₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkRItbs4EaI

After much wait, Cross Riverians went wild yesterday as Governor Ben Ayade finally launched the much awaited 23MW power plant along parliamentary road.
Speaking whilst overseeing the first operation of the plant, an elated Governor Ayade said that this plant coming on stream is to serve most of the state's industries beginning soon.
More details later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7uBie7kGvg

Watch Video Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tti7DE4SpyA

Ayade: Buhari’s School feeding programme inspired C’River Integrated food factory

Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade says the establishment of the Cross River Integrated Food Factory was inspired by the Federal Government’s School feeding programme.

The governor who was fielding questions from newsmen after a tour of the facility located at the Industrial Park in Calabar, disclosed that the factory will produce Calavita range of nutritious instant noodles made from home grown rice targeted at getting Cross River a share of the N280 billion set aside by the federal government for the school feeding programme.

"This food processing plant you have here in Calabar is an off-shoot of President Muhammadu Buhari’s School feeding programme.

“The school feeding programme is intended to encourage children to stay in school. The world Bank statistics of out of school children in Nigeria is alarming and part of the strategic action plan to encourage children to go to school is to provide food while in school", the governor said.
According to him, Cross River stands to benefit from the sum set aside for the programme through the numerous industries he has established since coming into office in 2015, including the integrated food factory.

"When I saw that over N200 billion was being set aside for the school feeding programme, I decided to focus on those critical raw materials used for the programme- egg, rice, chicken, banana. We have a poultry farm, we have the Calachika Chicken processing plant and so on. And of course this ultra modern food factory.

“I want to see how Cross River will take part of the school feeding programme budget. It is against this backdrop that you have this integrated food factory here today" Professor Ayade further stated
The Cross River state number one citizen maintained that he has breathed life into President Buhari's policy statement on food value chain and appealed for reciprocity by the way of federal government's patronage.

"The president has even made it a lot easy for me by instructing the Central Bank to stop giving forex to food importers. I like to say that the President has shown consistency in this direction. I have decided to breathe life into his policy statement. I have given it energy, I have given it kinetics. In calabar we call it, ‘Show Walking.’ We are show walking the president's policy statement.

“We therefore, seek his support. Let the federal government place orders for our instant noodles; it comes in so many nutritious variants, including a minute to go rice. We have eggs, we have chicken", governor Ayade stressed.

Rivers or Cross River?

Cross River partners Zenith Bank on its agricultural revolution

The efforts of Governor Ben Ayade to industrialize Cross River State through its agricultural value chain policy got a major boost with the announcement of a partnership between the state government and Zenith Bank.

This followed a visit by the management of the bank led by its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu to the various agricultural-processing factories located at the Ayade Industrial Park in Calabar.
Speaking to newsmen after touring the factories, Onyeagwu said Governor Ayade deserves commendation for his foresight, initiative and determination to create an economy for the state through industrialization.

According to him, "the essence of all of these factories is what we have been talking about in this country. What I have seen here are factories that are not just integrated but are also properly linked with the ecosystem.”

He said beyond partnering with the state to deepen the agricultural value chain efforts of the government, his bank is willing to also provide advisory support services to the government.

"When the projects grow and get into incubation level, we could start looking at providing and supporting the government with advisory services to diversify and expand the ownership and move it to private sector that would manage it", he said

On economic impact of the Ayade industrialization policy, the Zenith bank boss expressed optimism that the projects would create jobs, put food on the table and help raise the people's standard of living.

"It would help change the economic narrative of Cross River and Nigeria as a country. I think Governor Ayade deserves commendation,” Onyeagwu stated

While expressing his joy at the collaboration between his state and the bank, Governor Ayade used the occasion to disclose he had signed a contractual deal with John Del of USA via Tata to supply the state with equipment for land clearing and soil preparation in furtherance of his Agro- Industrialisation drive.

Hajj 2019: C/River Contingents Join 44,000 Nigerian Pilgrims on Mount Arafat


As part of the 2019 Hajj exercise, 42 Pilgrims From Cross River State earlier today joined other 44, 000 Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat from Muna about 30 kilometers from the holy city of Mecca, in preparation for Mount Arafat Supplications.

Prayers for Governor Ben Ayade and his family , Cross River State and Nigeria as well as peaceful coexistence amongst the different ethnic groups in the country will dominate intentions of many pilgrims in their preparation for mount Arafat which is the scene where Prophet Mohammed's last sermon was delivered 14 centuries ago.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Cross River State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Hassan Tanimu and Secretary, Abdulahi Orok said; "We are hale and healthy with our medical personnel attending to those with minimal medical issues until this morning. To say the least , we are all set for the holy exercise.”

According to them, "due to our orderly conducts and display of high level of discipline , the contingents from Cross River State have received commendation from the organisers of the Hajj tour in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia 'The Muazaza' inspite of the fact that we arrived late and we hope to sustain the tempo while the exercise last.”

They explained that, “today is the D Day and the Board is pleased to announce the arrival of our contingents to the Mount Arafat full of energy and medically fit. Adding, we are ready to render our supplications to the Almighty Allah who spared our lives to be part the 2019 hajj feast.”

The religious body hinted that, “top on our agenda is special prayers for Our Digital Governor, His Excellency, Senator Professor Ben Ayade for his unreserved support and his undiluted love, care for humanity, particularly the Muslims Ummah in Cross River State.”

"As a Congregation, His Excellency Special Prayers Started from the holy Mosque in Ka'aba on Thursday, Muna on Friday and will be climaxed with the climbing of Mount Arafat On Saturday to show our Deep Appreciation, they added.
The group also said, "We will also extend our special prayers to the good people of Cross River State for their support given to our Governor in the last four years and some Months.”

"We wish you Happy Eid-El- Kabir On Sunday Insha Allah.Barka De Sallah" the statement stated.

