₦airaland Forum

Industrialization: Ayade laying foundation for future of Cross River- Lai Mohammed


The Minister of Information, and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed has applauded Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for laying the foundation of industrialisation for future of the state.

The Minister, who is in the state for the 2022 World Tourism Day, gave the commendation after visiting a couple of industries built by the Governor in Calabar.

Some of the industries visited by the Minister include the noodles factory, chicken processing factory,Calapharm and the garment factory.

Speaking on the importance of these industries, the Minister described them as the “future for Cross River State. "I must commend Governor Ben Ayade for planting the seed for industrialization.

“The engine room of any economy in the world are the small and medium scale industries that will generate employment and encourage backward integration.”

On the garment factory, he explained “The garment factories is very interesting to me because at the pick of the Covid-19, the garment factory came handy, producing face masks and became the solution to the Covid-19 pandemic challenge and changed the thinking of the world on the type of materials that can be used for face mask. For quite a while,there was a controversy on whether locally produced materials can be used which Governor Ayade argued publicly untill World Health Organisation ruled that it is recommended for use and healthy.”

While projecting that the factory will become the cornerstone of the textile industry in the country, he disclosed that his ministry recently carried out a survey on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on some aspects of the economy and that the result was astonishing.

His words: “After Covid-19, the ministry commissioned a study on the effects of Covid-19 on the tourism industry. Amazingly, we found that even though Nigeria is known for film, music but that in-terms of receipt, the fashion industry yields the highest revenue. While music generates about N300 billion a year and film about N179 billion, the fashion industry has about N2 trillion revenue. So the market for this garment factory is unlimited. It is a huge investment.”

The Minister urged other state governors to emulate the industrialization policy of the Cross River State Governor because these industries generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people.

According to him, “There is need for other governors to do peer review here and do what Cross River State Government is doing interms of setting up factories. It is a good initiative and we look forward to the near future where as Calabar Carnival becomes a global brand, Calachika, Cross River noodles and others will become an international brand which will be known as Nigeria brand.”

We’re focused on growing Cross River's economy, says Ayade


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has described the concessioning of the ultra-modern Cocoa Processing plant, Ikom to AA Universal Agro Industries Ltd, as part of the deliberate effort of his administration to recalibrate the economy of the state.

AAU is owned by business mogul and an indigene of the state, High Chief Chris Agara.

Speaking during the concession agreement signing ceremony at the Conference Hall of the Governor's Office, Calabar, the governor expressed optimism that AAU will immediately swing into action and get the Cocoa processing plant to commence production of chocolate bars within three months, warning that failure to do so will result in the revocation of the concession.

According to the governor, "this Cocoa processing plant is one of the industries established by our administration as part of our industrialisation policy and its concessioning today is geared towards recalibrating and growing Cross River's economy; the concessioning is dictated by economic realities and not friendship.

"Government expect to see chocolate bars from the company soon and if after three months none was produced, the concession will be cancelled"

He disclosed that the bidding process was open and competitive and that AAU came out tops apart from being the only indigenous company that indicated interest and took part in the process.

Earlier, Chief Agara said he was proud to be part of the success of the industrialization policy of the governor, assuring that the Cocoa plant will commence production immediately.

Said the AAU boss: "I can assure Cross Riverians and the world that we have a modern facility that would produce the best finished product that the world, and particularly Cross Riverians would be proud of.

"Within the next couple of weeks or months we will be ready to hit the market.

"We are an indigenous company and I am the chairman of the company and we are from Cross River, so we will not disappoint, we will not fail".

Urging Nigerians to look beyond oil and diversify their economic interest by going into Agriculture, Chief Agara, a Lawyer, disclosed that his company has "what we call multi-purpose cooperative with over 1,200 cocoa farmers that we are encouraging.

"This year alone we've given about 60,000 seedlings to cocoa farmers to regenerate their farms"

2023: Ayade receives new REC, pledges peaceful atmosphere for electioneering


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade Tuesday gave guarantees that there will be peaceful atmosphere for the 2023 elections in the state.

Ayade made the pledge while receiving the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to the state, Dr Alalibo Sinikiem Johnson at the Conference Room of the Governor's Office, Calabar.

The governor tasked Dr Johnson on free, fair and credible elections in the state, adding that given the new REC's track records and integrity, he had no doubt he would deliver.

According to the governor, "on behalf of the good people of Cross River State, l hereby give you that commitment that we will guarantee you free and safe elections; we also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to please honour its pledge too so that we can have free, fair, credible, reliable and dependable elections.

"Government is not going to in any way influence your process, but we want to say that we are available and willing to support you at all times that INEC will so require our services.”

Ayade commended the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu "who has distinguished himself in this country.”

Further pouring encomiums on the INEC boss, the governor said: "Never before have we had an INEC Chairman who has enjoyed the mutual trust from both the ruling party and the opposition parties.


"This is one chairman who has conducted his elections and results returned based on what is on the ground.

"He is not subject to any inducement, he is subject to the God that he serves and l want to say that his name would go down in history as one of the very best INEC Chairmen that we have ever had. God bless him and God will continue to sustain him.”

Earlier in his speech, Dr Johnson harped on the need for a conducive atmosphere, saying that it is what is needed for free and fair elections to thrive.

"There is no way we can conduct a free and fair election without security. We call on you to use your good offices to ensure that we have peace in the state. Peace in the sense that people can move freely to vote for candidates of their choice, and also, we at the back end of INEC can do our job without intimidation", Dr Johnson said.

The REC disclosed that about 90,00 uncollected PVCs are listed across the 18 local government areas of the state and appealed to the registrants to come forward and pick up their PVCs.

With the creation of new Polling units, the INEC REC said, Cross River now has 3281 Polling units.

