₦airaland Forum

Cross River microfinance bank for commissioning soon- Ayade 


Cross River government has announced that its micro-finance bank will soon become operational. 

The state governor, Prof Ben Ayade stated this Tuesday, during the inspection of the office complex along with the Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Calabar, Sampson Isuwa and the CBN Head, Development Finance office, Dr. Aniefiok Akpan Umoren. 

The bank is being established to boost agriculture in the state.

  The Governor said "the only way agriculture can be exciting for young people is to go digital and professional, that is why in Cross River, we are taking our time to be the largest rice producers in Africa. We have set up the first rice and seedling plant in Africa, we are going into massive and expansive cultivation of rice but to do all of that, we also need a backbone."

The governor also explained that "Cross River is now supporting CBN and federal government with a state microfinance bank and we are hoping that our date of April 27 as the commissioning date has to be sacrosanct," adding that "we have invited the CBN governor who will be here in person.

"When you ask young men to go into farming, where are they going to get the resources?" Ayade asked rhetorically,   intimating that although Central Bank of Nigeria provides a facility with a minimal repay period, he has set aside the sum of N500million which will be available to the microfinance bank on the commissioning date when it will  opened for operations.

He remarked that "the money is set aside for civil servants who want to go into farming, be it must be one, two or three hectares," pointing out that as part of his administration's efforts to boost farming which is the right road map for Africa and indeed Nigeria, "the state also has an agricultural development company whose business is to provide agricultural services with an extension service arm."

Other ventures the governor disclosed would support the agricultural value chain include, the white collar farming which allows one the luxury of being a farmer,  yet preserves his or her dignity as an educated person, as most people think that the university certificate can no longer put their houses on the ground, including the introduction of what he termed, food on the table, hands on the plough.

Continuing, Ayade said, "in Nigeria we have land, we are looking for farmers. We have farmers they are looking for money, we have money we are looking for interest. Why would a developing economy that understands that they want to move people away from oil to agriculture still want to put a single digit interest rate in a very short gestation period in an agricultural facility? Again, that makes it difficult, so it is the microfinance bank that will underpin it with the support from Central Bank of Nigeria."

For Sampson Suwanee, CBN branch controller, "the Prof Ben Ayade-led administration has demonstrated its resolve to create employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the state," adding that, "CBN is running after Ayade because of the agricultural program as we want all to bank and access credit facilities."

Suwanee also added: "The only way to achieve this is to ensure that we open microfinance bank branches as there are many places across the state that don't have banks. This will help them access credit and pay back. The governor's zeal to make sure that this state is number one is something that we are very happy with. Let us be much stronger in food production, that is the only way we can have economic development in this country.

On his part, Dr Umoren who heads CBN Development Finance office maintained that "we are happy with Ayade for adding value to the economy of the state, creating different clusters across the state to encourage youths to go into farming of crops where they have comparative advantage."

18 Cross Riverians for technical training in China- Ayade


Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade has concluded plans to send 18 Cross Riverians for technical training in China.

The governor disclosed this in Calabar at the presentation  of the certificate of occupancy to Skyrun International of China, manufacturers of home appliances.  

Ayade described the company as a global firm with indelible foot prints across Africa. 

His words:  "I am  happy that we are partnering Skyrun to breathe life into the park hoping that all the amalgam of projects they have proposed in the state will manifest in no distant time going by the terms of the agreement."

 While thanking the electronic giant for their Interest in developing the state,  Ayade said: "This is a typical example of good corporate social responsibility attitude and I want to appreciate Skyrun International for their interest and confident in our administration by taking such unprecedented investment step to investing here."

Governor Ayade also announced that  "Beyond the presentation of C of O that will give them a free hand to invest massively in our industrial park, there is also a technical agreement for them to train our teeming youth and better equip them with the requisite skills in China to enable us realise our signature projects as well as other industrial constructions across the state." 

On his quest to industrialise the state,  Ayade stated that  "there is no way tourism can stand alone and thrive,  we must create opportunities for young men to have blue collar jobs which is where the main job is now because the white collar job is fast becoming old fashioned." 

Ayade who noted that Skyrun will no doubt bring life to the industrial park which his major quest to industrialise Cross River, the governor added: "I must commend the focal point,  Chief  Matthew Uwaekwe for the good works he has been doing for us since the arrival of this company some years ago to Calabar."

Responding on behalf of the Chinese firm,  the National Coordinator, Nigeria-China Business Council,  and focal point for Skyrun International,  Chief Matthew Uwaekwe, stated that the company became interested in what the state was doing and decide to partner it by providing the needed technical support as well as utilise the incentives provided at the park to establish their presence in the manufacturing line. 

According to him,  "As we speak,  we have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Cross River to partner it in different sectors of the economy and we are committed as one of the reputable companies in China with over N5 billion monthly turn over in Nigeria to expand our business and grow the economy." 

He further hinted:  "We will do all it takes to bring more investors to Cross River,  knowing very well that the state remains one of the safest place for business and leisure in Nigeria and Chinese investors will love to take advantage of this and invest."

According to Uwaekwe, "We are starting this partnership with a 'train the trainers' program were 18 Cross Riverians will be sent to China to training while arrangement for the establishment of a world class training facility in core technical areas has begun with the acquisition of C of O,"  adding that "Chinese experts are expected in Calabar to man the facility and train the youths in critical areas of need," Chief  added.

Ayade Industrial Park deserves EPZ status, says NEPZA MD


The Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Mr. Emmanuel Jime, has described the Ayade Industrial park in Cross River as the best to be conceived by any state government.

Jime stated this in Calabar, the Cross River capital after he, alongside members of the management team embarked on-the-spot inspection of the industrial park situated along Goodluck Jonathan Bypass.