Ayade visits intending pilgrims to Mecca at the airport
......urges them to pray for the growth C/River
Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has enjoined the state contingents to Saudi Arabia to pray for the Unity and indissolubility of Nigeria while in the holy land for the 2019 Hajj.
The governor who made the call while addressing the state’s pilgrims at the VIP Lounge of the Namdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, also urged them to pray for the successful implementation of the state’s industrialisation policy which he noted is to turn around the economic fortunes of the state.
Ayade said he was very proud of the pilgrims judging from the reports he has received so far in their conducts and reminded them of Allah's injunction to always pray for their leaders as they is in diring need of such prayer to avert increasing cases of banditry and kidnapping.
While commending the Muslim Community in the state for supporting his administration's industrialisation initiative, Ayade opined that the prosperity agenda of Nigeria has no religious or ethnic coloration but unity of purpose.
In his words, "I am very happy for the pilgrims that our coming out of Cross River State to perform their mandatory religious rite at the holy land and also to pray for the state and Nigeria, you will go safely and return ssafely. Please, make Cross River and Nigeria proud while in Saudi Arabia.”
Continuing the governor asserted, “Your greatest prayer should be to ensure that Nigeria remains safe, united, indivisible and strong. I believe in the oneness and growth of this country and you should put that in prayers too in Saudi Arabia.”
According to Ayade, “the prosperity agenda of this country has no religious or ethnic coloration. That is why we must come together as a people to make the country great once again.”
He also reminded them to pray for his good health to enable him continue to pilot the affairs of Cross River State to his envisioned destination that will bring about desired socio-economic transformation that will impact positively on the citizenry.
"As you go to the holy land, please pray for Cross River State, Pray for Nigeria, pray for my good health to enable me take the state to the enviable heights and most importantly, pray for the continuous industrialisation of Cross River,” Ayade admonished.
He noted that, “Muslims community in the state has been of immense support to my administration. They have lived in peace with one another without any crisis everywhere the found themselves in the state and I want you to continue in that spirit while you go about your legitimate businesses.”
"As a state, we will continue to live together as one indivisible family and I want to assure you that I am very proud of all of you safe journey," Ayade added.

In a bid to grow the local economy and support the Industrialization Drive of this Administration through the engagement of Multinationals to stimulate active Collaborations Nationally and Internationally for businesses within the subregion, The Government of CrossRiver State presents the 2019 *TRADEFAIR* Tagged:
*THE MARKETSQUARE*
scheduled to hold in November.

For details contact:

07032145503-Joe
08073753132-Gloria

-Joseph Edet (Lashakara)

Am sure Donald is far more intelligent than you are. But what do I know? You can afford data so u can insult ppl

Industrialization: Ayade deserves Nobel Prize -Donald Duke


Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State deserves a Nobel Prize for his industrialization exploits, so says a former governor of the state, Mr. Donald Duke.
Duke stated this while speaking with newsmen in Calabar shortly after a tour of factories at the Ayade Industrial Park.
The former governor, who said he was stunned by the amazing industrialization feats of Ayade, wondered how the governor was able to record such feat in spite of the state's huge debt profile.
"I know the debt profile of the state, the income and investment that are required here. Actually, I am very impressed and I want to encourage him (Ayade) because if he succeeds, all of us will succeed and if he doesn't succeed, all of us have not succeeded, but we must ensure that our leaders succeed because we are the beneficiaries of that success," Duke noted.
On the rice seeds and seedlings factory, the former governor remarked: "This rice facility, from what I have been told and what I have seen here, it can enable the entire West Africa sub-region to be self sufficient in rice. If that was all Ayade did, he has every right to beat his chest. If all he did was to ensure that the entire sub-region of West Africa is self sustaining in rice production, he will deserve a Nobel Prize for that."
Wondering how Ayade was able to perform the financial magic to establish industries in almost every local government area, Duke asked rhetorically: "How are you funding all these projects? I have a good idea of the state resources and it doesn't add up, so there is something you (Ayade) are doing that we don't know."
He maintained that the rice seedlings facility "will make Cross River by far the largest producer of rice in the entire West Africa, as the state has land which is arable, so, we need to get our citizens into rice production. My encouragement is just keep on doing it, don't stop."
Describing the factories as amazing, Duke said: "There is a pharmaceutical company, Noodles factory, power plant, among others with a lot of work put in place which has brought spread, so Ayade deserves kudos for these. There is always cynicism and criticism of government, but let's call a spade a spade, there is no amount of money that a state generates that can sustain what you (Ayade) have done here."
The former governor who recalled his speech at the Vanguard Newspapers award which honoured Ayade with an award of excellence said: "Yes, I said that Ayade will leave this state stupefied. He is living up to the billing, and I said when he leaves the state, he will have people confused and I think he is living true to my words."
The former governor advised the people of the state to take advantage of the state’s rice revolution and “get involved in rice farming, even if it is two or three hectares, do it as it will augment our income.
"They call us public or civil service state, but public servants can take part in agriculture, it is allowed and encouraged."
On the sustainability of the various projects initiated by Ayade, the former governor advocated for the privatization of the industries.
His words: “What I see here is an attempt to jumpstart industries in our state. Government is not equipped to run these, we need to privatise it as soon as it is mature. Privatise it for sustainability, we shouldn't be shy of privatisation.
"The important thing is that the industries are in our state and we are the direct beneficiaries. You don't need to own what is not working. I want to encourage Ayade to work towards the privatisation of the plants so that by the time he leaves office, it is totally off government hands and that is also preparing a clean slate for the next administration to work in other areas. Please introduce total private sector management."
Responding, Ayade thanked Duke for his kind words, noting that "this for me is a call to do more. The only people who can criticise me are Governors Duke and Imoke, because they have sat there, they feel it and know it."
Continuing, Ayade said: "Like Duke said, he knows the income and challenges of the state and knows that the income cannot do the much we have done. I want to thank Duke for his time, energy, commitment and goodwill towards the state."

Plans are in top gear to revamp Obudu ranch and other tourist attractions in the state

Just In:Governor Donald Duke -Cross River rice seedlings factory can sustain the entire West African sub region in rice production. The Former Governor stated this during a tour of the facility with Governor Ben Ayade moments ago in calabar more details later.

2019 Hajj:Gov. Ayade Tasks Cross River Pilgrims On Good Conduct In Saudi Arabia

Intending Muslim Pilgrims from Cross River State to the 2019 Hajj in Makkah and Meddinah have been charged to shun any acts capable of tarnishing the image of the State and the Country.

Governor Ben Ayade gave the charge during a farewell cerenony organised by the state government for the pilgrims held at the Eastern Naval Command Central Mosque in Calabar.

Ayade who Spoke through his Special Assitant on Religious Matters, Patrick Ogar, reminded those embarking on the journey to consider it a privilege, saying that it was an opportunity for them to seek for spiritual rebirth as well as pray for the peace and progress of Cross River State and Nigeria.

The Governor who Commended the Leadership of the Cross River Muslims Pilgrim Welfare Board praised their yearly exemplary contact during the exercise, admonishing that good conduct should always be the attributes of a good Muslim.