*2023: APC National Women Leader, Storms Borno State; Empowers 3000 Indigent less privileged and Vulnerable Women. *

*“No National Women Leader in history has ever come to the NorthEast to carry out such interventions, its not the numbers but the intentions; Borno state appreciates your humanitarian gestures - Governor Zulum*


National Women Leader of the all Progressive Congress APC, Dr Betta Edu and her team Stormed Borno to provide empowerment for over 3000 Indigent less privileged and Vulnerable women.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on political matters to The National Women Leader, Seun Bosede Osamaye, Dr Edu while speaking at the event reiterated that the empowerment program which took place in Maiduguri of Borno State is an impactful intervention that takes care of the immediate needs of these indigent less privileged and vulnerable women

Dr Edu in her address remarked that "We want the lives of people to change for real , and that's why we are doing what we are doing , that's why we are deploying all the passion, that's why we are deploying all the resources to support small scale startups , we want our people to be healthy , we want your children to be healthy thats why we are giving out free health care.

She further appreciates the Governor Prof Zulum and the wife of the Executive Governor of Borno State, Her Excellency, Dr Falmata Zulum for providing logistics support to make the program successful and to also mobilize Borno Women in their numbers to benefit from the programs of The APC National Women's Wing.

She is confident that there's no other party in Borno but APC and that she has assurance Borno State will deliver 100 percent massively for APC and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President come 2023.

The Deputy Governor of Borno in his speech said the Government of Prof. Zulum has done a lot to restore peace and security in Borno while building back the state to greater development and prosperity. He noted that the Government appreciates the effort of the National Women Leader which has added value to the great humanitarian work that the Governor has been doing to resettle the internally displaced persons back to their homes and economic lives. He noted that over 3 million lives have been reached in the project of the Government and more will be done to elevate the living standards of all.

While responding, Borno State First Lady, Dr Mrs Falmata Banbagana Zulum appreciated the APC National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu for her unprecedented efforts to touch lives throughout Nigeria, in her Words "Words have spread out about your humanitarian gestures and we are happy Borno is benefitting today. Our Women are happy for these interventions given to them. Borno is APC and APC is Borno, your coming has further confirmed the return of peace and security to Borno and the return of normal lives to some hitherto Local Government that was seized by bandits.

Other Speakers at the event were the Borno Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hon Zuwaira Gambo, Women Development Center DG, Hon Villita Asabe which they all further reiterated the appreciation of the Borno State women for the intervention.

Dignitaries at the event were Hon Zainab Ibrahim, DNWL, National President of Nigerian Women Council, Former Commissioner of health, hon Mrs Juliana Bulius, Former North central Zonal women Leader, Hon Hassana ABDULLAHI, Federal Character Commissioner Hon Ginika Tor, National President, Progressive Young Women Forum, Seun Bosede Osamaye,Hon Delu James and Dr Precious Ogboru among others.

Ayade performs groundbreaking for 5-star hotel, says private sector investment key to economic growth- Ayade



Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade Wednesday described the state as an investors' haven saying private sector participation was key to its economic growth and pledged his government's continued efforts at attracting investors to the state.

Ayade who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of Indigo Hotel, a Five-Star hospitality facility, along the Murtala Muhammed Highway Calabar, commended Manoj Jagtiani, the Chief Executive Officer of Indigo Hotels for opting to invest in Cross River.

According to the governor, "there is no doubt that Indigo Hotel will not only boost tourism in our state but also create employment for our people.

"We will continue to create the conducive environment for private investments in Cross River, Cross River remains an investors' haven.

"This hotel is bringing something very special. We can't be saying Cross River and indeed Calabar is the centre of tourism in Nigeria when indeed we don't even have a hotel that we can identify as a Five- star hotel for guests to stay in.

"A lot of investors coming in will start looking for where to sleep. I have a special regard for my dear friend, Mr Jagtiani who thought it necessary to invest in Cross River State"

Describing the Hotel as "something that is iconic and defines Calabar as an iconic, beautiful and outstanding city", Ayade appealed to the Management of Indigo Hotels to stick to the seven months completion target for its Calabar branch.

He further urged the company to also consider setting up branches in the Nothern and Central parts of the state.

Earlier in his speech, Jagtiani, a Sri Lankan, said the Management of Indigo Hotels was grateful to the governor for allowing the company to expand its business to Cross River.

"This dream would not have come to reality without the special efforts of His Excellency and all involved parties here", Jagtiani said.

With branches in Abuja and Lagos and now expanding its frontiers to Calabar, Awka, Abakaliki and Port Harcourt, the Indigo boss explained that the Calabar branch when completed will be the city's first-ever Five-Star Hotel.

He said he chose to invest in Cross River "because of its hospitality, its warm and friendly people and because Cross River is the safest state in Nigeria"

I created the Slogan "Ini Nnyin Edi Emi" To Create Awareness That Power Should Return To The South - Senator Ita Giwa

Princess Florence Ita Giwa Monday stated that the Slogan " Ini Nnyin Edi Emi" was borne out of the need to create awareness among the people of the southern Senatorial district that it is their turn to produce the next Governor of Cross River State.

She made the assertion when the Gubernatorial candidate of the APC Prince Bassey Otu visited the palace of the Obong of Calabar to seek for support and receive royal blessings for the task ahead.

According to Senator Ita Giwa, " Governor Ben Ayade made a promise to return power to the south based on the overwhelming support he got from the south during his second term elections, and today he has kept that promise, but there have been times that it seems we are not appreciative enough of what we have been given that is why we came up with the Slogan " Ini Nnyin Edi Emi" to galvanize and ginger support in the southern Senatorial district".

Continuing senator Ita Giwa said " I have nothing against the other party choosing to field a candidate from another Senatorial district, after all he is a Cross Riverian he is free to contest, but we have to work hard to win this election to establish that balance and equity so that the next generation will know that when it is your turn, it is your turn".

In his remarks, the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Cross River State Prince Bassey Edet Otu said he was at the palace to thank his eminence and the entire Etubom council for their spiritual backing which helped him emerge as the gubernatorial candidate of his party.

