₦airaland Forum

Governor Ben Ayade Inspecting Project sites in the state capital Calabar.

The first roll out from the Calabar Garment Factory has hit the market with the production of clothing such as blazers, jeans trousers and shirts.
Briefing newsmen shortly after being presented with some samples of finished products from the factory alongside uniforms of some paramilitary outfits, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade said he was determined to boost its patronage and make the factory economically viable. Ayade disclosed that starting from June 2017, he will not be wearing clothes not made from the factory, explaining that, “the garment factory today is a reality and it’s now producing in commercial quantities for export too.”
According to the governor, “Henceforth, starting from today, all executive members, all appointees must be in clothes made from Calabar Garment Factory and this is official.”
Continuing, he maintained that "by the close of next month, anything I put on my body will be made from Cross River Garment Factory. That is my sincere commitment to the state and for the 3,000 young people working in the factory.”
According to the governor, “Cross River is a leading state when it comes to lifestyle. So, definitely we are going to be leading in terms of fashion.”
Offering further insights, Ayade hinted that “We are expanding into uniform production for school children and as you are well aware, we have had people from neighbouring states asking us to produce uniforms for them in hundreds of thousands. We are focused on getting the very best in Cross River garment Factory and of course, the school uniform.
“In no distant time, Cross River Garment factory will be the main fashion industry and company to beat. And if you are not dressed by Cross River Garment factory, you’re not dressed at all.”
On the power source for the factory, the governor said: “As you can see, the garment factory is extremely busy and we are working on providing renewable energy to support the factory to run at low costs.
“I’m sincerely proud of what we have done and of course, and in the second phase when we are go back to the cotton farm project, we will definitely be producing with fabrics made from Cross River farm.”
He also added: “For the cotton farm, we are partnering with Arewa Cotton. So, the farm is in full gear and by next week, we are going on a tour of the cotton farm in Northern part of the state.”

Ahead commissioning, Ayade assures best rice city in Africa

Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has affirmed that when operational, the state rice city presently under construction will be the most outstanding seedling plant in the entire Africa.
Ayade stated this, Monday, while inspecting the level of work at the project site situated along Goodluck Jonathan bypass in Calabar.
His words: "We went around looking for the very best and we saw the very best in the world. We decided to modify it and when in full operation, you will see the sophistry and the automation which will be absolutely wonderful," adding that, "it is obvious that this will be the most outstanding seedling plant in Africa."
The governor who expressed satisfaction on the progress of job done at the construction site said: "The speed of work is quite fine and I am impressed with the outcome of the design concept. That is why the team has come back from Thailand to review what we have done on ground."
Intimating that he feels happy when MoUs turn into action, Ayade lashed out at critics who grumble each time government goes into a pact with multi-national companies in a bid to industrialise the state.
According to him, "an MoU does not mean that you sign it today and tomorrow the plant is running, but here is one MoU that is fully in operation. MoU is a technical agreement between parties that are willing to understudy each other and do business. That is the first step and the next is progress, due diligence of both parties and consummating it with the proper agreement."
Ayade also pointed out that, "although we have missed our target day which is May 29, but surely we are on course in terms of quality standard, a lot of design review as you can see. Some areas that were completed, we have to go back to reconstruct what we had actually constructed because there were changes in design."
CEO Thai- African Rice, Mr. Kannadit and another team member, Mrs Pantipa D, in their various remarks, explained that there was need to put the right combinations of the equipment and machinery in order to offer the best rice seedling centre in Africa.
Kannadit said: "We are doing a little modification as we want the best. We want to do it once and in the proper way," adding that,"this project will generate a lot of money from seeds production while opening up a vista of opportunities in job creation and training."