He urged them to deligently follow the tenet of the holy Quran and prophet Muhammed by adhering to the rules and regulations as prescribed the Saudi Authority in relation Hajj especially on Arafat day.

"On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Professor Ben Ayade, I want to urge you to put Cross River State and Nigeria first in your prayers when you get to the holy land," he admonished.

He added that, "I hope you know that you are carrying banners of the over four million People of Cross River State to Saudi Arabia, therefore, endeavour to conduct yourself very well in manner that will depict us a true Paradise State in Nigeria."

"Dont join bad Gang and most importantly avoid Drugs and any items listed as Contraband to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Dont help anyone you don't know to carry their luggage at the airport, because you don't know what is inside, even paper, don't collect from anybody as anything can be planted in it.Remember, the world is hitech and anyhting can be planted inside the paper you consider ordinary, so be vigilant," the Governor's Aide sternly warned.

Earlier in his remark, Chairman of the Cross River Mulism Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Tanimu Hassan enumerated the dos and don'ts in the holyland to the intending pilgrims, urging them to ensure strict compliance always.

Tanimu Commended Governor Ben Ayade for always considered the interest of minority muslims in the tate as part of his government programmes and policies.

He said every necessary arrangement has been made to guaranteed a smooth hajj exercise to and from Suadi Arabia as urged the intending pilgrims to reciprocate the gesture by being good ambassadors of the state at the holy land.

On his part, Director incharge of islamic affairs Department of Religious Matters, Alhaji Bello Audu, the office have made the necessary arrangements to meet up their needs ranging from medicare, feeding and accomodation during the course of the exercise in Makkah, Medinah and Mina.

Prayers were offered to the Governor and Government of Cross River State and Ngeria by Imam Ahmad Bassey and the Chief Imam of Eastern Naval Command, Uztaz Shakariyyah Muhammed.

Fourty Two intending Pilgrims left Calabar for Saudi Arabia out of which thirty four of them were sponsored by the Cross River State Government.

With leaders like Ayade there’s hope for Nigeria, say renowned broadcasters

By Ashie Usor

Members of the Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), have advised other state governors in the country to under study Cross River state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade's Industrialisation policy.
The NBC Board members who were in Calabar for their annual summit, spoke after a tour of factories at the industrial Park established by Governor Ayade.
The Director-General of the Commission, Mallam Kawu Modibo, was of the view that the Nigerian Governors Forum should institute a peer review mechanism in order to share ideas, compare notes and learn from one another.
"I want to tell Nigerians that what we have seen here is real and a major contribution to the economic development of our dear country.
We have seen the rice seedlings factory, we have seen the Pharmaceutical factory, we have seen the Chicken processing plant, we have seen the Garment fctory and the noodles factory. We have seen that young people are employed in their hundreds, especially in the Garment factory for the production of clothes.
It is a fact and not fiction. It is not a conjunction or theoretical issue", Modibo said.
On his part, a veteran broadcaster and former Director-General of the Commission, Danladi Bako said he has fair knowledge of Cross River and was happy Governor Ayade was tapping into the agricultural potentials of the state to industrialise it.
"I have had the privilege of seeing the industries at the industrial park, a brain child of Ayade. I am conversant with Cross River's agricultural and infrastructural potentials having been a board member of the Cross River Basin Authority. I am happy Ayade is tapping the agricultural and infrastructural potentials of the state using his background as an academic, as an environmentalist and as a professor.
“He has shown us that he is also visionary, one who can drive projects to fruition", the former NBC DG stated.
Bako who compared factories at the industrial park to what is obtainable in Malaysia, China and Thialand urged other governors to take a cue from their Cross River state counterpart.
"What we have seen here is incredible. This is comparable to what Malaysians, the Chinese and Thais can do. You are governor in Nigeria and you have not been here, then you should not bother about governance. I encourage other governors to come to Cross River and see what Ayade is doing. I am not saying they should copy but let them just come and see, and then make up their minds", he said.
Expressing similar views, Dr.Mansur Liman, the Director-General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, said governor Ayade's feat in Industrialisation should be replicated all over Nigeria, arguing that when the youths are engaged with employment insecurity and crime will reduce.
Barrister Saliu Bamidele Aluko from Kwara state maintained that governor Ayade's industrialisation success shows that government has business in business after all.
"With leaders like Ayade, there is hope; Nigeria can go places", he said.

EXCLUSIVE: Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor Bares Mind On 2023 Governorship Race
Posted by: Online Admin August 2, 2019 0

By Endurance Onun:
There are reports in some quarters that some political elites of the Northern Senatorial District dearly desire the next Governorship contest come 2023 to be left floating to allow for participation from all three (3) districts of the state.

As though that is not enough, these reports have gone further to mention two former governorship aspirants; Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor, current Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency representative and Barr. Venatius Ikem, ex-National Publicity Secretary of PDP as two likely interests to be projected.



It is against this backdrop that Cross River Daily, yesterday, hooked-up with Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbor at the Margaret Ekpo Int’l Airport, Calabar to register his take on the issue.

Legor, who was recently appointed Chairman, House Committee on Local Content and also participated fully in the Tuesday’s Green Carnival of Gov. Ayade, seized the chat to disclose how Cross Riverians could benefit from his appointment and also the need to embrace the State Governor’s Green Carnival policy.

On 2023 issues, the Rt. Hon. Member is of the view that the time was not ripe for any projection, pointedly noting that the incumbent governor is yet to settle down for his second term administration.



“First of all, I think it is a bit too early to go into what will happen in 2023. His Excellency who is the leader of our party in state has not even settled down to make his appointments, left alone begin to project for 2023. So, I would rather that we tread cautiously and allow the governor settle. The ban on political agitations has not been lifted, probably, until sometime around 2021/22,” Legor said.

On whether the current zoning style should be allowed to rotate or a new style should be designed, Hon. Legor said:

“In Cross River State, we have a tradition of rotation of power and that was the only way Northern Cross River was able to benefit from the governorship that Ben Ayade enjoys today, because, if there was no rotation of power, we in the North do not have the numbers to ensure that the governoship stays in the North. If you look at the voting strength of the North, the South and the Central, you will see that we in the North are a little disadvantaged.

“But because of this rotation tradition that was instilled by the immediate past governor of Cross River State, H.E Sen. Liyel Imoke, we (the party) moved the governoship to the South even when people felt the South did not have any body to be governor. Donald Duke emerged as a governor from the South, midwifed by Sen. Liyel Imoke.