His words: "If you ask me, and without being immodest, I will say that this is the best industrial site that has been conceived by a state government during my time as the MD of NEPZA. If I have my way,  I would have granted this license that is demanded, unfortunately, it is not entirely in my capacity to do this." 

Jime who intimated that President Muhammadu Buhari will have to put his pen to paper in order to grant the park an EPZ status, added that, his job will be to make a compelling case for the award of the license, even as he assured Cross Riverians that "as far as I can see, all the requirements that need to be in place are already in place and we can tick all the boxes  believing that this industrial park has satisfied all of those boxes, therefore there is no reason on earth why the license will not be granted."

Explaining that the inspection was normally a duty performed by officers under the line, the MD pointed out that the importance attached to the edifice spurred him to personally do the inspection, a development he remarked, "I have come, I have seen and I have to say that I am totally blown away and really impressed by what I have seen here."

Jime who commended the Prof Ben Ayade's leadership role especially in industrialising the state,  said: "The desire and passion that the governor has shown with regards to the industrialisation of this place will fluorish and have the kind of expression that we think it can have."

Reiterating his earlier resolve that Ayade Industrial park merited an EPZ status, the MD maintained that "I have come here like I say and I have seen tremendous deployment of equipment in terms of science and technology that is available to us. The solar power that is being instituted here is new and clean and I believe that it is innovative as far as Africa is concerned."

Continuing, Jime hinted that after speaking to the engineers on site, he got convinced that once the solar power was in place, one was not likely to experience any power outage in the next 30 years, adding that being close to an international airport and the Atlantic ocean, it was an added advantage to the industrial park.

He also disclosed that in a short time the report of the team will be presented to the President to enable the park be granted the required cover it so deserves, stressing that "Cross River is the best state as far as the requirements for the establishment of an industrial park is concerned, I don't see any reason whatsoever why this particular industrial park will not be successful because it meets all the requirements of all other successful industrial parks I have been to."

Ayade swears in three High Court judges, charges them not to pervert justice


Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, Thursday, at the state executive chamber, Calabar,  swore in three High Court judges with a charge on them not to pervert justice.

The judges who took their oaths of allegiance and office in the presence of the Deputy governor Prof Ivara Esu, Chief Judge of the state, Hon Justice Michael Edem, members of the state executive council as well as the Bar and Bench, were Justices Emmanuel Agiampuye Ubua, Obo Awusa Obo and Imelda Bassey Etape.

Swearing in the new judges, Ayade charged them to take the appointments as great task and responsibility,  noting that a lean liberty is better than fat slavery, pointing out that, "you had rather stay in your poverty as a judge than to have all the wealth and have your soul enslaved to your conscience because you have perverted justice."

Challenging them to a new thinking and philosophy where law will be driven by a true African heritage, the governor stressed the need for the judges to see arbitration as the alternative to conflict resolution and the most welcome concept in modern legislative and legal practice, especially where court is structured to deliver judgement instead of peace.

Ayade who reasoned that the law has been static for too long, advocated for a point in life where law will derive its morality from the circumstances of an event, intimating that, "law is shifting away from codification to the principles of reality."

He reminded the judges that "the judiciary requires men of honour and integrity, who appreciate true value and honour, who understand ethics and morality and the science that man is a spiritual being," adding that, "in whatever you do, there will be a time where your deeds  will be accounted for."

Ayade maintained that as judges whose responsibility it is to decide whether a man's freedom will be taken or not and if a penalty or fine will be given, there is need to look at the social nexus of every crime as, "we must advance as a nation and advance as humanity to a greater goal, a higher philosophy and a high essence of being."

According to the governor, "as long as we rely on documentations and turn ourselves to mathematical computers that interpret a code, section or subsection of the law and dish out penalty without understudying the real sociology of a crime, we would fail as a people," explaining that, "there are certain simple human crimes that must be considered outside the boundaries and beacons of law."

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn in judges, Justice Etape thanked God for being fair and gracious to them and the governor for the honour done them as well as the Nigeria Bar Association for the support so received. She assured the governor that she and her newly sworn in colleagues would acquit themselves in their new responsibility.

Happening Now :: Swearing in of Three High Court Judges into the Cross River State Judiciary by H.E Governor Ben Ayade in Government house calabar.

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Ayade weeps as he signs historic N1.3trn budget into law


Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, Tuesday, wept profusely at the state executive council chambers whilst signing the historic 2018 budget of N1.3 trillion into law.

The governor who had asked that the budget be committed to God, broke down in tears as the prayer was being said by Rev. Fr Bob Etta, the Special Adviser on Religious Matters.

Signing the budget tagged, Budget of kinetic Crystallisation, Ayade maintained that "the state must create a new vista, prospect, horizon and income pattern that will define us by what we are and not what the world sees us to be," pointing out that, "we must put an end to the civil service status of Cross River and we can only achieve this when we think out of the box."

   The governor who went emotional and could not hold back his tears, reasoned that in budgeting such humongous amount, his administration was driven by a conscious determination anchored on a very clear ambition, with timelines and clear performance indicators that measure for the people what they expect to achieve in order to change their story.

   Going philosophical at some point, Ayade also said, "in the 21st century you don't look before you leap, you leap before you look. Great men all over the world are being driven by visions and any man who sees with his eyes, his vision would be impaired by mountains, bridges, houses and trees," adding that, "a great visioner who sees with his mind and soul is not impaired by any obstruction neither can money be an impediment.

"It is very clear that there will be conflicts between expectations and what we will get, but we will be driven by the we-can-do spirit while decoupling ourselves from the continuous dependence on federal allocation."

Ayade argued that the state was in "need of a stabilising factor, a budget of this nature to be able to cushion the impact of the internal crisis that do arise, particularly at a time we are setting an agenda for a new prosperity that will change our story."