Ayade bags TELL Magazine  Governor of the Year Award

Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has bagged the Tell Magazine Governor of the Year award for 2016.
This is coming barely two months after the governor was conferred a similar award as Vanguard Governor of the Year award for  2016 by the Vanguard newspapers limited.
Speaking while presenting Ayade the letter of nomination in Government House, Calabar yesterday, Chairman of the award screening committee, Mr. Babs Alasa described the award as deserving.
According to the Chairman, “Your leadership style has shown that with the right kind of leadership, Nigeria can indeed be a great country we all dream of.”
Speaking on the selection process that saw the emergence of Governor Ayade, Alasa hinted that “when the committee decided that we threw the selection process open to Nigerians to decide who their Governor of the Year was, your name was a recurrent decimal because of your outstanding performance in Cross River State.”
The chairman further disclosed that “we want to celebrate heroes of service in Nigeria. You are less than two years in office and you have already shown the way as well as become a role model in the country.”
He noted that the organizers of the award were impressed with the governor's  performs in such a short time despite challenges of the economy.
According to him, “You are an epitome of excellence in governance and since the award was to honour excellent award, that is why you were nominated as the maiden Tell Governor of the Year 2016.”
He maintained that apart from the governor, the organizers will also honor other deserving individuals and institutions who have played prominent roles in the country at the  June 17 award ceremony to be held in Lagos.
He said the award is devoid of any form of financial influence or consideration.
Responding, Governor Ayade thanked Tell Magazine for finding him worthy for the maiden award. He described it as a great challenge to deliver more democratic dividends to the citizenry.
According to Ayade, “I find it very difficult to accept this award because I still know the pains, agony and hardship my people are going through daily. I am also aware of the challenges that has befallen Cross River State for a long time now but consciously, I also believed that this award is an impetus for me to do much more.”
Continuing, he said: “It is a new catalysis that will drive me with more energy, verve and vitality, giving me more focus on delivering on the core mandate of bringing peace, succor and harmony as well as changing the political and economic landscape of the state.”
The governor pointed out that he came with a clear vision to liberate the state, as according to him, “it is the celebration of the fact that someone somewhere through the periscope of a very sharp eyes can see the effort we have been putting, in spite of the fact that I feel a deep sense of failure."

C/River, Akwa Ibom seek economic integration

Concerned about the current economic realities in the country, Cross River and Akwa Ibom State governments have resolved to collaborate to galvanize economic potentials in their areas for the good of their citizens.
Some identified areas of possible collaboration between the two states according to the governors are agriculture, solid minerals, oil and gas as well as manufacturing-sub sector.
The two governors made the disclosure during a private visit by Udom Emmanuel to his Cross River counterpart,  Governor Ben Ayade.
During a closed door meeting which had in attendance the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Ayade stated that “We have raised concerns about frontier explorations because very little is being done in the direction of trying to expand the oil reserves and production in the direction of Cross River State and other parts of the Niger Delta.”
According to Ayade, “I must say also that our discussions and emphasis was on how to deepen the unity between us and how to strengthen the South-South love in relationship to the Nigerian Question and we have also agreed that very soon that we would call a meeting with the South-South leaders.
He noted that “We have come a long way and we are a very good example of what unity should be. We must demonstrate it and that is why through this unity and this bond you are all seeing today we are telling the world that Cross River and Akwa Ibom are one."
Continuing, Ayade said: "We must have a South-South forum where the Governors of the South-South and the National Assembly members as well as other leaders must sit and discuss the National Question.
"Let me use this medium to commend the President for the Ikot Ekpene and Odukpani road contract that has been awarded. It is one special point that we agreed that we from Akwa-Ibom Cross River will go as a team to pay a visit to Mr. President to thank him for the project that we have been waiting for in a long time,” Ayade acknowledged.
He thanked Udom for commiserating with the state over the football viewing center tragedy that claimed nine lives with scores severely wounded.
On his part,  Governor Udom Emmanuel affirmed: “We are looking at possible economic frontiers between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States to develop the two states. Rather than engage in war, we want to channel the vast energies into useful ventures to better the lots of our people because we can’t continue to pay lip service to poverty alleviation.
While warning those who have been fermenting trouble along our borders that has resulted in wanton distruction of lives and property to desist from such act."
According to Udom, “Nothing will divide us or separate us, we remain one, very accommodative and peaceful people.”
Also speaking, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio expressed his pleasure at the meeting which he described as the beginning of greater unity in the South-South geo political zone starting with states that have common heritage. He was optimistic that it will bring about the desired economic development of the area.
Akpabio said: “Cross River has a vast land mass that if properly harnessed is capable of employing a large army of unemployed youths and take them off the streets.”
He added that “If we are able to engage in commercial farming, apart from employing our people, we can also become the food belt of this great nation and it will go a long way to deepen the unity of these two great states.”

Cross River workers get May salaries on May Day eve



Cross River State workers Sunday evening received alerts of payment of their salaries for the month of May.

The payment, which was made on the eve of this year's May Day celebrations is coming a day earlier than last year when the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade ordered payment of May salary on the first day of May.

Ayade has made salary payment one of his administration's cardinal objectives with workers getting paid early every month.