“Then the governoship moved to the Central, Sen. Liyel became the governor himself and the North supported that bid. Today, we (the North) are blessed to have a Digital Governor in person of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade from the North.

“I believe that we in North will follow that tradition with the support of His Excellency to send the governoship back to the South.

“It is only fair that regardless of what people say; with respect to our (Northern) leaders who have permutated that the governoship can start from the North; with due respect to them; but I think that at the end of the day, we will follow the tradition and the governoship will come to the South. For many Cross Riverians like myself and a lot of us of like minds, we know that the next governor of Cross River State after Prof. Ben Ayade will come from the Southern Senatorial District,” he concludes.

Away from 2023, Hon. Idagbor said that he was going to try his best to ensuring that Cross Riverians, not only his constituents benefits from his appointment as Chairman House Committee on Local Content.

“The committee is a very good one that can benefit not only my constituents but the entire Cross Riverians because the mandate of the committee is to oversee every industry in Nigeria and ensure that they abide by the Local Content Law of Nigeria which specify that there should be employment quota for Nigerians and that where there is need to bring in (foreign) expertise because Nigerians are not skilled enough to fill such positions, they should endeavor to train Nigerians so that subsequently, Nigerians will be qualified to fill those positions.

“So, there will be training opportunities, there will be employment opportunities for Nigerians and of course, I will try my best to ensure that Cross Riverians benefits maximally from these opportunities”.

On the Green Carnival, the Rt. Honourable commended the governor on the initiative, recalling that there were criticism when the latter embarked on his Super Highway project, especially along the lines that the state’s Forest Reserve was going to be destroyed by the cutting down of trees. He opined that the planting of one million trees was enough to combat such criticism. Hence, the need for Cross Riverians, to not only support His Excellency on this particular policy but on every of his policies.

Gov Ayade inaugurates taskforce to review state loans

By Ashie Usor

Worried by the state’s huge debt burden and the attendant deductions from its federal allocations, Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has inaugurated a taskforce to review state loans.
Inaugurating the 11-man taskforce at the state executive chamber, Governor's Office Calabar, Ayade cautioned that the exercise was not to witch hunt nor carry out investigation on how the loans were used in the state.
According to him, “the essence of the taskforce is to deliver on the mandate of ascertaining the actual monies that we are indebted to people, corporations and individuals with the ultimate intent to secure a presidential intervention, either through a stimulus package from the stabilization account or by the discretion of his office or by the appropriation law."
Continuing, the governor said: "I have implicit trust in the administrations of former Governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke. They have brought prosperity to the state, brought an opportunity of hope and I am just here to drive from where they stopped to where our state will be completely decoupled from federal government allocation."
Giving charge to the taskforce, Ayade said: "It is your duty to look at gratuities and total outstanding debt in the gratuity portfolio, aggregate all our loans portfolio projects, loans taken, balance paid, balance at hand and outstanding for every single project from 1999 to date."
Expatiating further on the mandate of the taskforce, the governor said: "You have a duty to advise on how we can source funding, how you can mobilise your international contacts for the benefit of the state to enable us meet up our capital intensive projects."
While urging the team to pursue with all legal means the issues surrounding the state aircraft with Aero Contractors, a company taken over by Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Ayade disclosed that "the said aircraft was purchased by Governor Imoke who passed it on to Aero Contractors to altar it from a private jet configuration to a commercial aircraft to find traffic that can move people in and from Calabar and to Bebi airstrip. Aero Contractors was paid 100 percent for the job to fix the aircraft to a perfect state."
The governor regretted that "today, we can't get the cash or the aircraft. So you have a duty to see how through legal means, they can be brought to book."
Another responsibility of the taskforce is to recommend how to bring life to Tinapa, Calabar monorail, Obudu Ranch and the cable cars while increasing their patronage.
Ayade who took time to explain the Tinapa situation and the involvement of AMCON disclosed that, "AMCON gave us (Cross River) about N8b in negotiation with Union Bank to take off the commercial loan that Cross River had at that time which was N13 billion, but indeed the actual amount borrowed by Cross River government was N8 billion. So, AMCON decided to pay off Union Bank and negotiated out the interest component, so from N8b it has risen to N13b, but AMCON was able to strike a deal with Union Bank, along the line that instead of you to keep a bad loan in your books, why can't we just pay the actual money which Cross River borrowed.
"Union Bank agreed and AMCON paid N8b and that is how today AMCON came to lay claim to Tinapa. As it is, we can't make any progress on Tinapa without any clearance from AMCON. That same loan, today, from their own figures, from the N8b they gave, it has grown to over N30 billion. As such it now lays claim to the ownership of Tinapa. Anything you want to do on Tinapa, AMCON must sit with you to do or give clearance."
Responding, Chairman of the task Force, Barr Chris Agara said although the task before his team was daunting and enormous, they will do their best for the good of the state.
The taskforce which has Higgins Peters as vice chairman, Arch. Bassey Eyo Ndem as secretary also has Victor Edet, Dr. Francis Ntamu, Godwin Akeke, Betta Edu, Abiola Imani, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr, Eno Jonah Williams and Eric Williams Akpo as members.

How Ayade is Creating Wealth Through Green Carnival

By Chidi Onyemaizu

Wealth creation is no rocket science. Anyone in doubt can reference Professor Ben Ayade.
His latest wealth creation blitz is through the just concluded annual Green Carnival, an event dedicated to boosting afforestation through tree planting.
The maiden edition of the carnival held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. It was a massive success.
Not only did Cross Riverians turn out in their thousands to participate by planting trees across the state, many also made money from the exercise through sale of tree seedlings.
In all, one million trees were planted across the state. The one million seedlings deployed for the exercise were supplied mostly by Cross Riverians and paid for by the Ayade administration.
This obviously was in keeping with the governor's new mantra of hands on the plough, which in turn is translating to food on the table for teeming families in the state.
The beautifully designed floats, carnival regalias, and costumes among others adorned by the participants, including Professor Ayade, his Abia state counterpart, Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu, Cross River state Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, Speaker, Jones Eteng Williams etc, were produced by young entrepreneurs of Cross River who were empowered by the state government.
The state Garment Factory that has over 3000 employees, produced some of the t-shirts and uniforms worn on the occasion.
Even before he joined the political fray, bearing other people's burden and putting smiles on weary faces had been ingrained in Governor Ayade's character trait.
For example, as a Senator, he had a food bank where the downtrodden in his senatorial district drew meals from.
And as governor, he has a template for wealth creation through government-assisted citizens' participation in agriculture. This he christens "hands on the plough, food on the table".
His latest offering of wealth creation through Green Carnival will no doubt birth a new class of wealthy Cross Riverians.