   According to him, within 35 months, his administration has completed and secured the entire approvals for the superhighway project, completed detailed design of the deep seaport project, achieved the EIA approvals for both the deep seaport and superhighway, commenced the dualization of the Calabar- Odukpani dual carriageway, as well as commenced massive preconstruction works including land acquisition/clearing and massive dredging at the deep seaport.

Other projects the governor listed to his credit within the short period were the completion of the garment factory and pharmaceutical company with the later awaiting commissioning, completed Rice City with the commencement of installation works, completion of earthworks on the 148km dual carriageway in the northern senatorial district, the agro industrial park, the rice mill in Ogoja and the cocoa processing plant in Ikom, with the equipment for the plant paid for and awaiting delivery.

 Ayade therefore, enjoined Cross Riverians to "be united by these common aspirations that these projects which will indeed kinetically crystallise all our ambitions when we all put our hands on the table," adding that, "as part of the philosophy of this budget, we focus on human capital development to put food on the table which was part of the agenda we did in year one and two, to say here we come with a new agenda, food on the table, hands on the plough."

  Earlier, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, John Gaul Lebo assured that the House of Assembly will perform its oversight functions to ensure that the budget is crystallized for the benefit of democracy in the state.

Cross River takes delivery of 27 containers of rice seedlings equipment

... ready for installation


Twenty-seven containers of automated rice seedlings equipment have arrived the Ayade industrial park in Calabar, Cross River State and ready for installation.


Project manager of the centre, Patrick O'brian who received the equipments disclosed that already, contractors from Taiwan are on their way to Calabar for full installation of the automated machines.

The equipment included the transplanting and harvesting machines, sorter of various types, rice hullers, graders, cleaners and destoners, packing scales, among others.

O'brian said during the installation, there is going to be a huge training process for the local engineers and skilled labours, adding that there is also going to be opportunities for everyone seeking to work in the industrial city.

According to him, "very soon, Cross River State government will be supplying the whole country the new automated and vitaminised rice seedlings," explaining that the "citizens need not to go outside the state to buy rice for their local consumption as the Rice Mill in Ogoja will produce more than what they need.

Continuing, he revealed: "We have received 27 containers of various equipment. We will require a minimum of one month of training of personnel for all this equipment. So there will be opportunities here for everybody.

"Very soon, the mill in Ogoja will be supplying Cross River and other neighbouring states with made in Cross River rice. We don't have to go anywhere for rice any more. From the concept we have on ground, our people will be working, earning and feeding themselves, so we will be self sufficient. The concept is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

"This factory will produce the seedlings and they will be taken to farms for direct planting."

An ultramodern pharmaceutical company set up by the Cross River State Government (Calapharm Nigeria Limited) is set to commence employment in readiness for take off of the company.
The company which is expected to be commissioned soon is a state of the art pharmaceutical company that is expected to produce drugs, as well as a research centre and laboratory for NAFDAC to use in testing it's samples.

It is with great dismay and a growing sense of irritation that I write to draw attention to the high level of irresponsibility exhibited by the  culturally ignorant, uncouth and insatiable BBN house mate Cece. I am completely flabbergasted at the level of rascality and bad taste that she exhibited on international Television.


She was presented with an exquisitely tailored Efik cultural attire, elegantly and proudly worn by wellgroomed Efik princesses in Cross River State and greatly admired by our sister state, Akwa Ibom. This attire was provided out of the generosity of a Proud Sponsor PayPorte, a company which is own by an Oron Man from Akwa Ibom State. This mediocre, ignorant little girl with an entitlement mentality and not even an ounce of common sense had the temerity to describe the scintillating gown with all sorts of derogatory labels. As if the verbal onslaught was not enough, this halfbreed proceeded to systematically mutilate the dress which was intentionally designed to compliment Tobi who was properly clad with male attire to depict the Saturday night theme.


As a proud son of Cross River State who reveres the Efiks, recognises and respects Culture and tradition,  I strongly believe Cece’s ill conceived action is a cause for serious concern and as such requires prompt action from the organizers of the BigBrother Niaja Show as she has not only insulted her benefactor, she has by this action insulted an entire culture - the Efik Kingdom. I insist that Cece should be forced to see the folly of her ways and disciplinary action be instituted  against her. She should be made an example of, to serve as a deterrent to others. If she can flagrantly run down a Proud Sponsor Of The Programme that has made her, then she will stop at nothing to destroy the Show.


I call on well meaning Nigerians,  particularly the Efiks, Calabar and Akwa Ibom to be very vocal in their condemnation of this sacrilegious act by Cece and demand that immediate remedial action be taken. Thank you. 

Effiong Ekpenyong JP ANIPR

@doubleeforreal

Ayade charges Nigerians to emulate Christ at Easter

 
Cross River State Governor Senator Ben Ayade, has called on Cross Riverians and indeed,  Nigerians to reflect deeply on the life of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed all to redeem mankind.
 Ayade, who gave the charge in an Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita,  maintained that it was only through selfless service and sacrifice to fatherland can Nigeria attain the desired socio-political and economic progress.
 “As the Lenten season comes to an end  to usher in Easter, let me remind you that we share a holy hunger for clarity about what is good as well as sacrifice, as we thrive to re-focus on what is most central and important to move our dear state and Nigeria forward,” Ayade said.
While urging Christians to use the significance of Easter celebration which he noted was victory of light and life over darkness and death to cultivate the spirit of compassion and forgiveness, Governor Ayade said "it was only these virtues that could help in building a strong, virile, indivisible and cohesive Nigeria." 
He further urged Cross Riverians to embrace God’s ever-new life with “every cell of our being, every yearning of our soul, and every muscle of our will."

Ayade said for there to be a testimony, there must be trials and tribulations, while reaffirming the resolve of his administration to industrialize the state as well as building the human capacity.
The governor enjoined all Christians a refreshing and moderated Easter celebration.

