₦airaland Forum

Ayade: Poultry production as the new black gold


By Chidi Onyemaizu

With attention focused on broadening the frontiers of his state's economy, agricultural value chain is at the heart of Governor Ben Ayade-inspired rapid economic diversification in Cross River state.
In that chain, Poultry farming is primed to become a major income earner. Sprouting in the Southern part of the state, just a few kilometres away from Calabar, the state capital, is the biggest poultry in Nigeria, the ultra modern Cross River Integrated Poultry Farm Ltd.
The construction of the facility is going on at feverish pace.
When completed, it will be churning out thousands of birds daily. It has six broiler houses, layers and of course, the hatchery.
Tens of thousands of birds per broiler is expected to have multiple effect of massive production of eggs and chickens.
Ayade enthuses about the poultry farm: "We have three products here, the broilers which is the one for eating that goes to the slaughter house, the egg production which is the hatchery, it has an incubator system that will give you the layers, the layers give you about one million eggs per day.
“We have a highly automated and climate regulated hatchery so it goes through the incubator and a day old chick is produced and goes to the public and the public now grows it to maturity and sells to the slaughter house.
“The farm will be run with latest technology in poultry production such as the eco friendly system which is a new technique in poultry farming.”
There are three major downstream benefits derivable from the poultry farm: eggs in a large scale commercial proportion , day-old chicks and frozen chickens also in commercial dimension.
Producing at full, installed capacity, the Cross River Integrated Poultry Farm Ltd is conceived to also serve small and medium scale poultry farmers in the South South region and beyond, especially in the area of purchase of day-old chicks.
Because of the absence of meaningful poultry farms of commercial dimension in the South south, most poultry farmers in the region travel to the South West to source for day- old chicks.
In the poultry mix in Cross River is the 22,000 birds per day Calachika Chicken Processing plant which is about 90 percent completed.
One of the industries at the Calabar industry park established by Ayade, the ultra modern Chicken processing plant is positioned to be fed by the Integrated Poultry Farm.
Cross River is eyeing the West African sub region for the supply of its poultry products from the poultry farm and Calachika.
While Calachika slaughters, processes and freezes the Chickens both for export and local consumption, the poultry farm, beyond satisfying local needs, will have its products- day old chicks and eggs-exported.
Witnesses to the state of the art poultry farm as well as the CalaChicka chicken processing plant agree that Ayade's dexterity in making the difference in Agricultural value chain is on the verge of clearly establishing Cross River nay Nigeria ahead of three other African countries as the doyen of poultry production in Africa.
Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria are four top countries in Africa best for Poultry investment.
With estimated 200 million population, research shows that Nigeria's poulty consumption is already in the double digit, but a far cry from the 40kg annual consumption most countries have attained.
Experts are of the view that when operational, the Cross River Integrated Poultry Farm Ltd and the Calachika Chicken processing plant will mount a perfect combination that has the potentiality of launching the state into a poultry exporting state, apart from hugely meeting local consumption demands.
Africa's poultry market, according to experts, is experiencing a boom due to burgeoning population with China and Brazil as the biggest exporters of frozen chicken to the continent,thus retarding local production.
However, many African countries, including Nigeria, have since realised the income potentials for local poultry production and have placed a ban on poultry products to protect local producers.In Nigeria, tons of smuggled frozen Chicken are seized almost daily by the Customs and destroyed.
It's in the light of the above that many opine that Cross River's diversification into poultry production holds huge promise for the Nigerian and African poultry market and by extension, the state's economy.
Notedly, before 2015, like most states in Nigeria, Cross River was stuck in mono economy, almost entirely dependent on the crude oil induced monthly federal allocation.Then Professor Ayade happened in the state's political firmament on May 29,2015 and began the monumental task of changing the narrative.The elegant fall out of this? The ongoing systematic but meticulous re- calibration, reinvention and decoupling of the Cross River's economy.
Going by his strides in massive Industrialisation of Cross River, the governor can perfectly be described as a case study in economic re-engineering; an authority in transition from a mono to multi- faceted economy powered by Agro-industrialisation.
Thus when Ayade tells you that Cross River is now chasing "Agri-dollar" as opposed to "Petro-dollar", he knows exactly what he means: That is another way of telling the world that as the man in the driver's seat of Cross River's affairs for the next four years, he is preparing the state for the future, a future devoid of total dependence on crude oil revenue.
Ayade is keying Cross River into such a time in Nigeria's economic evolution and development when the black gold will play minimal role in economic growth and sustenance of his state and country.
Therefore, superbly rising like a Phoenix from ground zero, in one leap, Cross River state under the masterly supridentence of Ayade, an academic of repute and a Professor of Environmental Microbiology, has broken forth to start the process of decoupling itself from from what gnaws at Nigeria's economic stability and growth: Mono economy.

FULANI HERDSMEN AND DRUMBEAT OF WAR

BY LINUS OBOGO

"Miyetti Allah to governors: Provide Modern Grazing Areas For Herders If You Want Peace"

Compare the above quoted threat, mortal in content and outlook, with IPOB's impotent site at-home order to its non-arm bearing, ragtag members.
Nigeria may soon be engulfed in an unremitting orgy of violence in the light of the latest warning threat from the Leadership of herders association.
As if to reinforce the boldness of their murderous carnage against other Nigerians across the country, Fulani herdsmen, under the umbrella of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore socio-cultural organisation, has warned state governors that only the proper settlement of herders will guarantee peace in their states.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the National President of the organisation, Abdullahi Bodejo, the association said the only solution to the herdsmen's problem is to provide them grazing areas equipped with modern facilities.
Nothing can be more treasonable than the audacious threat by the herders to unleash violence and cause instability in the country.
With the open declaration of mayhem and the conspiracy of silence from the country's political and security leadership, we definitely have a harvest of deaths on our hands.
For long, the Fulani herdsmen have carried on with so much braggadocio and a swagger of militancy with abject response from the president, offering vent to claims that they are under the protective canopy of the Federal government.
Grippingly, bumper harvest of deaths arising from the activities of the Fulani extremist group, since the inception of the current APC junta, according to statistics from the Global Terrorism Index hover around 4000 to 5000 from 2015 to 2018, with 2018 alone accounting for 1800 deaths, six times more than that perpetrated by Boko Haram.
While the herders' threat must be deplored in its entirety, there is the general belief and perhaps, rightly so too, that the herders have consistently found their mojo to inflict deadly attacks on defenseless Nigerians owing largely to the fiddling tactic of the national leadership and the Nigerian military, whose service chiefs are mainly pooled from one regional enclave.
Viewed alongside a non-arm bearing group, like the proscribed and branded as terrorist, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the heavy handedness brought to bear on the group by the Nigeria Army, there's a clear pointer to the fact that the Fulani extremist group enjoy an olive branch of exclusive immunity from the government at the centre.
The narrative of exclusive immunity has not changed and it's looking unlikely to change anytime soon.
What is even more agitating or worrying is, had the threat come from any other group other than the Fulani herdsmen, wouldn't the python be dancing to strike its victims or Crocodile be smiling that it has found its potential prey?
Twenty four hours have lapsed since the spewing of the threat, yet there has been no response or condemnation from the presidency or the security agencies, fueling suppressed feelings that Miyetti Allah group is not acting alone, but with script being written and directed from high government quarters.
Indeed, no country can realize its potential or development agenda in the face of institutionally choreographed disorder such as we witness today.
The threat by the herders is grave and insidious, with the potentiality to further accentuate the already existing fault lines.
For too long, we have collaterized our unity with too much bloodshed, often with premium paid lopsidedly to retain and sustain the rickety bond of unity.
It is against this backcloth that a further demand for more blood as it is being bayed by the herders, should be resisted by all, no matter what it takes.
Sadly, despite the planned reign of terror, Why are our security agencies, and especially the Nigeria army which is currently embroiled in a scandalous attempt to usurp the role of the immigration service in the operation show your ID, seemingly defanged in the face of obviously grave threat from the Fulani herdsmen?
For an administration that insists on the indissolubility of the country and yet plays the ostrich while its unity continues to wobble and jerk woozyily on the precipice, stands complicit in the festering sore as defined by the menace of Fulani herdsmen and the possible growth of similar militia elsewhere.
How long will the rest of the country bear with the fiefdom and colonizing structure currently being forged by a small pastoral tribe?
The way I see it, the proverbial goat will attempt to bite while it continues to be pushed further to the wall.
Taken together, yesterdays threat to peace across the country by the Leadership of Miyetti Allah can only be viewed as a sure recipe for anarchy and a definite call to arms by the rest of other tribes in Nigeria.