“Your eminence, we have only come to say thank you for standing behind us, for your spiritual backing all through the process up to my nomination as the gubernatorial candidate of my party, the APC. I wish to say thank you.

I also came here to thank those your children who backed me up during the primaries even when I did not give them a dime. I came to thank you and also inform you that I will be embarking on a thank you tour of the entire Southern senatorial district, to appreciate all those who stood by us and that is why we are here sir " Senator Otu quipped.


Responding, The Obong of Calabar, his Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu VI, reaffirmed his commitment on the back to south movement , adding that " There is no contest it is the turn of the south".


According to the king, " looking at the calibre of people who accompanied Sen. Otu to this palace, it is clear that Cross River State is here and that is all that we need."

" This goes to show that the whole state is in agreement that power should rotate among the three zones for equity and fairness." Edidem Abasi Otu said.

He thanked Governor Ayade for standing by his words and returning power to the south despite the antics of desperate politicians.


Dignitaries at the event include, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, Chief Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Dr. Betta Edu, High Chief Edem Duke, Barr. Fidelis Ugbo Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Mr Peter Odey, Chief Peter Okie, Ambassador Sonny Abang, among others

Anigreat:




The queen would be so disappointed that this failure signed her condolence register

Chai ��

Ayade Visits British High Commissioner, Commiserates with UK over demise of Queen Elizabeth II

The Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade has condoled the Government and People of the United Kingdom over the demise of Queen Elizabeth II who died at the age of 96.

Ayade who paid a condolence visit to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Monday, in Abuja said the late queen was the “custodian of the heritage of culture, tradition and humanity”, adding that “her exit was an eclipse upon a full dynasty’.”

He said the world, particular the Commonwealth member states would greatly miss her leadership role, reiterating that the late queen was a symbol of unity, whose influence had helped to propel and stabilize governments around the world.

Ayade said her 70 years reign, overseeing 15 Prime Ministers was a watershed in the history of the United Kingdom.

“Queen Elizabeth was in a class of her own; elegant, astute and very decent. She was a spring of knowledge and wisdom; powerful and highly respected across the world. Her reign was seamless and devoid of controversies usually associated with monarchies around the world.

“As we mourn her exit, we should also celebrate her exemplary life. Let us celebrate a legacy of excellence in service, leadership and mentorship. She will continue to remain a huge inspiration to millions of people across the world”, the governor opined.

“Surely, Nigeria will miss her, the Common Wealth of Nations will miss her, the world indeed will miss Queen Elizabeth II”, he added.

Speaking, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing thanked governor Ayade for commiserating with the government and people of the United Kingdom while pledging the country’s continuous support to Nigeria.

She said UK/Nigeria relations would remain unshaken as King Charles III would favorably fit into the late queen’s shoes having been mentored for the job for over 6 decades.

Akpabuyo Youths Hail Asuquo Ekpenyong, Commend him for supporting Efforts against kidnapping, other vices.


Youths under the aegis of "Akpabuyo Youth Agenda" have described the APC Senatorial candidate for Cross River Southern Senatorial district Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong as "a big friend and brother who has always been there for us"

The youth body hailed Ekpenyong's contribution to the fight against kidnapping and other social vices in the local government area. 


Speaking on a weekly radio program monitored on sparkling FM Calabar, the president of the association, Mr Cyril Bassey Effiong commended the former Cross River state Commission for Finance for always coming to their aid on matters of security whenever he is called upon. 


"We the youths of Akpabuyo have woken from our slumber and we have put ourselves together to complement the efforts of government and the security agencies to ensure peace in our local government area," Effiong said.


He stated that the APC senatorial candidate has been unrelenting in this regard.


According to Effiong, "I would like to use this medium to thank our big friend Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong (Suki) because this is one man that is deeply concerned about security in Akpabuyo and whenever we have issues in Akpabuyo we call him and his response is always rapid "


"He gave me his direct lines and told me to reach out to him whenever there are issues in Akpabuyo, besides that, he has also single-handedly sponsored enlightenment programs for the youths to shun all forms of social vices in our local council and we are grateful for his commitment to bring peace to Akpabuyo".


The youth leader however called on other major political players from the Cross River Southern Senatorial district to support the ongoing efforts against kidnapping in the area adding that " If we pull together as one we can drive out the menace of kidnapping and armed robbery in our local government and the state at large"

*2023: APC National Woman Leader On Medical Rescue Mission, Reaches Out To Indigent Patients At National Hospital*

In fulfillment of her burning desire and passion to advance the interest of women, the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, Dr. Betta Edu accompanied by hundreds of APC women embarked on a medical rescue mission at the National Hospital, Abuja.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the National Women Leader on Political Matters, Seun Bosede Osamaye, the medical intervention is to reach out to women in a show of love and support. More than 100 women and children in various wards of the National Hospital were direct beneficiaries of this financial support to offset hospital bills for women and children who are unable to pay their hospital bills. Dr Betta Edu who visited the hospital with her team was able to take up most of the bills.

"This gesture is borne out of the APC National Women wing with a desire to keep the social contract between the party and Nigeria women.

"This gesture is to show support for women and encourage them to mobilize support for the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming elections.
Women needs to come together to mobilize votes for Asiwaju in the 2023 presidential election so that their welfare can be government's priority at all levels." she added.

In his Response, the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Aisha Umar thanked the National Women Leader and her team describing the mission as timely and very effective.

She hailed Dr. Edu for blazing the trail in providing outstanding and responsive leadership to women in the country while encouraging other leaders to emulate this impactful gesture and reach out to Nigerians in need.

The atmosphere became emotional when many beneficiaries could not hold back tears as with teary eyes, they appreciated Dr. Betta Edu and her team for the intervention as it was a dream come true for many who hitherto had no means to pay most bills incurred in the course of their treatment in the hospital.