Breaking News
The Board of Directors of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd, today approves the employment of over 3000 new employees for its new factory extension in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The first batch of new intake will see the employment of 1007 workers in April 2018.
Based on the above, the following positions are needed for immediate employment.
Welding Engineers- (SSCE, OND, HND, BSc)
Automotive Painters- (SSCE, OND, HND, BSc)
Plasterers- (SSCE, OND, HND, BSc)
Auto Electricians- (SSCE, OND, HND, BSc)
Mechanical Engineers- (SSCE, OND, HND, BSc)
Administration Officers-(HND, BSc)
Account Officers- (HND, BSc)
Public Relation Officers- (HND, BSc)
Marketing Executives (OND, HND, BSc)
Quality Control Officers- (HND, BSc)
Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae to
recruit@innosonvehicles.com on or before Friday April 6th 2018.
Share Widely.
Cornel Osigwe
Head Corporate Communications
Innoson Group

Ayade, Minister of State for Power visit Skipper Head Office In India


Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade and the Minister of State for Works, Power and Housing, Mr Mustapha  Baba Shehuri have paid a visit to the Global Headquarters of Skipper Seil in India.


The Indian Firm is currently handling the Construction of the 21 megawatt power plant being undertaken by the Cross River State governmnent.


The firm is also involved with the construction of power Prjoects owned by the Dangote Group.


Governor Ayade and the minister  were accompanied on the visit  by the Nigerian High Commissioner to India, Major General Chris Eze (Rtd).


It would be recalled that the governor, who has in the last two weeks been on an investment shuttle between India and China, signed a pact with Skipper for another power project using renewable and sustainable sources.

The governor also reached an agreement with a Chinese firm, Goldwind for the provision of technical manpower for the cultivation of cotton.

The state recently went into the cultivation of cotton in collaboration with Arewa Farms.

The cultivation of cotton is meant to ensure a backward Integration program for the Cross River State Garment Factory.

Meanwhile, the governor has also disclosed plans by his government to establish a vegetable oil factory in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

The governor unveiled the plans during his inspection of a vegetable oil factory in Beijing, China.


The Governor and his wife together with the minister of state also visited Taj Mahal after attending a Conference on Power which started on March 11, 2018 in India.

Ayade signs pact with Indian, Chinese firms on power, cotton production


Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has signed a pact with Skipper Seil of India for power generation.

The agreement is for the Indian firm to explore alternative and sustainable power to  further transform  the economy of Cross River state.

This development is coming at a time that construction work on a 21 megawatt power plant being built by the Ayade-yesterday administration in the state is nearing completion.

Located along Parliamentary Extension in Calabar Municipality, the plant is expected to become operational soon.

The governor also reached an agreement with a Chinese firm, for the provision of technical manpower for the cultivation of cotton.

It would be recalled that the state recently went into the cultivation of cotton in collaboration with Arewa Farms.

The cultivation of cotton is meant to ensure a backward Integration program for the Cross River State Garment Factory.

Meanwhile, the governor has also disclosed plans by his government to establish a vegetable oil factory in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

The governor unveiled the plans during his inspection of a vegetable oil factory in Beijing, China.

Cross River  begins artemisin cultivation, takes delivery of more Pharmaceutical equipment 


In a move aimed at ensuring local inputs in the production of drugs and vaccines at the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company (Calapharm),  Cross River State government has commenced the cultivation of artemisin plant in the state. 

The pharmaceutical company, which is being constructed by the Governor Ben Ayade -led administration, is expected to become operational later in the year.

Disclosing this in Calabar, while receiving another batch of equipment in company of the Commissioner for Health, Doctor Inyang Asibong, Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Farhan Ahmad Khan, said:

"To complement the company's vision and mission, artemisin plant is being cultivated here and from there, Arthemeter will be developed."

He explained that the plant which hitherto could only be found in Brazil and China, is presently being cultivated in a large expanse of land in the state and will aid in the production of ORS to check diarrhoea and malaria.

   Among the equipment received at the company premises, weekend, were, tablet compression, coating machines, granulator machines, fluid bed dryers, ocylators and milling machines.

Speaking shortly after inspecting the new equipment, Asibong, said the pharmaceutical company "is not going to be strictly for drugs, we are going to have cosmetics being produced here too."

According to her, "with about 80 percent completion of Calapharm, we will kick-start with Ayadecare program any moment from now. Equipment is ready as we have other equipment in the warehouse and these ones just came in and will be moved to the warehouse. The Quality Control equipment are awaited, so definitely when fully installed, we will start the production of drugs that are in line with ailments that are endemic with us in our populace."

 The Commissioner who affirmed that the state and company already enjoy the supports of NAFDAC and Federal ministry of Health with an awaiting market to sell the drugs, also explained that typhoid, hepatitis and meningitis vaccines will rank among the top drugs to be produced.

This according to her, "will check emergencies where we hitherto wait for weeks for such vaccines to be imported into our country."

While assuring that the drugs will be cheap, accessible and free for most vulnerable groups like women, children and the handicapped, Asibong pointed out that, "we are partnering the University of Calabar for research as well as planting artemisin plant which is an active ingredient for anti malaria and this will enable us have a healthier Cross River State."

Khan disclosed that with the arrival of the machines and the civil works almost completed, 200 jobs for production and finance sections will be announced soon while the marketing section will be handled later.

Giving vent to the Ayadecare health program in the state, Khan said: "The amount will be utilized by Cross Riverians because the money is generated by Cross Riverians, diagnosis done by Cross Riverians and the pharmacy also handled by Cross Riverians."

Their scam is unfolding day by day.

Lamido: FG to fund Cross River Superhighway, Deep seaport if I become President



Former Governor of Jigawa State, Dr Sule Lamido has assured the government and people of Cross River State that the Federal Government will assist with the funding of the 275km superhighway and Bakassi Deep Seaport if elected as president of Nigeria next year.

