Cross River: Ayade reads riot act to illegal wood loggers, says hard time awaits them


Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade Thursday vowed that his government was all out to fight illegal wood loggers in the state whose nefarious activities, he lamented, have led to progressive depletion of Cross River forest reserve.

Communities which are forest bearing, the Cross River state governor regreted, have been massively dislocated and their land mass completely eroded thus creating huge environmental challenges with a cumulative long term consequence.

Addressing newsmen in his office, the governor threatened to use any political appointee and security agents who aid and abet illegal loggers as scapegoats.

"Cross River State has 58% of the entire forest cover of Nigeria. We have growing concerns about the rate and the speed of depletion of our forests.

"It is against this background that I am sending a note of final warning that I cannot watch the complete degeneration of our forest as we see illegal logging becoming the order of the day.

"From today, anybody caught with illegal wood, your vehicle, the driver, the occupants of that vehicle, the destination of the stolen wood, the government official who is colluding, or the security operatives who are colluding or the forest guards who are colluding, will be picked up and dealt decisively with. We will ensure that we involve the entire global community to sit and watch and monitor your prosecution to ensure that justice is done", he said.

Ayade rued that the illegal loggers have now developed into full-blown armed cartels who are prepared to harm anyone standing in their way.

He, however, assured that "we are ready to use as scapegoats, one or two people who are holding top government offices or people who feel they are connected to the Governor or those who feel they are politicians and then create an impression that by the appointments they have they can now collude with illegal wood loggers.”

Continuing, the Cross River state governor said: "My administration has no interest in any person who thinks that by their status, they can deplete the forest and put the futures of generations unborn into such catastrophic and cataclysmic danger. This is unacceptable.”

He said his administration was tired of setting up conventional task forces and committees to tackle the menace and will henceforth explore other options, including a special espionage.

According to the Governor, "We are tired of the complete cycle of conspiracy and so to bulk the trend, an unknown task force which is a complete espionage on the criminality that is going on in our forests will be set up.”

*APC Youth Lobby Group Shutdown Calabar as Governor Ayade introduces Youth Social Welfare Program*

The All Progressives Congress (APC) youth numbering about 20,000 on Saturday gathered in the City of Calabar to press on their demands of youthful inclusiveness in governance and politics across board.

The theme of the Summit "Future is Now" is a call for Nigerian Youths to reinforce, position themselves in Governance, Politics by negotiating a better deal for Nigerian youth starting with National Convention and general Elections comes 2023.

Governor of Cross River State His Excellency Senator Prof. Ben Ayade who flag off the Summit said there was no better time for youths to make their demands than now stating that the future is now.

According to him the Future of the Youths starts now and if they must continue to get it right then they must remain dedicated, committed and determined as that's the key irrespective of your background.

He went further to announce the establishment of a Youth Social Welfare Program that will issue out a grant to every Cross Riverians and as such all Youths should go and identify with their leaders starting from their Ward leaders, Elders, Village Head.

"In my administration, i should be judged by the number of weddings, appointments, cars, houses, crimes put on control, lives saved, assistance given to my people; He said.

The National Youth Leader of the APC Barr. Ismael Ahmed in his address stated that this was a progression of the Lobby Committee’s agenda to mobilize the party’s Youth to occupy the leadership of the party and informed the youths that all NWC and NEC positions of the party were available for them to vie for in the coming APC convention. He commended the Cross River State Lobby Group for the brilliant effort in mobilizing over 20,000 Youths from the 196 Wards in the State to attend the Summit and pledged to continue working closely with the State Party apparatus.

This he said in furtherance of the efforts of the APC National Youth Lobby Committee that was set up by the APC Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Committee ably led by the Governor of Yobe State His Excellency Mai Mala Buni which began in Abuja with the first ever progressives Youth Conference and thereafter the setting up of the Regional Lobby Committees and then the recent gathering of over 30,000 young people in Ibadan during the South West Progressives Youth Festival.

Earlier in his welcome address the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Mr. Oden Ewa whilst appreciating Governor Ayade for his immense contributions towards the empowerment of thousands of young people in the State, noted that a Youth successor to the Governor would be the crowning glory of the efforts.

A member of the National Youth Lobby Committee who is also the Commissioner for Finance Honorable Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr speaking during the summit reiterated the position of the Youths in ensuring that they continue to have a better deal in the scheme of things within the party and in the government. He used the opportunity of the summit to appreciate the Governor for his commitment to Youth inclusion and empowerment. Stressing that the job going forward is the strengthening of the impact so made by deepening the commitment across Nigeria.

The summit which had more than 20,000 young people drawn from the 18 Local Government Area of the State also had performances from award winning artist like Kizz Daniel and Iyanya, speeches also came from other important dignitaries like Iyinoluwa Aboyade founder of Future Africa, Kunle Lawal of the Electoral College, Gambo Monzo SA Political to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman APC Cross Rivers State Alphonsus Eba Esq, Kanu Agabi SAN, the Speaker of Cross River State Assembly Rt. Hon Eteng Jonas-Williams, Senator Ita-Giwa, Chairman of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum and Member of APC National Reconciliation Committee, Dr Betta Edu and other members of the National Lobby Committee such as Baffa Saleh, Fatima Kakuri, Abubakar Fakai Sadiq, and many other Youth leaders across the APC in Cross Rivers State and National.

*Buhari meets with APC Youth Lobby Group. Directs SGF and Chief of staff to ensure youth inclusiveness in Politics & Governance*

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the APC Youth Lobby Group led by Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed and 9 other members including Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Cross River State’s Commissioner for Finance at the Aso Rock Villa. Mr President at the engagement directed and committed to a ramp up of youth inclusiveness in politics & governance.

During the meeting President Buhari directed the SGF and the Chief of staff to ensure monthly engagements with the group to create room for better synergy and cross pollination of ideas.

The President committed to support young people vying for elected offices adding that the leadership of the APC can guarantee full participation of young people at all levels. Mr President also directed the SGF, in liasion with the Lobby Group, to immediately appoint young people with the requisite skills and competence into the various Boards, Agencies and Parastatals currently being constituted.

The group which had in it's attendance the Cross River State Commissioner for finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong used the occasion to invite the President for it's first ever Youth Summit holding in Calabar on the 19th of February 2022.

*Cross River State Youths to host 30,000 man summit in Calabar ahead of 2023, thanks Governor Ayade for keeping faith with them*

Cross River State Youths under the aegis of APC Youth Lobby Group have celebrated Governor Ben Ayade for uplifting young people in leadership position by insisting the time for youths to play more active role in Cross River State has come.

This was made known by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the youth summit, Mr. Oden Ewa while addressing the press on Wednesday in Calabar on the Youths summit slated for 19 February 2022. This according to him is to celebrate the good gesture Governor Ben Ayade has demonstrated towards youth inclusiveness in the state.

Mr. Ewa stated that the state APC youth lobby group inaugurated in Cross River State two weeks ago is meant to promote youth inclusiveness in governance.

According to him "he has the mandate to organise over 30,000 mega summit at U. J. Esuene stadium. Thereafter, the group will go for door-to-door advocacy with elders to solicit for more inclusion of youths in governance.”

He thanked Governor Ben Ayade for running a youth inclusive government stating that “Participants for this summit will be drawn from all the 196 wards in Cross River State.” He also thanked the Cross River State Executives of the APC led by Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

Mr. Oden further stated that the committee intends to mobilise youths across the state to key into the APC agenda adding that “It will be a carnival of some sort meant to galvanise support across the state on the mandate of the APC. We have put together a good structure meant to coordinate the 196 wards of Cross River State. Modalities are already in place and we are using innovation to achieve our goal.”

Also speaking, Mr. Francis Ekpo, Special Adviser Ranch Resort to the governor said "This is the only state that you have a lot of youths in government and these youths have all it takes to sustain the legacy of the present administration.”

The Spevial Adviser Tourism, Ubi Franklin said the summit is meant to showcase what the youths have done in the state. He added that “The future is for the young people and the young people have shown capacity when given the chance"

The DG, CRISSA, Mr. Effiom Effiwatt in his remarks stated that "This is a very bold attempt for young people in Cross River State to showcase that we are ready and also give opportunity for other youths who want to be part of the government to come together and make a bold statement that we are ready and come 2023, young people will be heard.”