Justice Agim, a source of inspiration, says Ayade.


Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade has extolled the sterling qualities of Supreme Court Justice and an indigene of the state, His Lordship, Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim, describing him as a source of inspiration to many.

Ayade spoke at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, Sunday during a reception in honour of Justice Agim by Obudu-Obalinku Elite Forum to celebrate his elevation to the apex court.

The Supreme Court Justice who hails from Obudu-Obanliku axis of the state as the governor was the former Chief Justice of the Republics of Gambia and Swaziland.

According to Ayade, "Justice Agim has been an inspiration. His rise to the pinnacle of his career is conditioned by the dint of hard work and persistence of purpose.

"Obudu and Obalinku Local Government Areas have produced quite a large number of lawyers because everybody looks up to Justice Agim."

The governor maintained that the Supreme Court Justice brought panache, academic brilliance to the apex court, making his rulings a must read.

"Of all the accolades heaped on Justice Agim, what is omitted is that he is a legal poet. When you read his judgment you will think he is a Professor of literature. If you read him upside down you will see deep philosophy, if you take it straight forward you will see jurisprudence"

The Cross River State governor expressed delight that "Obudu-Obalinku as a people and as a political entity has made tremendous progress in human and infrastructural development. "Today, you have the British-Canadian University, Obudu-German Specialist Hospital, dual- carriageway criss-crossing Bekwara, Obudu and Obalinku.

"And presently, massive overhauling is taking place at the Obudu Cattle Ranch with the view to making Obanliku Nigeria's tourism capital", he said.

Responding, Justice Agim said he was overwhelmed by the massive show of love by his people."Today's message is not lost. Coming together to be happy that somebody is successful is something that is remarkable and worth mentioning."

He attributed his meritorious rise in the judiciary to divine providence, "because I did not achieve anything, God did everything; there is no one thing I did by my initiative or by my brilliance or by my ability; everything was done by God.
Justice Agim urged public office holders to put God first in whatever office they found themselves.

"When you are given an office, please see it as an assignment from God, see it as God's assignment so that God who gave you the assignment will be with you and carry you along. We owe this country a duty to salvage it from the situation we find ourselves now and we can only do that if we remain God-focused"

The apex court Justice stated that he was delighted at the unity of purpose that exist in the Obudu-Obanliku axis of the state, hailing his people for "uniting for peace, uniting for strength"

"I'm just lucky, it is a privilege that it fell on me to be used as a point for this type of unity", he further stressed.

Earlier at a thanksgiving mass in his honour at the St.Patrick's Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo, Bishop John Ebebe Ayah who delivered the homily admonished Justice Agim to remain firm and fearless in the temple of justice.

The events were graced by Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, some Supreme court justices, Chief Judges of some states, legal luminaries among other dignitaries.

Racoon:
Nice works there but is the airport in effective use @ all?

Pretty sure it will be when it's completed

JohnBullMySon:
What happened to Bebi Airstrip?

Is this an expansion of Bebi or another new airport entirely?

Bebi had major safety issues . It is surrounded by mountains which makes visibility very poor for flights to land. Quite a few accidents have been recorded because of this. This is a whole new airport

Quite close. Airport is in middle of town. Obudu was largely under developed before now so there is still massive land in and around the city centre. Will greatly change the fortunes of the ranch whose major problem was access

Check out before and after pictures of Obudu cargo international airport. Airport is still under construction and is expected to be completed sometime in 2023. Kudos to Governor Ben Ayade.

Partner Cross River in school feeding programme, Ayade tells FG

Cross River state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has appealed to the federal government to factor in factories built by his administration in the school feeding programme by patronising its products.
The Governor spoke Thursday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor's Office Calabar while playing host to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Social Welfare and Disaster Management, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouk who was in the state to flag off the conditinal cash transfer programme.
The cash transfer programme is under the National Social Safety Nets Project of the Buhari administration.
While commending the Minister for coming to Cross River to flag off the programme, Ayade stated that the Calachika chicken processing plant, the noodles factory and the vitaminised rice mill established by his administration were geared towards complementing the National Social Safety Nets Project under which the school feeding programme runs.
The Governor extolled Hajia Farouk's zeal in putting smiles on the faces of the poor, saying Cross River has benefited immensely from her Ministry.
"God has ordained you to fulfil a very critical purpose in the lives of downtrodden Nigerians.
"Through you, over 3000 Cross Riverians have benefited from the scheme. Even the school feeding programme in Cross River is very robust" Ayade said.
Earlier, Hajia Farouk described Cross River as home and thanked the governor for the warm reception accorded her and her entourage.
The Minister revealed that about 20,000 Cross Riverians would benefit from the #20, 000 conditional cash transfer.

You really should be ashamed of a comment like this. Ode

*2023:APC National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu Becomes Ambassador Of APC Young Women in Nigeria, Donates 10million For Mobilization of young women*

All Progressives Congress National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu was today honoured as an 'Ambassador' of young women in APC by the Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF) in Abuja.

While delivering her address at the event, the president, Osamaye Seun Bosede said the honour was in recognition of the sterling achievements of Dr Edu and her support for the growth of APC women across the 36 States plus FCT of the federation.

"You are our Mother and Amazon, this award is in recognition of your outstanding supports and contributions to the growth and development of millions of Progressive Young women forum in the APC and Nigeria. Your efforts at pushing women to achieve excellence is amazing and this is our own modest efforts to appreciate you" Osamaye said.

In her response, Dr Edu expressed her gratitude to them and enjoined them to massively mobilise support for the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

In her words " the coming election will be largely determined by young people, we must all be ready to mobilize more than 20million votes for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for him to win the presidential election. We have started 'operation 1000 young women per ward' who will be anchor for young women in that ward. we must make it happen in our various wards in all the States"

She donated the sum of 10million naira to the youths to help state representatives of Progressive Young Women Forum to mobilize young women in their respective states for the success of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election.