Lamido stated this during a courtesy call on Governor Ben Ayade in Government House, Calabar as part of his consultation visit to the state.  

He said only a People's Democratic Party (PDP) president can appreciate the laudable ideas of the governor on industrialization and infrastructural development.

He said such an ambitious projects cannot be supported by the All Progressives Congress(APC)-led Federal Government.

Lamido, a one-time Minister for Foreign Affairs urged the people to support his ambition.

"Your Excellency, I hope you will see me as worthy of your trust to enable you achieve the realization of your big vision of your 275 kilometer superhighway from Calabar to Northern Nigeria and Bakassi Deep seaport to open up the Northern Economy.

"It's only a PDP government that can allow you to realize this your  laudable vision  and I can assure you that  under me as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  by the grace of God and your support, Federal Government will accelerate funding of the projects," he assured.

While describing the governor as a very pragmatic leader, who is uniquely unique, he further assured that he will be sharing sharing ideas with the governor on how to move Nigeria forward should he win the presidency.

"I'm here because of these concerns and together we will share our common future and restore our common glory by clearing APC from government by 2019," he concluded.



Responding, Governor Ben Ayde who described Cross River State as a state that has been deliberately dehumanized by the Nigerian state with her territory ceded and oil wells taken without any concern for the citizenry.

He said  Cross River State is being governed by intellect due to it's low revenue status  among the states in Nigeria.

He said the state will not  hesitate to support any government that has the interest of her people  at heart. 

"We in Cross River State have been dehumanized and have lost our self esteem and value occasioned by the abuse of the state, seizing our lands, seizing our oil wells, decoupling us completely from having access to NDDC projects.

"Cross River State is in a state of want. We are only driven by intellect, our revenue is the lowest in the country after Osun State. We receive an allocation that is less than the gross salary of the state.


"The state is only driven by the young men and women you have seen in this room, so as you come before us seeking our support for you to be president of Nigeria and having listened to you, you understand the full dialectics of the Nigerian situation. If you become president, you have promised to be there for us."

HBD to the people's Governor

Ayade: Celebrating a harbinger of hope @ 50

By Linus Obogo

There are usually two sets of people in this world. Those who will only be remembered when they leave, for the problems they created, and those who will never be forgotten for the many problems they solved, the answers they offered for the myriads of challenges while they lived.

Indeed, there is no doubt that Benedict Bengioushuye, scion of Pa Peter Akinsheye Ayade can rightly be situated as belonging to the latter.

And as human beings, the world remains the only stage, upon which, either as bad actors, we fret our part and get jeered at or as good actors, we interpret our roles satisfactorily and get clapped out of the dais while leaving our captive audience roaring for more. 

In order words, the choice is always ours, either to be on the villainous or valiant side of history. For many, the latter road has often been the one less traveled or hardly taken at all. For to do so, requires strength of character, moral fibre and avirtuous deportment.

For a few who dare to walk this high road, they are enormously revered, recognised and celebrated, no matter their status or standing in the society. This is what today represents in the life of Governor Ben Ayade, more tellingly, for vouchsafing himself as an answer to a question, a solution to a problem, a silver lining in a horrendously dark tunnel of life and a necessity in the midst of hopeless millions.

Born exactly 50 years ago at Kakum, a sleepy village in Obudu LGA, northern Cross River State,little Benedict or Ben, as he would later be known, grew up never wanting to be a product of his environment, but rather his environment becoming a product of him. 

Like a man standing in front of a loaded gun, Ayade saw poverty staring him right in the face. But with sheer determination and gusto, he clawed himself and the rest of his family and by extension, his environment out of poverty, thus fulfilling his aspiration to make his environment a product of him.

As a child who grew up early to understand what lack really meant, Ayade had begun so early in life to discover that you give not because you have enough but because you care enough. And so, charity, care and compassion for the less fortunate would later become his guiding light,a calling he discovered and decided to run with it. 

In fact, for many who have experienced grinding poverty and despondency in their lives, they are easily crippled by hopelessness, anger and frustration. But for Ayade, these hardships and bleakness were just chapters on his journey. They offered him credibility and, in some way, the strength and courage to face even more daunting challenges.

And as a way of sharing in the core misery of the poorest of the poor and the very vulnerable, Ayade has, through his various mitigating and intervention efforts, rolled out quite a number of schemes in his private capacity in order to make a difference in the lives of the needy in his community through various scholarships and empowerment programmes, a gesture he carried over into the senate.

For Ayade, he well familiar with the idea of the insidious effect of poverty on human psyche. To him, poverty is not just about being hungry, naked and homeless. It is much more about being unwanted, unloved and uncared for. This, he identifies as the greatest poverty that can vanquish any human race. 

As a rare gift to the people of northern Cross River, including the vulnerable, poor women and the aged, Ayadecame across as an incandescent messenger of hope, an advocate of what it meant to care and the necessity and joy of sharing the suffering of others.

Having accepted the “Ministry of Charity” as his badge of hnour, Ayade has continued to play the role of a “father to the poor,” a symbol of compassion to the homeless, a regenerated hope to the hopeless in Cross River State. 

Denying fate from moving against the direction of his desires, young Benedict Ayade made the most of his primary education at St. Stephens Primary School, Obudu and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Obudu.

Like princes who master their fate to fulfill their destiny, Ben was not to be held down and following on the heels of excellent secondary education, proceeded to grabbing a B.Sc. (Honours) in Environmental Science from 1984 to 1988 and  a Ph.D from 1990 – 1994 at the University of Ibadan, winning the Best Doctoral Dissertation Award in Environmental Microbiology.

He had a glittering spell as a lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka where he deservedlyearneda professorial recognition.