Also speaking, DG Cross River State Primary Health Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong said “The summit is to appreciate the governor who has been very friendly with youths and women in his government. It is also to encourage more support for the youths to be given opportunity to take up leadership positions in the state. We expect to see all youths because it is time to get involved.”

On his part, Prince Michael Abuo, the DG Migration said “The APC is an idealogy that is geared towards promoting youth participation in governance. There is need for crowdfunding for a youth endowment funds meant to support the aspirations of young people.”

The summit is being put together by youths in governance as well as others from all works of life. Speakers will be drawn from leaders and young people who have impacted positively in the state over the years. They will be drawn from Politics, Entertainment, Business, Education amongst others.

The summit is billed to hold at the UJ Esuene stadium calabar on the 19th of February.

Cross River takes a leap as Ayade digitalizes rice farming


By Chidi Onyemaizu



"If you give me rice, I will eat today;  if you teach me how to grow rice, I will eat every day"- Mahatma Gandhi.


This timelines quote, uttered almost a century ago by the irrepressible Indian anti-colonial nationalist is resonating in Cross River state. It has found meaning in the state where its visionary governor and a Professor of Environmental Micro Biology, Ben Ayade is silently superintending a massive revolution in rice farming.


In Cross River, Governor Ayade is indeed showing class and vision with a new vista on technology-driven rice cultivation and production.


He has done away with the slavish and laborious mode of rice farming and introduced the latest technology in the cultivation and production of the crop, thus making the farming processing pleasurable.


According to him, "today, rice cultivation in Nigeria gives you an average of three to four tonnes per hectare while in advanced worlds like Thailand and China, you are looking at between 10 and 14 tonnes per hectare. That is technology, that is the digitalisation that my administration has brought in"


With quantum investments in rice cultivation and production, Ayade is keen on creating employment as well as diversifying Cross River's economy through revenue accruing from local and international sales of rice and rice seedlings.  


The Governor's giant strides in that direction have not gone unnoticed. A broad spectrum of Nigerians agrees that his innovative efforts on rice production are top-notch.


Since a focused head will always attract a fitting and deserving cap, it was no surprise, therefore, that President Muhammad Buhari, at a recent unveiling of rice pyramid in Abuja by the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, singled out Professor Ayade for honour.


An Excellent Award bestowed on him by the President in recognition of his invaluable contributions to rice production and rice value chain is an enchanting validation of Ayade's grit-determination to put Cross River nay Nigeria on the global rice production map.


Notedly, in pursuit of his administration's revolution in rice production, Professor Ayade has established in Calabar, the state capital, Africa's first and only automated rice seeds and seedling factory.


The factory was commissioned in June 2018 by President Buhari amid effusive praises for the governor.


There is also an ultra-modern vitaminized rice mill, also the first of its kind in Africa,  in Ogoja, in the northern part of the state, completed and awaiting commissioning by the president.


The Ogoja rice mill is eye-popping and jaw-dropping. With design and installed machinery in the facility sharing similarities and competing favourably with those in the industrialised world, the magnificent Ogoja rice mill leaves first-time visitors mouths agape.


Ayade's predecessor, former Governor Liyel Imoke, satisfied with what he saw after a visit to the plant had this to say: "the rice mill is huge, it is a project that makes economic sense, it is a project that creates employment. I love the location, it is ideally located. It will capture rice from the northern, central and Southern Cross River in terms of access to the market.

"I have always talked about timing. The Ogoja rice Mill came at the right time. It came at a time the federal government has committed billions of naira to local rice production.

"This mill fits into the governor's vision for industrialized Cross River. So, in the area of Industrialization, I give it to him.”


The rice seeds and seedlings factory in Calabar is projected to yield N14 billion naira annually to the coffers of the state government.


The factory produces high-yielding, disease resistant rice seedlings.


So many southern states have in the past year or thereabouts, got supplies of rice seedlings running into billions of naira from the factory.


Private rice farmers including Chairman of the IRS Group, Rabiu Isiaku Rabiu had also ordered seedlings from the factory.


For President Buhari, the rice factory, situated at the sprawling industrial park, is a "reference point in Nigeria’s effort to kick-start a revolution in agriculture.


"This factory speaks loudly about the giant strides we are making in agriculture as a country. It is evident that by conceiving projects such as this, governor Ayade has a keen eye for tomorrow, focusing on projects that are building a new economic base for the state, rather than projects with short-term benefits to make cheap political gains,” the President further said.


Former Governor Donald Duke believes that Ayade deserves a Noble Prize for his pioneering effort at digitalizing rice farming.


He spoke glowingly of the governor when he visited the factory: "This rice facility, from what I have seen here, 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.


"The rice seedlings facility will make Cross River by far the largest producer of rice in the entire West Africa.”


Essentially, whenever a story of how Nigeria got on the subway to self-sufficiency in rice production is written by international researchers like Simona Varrella with a bias for the study of economic growth,  a chapter or two should be devoted to Ayade's contributions because in the words of the governor, "Cross River has provided an alternative roadmap to crude oil as the mainstay of the economy by focusing on Agro-industrialization."


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

Eniong Abatim Community Eulogises Governor Ayade for having faith in their son Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr*

The good people of Eniong Abatim Community in Odukpani Local Government Area on Monday held a surprise welcome back ceremony for their son, Commissioner for Finance, Asuquo Ekpenyong and a new year get together event to mark a successful 365 days of love, oneness and unity in the Community.

The ceremony served as a rallying point and mass return for the community and also brought together illustrious sons and daughters of Eniong and beyond to show appreciation to Governor Ben Ayade for all the good things he has done for them.

Chairman of the reception organizing committee, Mr Toni Ikpeme said the essence of the ceremony is that Asuquo Ekpenyong, by virtue of his reputation and political position as a member of the APC National Youth Lobby Committee and scion of the Asuquo Ekpenyong Dynasty is well loved by his people while the entire Eniong Abatim community also holds the Governor in high esteem hence the decision to come together and accord both a deserved reception.

He said appreciation goes to the Governor from Eniong Abatim people for nominating their son at the relatively young age of 30 as Commissioner and honoring their son with a two term appointment as Commissioner For Finance with additional brief as MD Tinapa (2016 - 2017) as well as a brief stint as Commissioner for Transport & Marine Services in 2018.

The Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Hon Mrs Justina Edem in her remarks disclosed that the new year get together was necessary for the people to merry and interact with their leaders.

According to her "This also forms the nucleus of the reception for the Commissioner and a job weldone by the Governor for showing faith and believe in Odukpani people serving in his government. She noted the developmental strides of the Governor in Odukpani LGA.

Also Speaking, Commissioner for Transportation, Hon Oqua Edet Oqua commended the State Governor for finding them worthy to serve in his government while also eulogising him for publicly declaring support for power rotation to the South.

He described Asuquo Ekpeyong as "the man with the right credentials, capacity and intellectual sagacity to liberate Odukpani LGA towards peace, love and unity".

The former Nigeria Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency, Etubom Nya Asuquo said he had over the years observed that young people do better with power hence his resolved to support Asuquo Ekpenyong succeed. According to him he has performed creditably well as Commissioner of Finance, Cross River State.

Responding, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong expressed gratitude to the people of Odukpani for the confidence reposed on him but stated, that the vote of confidence rather belongs to the Governor who identified him and appointed him at the young age of 30 to serve in his cabinet in a technical capacity.

Responding to the call to contest in 2023, he politely but firmly stated "That the APC was a party with a mandate to govern and as such his focus was on his assignment as commissioner and his only task remains aiding Governor Ayade to deliver on his mandate as He may continue to direct."

He tasked Odukpani people to continue to support His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade to complete his mandate by allowing the Governor to focus on delivering good governance.

He commended the organizers for starting the year right by taking time to come together to thank God and plan for the new year. He thanked the community for pooling their resources together to organize & host the event as he noted that he wasn’t even notified to contribute.

The Honorable Commissioner out of his generosity for his people, donated 2 million Naira for the Eniong Abatim Community and Odukpani Local Government Area.


The event was witnessed by APC National Youth Leader, Barr Ishmael Buba Ahmed, Leader of the Cross River State House of assembly honorable Peter Odey, DG Cross River State Electrification agency Mr Stanley Nsemo, MD Summit hills Mr Joseph Edet and other staunch party stalwart from Odukpani LGA and beyond.