Ayade’s administration has rehabilitated 406 schools- SUBEB chairman

To ensure conducive environment for learning, the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration in Cross River State has in the last few years procured and distributed 79,622 plastic chairs and tables to about 300 schools in the state.
This disclosure was made by the state chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Stephen Odey after a tour of some schools.
According to Odey, the Ayade-led administration has carried out the most intervention in schools in the history of the state.
He said as part of the interventions, "a total of 79622 plastic tables and chairs have been procured and distributed to schools across the eighteen local government areas of the state, and this is geared towards boosting the basic education sector in the state."
Besides provision of tables and chairs to schools, he said the administration also awarded contracts for the comprehensive rehabilitation of about 496 schools across the state," adding that, "out of this, 406 projects have been completed. So this is the administration that has intervened massively within the basic education sector."
“While we are making our pupils and students comfortable, the teachers also must be properly accommodated, hence our desire to start another distribution of latest teachers tables."
Urging pupils to take their studies seriously as well as learn to respect their teachers and parents, he reiterated the governor’s vision for pupils in the state.
He said it was the desire of the governor to create the best learning environment, hence the
establish the British/Canadian International School.
ThankGod Omini, a students of Government Secondary School, Ikot Effanga applauded the governor on the various interventions in their school.
His words: "I feel very comfortable sitting on a new desk and receiving studies without pains. Our governor, Prof Ben Ayade has done well, I love him and beg him to do more for us.
"I feel very happy. The teachers treat us well, show us love and are kind. Besides, we have new desks and chairs to make the school conducive."

Gov Ayade inaugurates Judicial Service Commission

4-members of the Cross River State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been inaugurated by the Governor of Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade.

Inauguration of the JSC members which took place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor's office on Monday, has Retired Justice Obojor Ogar, Ntufam Joe Ebam, Dr Teresa Ikwen and Barr Tasen Etum Okune.

The four members inaugurated add up with the Chief Judge of the state who is the automatic Chairman of the Commission and the Attorney general of the state who is equally an automatic member of the revered Commission.

Governor Ayade who was represented at the swearing-in ceremony by his Deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, charged members of the commission to be forthright in their conduct.

“We trust that the same way you have always been forthright in your duties, some of you as retired Judges of the state High Court, some of you as members of the Bar, that you will continue to serve the state especially on this particular way so that we continue to have a smooth, well managed and well run judicial service commission," the governor stated.

Ayade informed the newly inaugurated members of JSC that the government has selected them based on their past track records and that he has doubt that they will live up to their rating.

"you have all been chosen very carefully based on your tract records and your performances in the state and everywhere in the nation. You have just been called to continue with that service, it is a specialised service and mainly to the judiciary of the state."

He reminded the newly sworn in members of the commission that, "statutorily, the chairman of the commission is the Chief Judge of the state as well as the Attorney General, they don't need to be formally inaugurated or sworn in because they are already members of the commission."

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn in members of the commission, retired Justice Obojor-Ogar thanked Governor Ayade for finding them "worthy to be appointed members of this critical commission representing the third arm of government."

Admitting that the team was aware of the enormous challenges associated with the Commission, Obojor-Ogar said, "we are determined not to betray the confidence you have reposed in us," adding that, "we will not betray the confidence by applying ourselves assiduously to the ethics of the commission."

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Barr Tina Banku Agbor remarked that the event is significant as "it reinforces the existing harmonious relationship between the three arms of government in the state and a clear demonstration of the commitment of Governor Ayade towards ensuring that the judiciary and its support staff is properly placed to carry out its constitutional duty of interpreting the law."

End.

Details later

Cross River, Bangladesh to partner on garment production

Bangladesh and the Cross River State Government have indicated interest to partner on the production of garments.
The plan was made known during a courtesy call on Governor Ben Ayade by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shameem Ahsan in Calabar.
Bangladesh is the second most largest producer and exporter of garments in the world, after China.
The governor said the state "will be signing a very big contract with Bangladesh to work with us and take advantage of the African Growth Opportunities Act. Bangladesh wants to partner with us for the export of garments from Cross River to America."
Ayade who described 7.8 percent economic growth recorded by the Asian country last year as as dramatic, averred that the country "will be a very good example for Nigeria to follow and to learn from," adding that, "we want to see how a small country of that nature will be doing 22,000 megawatts of power when Nigeria is still struggling with 7,000. So, we are excited that we are coming to learn, to partner and create a higher synergy between the two countries."
The governor who got an invitation to visit Bangladesh, said the country which though shares similar challenges of development with Africa, it has been tremendous progress in that regard.
He said Africa must therefore, not only do business with them but tap into their great potentials.
“From the little I watch on CNN, Bangladesh is like one of the villages in Ajegunle, Nigeria. The picture and contents of Bangladesh will change entirely with my visit," Ayade intimated.
The governor who applauded the High Commissioner for not sitting in the embassy while allowing his tenure run to waste, also described him as "a practical ambassador who is going round the country seeking to attract businesses and opportunities," assuring that, vistas of opportunities will be opened for the country to partner with the state in other sectors.”
Speaking earlier, Shameem Ahsan, "both Bangladesh and Cross River will benefit through the sharing of our best practices approach on the garment factory, even as Bangladesh will offer lots of things including technical expertise and managerial skills."
Impressed with the facilities on ground at the Cross River garments factory, the High Commissioner remarked that, "it is a huge production unit with sophisticated facilities which will tremendously impact on the people and economy of the state and Nigeria at large."