Ayade’s research work on groundwater remediation birthed an invention of a solar-powered sewage treatment plant, which culminated in global recognition and award by the Japanese government. The technology which carried with it a million Japanese Yen is currently being used off-shore by oil-producing companies operating in Nigeria.

Burning to serve his people as well as offer quality and responsible leadership at the highest level, the burden of leadership fell upon Ayade’s ‘slender’ shoulders in 2011, as senator representing his Cross River Northern Senatorial Zone.

And barely four years later, Senator Ayade would become the biblical Joshua to lead his people to the Promised Land and out of the economic, social and political doldrums as governor in 2015.

A visionary and focused leader servant leader, while many of his peers in many of the states inexorably continue to bemoan the level of impecuniousness that has become their lot, Ayade got off to a flier and hitting the ground running with policies and programmes aimed at not only rescuing the state from economic doldrums, but also decoupling it from the measly handouts from the federal allocation.

From erratic to zero monthly allocations, it was obvious that this was one governor who was determined to punch beyond his weight with huge capital intensive signature projects. For Ayade, it is not about the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog.

With projects of long gestation period such as the Bakassi deep seaport, the 267 kilometre superhighway, Calabar Rice City project, garment factory, Calabar Pharmaceutical company, 21 megawatt power plant,  the cocoa processing plant at Ikom, the automated vitaminised rice mill in Ogoja, Mfum-Yala-Bekwarra-Obudu-Obanliku ranch road, among others, the vision was yet for the appointed time. And even if it tarries, a silver lining sure beckons for the state under Ayade. 

In his reticence, he has not left anyone in doubt that his leadership is very much in a hurry to conquer all that there is to conquer for the state developmentally. 

In just less than three years, he kept the momentum going by building on his predecessor’s developmental framework. Methodically, he set about laying the necessary foundation for Cross River State to attain its potential through deliberate policy of ensuring the dynamic recalibration of its economic architecture. 

For a leader who believes that where money fails, intellect takes over and when a man puts his soul above his problems, his body naturally follows, Ayade sees plenty, even in the face of paucity. It his uncanny determination to make the most out of nothing, the ‘Golden Boy’ is ensuring his Cross River is growing in leaps and bounds and raising the bar for others. That Cross River has not creaked to a stop like some of the states in the country, is owed much to his conscientiousness and forthrightness. 

With most states groaning under the pangs of several months of unpaid salaries and workers of such states literally dying while waiting for arrears of unpaid salaries, Ayade has remained faithful to his avowed declaration that “No child shall go to bed on an empty stomach” on account of workers being owed salaries by ensuring that salaries are paid on before the 23rd of every month. And several times, salaries had been paid even before they were earned.

Such unusual gesture has earned him the sobriquet ‘Salary Master’, ‘Governor talk and do’, among others.  

In just one year in office, he rescued over two thousand women, especially widows from their despondency and hopelessness by ensuring their full engagement at the Calabar garment Factory.

Upon his assumption of office as governor, Ayade promptly lifted the 23 year-old freeze on recruitment into the civil service.

Ayade’s leadership style is exactly what Cross River had long yearned for at the time he became governorin 2015. Despite seeming challenges, he continues to demonstrate strong convictions and unusual courage, tactfully balanced by a large heart, as well as spirit of accommodation. This was the main reason for his effectiveness and acceptance

As his leadership style began to resonate in the state, barely two years in office, media attention riveted to him and before long, the country and the world began to turn their eyes towards Ayade and his sterling work. And in recognition of the template he has set, numerous awards and recognitions began to tumble in. For instance, he led African Governors to the Climate Change Summit organised by the United Nations Secretariat in Paris in December 2015. He was Authority Newspaper Governor of the year, Civil Society Man of the year, Labour Most Friendly Man of the year,Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year and TELL Magazine Governor of the year respectively in 2017.

There is no denying the fact that Ayade has re-defined the concept of leadership and effective governance by effectively re-orientating the mindset of the political class to see politics as a call to service. 

Often unconventional in his ways, it is often said that when a man does what everyone else does, he remains an ordinary man, if he does what nobody has done, he is an excellent mind and if he does what nobody can do, he is a genius and an asset. For sure, Ayade is doing what nobody has done in Cross River State and thus, he is not just an asset to the state alone but to Nigeria as a whole. 

And as he clocks 50 years, half of a century, his high-octane performance in office as governor in nearly three years, no doubt, sets him apart as an extraordinary, selfless and passionate leader who is ever willing and ready to give his right eye to actualize his promise of turning Cross River into an industrial hub.

At half a century, the life this Golden governor continues to flip in your face, turning chapters after chapters for a compelling read.


Happy Golden anniversary my boss!


Linus Obogo is Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayade

Biko anyone who has d online link should share pls . Dstv have again disgraced themselves.

2019: NULGE demands Ayade runs for 2nd term


    . Presents him with best performance               award


The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), yesterday in Calabar embarked on an-all streets rally to compel the Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade to run for a second term in office.

In a carnival like manner, the workers chanted solidarity songs during the rally, displaying various placards which read, "In Ayade we trust, workers salary is guaranteed," "Ayade all the way to 2023," "Ayade cares, labour supports," "The workers-friendly governor deserves another term," "Our digital governor, a friend of labour, carry go 2019," "Ayade is working, Cross River State is changing," among others.


Present at the rally were the NULGE National President, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel; National publicity secretary of the union, Comrade Emmanuel Faase, President, Cross River state NULGE, Godwin Ayendi, Kogi state NULGE president, Comrade Adeyemi, Adamawa State president as well as president of Rivers State wing, Franklin Ajunwa.

The national president said they were in the state to compel the governor to seek reelection given his pro-workers policy.

According to him,  "our visit today to Cross River state is the visit of love and peace and when you have these, God will surely stand with you. Trade union movement is a dogged movement aimed at telling you when you are wrong and right. For us to come here, fraternising with you and urging you to come back in 2019, you should know that we are genuine. For if we were not happy, the visit would have been different."