APC’ll emerge from convention stronger, says Ayade


Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade has expressed confidence in the ability of the Senate Adamu Abdullahi led-nine-member All Progressives Congress (APC) Reconciliation Committee to calm frayed nerves in the party.
The Committee whose members include the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu was in Calabar for a courtesy call on the governor.
Speaking while welcoming the Committee members at the State Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's Office Calabar, Ayade said he was optimistic that the APC will emerge from its current challenges stronger and more united.
According to the governor, "Today, we have so many gladiators and today we are the ruling party, but what I know for sure is that at the last minute, APC will always come together and win again and again.
"For those who have some complex permutations that perhaps this crisis or this tension arising from the congresses and perhaps the potential national congress ahead of us will bring to an end the APC, they are just joking.
"In my short stay in the party, the warmth and embrace I have received, I know for certain that as soon as we are done with the convention, with the great work your committee is doing, the party will put her acts together and start preparing against 2023"
Appealing to APC faithful to embrace the principle of give and take, the governor said: "I want to commend you and to please use this opportunity to talk to our political party members who have so much strength by the positions they occupy to please, give us room to share power. It is only by sharing power that there is peace."
Earlier, Senator Abdullahi who is a former Nassarawa state governor commended Governor Ayade for the peace in the Cross River chapter of the party.
According to him, "we didn't come here because there are issues in Cross River and that's a big commendation to the Governor, people underestimate peace when they have it on a platter.
"Those who enjoy the kind of tranquillity you have here will understand the point we are making, we are happy the APC family is united in Cross River and all we have been hearing from all stakeholders is positive"
He pledged the committee's commitment to unite all aggrieved members within the party.

CROWEI/Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation provides N50,000 Micro Grants for 1,000 Women in Cross River*

Today, 1,000 women active in micro & small business received a grant of N50,000 each from a collaborative scheme of the Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI) and Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation (AEF).

At the launch of the scheme for 2022 in the commercial city of Ikom, the Wife of Cross River State Governor, Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade, who was full of enthusiasm for the training and support of women in business to boost their productivity commended the Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation for partnering with CROWEI to empower women across the 196 wards of Cross River State.

She disclosed that "CROWEI will continue to stand firm with women in all their endeavors while calling for more participation of women in leadership/business positions that would grow the local economy".

The Founder of the Foundation, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong disclosed at the event that he was motivated to inaugurate the project designed to support 1,000 micro & small business women across the state by the challenges businesses were going through. “A wise man taught me that ‘we don’t give because we have enough, we give because we care enough.’ We must find ways to alleviate the suffering of our people. I am convinced that one of the ways to do this is through supporting our women. As primary caregivers in the home, uplifting women will uplift entire families because they extend those resources across the members of the home.
In my experience, people do not want to be given fish. They want to be taught how to fish. They want to be given the tools to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
Therefore, it is highly imperative that businesses become more sustainable as well as scalable in order to drive growth in the local economy,” he said.

"At the height of the lockdown in 2020, CROWEI were very instrumental in alleviating the hardships women faced across Cross River State. During the lockdown, Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation also supported the State Government with a donation of N25 million in cash and medical supplies to assist in its welfare interventions.

Today, we go a step further. The Asuquo Ekpenyong Foundation has trained 1,000 women who are currently engaged in micro & small business on financial management to enable them access loans and grow their businesses. We carefully selected these women who are resident and doing business across the 196 administrative wards of Cross River to ensure that we develop a model case", he said.

He noted that at the end of the training program today, the Foundation disbursed N50,000,000 in Micro Grants of N50,000 each to all 1,000 beneficiaries to scale up their working capital.

He concluded by saying “In all, I am very excited to begin 2022 on this note. Our disbursement partner is Ekondo Microfinance Bank, and it occurred to me that Ekondo is the Efik word for universe.
Women make up more than half of our universe.
If they don’t prosper, we can’t thrive.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Nkoyo Okon from Akparabong Ward but married from Calabar, said the grant would help her to expand and meet up with the demand of the season, especially her yam trading business.
Another young lady Ms Favour Ushie, from Bekwarra, expressed gratitude to CROWEI and the Foundation for the financial assistance at a time like this. According to her, the Coronavirus has been a big setback to businesses, saying the financial aid was what she needed to re-launch her business.

2023: No going back on returning power to Cross River South- Ayade


Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has again reiterated his commitment to ensuring that power reverts to the Southern Senatorial District of the state come 2023.
Speaking at the Governor’s Lodge at the weekend, Ayade said his decision to return power to the South is based on morality.
“During my campaign for second term I went to the South. I said support my second term bid and when l win I will support South to take over from me because by natural process, you are the next senatorial district to produce the governor."
The governor insisted that the South has credible people with capacity to be governor.
According to him, before he became governor, “there was no chance that the North was capable of credible candidates until l came on board. So there is no senatorial district that does not have the right candidates to be governor of the state."
Governor Ayade who decried the nature of democracy as currently being practiced, arguing that there was need to infuse the sensitivity of the African culture "because we inherited a brand of democracy which is not afrocentric, neither does it have the sensitivity of the African culture and morality.
"Democracy is so primitively blind that it reduces itself to numbers. The higher your population, the more you win. So there is nothing like balancing, there is no equity in democracy. There is no moral conscience. Democracy is blind to ethnicity, it is blind to religion, it is blind to fairness, it is repugnant to natural justice."
He called for a paradigm shift, even as he flayed the lack of opportunities and inclusion for the disadvantaged in the polity.
"So, if you are in the majority population, you can continue to rule forever because you have the higher voting strength. It denies the child of a poor man from one ethnic group who is well trained and has everything to lead the state or the country, from becoming governor or president because he is from an ethnic minority. That is a failed society because the chance for my child and your child is differentiated not by their quality or character, not by their content or proficiency but by just a mere geographical place of birth."
Ayade who dispelled speculations that he is backtracking on his commitment to return power to the South said: "So to be able to balance that, as governor, I still uphold my declaration that my successor will come from the South and indeed, he would come from the South. And for emphasis, yes, he would come from the South."
The governor said he could not and would not play God by being specific on who his successor will be.
According to him, "to make further statements as to where in the South, l will be acting God and to decide who in the South that will be suceeding me l would also be acting God. My role is to be fair. The South had taken turn to produce a governor in Donald Duke, the Central had also produced a governor in Senator Liyel Imoke and the North has produced one in me.
"So it is common sense that we must go back to the South for equity. Every zone should know that their turn would come one day. But to be blind and leave it to crude democracy which was not customized to reflect African sensitivity, that if l have had it, and no matter the circumstance, let another too have it.”

*New Year: Ayade assures of glorious 2022*


Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has assured the people of the state of a glorious and eventful 2022, promising a full crystallization of a vision started over six years ago.

In a New Year message signed by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo, Ayade said given the aggressive industrialisation drive of his administration which began barely one year into office, Cross Riverians will begin to reap the fruits of his efforts as they are now on an irreversible path to economic prosperity and greatness.

The governor who thanked Cross Riverians for their fidelity and their unwavering support for his administration in the past six years, therefore, urged them to "embrace the new year with steadfastness, faith and hope as the state is already on a growth trajectory, because we have crystalized the prosperity agenda for our people."

Ayade maintained that his administration has been able to firmly secure the future of the state through massive industrialization with the establishment of industries across the state.

"In the last six years, we have tailored our policies to meet the basic needs of Cross Riverians; our ultimate goal is a better life for our people, to bequeath to them the Cross River of tomorrow where every family can effortlessly put food on the table."

The governor also promised that "In 2022, we will continue on this path with a renewed vigour until we get to our destination by ensuring the state is on a sure footing. Of course, with about 30 industries built from scratch and scattered across the state, in spite of our gaunt resources, our state can boast of self-sustenance."

While calling on Cross Riverians to put the state above narrow considerations and not allow self-seeking politicians to manipulate them for their selfish end, Ayade appealed: "Even as we approach the season of politicking. Let us not allow unscrupulous politicians to divide us. Remember that we have no other state than Cross River."

While urging the people to keep hope alive, the governor wished them a refreshing and fulfilling New Year, even as he urged them not to be complacent in complying with the Covid-19 protocols, especially in the face of the fast spreading variant, Omicron.