Who says they haven't? They are trying their best my brother.

Calabar carnival: Ayade preaches humanity, calls for an end to wars

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has called on nations of the world to put an to wars and crisis all over the globe and embrace peace.
Ayade, who spoke through his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, made the call on Sunday in Calabar during the flag off of the first dry-run of the 2019 annual Carnival Calabar.
He said that the theme of the carnival "Humanity" was chosen to draw the attention of the world to be humane and to live in peace with one another.
The governor, who said that kindness should rule the mindset of people around the world, added that peace cannot thrive in hostile environment.
"As we flag off the 2019 Calabar carnival, the theme has been designed to see people as human beings and not as robots.
"We call for an end to wars and crisis all over the globe irrespective of religious, tribe or ethnic group. A human being is a human being irrespective of status in the society.
"We should be kind to one another, that is the focus of this year's carnival and we hope that the bands will try to interpret the theme in their colourful display," he said.
Speaking, Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, said that the 2019 edition marks another circle in the anals of the history of Calabar carnival.
Onah said that before the flag off, the commission had taken Calabar carnival to Accra in Ghana and other parts of the world.
He maintained that the festival has become the largest street party in Africa.
"We have received two foreign embassies that are here to partner with us on the business side of the carnival.
"For the first time, we will be having three Asian countries at the carnival village; Bangladesh, Vietnam and Dubai Tourism. They have arrived at the camp and have also visited some tourists sites in the state.
"As we continue to improve on our efforts to create livelihood for our children and unborn generation, we believe that by the time this embassies continue to showcase and partner with us, they have taken us to the world," he said.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Shammed Ahsan, said he was happy to be invited for the carnival.
He described Calabar as an accommodating and friendly city that is most suited to host the carnival which has an international outlook.
He commended the theme of the carnival, saying that irrespective of race, religion, tribe or culture, citizens of all countries were still human beings.
"Humanity should be something that should prevail among us as a rallying factor. Bangladesh will be attending the carnival in December for the first time," he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtY9L4vxMdo

Make them do calabar itu first

▪WE’LL OPEN UP CALABAR TO REST OF THE COUNTRY –BUHARI ASSURES

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja assured full Federal Government’s support for the development of the historic City of Calabar.

At an audience granted His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi, Otu V, Obong of Calabar, at the State House, the President said that though the City had lost its preeminent status as the first capital city of Southern Nigeria to Lagos, his administration will not lessen ongoing efforts to open the City to the rest of Nigeria, but will increase the efforts to ensure happiness and betterment of the people of the City in particular and Cross River State in general.

“We will open up that part of Nigeria to the rest of the country,” President Buhari assured, adding that a number of projects are being executed by the Federal Government in the State.

According to him, “three road projects – Calabar-Ugep-Ikom-Ogoja; Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene and Sapele-Ewu – are at various stages of completion.”

The President noted that in order to speed up work on the Calabar-Ugep-Ikom-Ogoja road, plans are underway to incorporate it in the Sukuk Bond to increase the level of funding of the construction work.

He assured that dredging of the Calabar harbour will be undertaken as soon as some legal issues are settled by the Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Ports Authority with the contractor.

President Buhari pledged full support to the Calabar Deep Sea Port project of the State, adding that a number of electricity projects would soon follow after a visit to the State by the Ministers of Power in the upcoming two weeks.

Enumerating other projects in the State being undertaken by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs such as the Industrial Park which is one of the three set up through the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, the President also noted the construction of roads and water projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission; the development of a Skills Acquisition Centre for youths; and the construction of houses among others.

In his address, the Obong of Calabar decried the disregard and neglect of the Calabar Kingdom in spite of its national historical significance, and called for the reversal of the “demotion” through the execution of projects in the areas of roads, power, maritime access, security and border issues as well as the plight of displaced persons from the Bakassi Islands.

The royal father congratulated President Buhari on his “overwhelming victory” in the February election and at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, and urged his administration to restore Calabar to what it lost to Lagos and Abuja.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 17, 2019

Ayade swears in two new judges, SSG
...charges them on fairness

Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade, Thursday, at the state executive chamber, Governor's office, Calabar, swore in two new judges, with a charge on them not to compromise on justice delivery.
The newly sworn in judges were, Justices (Prof) Victor Ani Offiong and Angela Obi.
Also sworn in was Barr Tina Banku Agbor, as the Secretary to the state government.
Charging them immediately after their oath of office, Ayade reminded them that "any compromise that questions the imprisonment of an innocent person or brings about injustice to an innocent person, it will hunt you and hunt you for life."
While urging them to render their services with the fear of God, Governor Ayade charged the Judges: "God has chosen you to represent the conscience of the society, the defender of the common man, the protector of fairness and equity and to do away with anything that is repugnant to natural justice."
He maintained that "having been elevated to a stool where your morality and conscience decide the fate of people, where by your own decision a man can be put behind bars and by your own decision a life can be taken, your job is to carry out the service of God."
Ayade further warned that "no amount of excitement, political pressure or money should make you compromise justice because I believe in retributive justice and I believe in karma."
Responding, Justice Offiong who thanked God and the governor on their elevation assured that in judging the affairs of men, they will always remember that the actual affairs of men are controlled from the spiritual realm, hence the need to make the people proud and the state prosper.
"In the spirit of that spiritual realm," Justice Offiong intimated, "not only have you given us the mandate to judge the affairs of men, you have also given us the amulet to judge demons."
Offiong also added: "We used to hear of the trinity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost, but today history is being made because there is a re-incarnation, re-enactment and re-endorsement of the trinity government in Cross River by the confidence being reposed in us today."

Ayade to revive state scholarship programme

By Ashie Osor

Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has promised to revive as well as start the full implementation of the state's scholarship program for indigenes of the state in higher institutions of learning.
Ayade disclosed this Tuesday at the state executive council chamber in Calabar during a courtesy visit by the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS), Students Union Government and the Law Students Association of the University of Calabar as well as Students Union Government of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) and the National Association of Northern Cross River Students.
Disclosing this to the excitement of the students, Ayade said: "I will initiate, institute and operate a full scholarship program for young Cross Riverians in higher institutions. Here I am committing that Cross River State government will start the full implementation of a scholarship program."
Ayade who also spoke of his plan to reactivate and expand his own scholarship scheme to cover the entire state, said: "For all that God has given to me and all the blessings as a person, the Ayade scholarship program that has always been running, will come back in full force from this year."
The governor, who whilst a senator instituted a scholarship program for indigent students from his Northern Senatorial District announced his decision to enlarge its scope to the rest of the state.
His words: "The Ayade scholarship program is going to be statewide and will be drawn from my private businesses and nothing to do with government," adding that "those who are not lucky to get from the government scholarship will be lucky to get from the Ayade scholarship program, for it is when you give back to society that society will be there for you."
While imploring the students to be morally upright , the governor cautioned them never to materialise or monetize their relationships, saying “the greatest relationship between people is emotional. When you put your eyes on value, money will come naturally, but once your focus is on money, value will depart and the money will never come."
Continuing, Ayade said: "As young people with great opportunity for leadership, whatever comes from your word, every single word of yours defines your future. Character therefore defines a personality as no fatalism can arrogate the supremacy of the future on the hands of mere destiny.”
"Destination is an architectural process by the intellectual engineering of a person through the attainment of a Godhead which means you, your attitude designs your future."
The governor urged the students to give undivided attention to their studies and shun cultism.
"When I find a student who takes pleasure in cultism to take a life for a living, that is an animal because he has descended beyond the level of humanity.."
Earlier, the Presidents of the various students' bodies had applauded the governor's magnanimity and benevolence especially in the prompt response to the welfare of ailing students, the industrialization drive aimed at decoupling the state from dependence on federal allocation as well as setting Cross River on a trajectory growth.
Highlights of the visit was the decoration and conferment of the title, "Commander of the ³Order of Malabor," on Governor Ayade by the SUG President of the University of Calabar, Comrade Moses Derrick.