No sir it's not. But they're both resident at the industrial park.

Nigeria makes $25.4m exporting pasta to neighbouring counties, yet imports noodles from China. CBN slapped restriction on that imports from Asia in 2017, and here Calavita Noodles factory in Calabar is getting built to replace imports. This Noodles is from rice,instead of wheat. @Senatorbenayade is a giant in Industrialization

Ayade, Ikpeazu, others plant one million trees in Cross River

By Ashie Osor

In a bid to stem the tide of deforestation, Cross River governor, Prof Ben Ayade, on Tuesday joined by his Abia counterpart, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, led thousands of CrossRiverians to plant one million trees in the state.
The event tagged: "Cross River State wet season green carnival,' with the theme: "Calabar Green Canopy Scheme" has the objective of planting one million trees across the state.
Flagging off the event at the Botanical Garden along Mary Slessor Avenue in Calabar, Ayade said it was driven by the People’s generational core process for the future.
He explained that planting of young trees “is very critical for Carbon dioxide assimilation, so Cross River will be the carbon dioxide reservoir, the headquarters of the absorption of carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere."
Ayade noted that "Cross River has 58 percent of the entire forest cover of Nigeria and by our designation and plan, our strategy is to grow that to 68 percent," adding that, “the reclamation of our rain forest remains pertinent to avert climate change.”
He said the construction of the 274km Superhighway where 28,000 trees, would be fell, has made it more imperative for the planting of trees.
“We are planting one million trees as a justification to support the afforestation process, not only for the superhighway but for the industrial farms that are yet to come because we cannot create industrial farms without deforestation,” he said.
The governor who enjoined young Cross Riverians to take advantage of the business opportunity created by the Green Carnival to start growing nurseries for the next year event, remarked: "There is an intellectual, physical, financial and economic component to the action."
On his part, the Abia State governor, Dr. Ikpeazu, applauded Ayade for the feats recorded in Cross River, even as he described Ayade as "a generational politician," and the event as "another futuristic event like no other in this country called Nigeria.
"Many politicians in Nigeria are regarded as elections politicians but Ayade is a generational politician who is not looking to the next election but thinking about not only Cross River of tomorrow but indeed Nigeria and the world."
The Abia governor intimated that "Cross River is giving us a superhighway that will take out only 28,000 trees, but in return, this digital governor is planting not 280, not 560 but 35 times the number of trees he is going to fell. One million trees to replace 28,000, this has put Cross River once again on the global map."
He used the occasion to announce the intention of his state to procure rice seedlings from the Cross River Rice and seedlings factory in a few weeks, in order to compete the major rice producers.
"From the rice basins of Bende in Abia, we are coming to Cross River in the next weeks to purchase the seedlings that we will use to begin to compete amongst the major rice producers of this country," Ikpeazu disclosed, adding that "the beautiful thing about Abia Rice will be that we know its source and origin, we are not going to accept seedlings that we don't know their parents. We know the parents of Abia Rice, they come from Cross River."
The event featured planting of trees throughout the 18 LGAs of the state as well as street procession and parade by Ministries, Departments and Agencies round the designated carnival routes and terminating at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Ayade's progressive trajectory from food on the table to hands on the plough

By: Kenneth Ere



It is common knowledge that Governor Ayade's first term in office was largely characterized by an unprecedented expansion of government with the sole aim to douse social tension and unrest.



this deliberate and well fashioned out policy direction was also intended to ensure that a peaceful and enabling environment was/is created for foreign investors to further stimulate the state's economy. It is Ayade's assertion that crime and social unrest is usually a result of unemployment, poverty and suffering; believing that with "food on the table" one's propensity for crime is reduced to its barest minimum.



With the Governor's first term "Food on the table" mantra, Prof Ayade was able to reconcile Keynes and Adam Smith theories, with the mathematical theorem that places the constant "K" representing the people; A theory known today as the Ayadesian theory. It is a form of social capitalism that places the people at the apex of the food chain, where everything is channeled towards improving their welfare and catering for the vulnerable in society including tax waivers for low income earners, regular and prompt payment of salaries, appointments for large number of people not necessarily with capacity, but potentials.



Alongside Government mediated private sector intervention in the form of SPVs, to create a market/corresponding balance. A case where one man's spending improves another's business or his earnings. A notable example is the increased patronage by salary earners and appointees for local businesses and government private sector mediation projects like the garment factory, cocoa processing plant and the ultra modern rice seed and seedlings factory SPVs



The large number of appointees and state government assisted SPVs was able to reconcile Keynes and Adam Smith's theory by keeping the money in circulation, sustaining a high level of economic activities and ultimately fostering prosperity.



It is this well thought out and implemented policy of governor Ayade that led to the recent Global multi-dimensional poverty index (MPI) that saw the state's poverty index reduced drastically from its previous 30.1% in 2014 to 10% in 2018.



In his second term in office, Ayade has expanded on the mantra to "food on the table, hands on the plough". A progression of his first time mantra of just "food on the table" where people without the necessary capacity and required skills were given jobs just to keep the peace.



His second term goal is largely geared toward full utilization of the SPVs created by government, and projects undertaken by investors who's inducement to invest was encouraged by the peace, cleanliness and ambience that Cross River State is now known for. A direct benefit of the lack of social tension and unrest.



Primary and secondary school students have directly benefitted from the garment factory, with half a million uniforms donated to schools across the state. An ultra modern rice mill has been set up in ogoja, rice farmers have been retrained, and given high yielding rice seedlings with improved resistance to diseases from the ultra modern rice seed and seedlings factory.



Cocoa farmers have been boosted with the ultra modern and sophisticated cocoa processing plant in Ikom. The Governor, due to his sheer diligence and keen eye for details has been able to identify most of his previous appointees areas of strength/expertise and plans to utilize them where they ultimately thrive the most.



The calabar noodles factory is 100% ready, with an estimated production rate of 50,000 metric tons annually. An initiative set to tap into the federal government's school feeding program is also expected to get patronage locally and internationally, especially from neighboring countries like Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, and has already sent out circulars for employment for qualified candidates of Cross River State descent.