Continuing, Khaleel said: "We are here because of your prompt payment of salaries which is making our family happy. While your colleagues in some states are downsizing, you are promoting workers. We are in Cross River today because we are elevated, welcomed, accommodated and your doors are wide open even when service at this level across the country is being relegated."

While urging other state governors to emulate Ayade, the NULGE president said the union was emphatic in its support for the governor.

"If your colleagues approach to local government workers is like yours, our struggle to make local government autonomous would not have been necessary. The state branch of Cross River NULGE has the mandate of the national executive council to call you out to run again in 2019."

    He warned that should the governor refuse to heed to their call, the union will ground activities in the state with demonstrations.

"We will come back and demonstrate all over and show our anger, if you don't respect our plea to rerun because you cannot cut this happiness from us," adding that, "I congratulate you for earning the confidence of your people and people outside Cross River."

Also speaking, the state president of NULGE, Comrade Godwin Ayendi, said the workers were gathered to appreciate and beg Ayade to continue till 2023 as the governor has kept to his promise of not allowing any one to go to bed hungry through prompt payment of salaries and the promotion of workers.

 Rivers State NULGE president, Ajunwa also lent his voice to the plea, saying, "you can see the smiles on the faces of your people. A dancer does not see his back. We have heard of your attitude and welfare to our people in Cross River. We are requesting that you listen to them."

   Head of Local Government Administration in Bekwarra, Simon Olem, who spoke on behalf of other HOLGAs intimated that, "we are here for one reason. We have moved from the hills of Obudu to the swamps of Bakassi because you have taken this state from Egypt. We are asking you to continue. Do not jump ship and leave us. If you don't accept our plea, we will not leave this place today."

   Responding, Ayade assured the workers that he will reintroduce proper imprest to the local government councils, adding that, "I will set aside N500m for any member of NULGE who wants to go into farming. We will inspect if you want to go into any of the value chains, we will give you partial interest free soft loans for you to go into farming."

   On being compelled to run, the governor said, "a father cannot abandon his children and I must take local governments in Cross River to a level that by the time I leave office, you will be financially independent."

   Highlights of the rally was the conferment of the award of "Excellent Performance in Governance," on the governor by the national president, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel.

The IDP'S are Cross Riverians displaced by cameroonian Jandames from there villages

A Governor that keeps his word, Governor Ayade delivers on promise to make sure Bakassi IDP's don't go homeless as 52 housing units in Ifiang Akwa Edem Bakassi LGA nears completion #Ayadeisworking #Thepromisekeeper #WithAyadeimpossibleisnothing

Wayas, Ukpo, Agabi, to grace civic reception for Gov. Ayade


A former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, retired Brig.-Gen. Anthony Ukpo, former military governor of Bayelsa State, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi are among dignitaries expected to grace Gov. Ayade’s civic reception in Ogoja on Feb. 24.
Mr Peter Ojie, Chairman of the publicity committee for the reception, said in a press conference on Monday in Calabar that the reception was organised to honour Ayade as a son from northern Cross River.
Ojie, who is the Senior Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Ayade, said the reception is in appreciation of the governor, been the first son from the northern extraction of the state to be governor since the creation of the state in 1976.
``The governorship of the state is something that the people of the northern senatorial district had yearned for. This is the first time the district would be producing a governor since the state was created. 
``It is a great recognition, responsibility and opportunity to serve the state. It is based on this that we want to receive our son and honour and honour him.
``There would be traditional rulers, prominent sons and daughters of the northern district to receive him.
``This is an indication that the people of the north have accepted their son who has done well and will continue to work for the benefit of the state’’, he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayade is from Obudu, one of the five local government areas that make up the northern senatorial district of the state.

Fantastic response by a young Efik son pls read

The aforementioned refers.

Over the years, I have heard the good, the bad and the ugly about the Ayade government. People feel the need to jump on the band wagon criticizing the Govt( its a new hype way of showing social awarness). I must point out that any and every govt must welcome criticism. This is an important form of check and balance that allows people the option of giving an input in the running of their govt...We the administrators are simply the custodians of these institutions...servants at best!

However in the last few days, I have seen an onslot of just pure negative and fact-less slander being peddled by many interest groups.

The most recent is the purported letter by High Chief Edem Duke. Pardon me at this point to emphasize that I am what you call a properly groomed Efik Son. As such I will pick my words with caution, least I invoke anger and speak things that will most likely be seen as insults to those older than I.
That cleared, let me state the reason why the young people in the south are unapologetic about our support for Sen Ayade.

Firstly: this is the first govt to give key and sensitive positions to young people. Commisoners of Finance, health, solid mineral, transportation, petroleum and tourism are young people and from the South.

Also the Director General of Signage and Advertisement , investment and promotion, and new city etc, as well as the Special advisers on sports are young people from the southern senatorial district.

This list goes on and on. These people who have shown capacity and are working day and night to plot their various keep to great highs, not minding the economic conditions that prevail within the state.

Now that i have listed the human capital and political growth that has precipitated in the last 3years, let me move on to the bane of any govt. JOBS, JOBS AND MORE JOBS! The truth is Gov Ayade as decide to try something different. This, in truth is the only way to change the lot of our people. The world has changed and the things that secured progress and development have changed along with the world. Gov Duke and Gov Imokes were man of great understanding. They each knew the challenges facing their governments were unique and begged for unique solutions, thus the explored innovating and creative ways of solving those issues. Gov Ayade is well within his right to explore this same path. After All, doing the same thing over and over, and looking for a different result is the true definition of folly. Isn't it? In any case, who is afraid of real change. Real progressive change!

It's easy to be carried away with all the negativity out there. However, let the facts speak for themselves.