The payment of salaries for the Month of May is coming barely a week after the payment of salaries for the Month of April in the state.

It would be recalled that during the celebration of Workers' Day last year, the ceremony became frenzied as shouts of "alerts" rent the air once workers began to receive bank alerts regarding the payment of their salary for the month which was just beginning.

However, the governor appears to have trumped that record this year by paying May salary on the last day of April.

It is not known how the workers will receive this latest gesture from the governor.

Workers in the state have often complained of getting paid too early in the Month since Ayade assumed office in 2015.

Reacting to the complaint at an event recently, Governor Ayade joked that getting paid early is a good problem for the workers to have.

He said he feels challenged only when he is able to pay salaries in the second week of every month.

Its happening tomorrow Saturday 29th April, 2017. 12 noon ..
the first ever 1000 naira exhibition.. We call it "1K Market day". Yes. Everything goes for 1000 naira. Clothing. Shoes, accessories, baby wears, household and many more.

Bring your weavons, we would style your hair with just 1K.

Bring your fabrics because a tailor would be there to make any chosen style for 1000 naira

only on our " 1K Market day" @ 45/47 diya street. Beside total filling station.Gbagada. 07046434342.

Cross River installs internet-enabled solar street lights in industrial hub

Determined to ensure uninterrupted power supply to factories located along the new industrial layout in Calabar, the Cross River Government is to install internet-enabled solar power at the industrial boulevard.
Located at the Goodluck Jonathan Bypass, Calabar, the new technology is the first of its kind in anywhere in the world.
The four megawatt hitech solar independent power will provide twnety four hour electricity to the area.
Governor Ben Ayade disclosed this during an inspection of the installation of some solar powered street lights at the Calabar Rice City by a team of engineers from Germany.
Located within the complex are Rice City, Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and the Calabar Garmant Factory all of which will provide minimum of fifteen thousand direct employment for the people of Cross River.
Ayade said Cross River was lucky to be the first to benefit from the newly introduced technology that will power the whole of the complex at less cost while guaranteeing highest quality of power to the industrial hub.
"We are very happy to have this team in Cross River with their latest German technology to give us uninterrupted power supply within the Ayade industrial complex located here along Goodluck Jonathan Bye pass.
"We have abundant sunlight in Calabar which will be converted to  solar power  with  one megawatt in each of the five project site that makes up the Ayade Industrial Complex. It will enable the complex to run an independent power of its own twenty four hours in seven days without sharing with public power. 
"This is another effort to guarantee sustainability of the industrial complex with independent power and we are glad that this is coming first to Cross River, "he said.
Ayade disclosed that the internet-enabled pilot solar project will also be deployed along thr 148km Mfom-Yala-Bekwarra Obudu dual carriage highway currently being constructed by his administration.
The team leader of the German  Engineers, Josef Bohen  said "the new DNS  technology is brought to Nigeria, with Cross River being the first in Africa" to experience it.
Bohen said the hitech solar power is specially made for Nigeria due to her abundance of sunlight.

Ayade mourns victims of viewing centre tragedy

Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade has described as tragic and horrifying the loss of several lives at a viewing centre in Calabar, the state capital.
A horrified Ayade said it was heartwrenching that the lives of the young men were lost in such a gripping manner through electrocution.
The governor, according to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press, Mr Christian Ita, said the incident marks a dark chapter in the life of the state.
While commiserating with the families of the victims of the tragedy, the governor promised that the state government will look into the likely cause of the incident with a view to preventing a reccurence.

Video: Gov Ben Ayade speaks at WHO Summit on Neglected Tropical Diseases at Geneva

Watch Video: http://www.nigeriajournals.com/video-gov-ben-ayade-speaks-at-who-summit-on-neglected-tropical-diseases-at-geneva/

When Governor Ayade visited the displaced people of Bakassi in August 2016, few expected the kind of emotional reaction they got from the Governor. Ayade broke down in tears, weeping uncontrollably at the squalid and subhuman living conditions of the IDPs.

For the displaced people of Bakassi, that was the day their messiah arrived, the day they saw a genuine light at the end of tunnel, the day a renewed hope for a better living was born and a sense of belonging in the entity called Nigeria reassured.

Over the years, it may seem as if the Bakassi people have been short –changed with the people accusing the Cameroonian authorities of violating the terms of agreement In the treaty and denying them economic rights whilst also imposing enormous ridiculous taxes.