Also ready to commence full operation is the cocoa processing plant, maize farm, banana plantation, the ultra modern rice seed and seedlings factory, calachika, toothpick factory, piles,pylons and poles factory, calabar pharmaceutical company (CALAPHARM) to mention but a few. The progression is so rapid and extensive, it doesn't matter what category of work and skill set you possess; white, blue, pink or gold collar. There is ultimately something for everyone who is willing to be an active member of the Ayade's Cross River State industrialization drive.



It is indeed truly remarkable, yet not surprising, that Cross River State, with one of the lowest federal allocation, even after paying down in excess of N85billion to service pre-existing loans was able to reduce its poverty index by over 20% in four years, even without the Spvs and industries operating at full capacity.



It can only take a genius like Sen.Prof Ben Ayade at the helm of affairs, a leadership that radiates honesty, integrity, accountability, creativity, innovation, tenacity, empathy, decision-making capabilities, as well as commitment and passion.



It is also an exciting prospect to imagine what we can achieve in another four years, with the industries and numerous SPVs operating at full capacity and our "hands on the plough".



It is indeed clear that Cross River State, via its rapid industrialization drive is headed for ultimate self-sufficiency as it equally turns into an industrial hub of Nigeria and Africa.



END

This one will be different oh

Lol. What's in a name though

Ayade: Cross River noodles factory commences production soon

By Ashie Usor

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state has likened his Industrialisation policy to pioneering industrial revolution in Nigeria.
The governor stated this while inspecting the installation of equipment at the state-owned Calavita noodles factory currently under construction.
The noodles factory is one of the industries established by the governor at the industrial park, Calabar.
According to the governor, his efforts at industrializing Cross River by siting industries across the state is the first time in Nigeria's recent history that a state government has driven industrialisation on a large scale.
"You have private sector driven industrialisation but this is the first time in recent history of Nigeria that a state government has embarked on large scale industrialisation. Cross River is actually pioneering industrial revolution in Nigeria", the governor stated.
He disclosed that the noodles factory will wrought a paradigm shift in the noodles market when operational.
"Calavita noodles will be made from rice as opposed to wheat. And the rice is freshly home grown rice. Calavita noodles will come in three flavours-Rice, Chicken and Suya. It is a digital replacement of existing noodles,” he explained.
The governor expressed delight that the noodles factory, which according to him would soon commence production, is a veritable income earner for Cross River.
"I'm happy that we are bringing food technology and fusing it with the issues of food security. We are ensuring that Cross River wins a bit of the market share of the school feeding programme for which federal government has spent N228 billion.
"NAFDAC is coming for final inspection after which it will issue license and the factory will commence production", he disclosed.
Governor Ayade appealed to the people of the state and Nigerians to patronize Calavita noodles when the factory starts rolling out its products.

Cross River Govt begins asphalting of Okuku-Okpoma section of 145km highway dualisation

Construction work on the ongoing dualisation of the 145km Mfom-Bekwara-Obanliku highway in Cross River State attained an important milestone weekend with the commencement of asphalting of the Okuku-Okpoma-Mfom section of the road.
Already over 25km of the Obanliku-Obudu axis of the road has been completely asphalted and fitted with street lights and media.
With this development, the asphalting of the highway is now ongoing from the two sections of the road simultaneously.
Adjudged the most ambitious road project ever undertaken by any state governor in the history of Nigeria, the road project cuts across the five local government areas of northern Cross River.
The Project Manager, Mr. John Najar projects that by October or November, at least 80km of the road would have been completed.
An indigene of the area, Mr. Joseph Odey commended Governor Ben Ayade for the initiative and the speed of work.
“To be honest with you, I was one of the doubting Thomases. I never believed this project will even reach the stage it is now. We were calling this place before, Ayade dust or power because of the dust. We don't know the magic Ayade is doing because I know Cross River is no longer rich like it used to be because of the loss of the littoral status. He has managed to do this with other projects like the Canadian School, Reference Hospital and the Airport which he just started in Obudu,” he stated.
A motorist, Moses Awhen said the progress of work has been breathtaking.
“First of all, I want to apologize to the Governor on behalf of all of us who said one bad thing or the other against him at the commencement of this project. Our Governor is a Professor and we are local drivers that don't even understand development.
"What you see here today is a miracle because if you had come here a few months back, you would have seen how we used our own mouth to condemn our brother because of this wonderful project.”

Governor Ayade congratulates Jeddy Agba on his ministerial nomination

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has congratulated Prince Goddy Jeddy Agba on his nomination as minister by President Muhammadu Buhari.
A statement issued in Calabar on Saturday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, quoted Governor Ayade as describing Agba's nomination as a big plus for Cross River.
"I heartily congratulate my brother and friend, Prince Goddy Jeddy Agba, on his nomination as Minister.
“It is a fitting nomination and a big plus for Cross River considering Jeddy's track record of service to Nigeria. And I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on any ministry he is eventually assigned to", the governor said.
While expressing optimism that the ministerial nominee will make Cross Riverians proud as a minister, Governor Ayade called for closing of ranks across party divides to give Jeddy the needed support to succeed.
"The interest of Cross River comes first. Let us therefore, rise above party and ethnic affiliations to give one of own, our son, the necessary support he needs to succeed as minister,” he further stated.

Murder Charge: 'Owan-Enoh allegedly supplied arms to killer thugs, must appear in court'



The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice in Cross River State, Mr. Gregory Okem, Esq has insisted that the Governorship candidate of  the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Sen. John Owan-Enoh must appear in court for his murder trial to commence.

Okem who is the state's lead counsel also disclosed that although Owan-Enoh was not at the scenes of the crimes but all those arrested have been linked to him and investigation has revealed that he allegedly provided the killer thugs with weapons.


Recall that the Cross River State government in a suit number HC/48C/2019, dragged Owan-Enoh to court on three count charge bothering on murder and attempted murder.


At the beginning of the case, the former Senator was accused of delibrately avoiding being served court summons but the state counsel applied for motion ex-parte for a substituted means of service which was granted on the 12ths of July, 2019.


The accused was consequently served through publications in National Dailies and was billed to appear in court yesterday (Wednesday) for the trial to commence. His absence as well as a motion filled by his Lawyers challenging some aspects of the charges however stalled the trial.


Speaking with Journalists shortly after court sitting, Okem said  that if not for the motion filled by his Lawyer which he will respond to at the resumed sitting today (Thursday), his refusal to appear in court would have prompted him to apply for bench warrant for him to be arrested and brought to court.


He maintained that “The matter was set for hearing but the accuse was not in court and the reason why he was not in court was because his Counsel, Mba Ukweni, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) filed motion challenging several aspects of the charge.