Dr. Betta Edu is now an ambassador of millions of young women in APC.

The APC-PYWF is an APC women mobilization group with membership of over 20million young women between the ages of 18-40.

*Vibrated electric poles:* C/River Piles & Pylon Factory set for commercial roll out - Ayade

Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade said the Piles and Pylon Factory established by his administration is set to begin commercial roll out of vibrated electric poles.

Ayade said the factory will play a pivotal role in the rural electrification of the state.

The governor stated this during a tour of the factory which is situated at Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

He disclosed that the State Electrification Agency (SEA) was already collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure full take off of commercial production at the factory.

According to the governor, "this factory will produce all the poles and provide all the solar lighting panels that will support rural electrification programme.

"And we intend to advance it beyond rural lighting and urban lighting to get solar farms where we can generate sufficient power. We will use all our monopoles to provide transmission of power from the solar farms to the city."

Accordingly, "the program will be a rapid action program and it is intended to deliver power to rural areas and semi urban area.

"So against this background, the State Electrification Agency is collaborating with third parties to guarantee full take off and production of the piles and pylon in this factory here in Akamkpa Local Government Area."

Governor Ayade regreted that the factory was heavily vandalised during the Endsars protest, even as he disclosed that most of the vandalised machineries have been ordered.

Speaking earlier while conducting the governor round the complex, interim Director-General of the State Electrification Agency, Mr. Eric Akpo disclosed that products from the factory will hit the market once certification from the relevant regulatory agency was obtained.

"The Piles and Pylons Factory is very functional; we are preparing to hit the market with our poles.The only thing holding us back is that poles deployed for power reticulation have to be certified by the Nigeria Electricity Management and Services Agency (NEMSA).

"So we are expecting the NEMSA team to visit the Factory in the coming weeks. Once they come, they will give us the needed certification because we have already met their specifications," Akpo said.

*Grand Reception For APC National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, As She Welcomes over 20,000 Defectors To APC.*

Over 20,000 people yesterday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC in Adadama, Abi Local Government area in Cross River State, home of the National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu.
The massive defection was in solidarity with the National Woman Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, the unprecedented achievement of the APC and the sterling performance of Dr. Betta since she emerged as the National Women Leader of the party.

The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, OFR who represented the Governor Sen Ben Ayade, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Alphonsus Eba and his Deputy Prince Eka Williams, Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly and Senatorial Candidate of APC, Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams, Executive Chairman of Abi Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Farathor Robinson and a host of other top government officials who graced the occasion of the home coming of the APC National Woman Leader Dr. Betta Edu jointly received and welcomed the defectors to the party.

The State party Chairman Barr. Alphonsus Eba chaged the defectors to continue to work together with their leader Dr. Betta Edu so they can always enjoy the dividends of democracy before handing them over to the Deputy Governor Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu OFR for the official welcoming.

"As an LGA, God has blessed you with a leader like Dr. Betta Edu and it can only be wrong and devilish if anyone refuse to work with her, today she has the ears and attention of the Federal Government and this to you and the entire State is an added advantage. We accept you wholeheartedly to this progressive party on behalf of our digital governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade and we assure you that in our party we don't have new comers or old comers as we're all one and equal. Dr. Betta Edu has today finally collapsed the structures of PDP in Abi LGA as i can't see anyone left in PDP again." Prof. Ivara stated.

On her part, the APC National Woman Leader Dr. Betta Edu assured the defectors of equal rights and Privileges in the party. "We're a progressive party and as such we treat everyone equally. For making this decision, let me reassure you my people that my empowerment programmes of free medical outreaches, renovation and upgrading of health facilities, Payment of school fees for our children, etc will continue and to add to that, the registration fee for all our students eligible for WAEC has been paid and this and many more I'll continue to do.

"PDP is history as i wish to urge us all to go get our PVCs and get ready to vote APC from top to bottom. Very soon campaigns will start and i trust in my people to deliver as we have done it before and we'll do it again." She added.

Other dignitaries who graced the event were the representative of the APC National Chairman Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, Hon. Abdulazeez, Representative of the member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten, his Calabar Municipality and Southern counterparts, Hon. Effefiong Eke, and Hon. Esther Bassey, House of Assembly member representing Abi State Constituency, Hon. Dr. Davies Etta, Members representing Yala 1&2 Rt. Hon. Regina Ayogor and Hon. Cynthia Nkasi, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Prof. John Inyang, Chairman of Cross River State Waterboard Prof. Godwin Igile, House of Assembly Candidate of the APC for Ogoja State Constituency, Engr. Thomas Aruku, The Director General of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Janeth Ekpenyong, the Permanent Secretary of the CRSMOH Dr. Iwara Iwara, Ward Councillors, CROWEI and her Leadership, as well as the Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area HRM Elder Ovai Solomon Edward, State Exco members of the APC, top government functionaries, Ward Exco members, party faithfuls, support groups, Women, Youths, etc.

Highpoints of the event was a homage visit to the palace of HRH Eval Nelson Agbomi, Lezelkpakor VI of Adadama Kingdom, free medical outreach, presentation of Scholarship/School fees to Adadama students, cash donations to students, Youths, Women, Traditional Dancers, and thousands of relief materials by the National Woman Leader, Dr. Betta Edu.

**2023: APC National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu supported by her Deputy Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Mobilises thousands of Women Form across country for APC Presidential Candidate Tinubu*

APC women went agog as women gathered from all over the country to meet with their leader and Presidential Candidate Tinubu after the unveiling of his VP candidate Sen Shettima.

National women leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, Dr. Betta Edu, yesterday mobilised women leaders across the country in support of the Presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Dr Betta stated that women across the 36 States of the federation are being massively mobilised to ensure the success of the APC in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election. She noted that a structure has been set up to take the message from door to door until everyone is reached and convinced to vote for a candidate who has an unbeatable track record of performance and women main streaming.