Ayade signs 2022 appropriation bill into law, says budget to ensure industries' take off


Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade Friday signed the state's 2022 appropriation bill into law.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the State Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar, Governor Ayade said the N354.55bn budget will ensure the take-off of most of industries built by his administration with their products becoming available in the market.
According to him, "Most of the industries we started have all been completed. This budget is, therefore, aimed at getting the products from these industries into the market in quick and agglutinated succession." 
Justifying his administration's budgeting style, Ayade said: "Our administration was fully aware that a budget in a developing economy could not be an envelop budget because you budget to your dream, vision and aspiration.
"Any budget that is limited to what you can earn does not belong to the Third World developing economies. It is only the economy that has matured, stabilised and fermented that could have enveloped budgeting"
Cross River State, he said, "has a budget of N354, 505 billion. This is not a small figure, but indeed it is still a small figure relative to the vision our administration envisioned for the state and is the last budget of a full year implementation.
"So it is not so much about the size of your budget, but much more about the size of your ambition and your commitment. It is about the journey you set for yourself and how you want to arrive at your destination.”
The governor commended the speaker and members of the state House of Assembly for their diligence in passing the bill into law.
"The figure is a major departure from the earlier figure presented to the House of Assembly for consideration. And the Speaker of the House has gone ahead to give strong reasons for the House's adjustments to the original budget as then presented. That indeed, shows clearly that the legislature is alive to its responsibility as a clearing house.
"I want to sincerely thank the House for discovering some of the gaps in the budget. I must add that what the executive submitted, were estimates in the sense that the real power of appropriation lies with the House of Assembly. The oversight function of the House derives its power from the Appropriation law. And that law is the sole responsibility of the House,", the governor stressed.
The 2022 budget has N225,746,261,604.98 billion representing 64% as capital expenditure and N128,759,273,708.27 billion representing 36% as recurrent.
On why the budget has a special attention on the industries established by the state government, Ayade explains that the privatisation law of the state allows the government to privatize any of its assets, "and on the basis of that, we set up a Privatization Council to privatize any assets of government considered appropriate. 
"However, we had to subject that power as established by law to public opinion via the instrumentality of referendum that was earlier conducted. But in the course of the exercise of that referendum, it became very clear that the generality of Cross Riverians were quite excited and interested too, in the privatization of the industries to guarantee the workability of the factories."
Ayade who used the occasion of the signing of the Appropriation Bill to assure that he remains irrevocably committed to returning power to the Southern Senatorial District of the state by 2023, for justice, equity and fairness, said the government had to make a U-turn on privatising the industries because "there was a minority percent that felt strongly and backed up too, by evidential commitment why privatization might not end well. I reflected strongly on the position of the minority and came to the conclusion that having used government funds to establish factories, I would not want to be accused of selling those factories to private individuals and cooperations."
Ayade also disclosed that "this budget has therefore made provisions for a take off grants for the factories under a management structure. So the factories will be run as assets and property of the Cross River State Government."

*AYADE REKINDLING AN INVESTMENT MODEL THAT HAD WORKED FOR AWOLOWO AND IS WORKING FOR CHINA*

*Prof. Femi Olufunmilade*

I just watched an amazing Chicken Farm established by the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, on Channels TV.

The farm processes 24,000 chicken per day. I saw an automated processing plant that kept my mouth agape and held members of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture on an inspection tour of the farm in awe.

There is a massive poultry backup for the plant. The value chain in terms of jobs is humongous. Hundreds, if not thousands of jobs are created, from the planting of maize and processing of fishmeal etc to compound poultry feeds, to the slaughter house, packaging and marketing.

This is one out of other similarly awe-inspiring agro-based industries of the Ayade administration. The cocoa plantation and chocolate processing factory is another. Yet another is the rice farm and rice processing plant. Each on a gigantic scale.

Ayade is bringing my thoughts back to what I will call the Awolowo Investment Model. Most of the companies set up to create jobs and earn revenue in the defunct Western Region of Nigeria under Chief Obafemi Awolowo's Premiership were state-owned. They were set up by the Western Nigeria Investment Corporation. Later, most of the investments were brought under the umbrella of the Oodua Group of Companies, which remains a leading conglomerate till this day with interests in banking, hotels, manufacturing, agriculture etc.

Awolowo's foray into state-owned investments was borne of the need to provide jobs for the teeming masses of the youths he had all put on compulsory free education. His refrain was jobs had to be created by all means for those being educated at an unprecedented rate when they graduated from school!

Another reason why Awolowo had no scruples in setting up state-owned businesses was ideological. He was a socialist who believed the state must play a leading role in economic development, rather than leave the economic fortunes of his region to the whims and caprice of foreign investors, which Nigerian government today wastes so much energy on, trying to "create an enabling environment" for them to be attracted. You hear of "ease of doing business" ad infinitum. How many investors have come?

Coincidentally, the Awolowo Investment Model is akin to China's investment strategy. Most of the Chinese banks and companies African governments patronise for loans and infrastructure projects are state-owned. Those state-owned behemoths are at core of the economic model the world today celebrates as the Beijing Consensus, as opposed to the Washington Consensus that stipulates strictly that "government has no business in business". The Washington Consensus is promoted, if not enforced in some abject quarters, through the agency of the World Bank and the IMF.

Over 20 years ago, I published an article in The Guardian OpEd page in which I argued that the Nigerian state must renew its capacity to play the leading role in the creation of businesses in critical sectors of the economy. I proposed a model that would entail the sale of such businesses, once it's thriving, to members of the public, while the accruals are channelled into incubating new businesses. I proposed this in an article titled, "New Mandate for BPE".

BPE is the Bureau of Public Enterprises. Ayade is rekindling this tested model of state intervention in my thoughts. I think it's criticality has never been more urgent than now!

If I were president I shall target 100 new companies per state in my first term rather than waste huge funds on the jamboree of wooing foreign investors or putting hundreds of billions of loans into the hands of so-called indigenous entrepreneurs who would never do any business nor repay the loans.

---Prof. Olufunmilade is Director, Buratai Center for Contemporary Security Affairs, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State.

9.00PM, Monday, 27 December, 2021

Email: femiology@gmail.com

*"Paramount Ruler of Calabar South says Dr Betta Edu has been Exceptional! The Efut Nation Honors Her for Outstanding Contributions to Development of Calabar south."*

The Muri Munene of the Efut Nation and the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South HRH Prof. Itam Hogan Itam has appreciated the cross river state Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu for her outstanding support and immense contributions to the growth and development of the Efut Nation and calabar south in general. The Paramount Ruler on behave of his people in an end of year big event, presented an award of Honor to the Commissioner expressed his joy and immense appreciations to the Commissioner for standing by the Efut Nation and contributing greatly to very numerous achievements the Efut Nation has enjoyed so far.

The Paramount ruler recounted the Primary Health center Mayne Avenue which she built and commissioned as a DG CRSPHCDA in collaboration with council, the several employment opportunities she has given persons from efut nation, the new look the General hospital Calabar is wearing, the health programs her team is implementing in calabar south and recently the State Health insurance scheme that his people are benefiting from. “You are indeed “OBONGAWAN EKONDO” a woman with a focus please do more for The Efut Nation and calabar south in general!

"Awards of this magnitude are given to only a few outstanding persons who have shown greater support and contribution to the growth of our culture, our people and Development of Calabar south, Dr Betta Edu has been of immense support to us as such we singled her out for this Award as a means of appreciation and motivation to do more. She has stood firmly by the Efut Nation and has brought so many positive achievements and good things to us especially in health care delivery.

"Calabar South has never felt the impact of government especially through the State's Ministry of Health like it has done since she became Director General and now the Commissioner for Health. We know how many health interventions that we've benefitted from as a community, we know how many of our pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, vulnerable, orphans and even children that have been given due medical attention and other supports or is it about the renovation and regular supplies of medical items to our General Hospital Calabar and some health centers in the South. We had no better way of expressing our appreciations to her for all her good works other than giving her this Award, she's one of us as she has proven that in character and in all ramifications.

Receiving the Award, the Health Commissioner Dr Edu thanked the Muri Munene of the Efut Nation and Paramount Ruler of the Calabar South HRH Prof. Itam Hogan Itam for the Honor stating that the Efut Nation under the rulership of HRH Prof. Itam Hogan has rekindled hope for calabar south and deserves more government support and attention as the government of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade will continue to give them the best support in various ways.