“One of it was that the suspect ought to have been tried in Etung and not in Calabar. But our position is very simple, the High Court of Cross River State is one Court and so he can be charged and tried anywhere.


“When there is an application of that nature and the accuse person is not in Court, the court cannot do anything. It has to adjourn and

that was what happened and of course for us, it was like an ambushed.


“They knew the matter was coming up today but they filed their motion yesterday (Tuesday) and served me at about 4pm and I got to see the application just today (Wednesday).


“If we had had good time to look at it, we would have responded and of course by today, we would have taken that application but what we intend to do is to bring application to this court so that the matter can go to the vacation court for trial to commenced"


He further added that “If you look at our laws, he could say he wasn’t there when this thing happened but Section 7 of the criminal code had it that anybody that do anything, aiding and abating murder, can be charged for the commission of the offence.


“Because the boys who were arrested in connection with the matter, all of them linked to him and investigations reports disclosed that he provided some of the arms and ammunitions, that were used in the alleged murder; that is the reason he is being charged”


According to the DPP, the matter was not political, “It is not political, anybody who is connected in murder can be taken to court, nobody is above the law, it’s a criminal matter, you cannot do anything behind the back of the accuse person.


“The only thing we would have done, if that application was not filed, would have been applying for a bench warrant so that we can arrest him and produce him in court to face the charge but unfortunately this application came in” he stated.


On the matter coming up at the vacation court as said by the Presiding Judge who is the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Michael Edem, the

DPP said, “Vacation court is for matter of this nature but our difficulty is that in vacation court two parties must consent” he stated.


Consequenly, the counsel for the respondent (Owan-Enoh), Mba Ekpezu Ukweni, SAN said, “What happened in court today is that we filed objections challenging the competence of the

information filed and the trial of the matter in the High Court One Calabar.


“The Director of Public Prosecution said he needed the accuse person in court and we said not necessary for him to be court when he has

challenge the competence of the court to hear the matter in the first place and that has to be moved first so he has requested for a day to

enable him respond to our objection and the learned Chief Judge has fix the matter for tomorrow (Today).


“I am not afraid of vacation court, certainly not afraid of the vacation court, vacation court is a special court, there are certain matters that need to go to vacation court, very very urgent matters.


“It is not every matter, not every sundry matters that are taken to vacation court that are already pending in regular court to vacation court, vacation court attend to very urgent matters of extreme urgency, it is not for matters that are already being heard in regular court to be taken to the vacation court.


“The parties need to consent to the matter being heard before the vacation court if it is already pending in a regular court”.

Residents Commend Gov Ayade For Transforming Obudu, northern Cross River

Residents of Obudu local government are full of effusive praises for Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade for transforming the area.
The people are excited by ongoing infrastructural development, especially roads and street lights in Obudu.
At a recent gathering, Obudu youths, women, farmers and other stakeholders in the council area commended the governor's developmental strides in the areas, describing themselves as the major beneficiaries of the projects.
"As a result of the huge infrastructural development here, It is now easier for farmers to transport their goods to the nearby markets. We are happy and grateful to His Excellency for bringing government closer to us", a farmer who also described herself as a teacher said.
A broad spectrum of the people observed that the snippets of what the ongoing 145 kilometre dualised highway from Mfom junction in Yala, linking Ogoja, Bekwara, Obudu and Obanliku ranch roads will look like has been revealed to the people of Obudu local government area, and the people are already ecstatic about it.
Cypril Ogar, a youth leader said : "The governor has done well for the people of Northern Cross River but we need him to do more.
"I'm a youth leader leading the cylist business here and as a cyclist, i can tell you that the business is better than before because of good and improved roads now. My colleagues and I now do many rounds within few minutes. Obudu is now like Calabar and if every leader can develop the rural communities, the rush to Calabar will be reduced "
Also , Comrade Peter Abutanjo from Beguagbon Community in Obudu said, "formerly the road wasn't good but the governor has made us proud for making the road a full package for the rural people.
"The street lights, traffic lights and dualised road has turn around our economy and reduced insecurity in our domain. Transportation is made easy for us by the governor and every young persons is going back to agriculture because it’s paying off now.”
Paulina Bershe who lives at Kakum Junction posits that women are now making more money through their small scale businesses.
According to her, the women have resolved to name the road after Governor Ayade "because he has improved our standard of living.”
According to Bershe, "women are making more money, we are selling both day and night because of the street lights and good roads, but the women need to see the governor to say thank you for effecting changes in our lives.”
She is of the opinion that there should be periodic inspection on the roads to enable the contractors speed up the works.
On his part, Mr Micheal Obi from Boki Local Government said the journey of four hours between Obudu and Boje in Boki has been reduced to one and half hour due to the Contstuction of Boki linked Bridge in Boje and the dualised roads along ranch community road.
"We Come to Obudu for our weekends now instead of Ikom.And this is because Obudu is now our 'Small London'.On behalf of the youths and farmers in Boki , we say thank you to Mr Governor for having the interest of the rural communities at heart"
As for Abdulahi Umar , a non indegene who was born and breed in Obudu, "this road is good and it has reduced insecurity in Northern Cross River.
"You know development brings unity since infrastructure is seen and felt by the people, everyone would have something to do as only lazy person willl not get something doing either in agricultural and transportation trade in Obudu and its enviroments"
While assuring the people of Obudu and indeed Cross River State of completing the ongoing projects under Ayade's administration, the Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant Media to the Governor, Mr Christian Ita said;
"When Governor Ayade decided to embark on these projects, many people didnt give him a chance but today, the story is different.
"I can assure you that all the ongoing projects will be completed before the end of Ayade's administrations with Intellectual Money (IM) and Others Peoples Money (OPM).
"All what your son needs from you is prayers and support because i know of a fact that Ayade is using development in Northern Cross River to unite the people and provide opportunities for them.All these link roads from Mbok Junction in Yala, Ogoja, Bekwara Obudu and Obanliku LGAs will change the face of the people's wellbeing"

Country already bankrupt, hence high level of penury — Ekpenyong

By Aniete Akpan


Asuquo Ekpenyong


• Sustained Emphasis On Agriculture Could Reverse Trend

With stakeholders warning that all is far from being well with the economy, and that urgent measures should be taken to prevent the country from sliding into depression, a renowned economist, chartered banker and Chairman of the Davandy Group of Companies, Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, discusses the way forward. ANIETE AKPAN reports.