C'River APC ignorant, jaded - Ayade’s aide


This morning, I read in the newspapers that the Cross River State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had taken issues with the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade for returning to school to pursue a Master's degree in Law.

The assertions credited to the APC chairman, John Ochala, are as laughable and pathetic as the party itself in the state. The party in the state is notorious for lies.

Ochala's statement shows clearly that he has lost touch with reality or that he delibrately wants to misinform the people.

At this point let me remind Ochala and the APC that, in 2017, one of the most influential Governors in APC, Mallam Nasir El'rufai started a PhD programme in Philosophy in Governance and Policy Analysis at United Nations University-Merit, UNU-MERIT, Netherlands. Till date, El'rufai is still running.

It's funny that a party like APC which prides itself as a major opposition cannot engage the Governor on governance issues but chooses to lie to score cheap political points. If they didn't see anything wrong with El'rufai returning to school in far away Netherlands, what then is wrong if Gov Ayade returns to school to add to his numerous degrees within Calabar, the state capital?

The timing of Gov. Ayade's decision to return to school is unequivocally perfect. Unlike APC members, the Governor, despite all the resources at his disposal didn't choose any foreign University, he decided to do it locally thereby boosting the reputation of Nigerian Universities at a time tertiary institutions in West Africa are under attack.

Need I remind Ochala and the APC also that, the Chief Whip of the Senate and member of the APC, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was an undergraduate student while serving as Abia State Governor.
For APC to lie to Cross Riverians that no serving Governor in the history of Nigeria has ever returned to school is unfortunate. Maybe, they just don't have the guts to commend the Govervnor for patronising Nigeria University.

Ignorantly, Ochala also lied that Gov. Ayade didn't go to school while in the Senate. This is very shocking. Gov. Ayade was elected Senator in 2011 and later that year enrolled in Nigeria Law School, Abuja and was called to Barr in 2012.

Clearly, APC cannot withstand Gov. Ayade's unprecedented quest for knowledge hence the lies. It's instructive to let them know that Cross Riverians know them better now which is why the party was rejected overwhelming in the last general election.

Their infantile attempt at opposition won't distract Gov Ayade who is committed to making the state the nation’s industrial hub.


Christian Ita
Special Adviser to Governor
Media and Publicity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5He5iEbK9so

Deep Seaport: Ayade pays N200M compensation to Bakassi people

By Ashie Osor

Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, Monday, announced the payment of two hundred million naira as compensation to the people of Bakassi for the donation of 35,000 hectares of land for the development of the Deep seaport.
The governor announced the monetary compensation during a stakeholders meeting held at the state executive chamber, Calabar, with leaders and traditional rulers of the area led by the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet.
Ayade, who was overwhelmed by the donation, said: "We as parties have come together to say we will support the people of Bakassi local government area with a token of N200m for donating 35,000 hectares of land for the development of the Bakassi Deep Seaport."
The governor pointed out that, "while we appreciate that the ultimate beneficiary of the port is Bakassi local government area, it is noteworthy to state that it is for the good of the nation and indeed Africa," adding that, "the N200m is not value for the land but a token as compensation."
Recalling that President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2015 promised during his first term campaign to Cross River that he will not only deal with the issue of the loss of the state oil wells, but will find an adequate and proper solution for the Bakassi people if he assumes office as President, Ayade appealed to the President to fulfill his commitment.
According to the governor, "we look on to President Buhari to grant as a matter of national urgency a special sovereign guarantee to support us as we move to the final business with the commencing of the process of getting a core concessionaire who will start the investment on the development of the port."
Ayade maintained that "without a sovereign guarantee we will have to stretch our intellectual money to its limit. We believe that President Buhari understands the plight of the Bakassi people, the security and strategic importance of the Bakassi Deep seaport, the need to have an alternative evacuation corridor and a maritime domain from Nigeria, understands the sensibilities and challenges that have bedeviled Lagos in the last six months and the urgency and need for an alternative Port."
Earlier, Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet told the governor: "The land is all yours, it is for the Deep seaport project. We have given the land, all we need is the assistance of the federal government to enable the project come to fruition. I am the Paramount Ruler and the people concerned are all here."
Applauding the federal government through the Ministry of Transport for the approval of the outline business case (OBC), Etinyin Edet who is also the chairman, Cross River Traditional Rulers Council said: "We hope that the project will start in earnest making not only Cross River to be proud but the entire nation and indeed Africa."
According to the royal father, "Bakassi was forcefully ceded, we were driven from our ancestral land and nobody asked us anything and we left. How much more a project of this nature? And now that the governor is looking for land to construct a deep seaport, why can't we support it? What about the land that was taken away forcefully? If this one is coming as a consolation we have no doubt in our mind that we have no objection to it."
Assuring that Bakassi remains peaceful and awaits foreign and local investors, the monarch asserted: "If our governor, Prof Ben Ayade is coming to do what he wants to do in order to assuage our feelings after the ceding of our land, we also need the support of the federal government through Mr. President. Please Mr. President, be ready to support this deep seaport project and even superhighway as we are donating our land once again."

Ayade’s deep seaport will wipe our tears, say displaced Bakassi people


The displaced people of Bakassi in Cross River State have made an emotional appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to grant the state government a sovereign guarantee for the construction of its Deep Seaport project.
The deep seaport project embarked upon by Governor Ben Ayade recently attained a major milestone with the issuance of the Outline Business Case (OBC) certificate by the Federal Government.
They said the granting of the sovereign guarantee will help the realization of the project, which according to them, will wipe away their tears from years of hardship occasioned by their displacement.
Noting that they will benefit the most from the project, the displaced Bakassi people are hopeful that "the construction of the project will make up for the many losses suffered by us and the state since the ceding of their ancestral homeland to Cameroon."
Camped at Saint Marks Primary School in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state since 2013, the displaced Bakassi people say the project holds a new hope for them.
The deep seaport, according to them, "will open up new frontiers of opportunities for us and by extension, rewrite the stories of our ugly past occasioned by the ceding of our ancestral roots to the Republic of Cameroon."
Speaking on the project, Blessing Edem urged President Buhari to assist the state realize the project.
“We are begging the Federal Government to give our governor, Sir Ben Ayade the power (sovereign guarantee) to enable him build the seaport. It will be of tremendous benefit to us here because our living condition at the moment is very bad,” she said.
Another displaced person, Anthony Oqua-Edem believes the project will impact on them in the most positive manner.
His words: “We are pleading with the Federal Government to assist His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade with granting a sovereign guarantee for the project. This is because the campers here, the youths of Bakassi will benefit from this project.
“This Project will create jobs and when there are jobs, we the returnees will help ourselves out. The youths of Bakassi will also be meaningfully engaged. They will have the means to take care of their needs.”
Speaking in like manner, Michael Bassey George, says the project will ameliorate their present condition, which is characterized by hunger and hopelessness.