"HRH Prof. Itam Hogan Itam has been more than a father to me for over 25yrs today, I got to learn a lot of things especially in the medical profession from him, he has been a great and wonderful leader who has attracted so many good things to his people. The Efut Nation to me is my home “Ami Ndi Aman Isong obong awan Ekondo “ . Its only necessary that they too benefit from the numerous health interventions of the government of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade as they've shown him so much love, acceptance and support. As a Ministry we'll continue to make sure that they get the best of medical attention and every necessary support that is due them.

"I wish to use this medium to thank and appreciate the Paramount Ruler HRH Prof. Itam Hogan and the entire Efut Nation for this Honor as I'll never take it for granted. Let me assure us again that 2022 will only be better as we'll continue to enjoy the dividends that will come from this administration."

Dr Edu dedicated the Award to the first lady of the State Dr Linda Ayade for her unending love and tremendous support shown to the Health Ministry that has today left the Ministry quite outstanding in terms of performance and other health activities.

*Why I shelved plans to privatize state industries - Ayade*

Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade says the state government has shelved plans to privatize the over thirty industries built by his administration.

The governor disclosed this during his end of year interaction with the media in the state. Some of the industries established by the Ayade-led administration include the state garment factory, the ultramodern rice mill, cocoa processing factory, the rice seeds and seedlings factory, noodles factory and CallyAir, a state-owned airline.

Ayade said although most indigenes of the state were in favor of privatization of the industries, there were however, a few who gave negative connotations to the plan.
He said he choose to listen to the voices of the few for a number of reasons, including the fact that he does not want his name amongst those who sold government assets.

According to him, “These Industries are set, the beneficiation pathways have been articulated and addressed, it is now to get the the operators. Public sentiment is against privatization and my father says, ‘do not privatize’, even in his greater beyond because when you sell government asset to an individual in the African sense ‘you don carry government property give person.’

“So we are trying to put a structure in place which is more like a management system. I did a referendum. For the first time government subjected its decision to a referendum. In spite of the fact that there is a provision in the privitiziation law of 2007, I decided to withhold my powers and allow five percent of the public opinion to prevail. Which is that we should not privitize any of these Industries.”
Continuing, the governor recollected a discussion he had with his father concerning public service:

“My father said to me in his dying moment, ‘ son as I'm going to part from this world, if you cannot add to the quality and value of my name please don't denigrate it.’ So Ayade is not going to be counted among those who sold government assets and that is why I am not going to privatize.

“So let whoever becomes the next governor decide what happens to them but my job has been completed. I have functional factories. I will only put in place a temporary management structure in place pending when the new government comes in.”

He said the decision not to privatize is not the right decision but the correct decision.

“It is not the right decision but it is the correct decision. It is not right because for the prosperity of those factories we needed to send them into private sector for the people to invest more money but it is the correct decision because its politically the right thing to do otherwise you will say Ayade has sold them to his friend, brother, Uncle or sister.

“So let another governor come and do it where he will not be accused because he is innocent, he didn't create the idea. But truly, the pathway to development of this State is for our people to rally round the government,” he concluded.

*"Omicron Virus Spreading Fast; Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba Supports Covid-19 Response As He Donates PPE and Medical Consumables"*

COVID19 cases are fast on the rise and this has been further exacerbated by the festive periods and Mega COVID19 Spreader events holding everywhere. In a bid to continue the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the formal Majority Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma Egba has donated medical items and PPEs to the Cross River State Ministry of Health. Senator Victor Ndoma also commended the efforts of the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu for her numerous achievements in the health sector and stringent modalities the ministry has so far put in place that has kept cross riverians safe and healthy describing her as a great fit.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a major setback not only to cross river state but the entire Country at large, I felt it was necessary to activate my networks within and outside Nigeria to see ways of supporting the COVID19 Response.I hope this items help improve response while we continue to give in our best to keep our people safe, alive and healthy.

Accepting the items on behalf of the State Government and the Covid-19 taskforce team, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu expressed her appreciation and that of the State Government for the kind gesture shown by Sen. Ndoma Egba stating that he is a leader who has love and passion for the safety and healthy living of his people amidst the numerous challenges he's been through but never felt deterred supporting the fight against Covid-19 in CRS.

I wish to use this medium on behalf of my Ministry and the entire Covid-19 taskforce team to say thank you for this huge support and to assure you that we'll use all of this items judiciously for the fight against Covid-19. Items will be shared to health workers, the force and prisons to help them support COVID19 protocols."

Items donated includes; Isolation Gowns, Hand Gloves, Facemasks, and other Medical Consumables.

Yuletide: Cross River Chicken factory now producing 24/7 to meet demand- Ayade



Despite its installed capacity 240000 birds per day, Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, disclosed weekend, that the State owned chicken processing factory, Calachika, has been hit by soaring demands ahead of Christmas celebration.

Governor Ayade made this known while conducting the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Production and Services, Hon. Muntari Dandutse Mohammad and Special Adviser to the Central Bank Governor on Development Finance, Mr. Anthony Ifechukwu round the factory.

Ayade said with a few days to Christmas, "we are doing 24 hours production because we are struggling to meet the demand and as you can see behind me, the production process is on going. We started producing from live birds brought on to the production line from our poultry to slaughter, which goes through the entire process until you have it fully bagged and sent to the blast freezer for storage."

According to him, "we have massive orders from everywhere. We are currently processing for a particular state, most of which are for Christmas gifts."

Recalling the stages leading up to the birth of the factory, the governor said: "I went round the world to do a compilation of the technology that reflects exactly what we need as a country and I discovered, sadly that we spend over N150bn every year importing frozen chickens.

"Under the Buhari administration, the focus is to crash the import of frozen chickens and Cross River State Government that owns this factory 100% has now invested massively in this sector."

Speaking on the full poultry value chain and the attendant trickle down effects, Ayade hinted: "What will happen is that the entire value chain of the poultry line will be fully done here. It will create jobs for those who are supplying us maize and soya beans to produce the feeds that will take us to the feed mill. It will take us also close to all the people who are supplying us the additives including the poultry farmers themselves who will be growing poultry for supplies to Calachika. So Calachika will become the main offtaker and will create a prosperity agenda across the state."

The governor disclosed that "right now we have about 40000 people on the CBN/NIRSAL scheme. NIRSAL is coming together with Central Bank to support the farmers in an outgrowers scheme where the farmers will have to take day old chicks from us, feed them, using our own feeds and our formulations, bring back them to Calachika when ready for consumption. The factory will process and have them refrigerated in our 40ft containers for export."

On the general outlook for both state and national economy, Ayade expressed optimism that "by the close of second quarter of next year, Nigeria will be a net exporter of frozen chicken. And that is our ambition.

"Once we can achieve that, we would have helped in strengthening the naira and that is how we will gradually begin to stabilize this country. There is no way you can stabilize this country by depending on FDI alone because we have a complex macro and micro economic climate."

The Governor insisted that "it is only Agro-Industrialization that can actually bring true value. No matter how many jobs the oil industry creates, it cannot create beyond 5000 to 6000 because it is technology driven. But poultry is manual and everywhere you turn, there is a huge human application in agro-industrialization because only through agro-Industrialization that you can combine technology with human beings."

Ayade insists on rotational governorship, receives PDP bigwigs, thousands into APC


The ranks of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Cross River state swelled Thursday as prominent chieftains of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Southern senatorial district of the state and thousands of their supporters joined its rank.

At a rally in Calabar to welcome the defectors, the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade insisted on the sustenance of the governorship rotational principle in the state which has been in place since the return of democracy in 1999.

The southern senatorial district of the state is staking a claim to Cross River 2023 governorship, as the remaining two districts- Central and North have had their turns.

Describing the PDP which he quit in May as a haemorrhaging party, the governor said he has the moral obligation to ensure that Cross Riverians do not remain there.
"It is against this background that I will keep to my words. 2023 is a harbinger of peace, equity and justice so that every one of us will have a sense of equity and sense of balance to maintain and sustain our politics. This will enable everybody to know his turn at every given time," the governor said.

The governor stressed that with the exit of the defectors, PDP in the state was finished and empty.

