, supplies coordinating officers for their various local governments areas.


For me, the absolute shutdown of Cross River at this time will be unwarranted but nobody will be allowed to walk on the streets of Cross River from next week without face and nose masks.The Garment factory is mass producing the masks.


"I urge you to serve your motherland with dignity, dedication and commitment and ensure that the livelihood of the people remains intact. Go out there and be the good Ambassador of this government."

COVID-19: Ayade recalls Cross River Garment Factory workers back to work, for mass production of face, nose masks


Due to the urgency of the moment, Cross River state Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has recalled workers of the state- owned Garment Factory back to work, for the mass production of face and nose masks.
They are to resume work tomorrow Tuesday, March 31, 2020 after the factory had been disinfected Monday.
The workers were initially sent home in line with the partial lockdown declared by the governor last week as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ayade told newsmen Monday at the industrial park, Calabar, that it has become imperative for the Garment Factory workers to return to work in view of the urgency of the need to tackle the deadly virus headlong.
Said Ayade: "The Garment Factory workers are being recalled for mass production of nose/mouth masks in order to stem this pandemic. As the workers return to start mass production of the masks, we will ensure that they keep a reasonable distance from one another in keeping with the industrial distancing protocol.”
He disclosed that proper fumigation of the factory has been carried out preparatory to the resumption of the workers.”
According to governor Ayade, the returning Garment factory workers will be properly kitted to ensure that they are fit for the purpose in addition to being paid special allowances.
"Working at this time when there is a general shut down requires a special compensation. Of, course I am known for that generosity of heart. The Garment factory workers will be fairly compensated", he said.
Continuing, the Cross River state governor disclosed that precautionary measures will also entail that the number of workers being recalled are manageable.
"We are going to reduce the number of workers per shift and they will keep a distance of not less than five metres. We are producing the masks for distribution to our most vulnerable people.
“We also are providing medical services to most vulnerable Cross Riverians.I'm equally activating the Cross River state food bank to ensure that we deliver food to most vulnerable in view of the lockdown.”

COVID-19: Ayade cries out to CBN, says state may lose billions of Naira over rice seedlings order


Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade says the state may lose billions of naira to the Coronavirus pandemic unless the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the federal government urgently step in.

Ayade told newsmen Thursday at the Rice Seeds and Seedlings Factory in Calabar, that before the outbreak of Coronavirus the Factory had received an order of N8. 5billion worth of rice seedlings from the CBN for onward delivery to states.

According to the Governor, the sudden outbreak of the global pandemic in Nigeria and the subsequent partial lockdown of the country has however, affected the evacuation of the seedlings which have since matured for transplanting, to farmers across the country

Professor Ayade therefore, wants the CBN to indemnify Cross River against any monetary loss arising from the situation.

"We have a massive order of over N8.5b from CBN through the rice program and through the anchor borrowers program and in partnership with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN .

“Having made that order and having secured an LPO to procure and deliver to the various States of Nigeria for this dry and wet seasons rice farming, Cross River state has massively invested in the seed multiplication and seed cultivation to seedlings. Now, we are prepared and fully ready for delivery.

“You can see the massive expanse of seedlings that are ready for delivery now but we have challenges of the off takers in line with the order that was made by CBN. This so because of lockdown of states , lockdown of the country", the governor lamented.

Continuing, Professor Ayade pleaded with CBN and the federal government to ensure that the billions of Naira worth of rice seedlings do not become waste.

His words: "Please let us not allow this seedlings go to waste because of coronavirus. Federal government has to do something to protect the lives of these young seedlings, looking so fragile, so beautiful, so fresh and willing to change the landscape of agriculture, particularly the rice beneficiation process.

“It is my sincere commitment, it is my sincere wish and aspiration that CBN will appreciate the value on of the life of these seedlings. They have been brought into this world by the instrumentality of President Buhari’s policy thrust on rice, please let them not die, let them be transplanted so that they can grow food, so that when we are off the coronavirus saga, we should be able to have food to eat. This is my prayer.”