Buy your uniforms from Cross River Garment Factory, CBN Gov tells army, others


Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele has called on the Nigerian armed forces and paramilitary organisations to patronize the Cross River state Garment Factory for their uniforms.
Emefiele made the call during a recent visit to the factory.
He praised the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade for creating employment for the teaming youths in the state through the Garment factory.
The CBN governor said there was no justifiable reason for the Nigerian armed forces and paramilitary organisations in the country to continue to import uniforms.
His words: "I must say that with what I have
seen today, I'm very impressed beginning from the garment factory that has over one thousand state of the art machines. I'm impressed, very impressed with this garment factory. This is the kind of leadership that states need to get them economically viable and create jobs for their people."
Emefiele further stated that "at the garment factory, we saw young men and women who should otherwise be roaming the streets gainfully employed. Over a thousand of them.
“By 25th October we will be meeting with all the service chiefs, head of civil Defence , NYSC to sign an agreement.
“Rather than import their uniforms from other countries, we will appeal to them that they must come and order their garment from Cross River garment factory. That is the only way we can create jobs in this country. In summary, I am impressed, very delighted.”

Emefiele, Gov Bagudu commend Ayade on agro-industrial projects

...enjoin states to take cue




Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has been commended by his Kebbi State counterpart, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele for industrializing the agricultural sub-sector of the state.
The duo urged other states to take a cue from Ayade's agro-industrial projects, which they noted, have huge potentials to impact on the living standards of the people of the state in particular and the Nigerian economy in general.
Emefiele who gave the charge in Calabar, weekend, during their visit to the Ayade industrial park, said the visit was aimed at "developing areas of cooperation between the state and the Central Bank of Nigeria."
The CBN Governor, accompanied on the visit by the Kebbi State governor who also doubles as the vice chairman of the National Food Security Council, expressed his excitement at the several agro-allied industries at the Ayade industrial park.
"I am particularly excited because Cross River has a unique appeal to me as it is renowned for its agricultural endowment as well as its tourism opportunities and potentials in Nigeria."
Continuing, Emefiele said: "I salute His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade for creating the enabling environment for agriculture to thrive and sinking himself into the revolution and development of the economy of Cross River because he has worked so hard to make this visit a reality today."
The CBN Governor maintained that "the fact that agriculture is an important economic activity for majority of Cross River indigenes is exciting as it touches on the very core of the CBN agenda for development, finance as well as President Muhammadu Buhari's agenda on food security where he said that we as a country must grow what we eat and eat what we grow."
Emefiele said his presence in the state was a demonstration of CBN's preparedness to partner not only with the state government but also the good people of Cross River who are desirous to embrace agriculture as a business.
According to him, "we have visited about five different projects within this park but I also recall that almost about two and a half years ago when we visited Cross River with Governor Atiku Bagudu, we drove some kilometres out of Calabar and we saw tremendous development of rice plantations. I understand today that Governor Ayade is building the biggest rice mill in the southern part of Nigeria. I congratulate you Governor Ayade on this brilliant initiative."
The CBN Governor admonished that "for us in Nigeria, rather than grief over the dwindling oil revenue, the present situation, though painful is an opportunity to look inward and trigger economic growth and development in Nigeria."
While urging other state governments to emulate the Cross River example on agricultural revolution, Emefiele said: "You will agree with me that Cross River under the leadership and stewardship of Prof Ayade has done credibly well by creating employment for thousands of Cross River indigenes. It is my sincere hope that other state governments will take a cue and partner with CBN, learn from what we have seen today in Cross River, partner with us towards establishing the agricultural projects such as the ones we are seeing today, which will impact positively on the living standards of our people and Nigeria economy in general."
On his part, the Kebbi State Governor, Bagudu described the agro-industrial projects of the state as capable of exporting agricultural items that will not only create employment but boost the economy of Cross River and the nation at large."
In his remarks, Ayade lauded Emefiele and his Kebbi counterpart for their kind words on his style of governance and for encouraging the people of the state not to take their hands off the plough.
To the CBN Governor, Ayade said: "Nigerians know you for your consistency, commitment and focus in diversifying the economy of this country. We have never had such a focused CBN Governor."

Why I'm building another 26 megawatts power plant -Ayade

Cross River governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has disclosed why his administration has embarked on the building of a second 26 megawatts gas fired power plant, shortly after the test-run of the 23 megawatts plant at the Parliamentary Extension, Calabar.
Governor Ayade who reiterated the industrialization thrust of his government, insisted that that can only be realisable when there is adequate power on ground.
Fielding questions after inspecting ongoing work at the 26 megawatts Power Plant at the Tinapa Leisure and Business Resort, the governor disclosed that his administration will be contributing a total of 54 megawatts of power from the parliamentary extension axis, Obudu as well as Tinapa areas.
"Today, we are generating 23 megawatts out of the Parliamentary power plant and we are doing 26 megawatts out of here and five in Obudu, so, approximately we are doing about 54 megawatts of power and that will be the amount of power I am contributing," the governor explained.
According to him, "I am so focused on power because industrialization is our core focus and of course, we cannot industrialise without power, that is why my emphasis has been on power."
Offering further insight, Ayade said: "I have to re-engage with the Federal Ministry of Finance to see how we can extend the program that we have, to guarantee that we have a second plant. It is only when we have the second plant that we can now have a combined circle to give us a third plant for us to have an absolute benefit of the value."
Worried by the power challenge,
especially when the country is blessed with abundant gas resource, the governor maintained that "the best way to go is to see how we can combine renewable sources of energy, that is why I have got a team from United Nations sitting today with me to discuss how we can get hydro power and mini hydros as an alternative to gas.
"If you stay fully on gas, you are going to have the epileptic power problems that we have in Nigeria today, so you must combine a bit of gas, a bit of hydro, a bit of DG depending on the source and target you want to reach."
Ayade noted that "we have to spend 4.5 per million BTU, but if we are using water, that costs us zero, so the name Cross River tells you that we have a lot of rivers to cross, so, as a professor, my idea is, I want to cross each river but I want to put a small hydro, generate water while I am crossing and generating electricity."
While imploring the federal government to look in the direction of the state, the governor said: "Power is a serious business and any state that has shown commitment, the federal government must handhold them to success," adding that "Industrialization cannot be done without power and no state with the income of Cross River can fund or finance power.! We need the collaboration of the federal government to allow all the industries in Cross River to have full benefit."
Also at the site of the ongoing 26 megawatts plant, was Jitender Sachdeva of Skipper, which is handling the power project. He explained that 55 percent of the total progress has been achieved with certification by the Federal Ministry of Finance as well as India.
He intimated that "the turbine generator, transformers and electrical balance of the plant are all in place and we are waiting for the rain to subside so that we can start doing the road and earthworks."
Disclosing that the company's target was to see the plant commissioned by April 2020, he assured that Skipper remained committed to the Cross River government as the job standard and its duration with the best of international standard remains feasible.
On his part, Chairman of NIPO, Rakesh Sardana the needed gas assured that "we will ensure continuous supply of gas. Any shortfalls resulting from connections including pipeline breaches, we will fulfill such task to enable the beneficiaries get optimum services."
According to him, "we are prepared to go the entire length to see that we provide fuel in order to boost the power need of the people, while ensuring that industries benefit immensely and domestic consumers get optimum operations at a reduced cost."