According to him, "When I turned my back and look at Cross River-from Obanliku to Bakassi- I wonder where the opposition is coming from. PDP in Cross River is finished, it is now an empty shell, APC is in total control.

“Anybody who wants us to remain in opposition does not wish us well. We have socketed to the centre and APC has come to stay in Cross River. Our state is better off with the APC."

Continuing, Ayade said: "The array of political juggernauts joining us in APC today were the men who made PDP thick. Today, they have joined us in APC, so where is the PDP in Cross River? The party is dead."

Among the defectors was Architect Bassey Ndem Eyo, an industrialist and a former Commissioner for Lands in the state.

Speaking after receiving the symbol of the party which is the broom, Ndem Eyo said he joined the APC for equity and integrity "because His Excellency, at several fora, stood on the principle of rotation and by rotation, he simply means turn by turn.

"And I trust that from everything I have seen so far, His Excellency, the Governor, will continue to uphold the ethics which has made the Southern Senatorial district stand by him even in his moment of greatest trial."

He emphasised the need for total support of the people of the state to enable the governor finish strong.

Other PDP chieftains who renounced their membership at the defection rally included Barrister Edem Ekong, a former Commissioner for Lands under former Governor Liyel Imoke and a former member of the state House of Assembly, Orok Duke.

Among APC chieftains and government functionaries at the rally were Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Ejemut, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Joseph Bassey Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

Ayade seeks stronger trade ties between Cross River, Equatorial Guinea


Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has advocated for stronger ties between the state and the Central African country of Equatorial Guinea in maritime and aviation.

Ayade made the call Wednesday, when the new Equatorial Guinea Consular-General to Nigeria, Ildel Fonso Ondo Nchama presented his Letter of Credence to him at the state executive council chamber in Calabar.

The governor said he was happy to "wholeheartedly accept this Letter of Credence and all its associated credentials and with joy, pride and honor I congratulate you and welcome you."

Ayade said he was in no doubt that the new Consular-General will be able to discharge his duties “diligently while you are here in Cross River and indeed Calabar, which is the real centre of African tourism."

While looking forward to stronger trade ties between Equatorial Guinea and Cross River, Ayade said "it is my strong conviction that the relationship between Equatorial Guinea and Cross River State and indeed, on a larger scale Nigeria, will be facilitated. I am excited that there will be bigger commercial activities and there will be stronger unity and bond courtesy of a young, ebullient and dynamic Consular-General.


"It is my hope therefore, that your coming here as the Consular-General of Equatorial Guinea to Cross River State will give us the opportunity to open up international air cargoes between Calabar and Equatorial Guinea.

“We look forward to meeting with your president very soon to be able to establish the air operating license between Calabar and Malabo. Hopefully in no distant future, the maritime corridor and the maritime relationship will also be exploited. We believe that there are better opportunities for us to work together and collaborate."

Earlier, Consul Ondo Nchama, while presenting his Letter of Credence, told the governor that "It is necessary to have a Consular-General here in Calabar, Cross River State because of the cordial relationship existing between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria."

Like your brains

*"18,000 Cross Riverians Registered under AyadeCare Health insurance scheme begins to Access Healthcare from today as Dr Linda Ayade flag-off Access to clinical services"*

Finally Cross River state Primary and secondary Health Facilities have open their doors to begin the delivery of Health Care Services to Members of thePublic who have registered for the StateHealth Insurance Scheme and have collected their verifiable cards.

Health Insurance comes with a huge benefit ranging from the provision of access to quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents of CRS, to protecting residents from financial hardship associated with huge medical bills as well as minimizing out of pocket expenses at the point of accessing care with a standard and improved healthcare services for all. This is the vision and drive of Sen Prof. Ben Ayade when he signed the Health insurance bill into law in 2016. 5years down history is made today as the AyadeCare has finally been activated with over 18,000 registered people to start accessing health care immediately.

Speaking during the flagging off exercise, Her Excellency Dr. Linda Ayade commended the efforts of the health team under the leadership of Dr. Betta Edu for making this day a reality. "I cannot wait to see and hear people begin to speak of the benefit of the care they have received under the scheme”. We pray God to continue to give us the vision to always do more for our people as their Health care needs remain our priority always. Today history has been made by Dr. Betta Edu, Chief Godwin Iyala, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Dr David Ushie and everyone in the health sector as well as partners. Your names are written in gold, We can't thank you enough for this giant stride."

On her part, the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu thanked Governor Ben Ayade and his dear wife Dr. Linda Ayade for their efforts towards making this dream a reality. She stressed that the scheme will reduce out of pocket expenditure, help the State achieve Universal Health Coverage and cover even the poorest of the poor using the Basic Health Care Provision Funds.

"State Health Insurance Scheme will provide care and succor for the poor, the aged, the less privilege and the vulnerable, with 12,000 Naira in a year you can have access to health care services. The most Beautiful part of this Insurance is the innovative touch of humane succor which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria. With no money you can walk into health facilities to access care, cross riverians will become monthly millionaires amongst other benefits. I call on all health workers, medical superintendents, facility heads, focal persons, etc to put in their best to provide these services to cross riverians while calling on everyone to come out and register as care will be given after 90days of registration. Let me Thank all our partners, the labour union, health workers and all stakeholders for the support and synergy so far."

The DG; Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Sir Godwin Iyala stated that the program which has kick started is to address healthcare challenges in the State aimed at providing a functional medical insurance cover. "With N12,000 only at N1,000 per Month, you have access to all kinds of healthcare services for a whole year and there will be no other hidden charges as this scheme is built to save cost and offer quality health care services to all cross riverians who have been registered into this scheme. Let me call on cross riverians to hold politicians to insure their health by enrolling them into the scheme if they must get their votes."

Dr Janet Ekpeyong, DG CRSPHCDA assured cross riverians that the Scheme is the most sustainable way to finance health as government alone cannot sustain the health system if we must achieve Universal Health Coverage. She stressed that the less privilege and even the vulnerable must be able to access care under this scheme while assuring cross riverians of more commitment on the part of the health workers.

The Paramount Ruler of Calabar South Muri Prof. Itam Hogan Itam who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers commended the efforts of the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu for her efficiency and hard work that has today brought this long awaited dream to a reality. "While i call for more transparency and accountability, I want to express my happiness that this huge success is recorded under the watch of Dr. Betta Edu and Chief Iyala. Let me thank Sen. Ben Ayade for this giant stride as I'll end by soliciting that a monitoring team that will have paramount rulers as members be set up to monitor the progress of this scheme.

The Special Adviser to Governor on health Dr David Ushie thanked the State Government for giving cross riverians a soft landing to safe medical cost through the introduction of the health insurance scheme, he applauded the efforts of the workaholic health commissioner Dr Betta Edu for who made this a reality,He called on cross riverians to get registered and benefit from this opportunity.

Highlights of the event was the inspection of the health facility by Her Excellency, speech by Labour NLC chairman Mr Ben Ukpepi, WHO state Coordinator andKNCV. Services like Covid-19 vaccination, TB test amongst others were done.

Registration can be done in CRSHIA Office, Online, USSD Code, All LGA Headquarters as care can be accessed in all Accredited PHCs with referrals to be made when and where necessary to the General Hospitals and secondary care

2021 IN RETROSPECT- CROSS RIVER STATE HEALTH SECTOR.

The Fight Against Tuberculosis in Cross River Goes Digital & Mobile; As Gov Ben Ayade Launches Wellness On Wheels Truck."

*Cross River TB Program response ranked top performing in 2020 National assessment- National TB program & KNCV*

TB response and indeed several other diseases challenging the health sector suffered huge set back in Year 2020 as attention was concentrated on COVID-19 response. This was not the case in Cross River state, as the state Ministry of Health was able to sustain and even improve on TB response, as well as other disease responses reducing mortality associated with those diseases while tackling COVID-19 appropriately. The government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade rose up to the challenge working with its partners to tackle this TB disease in the State resulting in Cross River State ranking the 2nd best performing State in Tuberculosis activities in Nigeria for year 2020.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes. With over 1.4m people dying of TB as at 2019,
In a bit to step up the fight against TB in the State, the State Governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade Represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has today launched the *Wellness on Wheels (WOW)* an innovation supported by USAID through KNCV in the diagnosis of Tuberculosis. The Truck which contains an X-ray Machine with CAT system which can give you a presumptive case in 3 mins, also have GeneXpert machines that can confirm diagnosis in 2hrs.