Continuing, he said: "I call on the entire Nigeria to rise to this occasion. Coronavirus has caught up with the Cross River rice seed and seedlings business and CBN has to come to our rescue.
We cant afford to lose N3 billion plus. As a state, we have put in over N3 billion to do this investment at this first phase.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJgY30Y3phQ


The economic effects of covid 19 on the Cross River Rice seed and seedlings supply as ordered by the CBN and RIFAN for rice farmers in the country will be a huge loss to Cross River State as we have invested well over 3B naira to get this seedlings ready for their off takers. Now with the lockdown order as a result of the dreaded pandemic we are set to loose that huge Investment if the CBN does not come to our aid. We therefore call on the Federal Government to not let our Investment suffer.

Ayade mourns Senator Oko, says Cross River has lost a rare gem

Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has described as shocking and sad the untimely death of Dr Rose Oko, the senator representing Cross River North in the Senate.
A statement signed by Mr. Christian Ita, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, quoted Ayade as describing Senator Oko's demise as a huge and irreparable loss to the state.
"Death has struck so grimly at the heart of Cross River State. Rose Oko was not only a senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District but was also a good ambassador of the state in the senate, Ayade lamented."
According to the governor, "Rose was no ordinary daughter of this state. She was a dogged fighter for anything that could bring honour and dignity to our state. She was an Amazon for justice and fair play. She was a development partner. She loved Cross River.
"Right from her days as a lecturer, Commissioner, House of Reps member and finally Senator, Rose's single creed was the development and stability of Cross River State. We have lost a rare gem. Rose is irreplaceable," the statement quoted Ayade as lamenting.
Continuing, Governor Ayade rued: "Rose's transition is a personal tragedy to me for she was more than a political affiliate. I'm downcast. I'm crestfallen. My heart is heavy. I lack words to describe the extent of my grief.
"She was an elder sister and a staunch ally who took over from me as senator representing Cross River North. Rose was always there to offer pep words of advice and encouragement. I will miss her so dearly," Ayade further said in the statement.
While praying for the repose of Senator Oko's soul, the governor urged her immediate family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived an examplenary life.
"My heartfelt condolences go to Senator Oko's immediate family, the people of Northern Cross River and Cross River as a whole. Let us bear with equanimity the tragic death of our beloved daughter, taking solace in the fact that her life was salutary and examplenary."

Food sufficiency: Copy Ayade’s agro-industrialization model, senators urge FG, states

Some members of the Senate Committee on works who were in Cross River state at the weekend for their oversight function have urged other governors to emulate governor Ben Ayade's Agro- Industrial strides.

The Senators who took time off to embark on a facility tour of the Industrial park in Calabar where some of the industries established by the governor are located, said that if the federal government and other state governments could replicate the Ayade example, Nigeria will achieve food sufficiency in a record time.

Speaking, Senator Adamu Aliero ( Kebbi Central) described governor Ayade as a role model who has brought value to agriculture. He said he was impressed by what he saw.

" I am impressed by what I am seeing. Governor Ayade has brought value to agriculture. From what I am seeing here, agricultural revolution is on course in Nigeria and I urge other governors to come and emulate what governor Ben Ayade is doing.

“If the Federal Government can replicate this, I think we will be self sufficient in food production and even export food in two to three years", the Senator said.
Aliero, a former governor of Kebbi State, described agriculture as the largest employer of labour.

His words: "We can generate a lot of employment through agriculture. Agriculture is the largest employer of labour in Nigeria. For me personally, this is an eye opener. I have already made up my mind to sponsor out-growers to come to Cross River and learn what Governor Ben Ayade is doing.”

Aliero also pledged to get the Director-General of Agricultural Seeds Council of Nigeria and the Senate Committee on Agriculture to visit Cross River state to understudy the Ayade agricultural policy.

"We have the Agricultural Seeds Council of Nigeria. That Council is dormant and I will recommend very strongly to members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture that they should come and see what Governor Ben Ayade is doing. They can come even with the DG of Seeds Council of Nigeria and he will take it to the federal Executive Council for adoption and implementation", he said.