A Summary of Governor Ben Ayade's activities for September 2019.

As Ayade’s Bakassi Deep Seaport Dream Inches Towards Reality


By Chidi Onyemaizu


Governor Ben Ayade is a happy man. And Cross River is in festive mood sort of. This is not about the epochal annual carnival Calabar. The world class tourism fiesta comes up every December. It is about the Bakassi Deep seaport.
A Catholic knight and a versatile scientist, Professor Ayade's joy has its locale in his "baby", the Bakassi Deep seaport which recently received a seal of presidential approval.
The Bakassi Deep seaport project is dear to the governor. He wants to deliver it before leaving office in 2023. Leaders are either cheered out of dais or booed out of it. Ayade is a ticket for the former.
The whole gamut of the impactful infrastructural and economic height Cross River has attained in the last four years speak volume. The Bakassi Deep seaport promises to be the icing on the cake.
When the governor embarked on that gigantic seaport project, he knew he was threading on the threshold of history. He knew he has limited time to deliver. Though massive and capital intensive, the lighting pace of events around the projects signify grit determination to deliver on record time.
The Bakassi Deep seaport is primed to change the economic and maritime narratives of Nigeria nay Cross River. It appears those who hold the levers of power in Abuja are agreed on this. And it is fit and proper they do.
Essentially, in Abuja few days ago, President of the federal republic, Muhammadu Buhari formally recognised the imperativeness of the port vis avis its commercial viability.The president did not hesitate to give a nod.
This came in the mould of issuance of Outline Business Case certificate, OBC, for the project by the Federal Government.
The certificate was presented on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to Sir Ben Ayade at the ministry’s Abuja office.
The salient significance of this is manifold: It takes the project to the next stage.
Secondly, with the Presidential seal of approval, the possibility of federal government standing in in the gap for Cross River by partnering the state to ensure the project comes to fruition looks reassuring.
Thirdly, the OBC issuance makes the Bakassi Deep seaport project the first anywhere in the world to receive the document within a short period of being conceptualised.
The urgency of the port is not lost on the federal government.
Hear Amechi: “What they (Cross River) have got right now is the OBC. We will take the next move to verify all the necessary instruments that we need and then proceed back to the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission for the FBC before we go to the cabinet for approval.
“But the most important thing is that we are speeding it up so as to enable those states who want to invest in seaports and others to go ahead and do so.”
And Sir Ayade's enthusiasm: “Work started there more than six months ago when we got the EIA approval which allowed us the legal right to get access to the ocean.
“But right now with this OBC certificate, we are going to be dealing directly with the concessionaires towards arriving at the specific location, data and commencement of actual work plans. But that can only come with the FBC.”
Matching words with action is key. And one believes the fervour of interest the federal government has shown on the project so far will remain unwavering just as Ayade remains unwavering to seeing it come to fruition.
Essentially, there are plenty of grains of truth in what the governor has been saying about the project; namely that the Bakassi Deep seaport, looking at the totality of its framework, its structure and location, is a Nigerian project rather than that of Cross River.
And that when completed, the Bakassi Deep seaport will bring Northern Nigeria and countries in the sahel-Niger, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso- closer to the Atlantic ocean than does any other port in Nigeria.
And this is why: Cross River, by the the virtue of its proximity to Central Africa along the Atlantic coast, and navigating through the Indian Ocean, the Bakassi Deep seaport is nearer to ships sailing to Nigeria than they are to the Lagos ports.
The Bakassi Deep seaport is in the class of it's own. With 21 metres draft, the port will be Nigeria's deepest port on completion.
The internationally accepted maritime standard port depths required for large vessels and containers-carrying vessels to berth is between 18 metres and 19 metres. As of now, no port in Nigeria has that depth.
Experts affirm that Nigeria currently boast of only river ports and no Deep seaports. The Bakassi Deep seaport, when completed will fill that void.
The drafts of the Apapa and Tin Can Island are between 14m and 14.5m respectively, the Warri Port is 7.6 metres, the Calabar Port 6 metres while the Rivers Port is 8 metres. These, again bear testimony to the need to see the Bakassi Deep seaport birthed to fruition.
As a Nigerian project, the Bakassi Deep seaport requires accelerated action. It calls for a concerted effort devoid of the vagaries of politics and politicking. This has been the case so far and we thank President Buhari for this.
One hopes that with the issuance of OBC, the Bakassi Deep seaport Project is within inch of realisation.


Chidi Onyemaizu is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Print Media

59 Independence anniversary: Holdfirm to values that define us as Nigerians -Ayade

By Ashie Osor

As the country marks its 59 independence anniversary, Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade, says the citizenry must remain resolute by re-committing and re-dedicating theirselves to the enduring values and vision that distinguish them as truly Nigerians.
Speaking at the ceremonial parade held at U J Esuene stadium in Calabar, the governor maintained that "it is only by such distinguishing attributes that we can achieve true independence as a people, one that will guarantee true freedom, good governance and total emancipation in the real sense of it."
Ayade, represented by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, averred that "while our today is steadily finding perfect harmony with our great expectations as a people, with our rapid industrialization policy, we remain highly optimistic that given our great energy and potentials to flourish, we will and surely weave our determination to precision and berth a better tomorrow."
On the state of the nation at 59, Ayade said: "We cannot say with absolute conviction, that 59 years down the line, it has been a bed of roses. At best, it has been a potpourri. At times chequered, disappointing, hard and fraught with challenges that so often dulled our spirits," reasoning that "in spite of those dispirited moments, there has have, however, been sparkling times that we have radiated so much national pride as a people, following our chain of accomplishments as a nation. And against all odds, we have continued to bounce back, to rediscover ourselves by staying focused, steadfast and optimistic."
While urging the people of the state to continue to soldier on with audacity of hope, a refreshing optimism and the spirit of enterprise, Ayade reassured that, "with our minds firmly fixed on the ever-glittering skyline, we shall sure chart a pathway to our destination."
The governor added that "as we advance closer and closer to attaining that tomorrow of our dreams, we need not only align, but must pull together, to shrug off tendencies and avoid strictures that accentuate our fault lines," while intimating that "as an administration, we came with a clear focus to restructure and recalibrate the economy of our state."
To this end, Ayade noted: "we have been able to create a new economy that is anchored on industrialization with a huge potential to create jobs and lift our people out of the woods," even as he implored Cross Riverians to "continue to bond together so that we can boldly confront the future with a renewed confidence and determination."
He assured that his administration willl not relent until it ensures that every Cross Riverian is indeed rescued and clawed back from the socio-economic quagmire that has held him or them captive to hunger and lack.
Ayade further enjoined the people of the state to "render our supplications to God for His grace and enablement to overcome the challenges of today and actualize our dreams of tomorrow for the attainment of true independence."