Speaking during the launching exercise, the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu thanked the State Governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his tireless efforts in supporting the health sector while assuring cross riverians of more positive results in strengthening the health care deliver system. "As a result of the unrelenting support of Governor Ben Ayade, our State became the 2nd best in Nigeria in TB activities and i assure you that we won't relent as TB case finding/management will be stepped up, we want to be number 1. By this innovation TB diagnosis and treatment will be brought to our door steps even in rural communities. People don't need to go to the hospitals/laboratories to get tested we will test you in your community and village.

"Our TB testing and treatment has now gone on Wheels and for the next 6months free testing and treatment is available to all. From Calabar municipality the truck is headed to rural communities in Boki LGA; since Boki has the highest burden/ number of positive TB Cases in CRS. “I call on Cross Riverians in the hinterlands, hard to reach areas and villages to all come out and benefit from this digital innovation. Cross River state thank USAID, the Country Director of KNCV Dr Betrand Odume and his entire team for the support."

The DG of the CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong expressed her excitement over the new innovation which will help facilitate the TB fight in the State. Our Primary Health workers will mobiles the communities to benefit. Dr Betrand Odume the KNCV Country Director applauded the State for not relenting in the fight against TB while thanking the State Government and the Health Ministry for an excellent performance last year and for remaining steadfast, focused in giving cross riverians a more improved health care system.

Highlight of the event was the launching of the Wellness on Wheels Truck by Dr Betta Edu followed by an inspection of the Truck's facilities as the head of the Hausa/Fulani community which was the host community Alh Salisu Abba Lawal charged all the Muslim people residing in Bogobri to come all out and grab this opportunity to get tested while thanking Sen Prof Ben Ayade and Dr Betta Edu for always carrying Hausa communities along in all health interventions. 532 persons got tested at the event.

With the Commissioner for Health during the event was Dr Offor, the State Director for TB, Dr Eze in charge of the Wellness and Wheels, Dr Austin Ihesie the Snr Program Manager of TB South South Zone and a host of other dignitaries.

Ayade: Debt Review, Project Development Commission report not for witch-hunt


Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has assured that the implementation of the report of the Debt Review and Project Development Commission which he set up last year would not be an instrument for witch-hunt.

Speaking at the Conference Hall of the Governor's Office, Calabar, while receiving the report, the governor maintained that the contents of the report would help guide the next governor on the tenor of his administration.

The report outlined Cross River's debt profile, projects and their completion among other items spanning two decades.

According to Ayade, "in the tradition and history of Cross River, we are brothers and we are our brothers' keepers. This report is intended to guide us in making decisions going forward and not intended to witch hunt anybody or any group of persons.

"So whatever we find in the report, we will try to implement the recommendations to the extent that it can bring value to the state.

"It is not our intention to look backwards but to learn from the past and develop a future that is stable and strong."

According to Ayade "by virtue of this report, whoever is the incoming governor would not have to go to the primary data in kickstarting his administration as I did."

While explaining that the report will also help him avoid what he described as "Exit Syndrome", the governor praised members of the committee for doing a good job.

"I am happy that you are led by a very competent chairman and secretary with members stretching from every sector like the maritime industry, to the legislature.

"You have done a great job of taking a full surgical perspective and overview and a detailed crystallization of the entire debt profile of our state.

"I am also happy that your report contains details of projects, project completion, value for money analysis and all that I need to have that gives me a background that is close to almost 20 years to be able to equip me with all the information that I need to develop the Cross River 30-year development plan."

Earlier, Chairman of the 12-member Commission, Barrister Chris Agara thanked the governor for allowing them the opportunity to serve the state.

The opportunity, he said, "has opened our eyes to know what the issues of the state are. It has made us understand the enormous burden and responsibilities on your shoulders to manage the revenue and resources of the state that has been so depleted before your assumption of office.”

Other members of the Commission included Architect Bassey Ndem, Secretary; Dr Francis Ntamu, High Chief Higgins Peters and Chief E.J. Williams, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr among others.

*"Cholera Outbreak; Cross River State Health Ministry and partners Step up Response Action; engage communities to stop the outbreak."*

Cholera is a water-borne disease that is easily spread by contaminated food or water. It causes acute watery diarrhea (watery stool) and if left untreated it can lead to death within hours. With over 91 cases recorded across the State since February, the State Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu in her usual manner has swung into action as she storms Bakassi LGA, a Border LGA that is situated in the riverain area making her occupants susceptible to the disease.

Speaking during the rapid response visit, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu said international Health signals through WHO show that several persons in southern Cameroon have been affected by the Cholera outbreak with possible spread to Bakassi LGA in Nigeria. The Commissioner commended the effort of the Governor, Sen Ben Ayade in supporting the wash Program that has given CRS over 7 Open Defecation Free LGA, calling on Bakassi LGA to key in, she commended the Chairman of Bakassi Hon. Iyadim for always residing amongst and supporting health activities. She called on the people of Bakassi to practice personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, drink clean/potable water (boiled in most cases), and avoid open defecation especially in the rivers and streams close by.

"We have lost 2 persons to Cholera in Bakassi and we will not want to lose any more to Cholera that's why we have come down here to sensitize you all on the possible causes and prevention of Cholera. As we know it's a water-borne disease that can be spread by contaminated food or water, if we must remain safe then we must practice regular hand washing, drink clean/potable water if possible boiled the water before drinking, avoid eating cold or uncovered food, avoid open defecation, indiscriminate refuse to dump on both land and water and above all practice good personal hygiene.

"Let me thank our amiable and health-friendly Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for always providing us with the right materials and facilities that have always helped to keep our people safe. I commend WHO and NCDC for their support with Cholera diagnostic and treating commodities that will be distributed across our health facilities for easy tackling of disease cases as I call on our health workers, community leaders as well as religious leaders to help us drive this message to our people and report all cases to support surveillance ."

Dr. Edu assured the good people of Bakassi that more health facilities will be renovated for them so they can always access care as she charged everyone to be vigilant and report any confirmed or suspected case of Cholera and any other known disease to the nearest health facility or call the LGA DSNO on 08033707355 for a speedy health care service.

Presenting his welcome address, the Chairman of Bakassi LGA Hon. Iyadim Iyadim appreciated the Health Commissioner Dr. Betta Edu for always making it a duty to come down to his LGA herself on health intervention programs and sensitization campaigns, he expressed his satisfaction over the very numerous interventions the State has brought to his LGA as he promised to continue to do his best to give his people the best of health care service delivery.

In their sensitization message to the people, the Director of Public Health Dr. Iwara Iwara, the Rapid Response Team Lead for NCDC Mrs. Rhoda Atteh, W.H.O State Coordinator Mrs. Chisome Emeka, and the State Epidemiologist Pst. Inyang Ekpenyong all called on the people of Bakassi LGA and cross Riverians at large to practice personal hygiene, drink portable clean water, practice regular hand washing, and avoid open defecation as that's the first step to prevent the disease from spreading. They charged them to always access care and call on the attention of trained health personnel and not resort to self-medication.

The DG CRSPHCDA Dr. Janet Ekpenyong encouraged Health workers charging them to take samples even while treating and always endeavoring to hydrate the child to help keep the child alive.

Highlights of the event were the distribution of commodities for the control and management of Cholera, sensitization/awareness creation at Markets and Sea Ports, entry point, and surveillance in LGA.