The Nigerian government also shares in this blame as the treaty provided that the country must ensure that the inhabitants of the peninsula who opt to settle in Nigeria must be adequately assisted and provided measures to do so.

Predictably, none of these were done and the Bakassi returnees continued to suffer and live in unfavourable conditions until Ayade visited.

During a recent visit to the displaced persons camp, the Director General Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency (CRPHCDA) Betta Edu wrote on her facebook wall ” I have not been myself since yesterday. I was taken through 10 fresh graves of mothers and children at the camp… honestly the simple question that came to mind was ‘where did this people go wrong?’ Do they deserve this? They took their oil, their source of livelihood(fishing) their identity their pride.

This neglect led to insecurity in the area as youths took up arms, militant groups emerged and looting and killing became the order of the day. A particular militant group “ The Bakassi Strike Force” only promised to lay down their arms after their demands have been met. Stating clearly such demands which included a complete resettlement of the returnees.

Of a truth, all the people of Bakassi were asking for is for their chosen country to show them love and give them a sense of belonging. And that is exactly what Governor Ayade is doing.

With a full economic empowerment/resettlement plan in place, Governor Ayade is ready to wipe out the sufferings and years of neglect the Bakassi people have endured.

Top on the list of projects earmarked By Ayade include the construction of a 5000 2-bedroom housing units scheme which the Governor has already flagged off in conjunction with the African Nations Development program (ANDP) a project the Governor has already supported with N500m.

Speaking during the occasion “ Ayade reminded us of his open weeping in August 2016 and said this project is a result of that days visit. He observed that the Bakassi people have been disconnected from their ancestral homes, denied places of worship and decent accommodation.”

Ayade personally served food during his 49th birthday celebrations which he took all the way to Bakassi all in a bid to make his people feel at home and have a sense of belonging. Speaking during the celebrations, Ayade said “Spending my time with them as i join to serve them is to reassure them that there is hope in the horizon and at the fullness of time they shall overcome because God is with the downtrodden and the oppressed.”

We will reduce your pain by providing basic water,housing and opportunity to go to school in order for you to realise your potential.

Indeed, the people of Bakassi should be proud as Ayade has demonstrated the necessary commitment and zeal to take them out of their present predicament .

Attracting ANDP to Bakassi also shows Ayade’s deep contacts within and outside Nigeria.For as he so rightly put it during his inaugural speech, ” As a people we have come to a point in history of possibilities and propsperity for i have the right ingredients to drive the State away from backwardness to greatness and the people from poverty to being economically viable.”

With so much love and attention being shown to IDP’S by Ayade, he has shown that he is indeed a man of his word, playing politics with ethics and leading Cross River with the fear of God. Nigeria will be a better place with more politicians like Ayade…

Austin Ugbaji Writes from Calabar…

The thunderous applause from the crowd as well as accolades from elder statesmen and distinguished personalities at the 2016 Vanguard Personality Award were but a statement of support and acknowledgment of the befitting honour of Vanguard Governor of the Year Award to Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade. Peace Obi who was at the event, reports

The Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards 2016 which held over the weekend was filled to the brim with captains of industries, distinguished personalities and some top notch in the media industry. The hall which had its sitting capacity overstretched, saw a throng of supporters, admirers and observers that seem to suggest that Vanguard Board was not alone in the acknowledgement of the exceptional achievements of its 2016 Frontliners, but that it enjoys the people’s backing.

In his remarks, the Publisher/Chairman, Uncle Sam Amuka, hinted that the Vanguard Personality Awards was instituted four years ago to celebrate exceptional achievers in the country. And that it recognises those who through hard work have left indelible marks of excellence in the society in the preceding year. Adding that though “2016 was arguably a challenging year in Nigeria with the economic recession and security challenges. However, a few persons saw opportunities for growth and advancement in the midst of these challenges and emerged stronger.” According to him, these highly motivated individuals have shone through challenging times and have gone beyond their call of duties for the sake of service.

The 2016 edition, tagged ‘The Frontliners’ which marks the fifth edition of the Vanguard Personality Awards had 14 distinguished Nigerians recognised and honoured for their remarkable achievements in various fields. The flagship award, ‘Vanguard Personality of the Year’ which went to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele was said to be in recognition of his unwavering focus on ensuring economic growth amidst present economic challenges. Other categories of the awards include the Vanguard Businessman of the Year, Banker of the Year, Governor of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. The Vanguard Governor of the Year, 2016 went to four governors – Anambra, Mr. Willie Obiano; Cross River, Prof. Ben Ayade; Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu and Lagos, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode. For the awardees, considered as the shining examples of good leadership, innovative approach to development, they were said to have adopted unique governance template worth emulating.