Buhari approves Cross River’s Bakassi Deep Seaport Project

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday gave the clearest indication of his support for the Bakassi Deep Seaport Project of the Cross River State Government with the issuance of Outline Business Case certificate for the project by the Federal Government.
The certificate was presented on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to the Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade at the ministry’s Abuja office.
Amaechi stated that with the OBC, the state would move on to the next step of action.
He said: “What they (Cross River) have got right now is the OBC. We will take the next move to verify all the necessary instruments that we need and then proceed back to the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission for the FBC before we go to the cabinet for approval.
“But the most important thing is that we are speeding it up so as to enable those states who want to invest in seaports and others to go ahead and do so.”
On whether the Federal Government was partnering Cross River State in the deep seaport, Amaechi said, “We will get to that. We will sit down with the Cross River State Government and their major partners and see how much NPA would want to invest. We will contact NPA and see what it can do.”
Speaking on the development , Ayade said the certificate would enable the state move on to the next level of implementation of the seaport.
His words: “The certificate is an Outline Business Case. It shows that there is a full densification commitment of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation to say yes we have come to recognise and accept that Cross River State Government should go ahead with the Full Business Case towards the construction of a deep seaport.
“And the emphasis on the deep seaport is agro-industrial, not exclusively, but to show that the core target is to do an agro-industrial transformation of Nigeria. It will be the major leading port in that respect but will have other industrial parks.”
He said the issuance of the OBC by the Federal Government through its Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission was the fastest ever recorded in Nigeria.
On when actual construction would commence at the seaport, Ayade said, “Work started there more than six months ago when we got the EIA approval which allowed us the legal right to get access to the ocean.
“But right now with this OBC certificate, we are going to be dealing directly with the concessionaires towards arriving at the specific location, data and commencement of actual work plans. But that can only come with the FBC.”

Microsoft partners Cross River to establish ICT/ data academy

Tech giants, Microsoft and the Cross River State Government have entered into a partnership to establish an ICT/Data Academy in Calabar, the state capital.
This development is a boost to the efforts of Governor Ben Ayade to make Calabar the first smart city in Nigeria.
Speaking in his office at the end of a technical session with representatives of Microsoft, Ayade said the partnership will define the roadmap for the digital transformation of the state.
"Let me thank Microsoft for the partnership. It is a demonstration of confidence in Cross River to start a digital transformation of the first African city that will be the first smart city", the governor said
He explained that key objectives of the partnership was to create opportunities for young men and women of the state and to develope an ICT paradigm, a data management academy to teach and educate them on data management, particularly on the proposed ICT platform.
The governor opined that through the Microsoft/Cross River partnership, digital transformation objectives will be achieved for young Africans using the platform to market their talent and products.
His words: "By aggregating and introducing an academy, young Cross Riverians, Nigerians and indeed Africans as a whole will be properly trained on ICT.
“The partnership will lead to generation of knowledge, content and wealth, thereby reducing poverty and improving the value of mankind which is the whole essence of human endeavor"
According to Sir Ayade, Cross River was fully ready for the ICT project noting that experts were expected in the state soon.
"In the next few weeks, the state will have a pool of scientists deployed to conduct interviews with stakeholders and also do a verification and site assessment with the view to establishing a location point and other infrastructure and auxiliary facilities that would be required for the kickoff.
"As first step, the state will be sending a team of 10 young ICT Engineers to join them in Turkey as first set of trainees who will be trainers upon return to Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Mr Osmen Ulukuz, Microsoft's Security Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Regional said that the digital transformation that Cross River has already began will train students and young Africans on data management using the proposed academy.
He said given the various indexes, the state stands out among other states of the federation.
According to him, Microsoft was pleased to reach the continent (Africa) using Cross River State.
High point of the meeting was the inspection of a proposed site for the academy by the governor and the team from Microsoft.

Nigeria’s unity, rights of citizens sacrosanct- Ayade

Cross State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has stressed on the sacrosanctity of Nigeria's unity and the fundamental rights of citizens ahead of the nation's 59th Independence Anniversary Celebration.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, made the remark during the Muslim Ju'mat Service to mark the nation's 59th Independence Anniversary Celebration in the State held in the Central Mosque, Calabar Road, Calabar.

"This administration is sensitive to the rights of every citizen of Nigeria and will continue to foster peaceful coexistence between Cross Riverians and other residents irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation," the Governor remarked.

The Governor urged Muslim faithfuls in the State to continue praying for the country and her leaders, as well as the peace, progress and prosperity of Cross River.

In his exhortation, the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Alhaji Kabeer Olowolayemo, maintained that "the best gift to a leader is remembering them in prayers."

The Islamic cleric eulogised the country's heroes past for entrenching peace and unity, while lauding successive governments for held sway and ensuring that Nigeria remains one indivisible entity.

Alhaji Olowolayemo hailed Governor Ben Ayade's leadership disposition, noting that his administration, being the first to include a Muslim in its cabinet, accords them a sense of belonging.

The Imam expressed gratitude to the Governor for sponsoring over 40 Muslims to the just-concluded Hajj, informing that the Cross River State contingent was adjudged the best in terms of conduct at the pilgrimage.

He also lauded the Ayade-led administration vision in the State, urging the leadership to keep on the good work, especially the prompt payment of salaries, which has earned him the axiomatic moniker "the alert master."

Prayers were offered for the peace, progress, prosperity of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

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

Vicboi1:
The names of the brides are very funny

Indomie flyover �

Ayade: Spaghetti flyover, major bridges to be completed soon

Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has assured that the ongoing construction of a spaghetti flyover and other flyover bridges at Odukpani Junction will soon be completed.

The governor gave the assurance when he visited the construction site where major civil, mechanical and structural works are moving in rapid pace.

Speaking to newsmen, Governor Ayade reinstated his commitment to ensure the spaghetti flyover, the first of its kind in this part of the world, is delivered soon.

According to him, “the Spaghetti Flyover looks like something impossible because of the three floors of bridges crossing each other. Ordinarily that doesn't look like something Cross River could handle.