What’s your view on CBN’s recently announced recapitalisation policy for banks?
Let me inform you that some of the banks in operation are not liquid. They are living on lending windows created by CBN to aid their borrowing for a lifeline. There is some degree of capital inadequacy right now, and what is the cause? It is delinquency caused by mismatching of funds, as well as dishonesty and business failure on the part of customers. The totality of these knocked down shareholders’ funds of some banks over time.

The N25bn minimum capital base that became effective during Soludo’s tenure cannot keep most of the money deposit banks in effective operation today. Thus, there is need to review the capital base by introducing additional long-term funds into the system, although some of the big banks may have crossed that limitation.

People are speculating that the new capital base should be at N100bn or more and that banks that cannot cope should merge. Somehow, I don’t think they will adopt the hard approach by Soludo, but a few of these banks today are adequately capitalised. N100bn is nothing to them. But for banks to provide proper services, there is need for them to be well capitalised.

On merger, of course, that is usually the solution for banks that cannot meet a new capital requirement. Some years ago, when we had a similar scenario, some banks had no better option than to merge.

Should government end subsidy for petroleum products, as is being advocated in some quarters?
The truth about subsidy is that people hold different opinions about the reality or not of subsidy in Nigeria. There are people who think the subsidy we are talking about is a scam. But somehow, there is no empirical evidence to prove this fact, because no government department or agency has even come out to show in terms of numbers and prove that it is a scam. So, it is neither here nor there.

There are people who also feel that the subsidy is not beneficial to most people, particularly those in the rural areas, and that the subsidy is mostly of benefit to people who drive exotic cars; use diesel-powered generating sets and the rest.

Let’s assume that subsidy is real. If you remove subsidy, there is going to be enormous hardship in this country. If we remove subsidy, the same elites we talked about will not feel the negative impact comparatively as the people at the low rung of the ladder, the vulnerable individuals in the villages and cities.

However, the truth is that subsidy cannot be there forever. The Federal Government has failed to do what it should do. It should set up a time line of maybe 10 years, and within this period, put into place a mechanism to achieve the processing of crude into petroleum products through value chain.

If there is timeline, my expectation is that a lot would have been done. So, rather than relying on imported processed crude, we would depend on locally processed products, with prices at the same level, if not lower than subsidised prices.

Inflation is ravaging the economy, and loans are at double digit. What can be done to check the situation?
We are referring to two different things: inflation and lending rate. Somehow, there is a positive relationship between inflation and rate of lending. When inflation is high, lending rate is bound to be high. And talking of inflation, there is nowhere you will not witness high inflation in an economy that is not producing, where the real sector is not paying attention.

We have an economy that government and CBN’s interventions are only on paper and not going to the real sector for which the funds are meant. We have double-digit inflation because we have fewer products that are being pursued by same amount of money in circulation or even higher, which in effect reduce purchasing power.

The major thing is for government and companies to produce more goods. Take for instance in the last one year, the government spent a lot of money, but would you say a good proportion of the spending was towards production? It was not. So much money was in circulation and was pursuing the same goods in the market. This tends to push prices high. An increase in production would lead to our doing less of import, because we have these goods locally.

The interest rate is related to cost of banking operation. If the infrastructures in the economy are improved upon, for instance, electricity, interest rate will come down because somehow, the interest rate is a major source of revenue to the banks. And the banks’ quantum of net income derivable over a period is a function of their total operational expenses.

But for effective competition in the banking sector, interest on lending would have gone much higher. Banks have to meet their cost and if you force them to bring down to single digit, they will find other charges to bridge the gap. Funny enough, the banks have put in so much in technology.

With the development in technology, cost of operations should have reduced, but there again, if you go to major banking halls, they look empty because technology is taking over human capital. But technology comes with a cost, though lower in the long run.

Is the country truly going bankrupt? 
You know in the later part of 2016, when recession set in, lots of measures were taken by the CBN and other regulators of the economy to check and reverse that recession. And we still have to thank God that we did not continue into depression, as prolonged recession leads to depression. Somehow along the line, because of some positive measures they took, the recession was addressed, but I think those measures were not sustained.

People suddenly became happy, and it became the talk of town that the government of the day had halted the recession. When you halt or reverse a recession, you must sustain those measures, but this was not done. Added to that is the fact that by 2017, political activities had started and government was not sending money to the real or productive sector. I am aware of the various interventions in hundreds of billions of naira by the CBN. But how much of that was appropriately channelled?

I believe that the country is already bankrupt if you aggregate states and federal finances. It is just that a country in practice will continue to exist, while the citizens are subjected to much sacrifice and penury. However, with the government’s current emphasis on agriculture, if sustained and transparent, will see the economy through.

What happens to microfinance banks, given current situation of recapitalisation?
When the Obasanjo administration launched the microfinance banking system in 2005, it was well intended. It was to ensure and guarantee financial inclusiveness all over. This category of banks was expected to move into the rural areas and open branches and so on and then provide services. But 13 years after, most areas remain unbanked. There are still people who have no access to banks and I don’t think that microfinance banks have achieved substantially what they were intended to do.

Today, the capital base approved for microfinance banks cannot open one branch that can enable them have enough funds to give to customers. So, the truth is that microfinance banks need to improve on their capital base.

Of course, that has already been announced and a timeline has been given. It is expected that within the next 18 months or so, they should be able to achieve the new approved capital base. There is need for their capital base to be shored up. It is categorised. We have the unit banks, which is to be N100m. It used to be N20m. Then we have the state banks, which will be N1bn, as against the present base of N100m. Then, there is the national microfinance bank, which will now be N5bn, as against existing N2bn.

Why does it seem impossible to get it right with power, refineries, iron and steel and general development?
THERE is no doubt that the leaders have failed in these areas. If we have an effective government, most of these things will be addressed and solved in 10 years. What we need is the kind of leadership that would generate ideas, put into place achievable goals and plans, timely implementation with transparent feedback mechanism. The apparent lack of continuity in policies and projects implementation are added drawbacks.

Can you quantify losses Nigeria may have incurred as a result of this?
I have no basis to provide this. In trying to quantify, you have to take many things into consideration in terms of financial losses, people who have lost their jobs, people who died because there are no jobs and many other factors. So, if you want to quantify or give financials to all these, you will be talking in multi-trillions of naira. Nigeria is a very rich country, but the management of its resources and opportunities is absolutely poor.

You've not seen it? Look closely where your brain stops Superhighway and deepseaport begins from there