She restated the readiness and commitment of women to the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president of the country. She also assured the presidential flagbearer of mobilising women to deliver more than forty million votes for the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

In his response, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu appreciated APC Women for the visit and extolled the virtues and leadership qualities of the national woman leader, Dr Betta Edu especially her dedication and commitment to the success of the party. He expressed joy at the love and commitment of the women to deliver the elections noting that success is assured with the full backing he is receiving from the women across the nation.

In attendance were The Deputy National women Leader Hajia Zainab Ibrahim, the Minister Of state for FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, Deputy,
Members of National Assembly,
Senator Grace bent
Hon. Kadijat Abubakar, Hon Akande Sadipe, Hon Vilita Asabe, DG Women Development Center Hon Iman Ibrahim Suleman DG Refugee commission , Hon Ginika Tor Hon Princess Akobundu, DG Nepad, former Deputy Governors, House of Rep members, Zonal Women Leaders and state women Leaders from the 36 states of rhe federation as well as key women stakeholders in the party.

Why we're concessioning our industries -Ayade


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has explained the state opted for the concessioning of industries his administration built across the state to ensure that they remain state’s assets.
The governor spoke at the Conference Room of the Governor's Office, Calabar during the concession signing ceremony between Cross River and HBMSL Group.
According to the terms of the agreement, HBMSL is to assume management of the industries and ensure that products from the industries are rolled out within three months.
According to the governor, "sometime ago, we did a referendum on whether the government should run this industry as government or privatize, and the generality of the opinion was that government assets should remain government assets as privatization has not brought about any benefits so far.
"Rather, all we need is to create jobs and which is why we have gone with the option of concessions because we want the assets to remain the property of Cross River State government."
Ayade expressed optimism that as a tested and proven consortium, HBMSL will live up to its billing.
" With HBMSL Group, we have got the right people that God has put on our path. They have been tested and proven, have chains of businesses and have their foundation on God. So it is certain that such a group will have a good conscience.
"I am happy to announce to you that the people of Cross River have heard your request for cooperation and we will surely cooperate.
"We will roll out our drums in three months when all these factories start churning out products,” said Ayade.
Earlier, Chairman of HBMSL, Pastor Yemisi Kudehinbu commended governor Ayade's efforts at industrialisation and pledged her Group's commitment to the concession agreement.
"We are grateful to God that the effort of industrialization of the state by His Excellency is not going to be in vain. We are here to build with the people of Cross River from where His Excellency has stopped and our hopes are quite high.
"We are looking forward to repaying the confidence you have in us. We expect that through this strategic partnership, the dreams and aspirations of the governor and indeed all the citizens of this noble state for the industrial growth of the state will come alive speedily. We look forward to a very robust and symbiotic relationship," she said.

Cross River North senatorial primary: Igini's position personal -Ayade's aide



An aide to the Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo has described as personal opinion, comments by the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mike Igini, on the recently conducted Senate primary for Cross River Northern Senatorial Zone, insisting that they do not represent the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 
Reacting to Igini's comment, Ayade's deputy spokesperson said Igini's attempt at interpreting Section 115(D) of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended, amounts to a perverse and unwholesome meddlesomeness and a cheap usurpation of responsibility assigned only to a spokesperson. 
According to Obogo, "it beggars belief that Igini who is a staff of  INEC, an agency of the executive arm of government, would brazenly meddle in the duty of the judiciary as well as playing the role of a spokesman to INEC."
 According to Obogo, "no doubt, Igini's feverish attempt to offer judicial interpretations to Section 155(D) of the Electoral Act, is clearly a reckless exercise in executive rescality.
"In Igini's usual hysteria," the spokesman bellowed: "He sought to conflate the presidential and constituency primaries as one and the same, and in doing so, he attempted to set Governor Ayade up against the Electoral Act, by giving contrary interpretations to what the law says about double nomination forms.
"There is no doubt that Ayade bought a form and equally participated in the March 26 APC presidential primary, but at no time did he obtain a form to contest another political party's presidential primary, which was what Igini would want the public to believe during his ill-tempered outing on one of the national television stations recently. The governor neither took part in multiple presidential nor constituency primaries."
Clarifying, Ayade spokesperson said his boss' participation in the July 14 primary was the outcome of the previous ticket holder withdrawing from contesting the 2023 senatorial election, culminating in the vacancy of the ticket and subsequent conduct of a fresh primary. He said the governor's participation in the fresh primary held on July 14 was within the ambits of the Electoral Act. 
Obogo accused Igini of "trying to lay legal ambush against Ayade by seeking to disingenuously smuggle into the Electoral Act what the framers of the Act never intended. 
"The Akwa Ibom REC cannot be allowed to go on brewing the storm everywhere he goes, especially as the sun is about to set on his turbulent reign as INEC Commissioner."
Laying further charge, Obogo wondered why Igini usually displays overly partisanship towards candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who took part in similar fresh primaries, citing Bauch State governor, Bala Mohammed who participated in a similar exercise a few days after losing the bid for the PDP presidential ticket. 
"In spite of his posturing as Mr. Integrityof INEC, Igini cannot hoodwink us that he is not sympathetic to the PDP, by maintaining tight lips when Bala Mohammed had a fresh primary conducted for him barely a few days after losing out in his party's presidential primaries. 
"Besides, why is Igini pretending not to be aware that the electoral umpire, INEC, which he is a REC, monitored the fresh primaries, which was in any case a validation of the exercises he is dissipating energy to malign?"
Obogo entreated Igini: "Please, Mr. REC, in your less than one month to your exit, leave Ayade alone and focus more on ending the confusion you have created in Akwa Ibom APC. You have enough on your hands already, even as you try to do the job of Mr. Festus Okoye, as the curtain draws on your chequered and troubled REC stewardship."