1) Garment factory is built and working. I know many YOUNG people who work there. This can be easily verified.

2) The rice seedly plant. This project is personal, because i led the delegation to inspect and train the local operators that will manage the process after the equipments have been successful installed and a reasonable level of comfort has been attained to necessitate exit of our foreign partners. This will generate not just immediate JOBS, but long skill acquisition that gives our people an edge in a specialized sector, that will spur growth in the country. Of course this aids as we look inwards to self sufficiency in rice production.

3) the pharmaceutical company building is completed and the various machineries have been imported and can be confirmed at a local warehouse within the municipal. The installation and training is being worked out and the first phase is winding down.

3) the banana plantation in odupani gives one an Interesting insight into the developmental trajectory of this Govt

4) the Power plant that is at 80% completion in calabar municipal will serve as an alternative to the failed poor national supply.

5) After years of contracts and announcements about the dredging of the calabar river, this administration has in 3years secured the first steps needed for the building of a new port that will allow us rival and create a new sector in the state and region. It is good to note that our neighbours in akwa ibom, having chased this same dream for 16 years, are not further than we are. We have moved much further in 3 years than they have in 16 years.

6) who can forget the debates about who was responsible for the dualization of the odupkani road. After much ado about nothing, it has come to light that the project belongs to the cross river state govt. Dualization of that road will not only reduce traffic inflow into the state capital, but will increase commerce along the road and produce much needed jobs for our teaming young people.

7) the Calabar Creative Hub is a project located in the heart of calabar municipal. It gives young people an opportunity to walk into the Hub with raw ideas and create real products and services that allow the state measure up and develop its young people. Giving them an opportunity to compete with their peers worldwide. A much needed boost in ICT and constant innovating product development at a cost next to nothing.

The mapping of solid mineral deposit across the state, starting in akampa is revealing the incredible amount of natural resources available in the state. This when properly managed, will also boost development and earnings that can be used to build sustainable social safety nets for the less privileged in our society and again provide high paying jobs for the young people.

9) The ironic truth is that when people make trivial the payment of Salaries it shows their lack of understanding of how an economy works, that of a relatively provincial state. The multiplier effect of regular and timely payment of salaries enables commerce and Spurs economic activity in a state like cross River. At the most basic terms it’s the injection of approximately N2,000,000,000 every 25th of the month through approximately 25,000 households. The lack of understanding of this shows the feeble mind of the writers and the urgency not to allow them at the helm of governance or the economy.

All these projects are in the southern senatorial district...All of them!

For fear of making this piece too long and unreadable. Let me stop here and address another important issue that for me is totally unfounded, preposterous and frankly tasteless.

I read with horror, the use of the word charlatans to describe great southern leaders. As a young man, this insulted my sensibility and my understanding that one must always protect and preserve the labour of our heroes past. These names so precariously castigated present me with a new sense of offence to my generation.

These are the people who have carefully opened the doors of politics and economic empowerment to my generation. I feel a certain need to reciprocate these demeaning comments, but as aforementioned, I am from a home and I must keep to the teaching that has keep me out of such mud slinging.

Where were you when we were the whipping boy of Nddc
Where were you when we lost Bakassi
Where were you when we lost our oil wells to Akwa Ibom
Where were you when we were Owing 3 months Salary
Where were you when the Dredging of the Calabar port was a recurrent scam.

Ayade was Sworn in under recession
From June 2015 to date. The average monthly net statutory allocation to the state from the Federation is less than 50% of the state’s monthly Recurrent obligations.
There are more projects in the south than the north (refer upwards).
Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi are owing several months salaries, yet earn a higher allocation than CRS.

Fighting ourselves instead of fighting for the people, is a selfish ambition. The writer’s identity is known (you can't hide that kind of bile hatred). Your time has passed, you have failed your people (building failed hotels is not a yard strick for success) and we will not mortgage our future for empty dreams. You had your opportunity to make a difference, didn't you?. This write up is another prelude of a selfish old Man’s ambition to run for Governor. We are now talking about a country where the president cannot be older than 55years and you want to run for Governor? This will not see the light of day.

Its clear to see that the writer belongs to the school of thought that they own cross river state, well they don't and it is offensive to think that they own any group of people. Progress and retrogresive. The "writer" cannot be less than 55, and wants to mortgage the future...We are much wiser now.

The south has brokered an agreement with Ayade for a return of power to the South in 2023, we have demanded it and he has obliged. Period!

All the people you have listed had impeccable records from Donald Duke who is being supported by the progressive of this country to run for president or Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong a businessman who’s integrity is not in question. The likes of Nkoyo Yoyo have broken bounds that most can only dream about internationally and locally. Every single person you so easily lumped with distasteful language have achieved more for cross river and the southern senatorial district individually and combined than dreamed...fact.

For Asuquo Ekpeyong Jr. I for one am a product of Kings College and I can tell you without a doubt that we don't do mediocrity. The true writer intends to insult our collective sensibilities by implying that the young commissioner for finance who had a nightclub at the age of 24 is a disco boy. This shows the archaic thinking of the old man. The young man is Harvard University trained, has started and flourished several businesses as well as having lectured at the Banking and Finance Department of Unical at the age of 25. I’d rather stand behind him any day because I can see the true content of his being and I am sure when the time comes he will join the rest of us in making sure we lift this country to where it belongs.

It is easy to destroy. In fact, anyone can destroy, the trick is and will always be in building. I engender you to put away your negativity and try some constructive progressive criticising. It's a breathe of fresh air and it liberates beyond words.

Politics is about calculations and numbers, the southern senatorial district is united in our demand and we are clear about the needs of our people. I speak particularly as a young person, I have more to lose than you do and I am sure that Prof Ayade is a sure bet.

Before you like on the dirty, I suggest you research my work and family history. I don't do hypocrisy sir.