And on the ground to commend these icons of good governance and leadership with a difference, were some very distinguished personalities in Nigeria such as the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); former Secretary General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Alhaji Isa Funtua, among others. Commendations flowed in from respected voices. Supporters including some troupes rolled out their drums to celebrate and sheer the achievers. Although not with any praise-singing group, the call up to podium of Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade left the hall with a deafening applause. Described by many as a silent worker, a promising politician, a resourceful person, a promise keeper, a rare occurrence of an intellectual in politics, among others showed a man whose leadership quality has won him the heart of his people, nay Nigerians.

In his remarks, Gowon urged other governors to emulate what he described as the welfarist policy of governor Ayade. According to him, “I say well done to Governor Ayade and I want all other governors to follow his example by taking care of their civil servants because civil servants are the custodians of any good work any governor or even president is doing.”

Stressing the need for governors to pay attention to workers’ welfare, the former Head of State said, “It was because I paid attention to civil servants, and in return, they helped me implement my policies as Head of State. For Ayade, I say well done to him and I want others to follow his example not only by paying attention to the civil servants but the welfare and wellbeing of their people. Let the people be the ones to say thank you Mr. Governor. The gratitude of your people is the greatest thing you have,” he said.

Also commending the governor uncommon feat within a short period of time, Anyaoku declared that “Governor Ayade is clearly one of the best performing governors in Nigeria today. He has kept faith by paying salaries regularly to workers. I am glad to see that he was recognised by Vanguard Newspapers for the award. I will want to encourage all the governors to emulate him and pay greater attention to the management of the resources in their states and to set the right priorities by developing infrastructure, welfare of their workforce and development of greater capacity for their internally generated revenues. They should also pay attention to agriculture,” Anyaoku said.

And describing it as an unusual characterisation for the combination of academics and politics and emerging with astounding results, the former South West Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode Geroge, said that “Ayade is a typical intellectual who works and knows at the back of his mind way back while he was a senator that the centrepiece of politics is the people ‎and I am so happy that he has portrayed that.”

Stating that Ayade is a kind of leader Nigeria needs at the national level, George disclosed that the governor’s achievements so far, is just but the beginning of the greater results to be delivered by the PDP governor. And that the party is very proud of the governor whom he said is a silent worker and a very loyal party member. “He is unique and very resourceful. With what he is doing like what you have heard other people say about him, he will take Cross River to greater heights. And with meager resources, he has not failed to pay salaries. We must go and find out what methodology he is using. This is the kind of people required at by the country at the national level. He is a silent worker, a very committed and loyal party member. We (PDP) are extremely proud of him as a member of our party. This is the only PDP governor awardee tonight. I want to thank the people of Cross River for giving him the opportunity to be able to do his work,” he said.

Speaking also, the former National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said he was proud of Ayade for making the party proud. ‎”When Ayade wanted to run as governor, I told him that ‘you know I am from Cross River, so I am looking forward to seeing the best in you in the interest of those who elected you’ and there is no doubt that he is making me proud. I was in Calabar a week ago and from what I saw regarding the infrastructure and the report I got, I am satisfied. I’m the father of all of them. Ayade should continue the good work he is doing,” he said.

In his remarks earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke said, “Governor Benedict Ayade left no one in doubt that by the time he is through with Cross River, Cross River will never remain the same. He has defined an agenda that left every Cross Riverian breathless. He is not satisfied with where the state is at the moment and he is determined to take it ‎to greater heights and make it an iconic state in the comity of states in Nigeria.”

And presenting the award to Ayade amidst the largest entourage on the podium, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa said that the thunderous applause by Nigerians from different parts of the country when the governor was called out to receive the award was a sign of acceptability of a man who is well appreciated and loved by his people.

In his acceptance speech, Ayade who expressed his gratitude to the organisers said that though the award was a recognition of his effort at repositioning Cross River State, “it does not make much meaning to me, especially when my people are still wallowing in lack and want. How can I receive an award when my people of Bakassi are homeless in their own country? How can I receive an award when my people of Bakassi are stateless in their own country? This is why I will know no rest until they are accorded the dignity they deserve as a people. However, I receive this award with the singular fact that it is a further call for me to sit up and do more,” Ayade said.

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