CR North: Ayade emerges APC senatorial candidate


Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, Thursday emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Cross River North Senatorial District after the conduct of fresh primaries in line with the provisions of the new Electoral Act.

This followed the voluntary withdrawal of the previous candidate, Hon. Martins Orim.
Ayade, who stood unopposed at the primaries, which was held at the Ogoja Local Government headquarters, polled 252 votes of the 255 votes cast.
The chairman of the electoral committee, Barrister Sameera Tabo, while declaring Ayade as the winner, said three votes were declared invalid.
According to Sameera, following Orim's withdrawal, a fresh primary election had to be conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
In his acceptance speech, Ayade expressed gratitude to the delegates for electing him.
He explained that "after running for the office of the president of Nigeria, I returned home and then came under tremendous pressure from my people.

"They said I did very well when I was a Senator from 2011 to 2015 and insisted I go back and today I have answered their call. Of course, they recognised that this country requires a legislator that has both executive and legislative experience."

The governor said he was well equipped for the senate and would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the upper legislative chamber if elected.

“I am very experienced, I know the challenges of our people, I possess all the essential elements that will help us make the appropriate laws and legislations that will change the narrative of our people.

"More importantly, it is imperative to work with the incoming APC president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to reconstruct the concept of development within the African context. Development is about the people and in a sluggish , developing economy, emphasis cannot be put on infrastructure alone.
"We will target people, medium scale industries, small scale businesses will be put under sufficient grants and support until they begin to migrate away from poverty.

"So I am happy that I am going back to the legislature where I can add additional value to the next government and this country,” said Ayade.

Governor Ben Ayade minutes ago emerges winner of Cross River North senatorial district rerun under the APC. This comes on the heels of the voluntary withdrawal of Ayade's former chief of staff Mr Martins Orim . More details soon.

���OSUN2022: APC National Women Leader Dr Betta Edu blows Hotter; provides free medical care for over 1000 women in Ijebu-Jesa Osun state supported by Her Deputy Zainab Ibrahim.

The APC national Women’s wing led by Dr Betta Edu has been exploring more innovative strategies to massively mobilize women while keeping its social contract of boosting petty businesses as well as taking care of the health and well being of Nigerian women and their children across the country! The train which started in Zamfara state is fast spreading like wild fire across the country as osun in the last three days have witnessed impactful interventions from Medical outreach to financial support for petty traders and farmers as the prepare to vote Governor Oyetola on Saturday for a second term and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu come February 2023����

Ayade approves 100 percent review of judicial officers' salaries, orders recruitment of 500 new workers



Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade has approved the upward rewiew of the salaries and welfare of judicial officers in the state.

The governor announced the new salary package at the Executive Chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar, during the swearing-in of the new President of Cross River Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Anjor Mbe.

In the new salary regime, starting from August 1, 2022. the salaries of the state's high court judges will be increased by 100 percent.

Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal will also have their salaries increased by 100 percent while those of Magistrates will be increased by 50 percent.
In the same vain , the governor has also granted all judicial officers in the state immediate land allocation.

According to governor Ayade, "as a matter of state government's policy, any judicial officer sworn-in will have his or her official car ready for delivery. "

Announcing approval for new recuitment into the state's judicial service, the governor said: "We have witnessed massive vacancy in the Ministry of Justice occasioned by retirement. To this effect, we have approved for the Chief Judge with the support of the Head of Service and the Civil Service Commission, the employment of 500 workers in the Ministry of Justice for the first phase alone."

He disclosed that his administration has equally approved the setting aside of 25 percent of the gross emoluments to support judicial officers' allowances in terms of vacation, travels, among others.
While expressing optimism that he has addressed the immediate challenges of the state judiciary, Ayade pledged his administration's readiness to support that arm of government from time to time as the need arises.

According to him, he acted in concert with the report of the the State Judicial Welfare Review Committee which he set up in April.
The Committee which had retired Justice Eyo Effiong Ita as Chairman and the state's Head of Service, Timothy Ogbang Akwaji as Secretary, was charged with reviewing the salaries of Cross River state judicial officers.

"For our judicial officers, we known the challenges of this country, for Cross River State in particular, we are quite sensitive to all the concerns raised so far. That is why we set up a committee to review the conditions of service of judicial officers to make for better service delivery.

"So having studied the report of the committee and in order to enhance service delivery , Cross River State government has hereby handsomely reviewed their salaries and welfare.
The governor praised the state Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme "for her diplomatic, studious and consistent push in achieving these goals.”

Ayade swears-in Customary Court of Appeal President, permanent secretaries, tasks  them on probity



Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, weekend, swore-in Justice  Sampson  Mbe Anjor as the substantive President of the state's Customary Court of Appeal.
Justice Anjor was until the swearing in, acting in that capacity since April this year.
The governor also swore-in six new permanent secretaries, one of whom was his Chief of Protocol, Mr Emmanuel Asikpo Okon.
Speaking during the event which held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar, Governor Ayade urged the newly sworn-in public officers to be above board in discharging their duties by staying through to their oath of office.
He explained that the appointments, in spite of the huge financial implication to the state, were occasioned by his believe in career growth.
"I am happy to have the President of the Customary Court of Appeal sworn-in in a substantive capacity today. I am also happy to swear in new permanent secretaries. 
"I am particularly happy because at the end of someone's career, you must seek growth and today I am an agent of growth to the ones being sworn-in.
"We realize that the financial burden of this appointments are huge, but you don't give because you have but because you care. 
And so strengthening ourselves by this audacity of care, we believe is the right thing to do," the governor said.
Countinuing, Ayade maintained that he was also moved by the sense of compassion, justice and fair play in making some of the appointments, adding: "I am aware that some people being sworn in today have less than a month in office. But I do so because I know the cumulative impact and the significance of this promotion at this time. 
"Sometimes people raise concerns that why are you promoting someone who has less than six months in office, but do not forget that the same person has suffered injustice for too long having been in one position for over six years. So for us, when you dispense justice, no matter how late, it is better you dispense the justice indeed.
I congratulate you and charge you to be above board in discharging your duties, do this by staying through to your oath of office."