“Trust me, with the intellectual money everything is possible. So here we are at the site, the civil works going on perfectly well, the structural works, mechanical works going on also with same rapidity.”

The Governor also spoke about the superhighway and the deep seaport projects, which he believes hold the key to unlocking the economic potential of not just the state but the country as a whole.

While affirming his unflinching commitment to the actualisation of the projects, the governor reiterated his appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, to grant the state a sovereign guarantee on the projects.

He disclosed that the first phase of the 275km Superhighway will be completed by the first quarter of next year.
This is just as he revealed that construction of bridges along the route have commenced. 

"Our commitment is that by quarter one of next year, phase one of the superhighway will be getting ready,” he disclosed.

lipstick2:
Go and lobby FERMA to repair ODUKPANI ROAD,so that all these your plenty investment talk go make sense to the Pple.

Last week,the gridlock on that road affected movement of pple and goods.

Agriculture...the Plantain farm u started near the Power plant on Odukpani,how far.

How many bags has ur rice farm produced?.

E easy to lobby FERMA? A PDP Governor oh. In any case there is no need to lobby anyone. The contract has been awarded to Julius Berger since 2017. Na to ask them why them start work from Akwa Ibom axis come stop.

Ayade: Why Cross River is Pioneering Agro- Industrialisation

Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade has explained that a new vista in agricultural value chain is unfolding in the state with his government's emphasis in Agro- Industrialisation.

He made the explanation while fielding questions from newsmen after a tour of the Cross River Seeds and Seedlings Factory Calabar at the weekend.

The governor disclosed that his government has embarked on massive agro- industrial transformation never before seen in Nigeria.

According to him, to aid this pioneering efforts at large-scale mechanized agro-industrialisation, the state government has taken delivery of state of the art Agriculture machines from John Deere of the United States of America.

"Cross River has embarked on massive Agro- Industrialisation transformation which is the only way to go and it is the first level of Industrialization.

“In industrial revolution, it must be agro- industrial because it is the only system that guarantees massive recruitment of people, massive production and ultimate beneficiation of raw materials which means you take raw materials like cocoa and process it until you get chocolate", the governor said.

Sir Ayade expressed his desire to get Cross River youths gainfully employed through Agro-industrialisation, saying 90 percent of the industries he has established in the state are agro- based.

"Obviously, there is no way that all the industries I have set up, 90 percent of them agro-based, will function without the appropriate industrial farms.

“For example, the Garment Factory will require cotton, the instant noodles factory which is rice based will require rice, the poultry farm requires maize and soya beans, the cocoa processing factory requires cocoa, the toothpick factory requires organic bamboo and the list goes on.”

The Cross River state number one citizen stressed that the state was on the verge of replicating the 1876 agro-industrial revolution in Europe targeted at achieving self sustainance.

"The agro-industrial revolution which started in 1876 in Britain is about to start in Nigeria and Cross River state is leading Africa towards our own self sustainance in terms of the entire agricultural value chain.

“If I dont clear new lands and start massive creation of job opportunities for young men and women through the instrumentality of Industrial agriculture, then I will have those factories and I will be looking for raw materials. So, I have to partner with world's number one company company known for agricultural equipment, John Deere of US.”

The governor maintained that Cross River was irrevocably committed to modernizing farming saying the practise is one of the quick win ways to attract people into agriculture.

"We have taken delivery of four major equipment out of the total order of 32.Cross River state is introducing a new thinking consistent with first world practice that farmers don't have responsibility for agricultural infrastructure.Agricultural infrastructure is the responsibility of government.Farmers are only to nurture and tender their farmers while the responsibility of infrastructure and utility become that of government.

“If you have to sweat in Cross River, you don't sweat because you are tilling the soil, you sweat because of pleasure because machines will be doing your job.”

Reps urge Buhari to give sovereign guarantee for Bakassi Deep Seaport Project 


Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and ad-hoc Committee on Ports, Hon Yusuf Buba Yakub, has called on the Federal Government to grant Cross River State a sovereign guarantee to ensure the construction of its deep seaport, the Bakassi deep seaport. 

Yakub who led members of his committee on a courtesy call on the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade, said the Bakassi Deep Seaport project should not be seen as that of the state, but rather as one that would benefit the entire country, especially Northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries of Chad and Niger Republics. 

The Committee was in the state as part of their oversight functions to investigate why ports in the eastern part of the country were not functioning optimally.   

"This committee will do everything possible to ensure that the Deep seaport project comes to fruition because the port is not for Cross River, but Nigeria and the whole of Africa and by extension other parts of the world as many countries want to do business with Nigeria," Yakub stated.

According to him, "a country like China  wants to bring in a lot of heavy machinery to start up the industrialization of Nigeria but because we don't have deep seaports some of the big vessels cannot bring in these equipment."

He also applauded Ayade for also initiating the 275 kilometers six-lane superhighway as a solution to the road connectivity between Cross River and the northern parts of the country and neighboring countries as an evacuation corridor for the deep seaport.

The lawmaker therefore, urged relevant federal government agencies responsible for the success of the project to live up to their expectations.

His words: "This is the first time I am meeting a governor that has great insight not only for the people of the state but for the entire Nigeria and even Africa at large because, in this 21st century, the only solution to the myriad of problems engaging our seaports is a deep seaport, and this man has already put this dream to use and it is practically on ground that in four years, Cross River is ready to go and to give Nigeria a deep seaport."
The chairman who said he was impressed with the presentation made on the prospects of the Bakassi deep seaport, assured of his committee's readiness to support the state government to realize the project.

"This committee will do everything it can to support and see that this great dream of the governor of Cross River is brought to fruition," adding that "I am sure when we present our recommendations, Mr President, Mohammadu Buhari will grant the sovereign guarantee for this project."
On the state of the present Calabar port, the lawmaker explained that they were visiting the port ascertain "why it is not functioning optimally and make recommendations.

"The Calabar port will serve as a service point when the Bakassi deep seaport comes into existence. It will also be very strategic and key in delivering the required services in the state, region and Nigeria as a whole."

Responding, Governor Ayade disclosed to the committee that "the Bakassi deep seaport is urgent, critical and is for national security interest," adding that "in some of the countries of the world, where I have been to, it is in such ports that strategic reserves of economic products and food are kept."

The governor also remarked that "for economic, security and strategic reasons, for political consideration, to put an end to Boko Haram, to increase productivity and help in the full value of our mineral resources, the Bakassi Deep seaport is the only solution."

Making a plea for a sovereign guarantee from the President through recommendations by the visiting committee, Ayade said: "Cross River has 58 percent of the entire forest cover of this country. If you took our oil wells by force, took our land by force, if you ceded our territory by force and we never fought back, the sovereign guarantee which is a signature is just not too much to grant."
Continuing, the governor tasked the team:

"I leave it to you, to your conscience and the God that you serve that the day you come before the President, may the spirit of God Almighty that you serve, come upon you and remain with you whenever you utter a word, let the President say, I grant a sovereign guarantee for the Bakassi deep seaport."