On his part, Senator Kabiru Gaya representing Kano South said Nigeria needs people like the Cross River state governor, saying he is proud of him.
Gaya: " I am so happy with Professor Ben Ayade's policy. Your Excellency, we are proud of you. Nigeria needs people like you. I am happy with the people of Cross River for having this gentleman as their governor.”

For Senator Abdullahi Kabiru( Kastina Central), it was imperative that small scale farmers Come to Cross River to understudy Ayade.

On his part, Senator Chukwuka Utazi representing Enugu North, discribed the industrial park as overwhelming, saying they had seen something different, the type seen overseas in terms of agricultural value Chain.

"I am very happy by what I have seen here today and I will come back. Coming here today, I have learnt alot of new ways of doing old things which I will put into use.
“His Excellency, Professor Ben Ayade has taken the lead, a giant lead for that. I am very proud of this governor. He is a pace setter.”

Among the industries the Senators inspected at the Industrial Park were the ultra modern Rice Seeds and Seedlings factory, the Garment Factory, Calachika Chicken processing plant, Cala Noodles Integrated Food processing plant, the Feed Mill factory among others.

You're just calling names rather than making valid points. Can you please tell me how you arrived at this your conclusion that Ayade isn't doing well?

I Will Take Bakassi To The Next Level... Iyadim


The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, has promised to take the area to the next level in every aspect that will benefit its people.

Fielding questions from pressmen at a reception after he and the 10 councillorship candidates of the party had collected their flags which qualify them as forerunners of the party in the area, Iyadim disclosed that the story of Bakassi is very peculiar and has to be revisited to enable him carry everyone along.

Iyadim noted that the issue of the displaced people of Bakassi has not been fully addressed while the protocol of the Green Tree Agreement has not been observed, stressing that, "the hour has come for us to address it holistically so that our people can have a sense of belonging."

The chairmanship candidate, who is also an environmentalist, said the coastal nature of the area with its abundant potentials will be properly harnessed with the view to transforming it to an economic zone for the benefit of the people.

According to him, “With the support of my father and mentor, Sir Ben Ayade who has already started the process of bringing Bakassi to the lime light by sitting the Bakassi Deep Seaport, I will make my impact felt both in Bakassi and in the state as I will personally carryout supervision of projects, programmes and policies based on my 31 years of experience in political administration."

On those that decamped from other political parties to join PDP at Ekpri Ikang where flags were presented to councillorship candidates, he disclosed that" about 40 persons who were hitherto members of the ALL Progressive Congress (APC) joined us there today in solidarity and promised to ensure our success in the forth coming local government election."

He further stated that “as a man of the people", he will not discriminate but carry everyone along irrespective of their political or religious affiliations as far as they are willing to work collectively for the good and development of Bakassi Local Government Area which is paramount and crucial to him.

Iyadim who disclosed that he cut his political teeth in 1990 when he contested his first ever election and won as a councilor representing Ikot Nakanda ward in the then Odukpani Local Government Area under the then Social Democratic Party (SDP), added that he has been one of the founding members of PDP since 1998.

*GOV. AYADE HAS SET C’RIVER ON COURSE FOR ALL-ROUND PROSPERITY – ARCHIBONG*

By: Kingsley Agim

Cross River State Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. RoseMary Effiom Archibong has stated that the State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade’s ingenious policy thrusts have set Cross River on a cruise to all-round prosperity.

The Commissioner, who made this assertion during her Ministry's sensitization seminar, held recently in the Conference Hall of Professor Eyo Ita House, Marian Road, Calabar, said the maiden outing of the Ministry of Commerce is to ensure the realization of her Ministry’s mandate in line with the policy direction of Governor Ayade-led administration.

“The Governor came with a dynamic vision of emancipating the people of Cross River State; getting us out of the mentality of monthly salary-based expectations into engaging in industrialization, agriculture, trading commerce, etc. and that is why we are here,” Mrs. Archibong remarked.

Continuing, the Commerce Commissioner pointed out that it is for the above-mentioned vision of the governor that he decided in his second term to exercise the commercial component of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry into a full-fledged Ministry, in order to underscore the exigency of getting the people involved in non-oil trading and marketing, exports business, which she maintained, began with setting up of the various industries in the State, adding that “today, those industries have started yielding fruits already, with the latest being the humongous orders for the garment factory to supply National Youth Service Corps Uniforms and many other uniform organizations.