Speaking on behalf of the new Permanent Secretaries, Asikpo Okon expressed gratitude to the governor for elevating them to the pinnacle of their career in the civil service.
Citing himself as an example, Asikpo Okon described the governor as a vessel of grace and favour in the hands of God.

"I want to make it known to all here today that my journey into the civil service and my career progression are case studies on how grace and favour can combine to change one's life trajectory.
"As an ordinary laundry man back then, going from office to office to pick up clothes to wash and iron for senior government workers, I got into the civil service and I didn't know then that providence was playing a part in my life as I progressed through the ranks in the service.
"I never knew that God was preparing a ladder in the form of His Excellency for me to climb higher by appointing me the State Chief Protocol.
And now beyond my wildest imagination, His Excellency has again further pushed me up the ladder by making me a Permanent Secretary, the peak of my civil service.
"From the base point of my life, I never would have thought I will come this far- attaining the pinnacle of my career, but here I'm today, to the glory and grace of the Almighty. and by a unique favour from His Excellency, standing  here to be sworn-in as a permanent secretary. Nothing can be more humbling than this.
Indeed,  Governor Ayade is a catalyst who has helped in catalysing my elevation and those of my colleagues.
"We are extremely, profoundly and eternally grateful. We pledge not to fail you and our dear state," he said.
On his part, Justice Mbe pledged to be fair and just in the discharge of his duty and commended the governor for creating a conducive atmosphere for the judicial arm of government to thrive in the state

Eid-El Kabir: Ayade felicitates Muslims, preaches love, unity, peaceful co-existence


Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has enjoined Muslim faithful in the state and Nigeria to show love to one another and non-Muslim alike as they celebrate this year's feast of Eid-El-Kabir.
Ayade in a goodwill message signed by his Deputy Chief Preas Secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo, urged the Muslim Ummah to shun tendencies that disunite,  by upholding unity, togetherness and peaceful co-existence with their non-practising Muslims brothers and sisters, qualities he said, are the pillars of the festival,  before, during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The governor said the period offers the opportunity for sober reflection, spiritual renewal and guidance,  which Allah enjoins His faithful to imbibe as enshrined in the holy Quran.
According  to Ayade, "as you celebrate, I ask for your continuous prayers for the peace, unity and prosperity of Cross River and indeed, our country, Nigeria. For without peace and unity, we cannot co-exist and flourish as a state and country.
"As Muslims and non-Muslims, we must imbibe the lessons of obedience, loyalty and commitment  to higher authority as demonstrated in Prophet Ibraheem’s willingness to sacrifice his only  son in fulfilment of the promise made to Allah, which  Eid-el-Kabir celebration stands for."
The governor further noted that "it is only through pulling together as one, and commitment to peace that the country can experience stability and achieve the desired progress for the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation."

2023: Iyaloja General, Sade Tinubu Ojo Visits APC National Women Leader.


The Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs Folasade Tinubu Ojo was hosted by the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress APC Dr. Betta Edu yesterday in Abuja.

The visit according to Mrs Folasade Tinubu Ojo is in recognition of Dr Betta Edu's leadership roles in promoting gender mainstreaming and mobilization of women in APC and Nigeria.
She further enjoined women across the country to intensify their prayers for the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of the country in the 2023 election as this will create better opportunities for women and strategically position them for improved access in leadership and governance.

In her response, Dr Betta Edu appreciated the Iyaloja general for the visit, acknowledged her outstanding leadership role in mobilisation and welfare of grassroots women in the country. She also gave the assurance on the readiness of Women to give Asiwaju Bola Tinubu more than 30million votes in the coming election.

In attendance were Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Leader, All APC zonal women leaders and other female stakeholders of the APC

*National Women Leader Dr Betta Edu, NCFRMI Boss Hon Imaan Ibrahim Commended For Financial, Medical, and Material Supports To IDPs in Tsunami Camp, Unguwar Danbaba, Zamfara *


The APC National women's wing led by the dynamic, National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu in collaboration with the Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, visited the Refugees camp at Tsunami, Unguwar Danbaba in Gusau, Zamfara States

The women were given financial empowerment to set up petty businesses to sustain them and their families. The internally displaced persons thanked the team for the humanitarian work done to support their resettlement. They hailed the new school built for them in the camp as well as the health facilities. They also praised the Government of President Buhari for the extra effort on humanitarian interventions in the country.

The excited Persons of Concern promised to get their PVC and vote for the APC while calling on Government to do more to resettle and secure them.

Dr. Betta also visited Zamfara State Internally displaced person's camp (IDP Camp) on the third (3) day of her empowerment program where over 5000 persons received free medical attention, supply of food stuff, cash gifts and clothing.

She demonstrated love to the IDPs despite the limited resources, noting that internally displaced persons should feel and have a sense of belonging in the society while appealing to them to participate in the ongoing voters registration by getting their PVCs.

The IDPs noted that the gesture was first of its kind from any National Women Leader across parties.

Communal clashes: Cross River govt sacks Obol Lopon of Nko, clan head of Oyadama


* Takes over ownership of land



Cross River State Government has ordered the dethronement and de-certification of the Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Etim Ayomobi, in Yakurr and the Clan Head of Oyadama, Ovarr Vincent Erena, in Obubra Local Government Areas with immediate effect. 
In a press release signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr Linus Obogo, the dethronement and de-certification of the two monarchs and all other traditional rulers in the two warring communities are as a result of the intractable communal clashes.
Both Nko and Oyadama communities have been at war torn over a piece of land.
According to the release, the ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government for overriding public interest.
Additionally, government has ordered the sustenance of army operation in Nko community until those behind the shooting of the six military personnel are produced or fished out.