The Commerce Boss averred that the coming of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture to the State on a tour of the agro-industrialization exploits of the Ayade-led administration, just like all others who have come before, would leave him in awe of the lofty strides Cross River has made under the present government.

“It is in view of all of these that the Ministry of Commerce decided to begin this interactive session to keep the people of the State more informed about the endowments in the State. The State is endowed with all sorts of exportable and exploitable goods. The State hosts a port, and that is why we must know the dynamics of port activities and the various levels and possibilities of maritime trade. She said having seen the gateway to prosperity with what the present administration has made possible, the seminar will keep the people well informed, better positioned to embrace all available avenues in sector,” she stated.

She enjoined President Muhammadu buhari to expedite action in support of the speedy completion of the Bakassi Deep Seaport for the country to benefit from its nearness to the Eastern and Western African sub-regions, as well as the Northern and South-Eastern parts of the country.

In his opening declaration, the Chairman of the event, who is also the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Public-Private Partnership and Privatization, Hon. Chris Njar Mbu_ogar, said he decided to give primacy to the event, firstly because of the person involved – Mrs. RoseMary Archibong, whom he quipped “is replete with the verve to drive the processes necessary for the economic development of cross River State,” expressing optimism that the Ministry of commerce is evolving a very sound footing that Cross Riverians will definitely be proud that the economy of this State will be resting on her shoulder.

The towering legislator further stated that this event is important to him base on his position in the hallowed chamber and thirdly, he pointed out that “it is an event that will create a Cross River State and indeed Nigeria beyond oil.”
Continuing, Hon. Mbu-Ogarr remarked: “I am a firm believer in the Ayade’s theory of economic development, which is a shift from Marxism and the rest of other Economic Theorists, concerning itself with the evolution of a turn-around economy which is more practical in entrenching prosperity for all.”

The lawmaker averred that the stringent present financial situation of the Cross River and the loss of her littoral status by the loss of the 76 oil well and Bakassi, gave rise to the robust industrialization drive of the State, commending the governor for his foresighted innovations, especially the G-money initiative which is empowering young Cross Riverians to venture into agriculture, while the government becomes the off-taker.

“I want to thank you for putting up and driving this initiative. I believe sincerely that the synergy of CALCCIMA, NPA and the Ministry of Commerce is going to take Cross River become the leading State economically in no distance future. I am so excited to find the crème de la crème of men and women participating in this event. From the House of Assembly and to the extent that I continue to sit as the Chairman of this Committee, whatever is required to make this vision thrive, you will have it,” he concluded.

An outpour of goodwill messages, notably from the Chairman of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agricultuure (CALCCIMA), Mr. Etta ndoma-Egbba, Represenaative of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Calabar, Mr. Chijioke Okadike, and the General Manager, Eco Marine Terminals, Mr. Diran Akorede, all heaped praises on Governor Ayade for the remarkable feat in agro-industrialization in the State, while pledging continued partnership with the government in moving the State forward.

The expository one-day event, tagged “Promoting Ecoonomic Growth through Export and Maritime Business, had speakers drawn from the private sector as well as Commissioners and top officials from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Ayade receives Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award; says Cross River punching above its weight

Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade Thursday at the Abuja International Conference Center, received the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award.

The event attracted eminent personalities across the country, including former Vice Preident Namadi Sambo, FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, MD/CEO Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji, His Royal Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, the Deji of Akure, Alhaji Umara Bauya, Emir of Potiskun among others.

The award is the latest in the series of awards Professor Ayade has received in the recent past in recognition of his strides in the diversification of Cross River economy through Industrialization.

Earlier this month, the governor was conferred with the Independent Newspapers Governor of the year Award on Agro-Industrialization.

Speaking after receiving the Leadership Newspaper award, Professor Ayade explained that his Agro-industrialisation policy was hinged on the urgent need for food security and food sufficiency in the country.

His words: " Let me thank the management of Leadership Newspapers but let me add quickly that while Coronavirus has taken 8,000 lives globally, hunger takes about 8million lives daily. Hunger is a product of lack of food, lack of food is a product of poor agricultural practices. And so, food security is at the epicentre of governance.
“No amount of infrastructure can be equivalent to the value and dignity of mankind. This is why, as a government and as a people we have focused on our citizens. That is why Agro-industrial revolution has become the key point of my administration.”

The Cross River state governor emphasized the importance of two of his signature projects- the 274 kilometre Superhighway that links Cross River with the Northern part of Nigeria and the Bakassi deep seaport- to the economy of Northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in general.

He called for federal government's assistance in realising the two projects.

"We are happy to announce over 33 factories built in less than five years and we are hoping to do more. But let me also add that our brothers in Northern Nigeria grapple with the challenges of exporting their produce. They grow crops but cannot export, they have solid minerals but cannot export, they have vast resources that ordinarily Northern Nigeria should be wealthier than Southern Nigeria but unfortunately they have no access to the Atlantic coastline.

“Therefore, the construction of the Superhighway will allow the people of the North to have the full beneficiation of all their assets by nature and by hard work.
“And so, the construction of the Bakassi deep seaport and with an evacuation corridor which is the Superhighway, will allow our brothers from Northern Nigeria to have Agricultural export programme that will enable them export their produce and also export their solid mineral wealth.

“Cross River state is the alternative gateway to the Atlantic ocean, it is an alternative gateway to Lagos. This makes the Bakassi deep seaport very imperative.Time has therefore, come for the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari to take keen interest in the Superhighway and Bakassi deep seaport", the governor maintained.
Sambo, who presented the award to Ayade commended the Cross River state number citizen for his socio- economic and infrastructural revolution in Cross River, especially the Superhighway and Bakassi deep seaport, saying the award showed that the governor's good work is being noticed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glQO_z76j5k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQCGjGaBfNs

How I am tackling youth unemployment in Cross River- Ayade


By Austin Ugbaji



Cross River State Governor Sir Ben Ayade has disclosed that his administration is tackling youth unemployment in the State through digitalization of agriculture.


The Governor made the disclosure at the weekend in Lagos where he was conferred with the independent Newspaper Governor of the year award on Agro-industrialization. 


 Expressing gratitude to the organizers  for finding him worthy of the award, Ayade said the honour given him showed that Nigerians recognise his efforts at improving the economy of Cross River through agro-industrialization.

 His administration, he said, was determined to improve the farming methods to encourage the younger generation to go into agriculture. 


His words: " I am delighted to receive this award from the independent Newspapers as it shows clearly that someone recognises the inputs, hardwork and commitment to my state and the country and of course the Black race. "


"I think I deserve this award because our people have farmed in a very primitivistic manner for too long and as a digital Governor, my aim is to change that narrative by bringing in technology to encourage our young people to go into farming. "

Governor Ayade bemoaned the high rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria, warming it is a time bomb waiting to explode: "Youth unemployment is too massive and you are seeing the direct effect of that in the social vices we are witnessing today. For me the only way you can have a massive recruitment of young people taking them off those social vices is to create an alternative income as a way of engaging them and that is through agriculture." 


He disclose that all of the factories his administration have built to support agriculture will come on stream soon thereby tackling unemployment and taking young people out of poverty.


"Definitely Nigeria will be surprised when all of our agro based factories come on stream. Most of these factories are completed and awaiting commissioning while others are near completion. Therefore, I intend to focus on reducing unemployment in this country starting of course from my State", Ayade said


The governor  stated that the primary focus of his government was to cater to the welfare of its citizens by putting food on their tables to reduce social tension. 

"Today in Nigeria total unemployment rate stands at 33%, it is even more disheartening when you see the statistics of youth unemployment which stands at 56% and that is an absolute disaster waiting to happen if we don't fight unemployment. 

So, for those of us in higher positions of the society, we have to realise that the primary essence of being is the welfare of our citizenry. If we do this, not just concentrating on infrastructure alone then we will be fighting poverty head on and keeping our youths away from the social vices ravaging our society today" , the Cross River state number citizen maintained.