Ayade charges UBEC on training and retraining of teachers



Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has emphasised the importance of training and retraining of teachers, insisting that the quality of teachers and teaching invariably rub off on pupils.
The governor said it was for that reason that his administration established a world-class Teachers Continuous Training Institute, TCTI, in Biase, Central Cross River.
Ayade spoke recently at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, during a flag-off of the Southern Zone phase of the 2019 School-Based Management- School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP) Implementation.
According to him, "emphasis should be given to the quality of the teacher, the training of the teacher, the capacity of the teacher, the fact that the teacher has good morals, the fact that the teacher himself is subjected to occasional examinations, occasional training and improvements because this is vital to the output which are the pupils."
Ayade disclosed that the state has a "teachers training college that provides for the training of teachers and the production of teachers.
"We decided to set up a Teachers Continuous Training Institute which core responsibility is to teach teachers on the latest trends in their respective fields.
"Any teacher who passes through this institute does not a degree because it is a continuous training programme, it is not a degree-awarding program, it doesn't give you any certificate. It only equips you and it is based on that performance that you are promoted," he quipped.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, explained that for the 2019 SBMC-SIP, 1,147 communities will benefit from the fund, ranging from special grants of 5million Naira to Macro and Micro grants of N2 million and N350,000 respectively.
Cross River, the UBEC boss disclosed, "will receive various amounts in funding support for 31 projects under this 2019 arrangement."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mvtXnJhRlw

*World AIDS Day: C/River State Govt Partners UNICAL to End HIV Scourge; Commissions HIV Youth Friendly Center in UNICAL*

The Cross River State Government has said that it is determined to end the scourge of HIV epidemic by 2030, in line with the Joint United Nation Programme on HIV/AIDS vision.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu restated the state’s commitment at a walk to commemorate the 2021 World AIDS day, with the theme “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemic”, held at University of Calabar.

She said Government at all levels, partners and communities have major roles to play in the elimination of the epidemic in the state. According to her the State decided to mark this year event in UNICAL which is a Community comprising of people from different spheres of life who comes with a motive of achieving Academic excellence.

“2021 World AIDS day remind us of an opportunity to harness the power of people and communities in a bid to control the spread of the HIV virus as it remains the only way to ensure that ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 in Nigeria is possible”, Edu said.

Edu said the state in time past had the second highest HIV prevalence in the country but the state has reduced to 1.7. “it is still a source of concern to the State government who has vowed to bring it down to 0.001% prevalence”.

She added that for the state in achieving the viral suppression of HIV, it has adopted a strategy what she called 90-90-90 strategy to control the HIV transmission in the state. Also she emphasized on prevention of mother to child transmission bringing transmission to zero and achieving epidemic control. She congratulated the VC of Unical for the New HIV youth friendly center.

The Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku Obi said the institution have intensify efforts geared at continually placing people and community first through raising awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, noting that discrimination and ensuring gap between people who have access to HIV services and people who are being left behind is reduced.

She further disclosed that both staff and students are to be involved in HIV and AIDS activities in the institutions through implicit activities such as orientation of new students to increase awareness of HIV in the institutions.

Obi noted that the University Community will scale up testing, counseling and awareness campaign among staff and students in a bid to tackle the scourge in the University.

Director General of Cross River State Agency for Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr Etcheri Ansa said that the state government was doing everything humanly possible to eliminate the scourge of the epidemic through the Federal government by supporting all the agencies of government on the downward of the AIDS prevalence in the state.
Other dignitaries were house committee chairman on Health Hon Ekpo Ekpo Bassey DG Primary Healthcare, CMAC UCTH, partners like FHI360 JEPHIGO UNFPA UNHCR HEARTLAND ALLIANCE AHF CCRN NMWAN, Rotarian Lions amongst others

*Health Commissioner Flags Off 2nd Round Of Maternal Newborn And Child Health Week and Mass Covid-19 Vaccination"*

*Over 900,000 Children and 300,000 Pregnant Women Targeted Across The State*

Cross River State is poised to deliver a basket of health care services to women and children under an integrated package of highly cost-effective MNCH interventions. Pregnant Women and Children are set to benefit from the various forms of Health Interventions which includes Nutritional supplementation Vitamin A, Delivery Kits, Vaccination, distribution of long lasting insecticide treated nets, Deworming, Screening for Malnutrition etc in Cross River State to help reduce the prevalence of Malnutrition, Malaria, vaccines preventable diseases amongst other common causes of Maternal and Child Mortality. The state also flagged off its massive Covid-19 vaccination campaign for person over 18 years of age across the entire State.

The flagging off exercise which was done by the State's Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu on behalf of the State Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade is targeted to benefit over 900,000 Children and 300,000 Pregnant Women across the State. The event which took place in Odukpani LGA also marked the commencement of the mass Covid-19 vaccination campaign across the State.

Declaring the commencement of both exercise open in the State, Dr Betta Edu assured families of government's commitment towards eradicating every vaccine preventable diseases as well as the continued fight against common causes of deaths in Pregnant Women and Children. She called on all Cross Riverians to take the COVId Vaccination if the have not had noting that the new Super Variant Omicron is very dangerous.

This integrated intervention is preventive in nature targeted at building demand for health services across the state. It is completely free and Healrh workers are expected to Health create awareness working with communities.its better and more cost effective for us to prevent diseases rather than cure them.

"I want to encourage our Women to take the responsibility of accessing medical care during pregnancy to help keep them and their babies safe. Our Traditional and Religious leaders needs to also see it as a duty to support government and our health workers in advising pregnant women to always register for antenatal services so they can get medical services like screening for HIV/AIDs, Vaccinations, routine drugs, awareness on Maternal and Child dietary requirements as well as giving birth in health facilities under standard professional care. Malnutrition screening across the State, deworming of our children as well as the administration of Vitamin A supplement is ongoing as this will help promote a healthy living and prevent our children from diseases.

Dr Edu charged health workers to go to the field and carry out this exercise while thanking all partners for their unflinching support and solicited that the Maternal and Newborn health week be extended to next week so the State can achieve a wider and better coverage.

On her part, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong described the 2nd round of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week as a high impact intervention for Mothers and Children which is aimed at bridging the existing gap in Communities as a result of the minimal access to healthcare services due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Health Workers have been deployed to various Communities to create more awareness. We therefore encourage our Mothers to take their Children to the closest healthcare centres in order to get access to Vitamin A Supplements for Children under age five, deworming tablets and Immunization to guarantee full Immunity against Childhood killer diseases. Let me also call on our people to ensure they take the Covid-19 vaccine as that's the only remedy to keep us safe and free from the virus. The advocacy will continue and will even be taken to market places and churches as we must continue to do these things so our people can continue to live a healthy life.

Good will messages came from the Chairman of Odukpani LGA Hon. Justina Edem as ably represented by the LGA supervisor for health Hon. Ndem Essiene, representative of the Federal Ministry of Health Dr Dominic Elue, the State Coordinator of the NPHCDA Mr Julius Idoko, W.H.O representative Mr Pella Umar, Nutrition International, Traditional leaders, Religious Leaders, etc. With highpoints of the event being the administration of Vitamin A supplements, COVID19 vaccination and distribution of delivery kits to pregnant women amongst others.

Ayade tasks orthopedic surgeons on local solutions to bones, joints problems


Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, weekend, tasked orthopedic surgeons in Nigeria to devise local local solutions to addressing bones and joints problems suffered by patients.

Ayade gave the charge during the 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Orthopedic Association at the Monty Suite, Calabar.

The governor who lauded the association for the choice of Calabar as venue for the conference, with the theme: "The Burden of Geriatric Trauma", noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more apt.
This, he said, is because “as othorpaedic surgeons, you are the greatest nightmare of the public. The sight of an orthopedic surgeon brings sanity to your life, because the truama that comes with it, is an absolute nightmare."

Challenging the orthopedic surgeons to begin to look inward for solutions to what has become an old-age problem, Ayade regretted that "geriatric surgery, which has to do with old age, is something you cannot control. It is a natural phenomenon."

Decrying the pains associated with orthopedic treatments, Ayade asked: "What have you orthopedic surgeons done to see how you can devise a solution for this trauma? No treatment, unless it is half treated, could come with pains. Since it is a scientific conference, l will rather leave you with these challenges."

Speaking further on the attendant pains and trauma that come with bone surgery, he further enquired: "First, is there any way we can snap off the pain by somehow sending a code that can put the sensory nerves into absolute control so that they can put the pain under control in the process of surgery?"

Continuing, he needled the bone surgeons: "Is there a scientific possibility that we can reverse the lack of minerals in the bones? Is there a possibility to sustain muscular functions with age? It is a scientific conference, because it is scientific, it is supposed to be research oriented and the discussions are supposed to be apt.

"So, why will you, as othorpaedic surgeons limit yourselves to the current practices? After all, it is calcium and phosphate. You can also get proteins which are major properties held together by calcium and phosphate to sustain the bones at optimal performance even at old age. Orthopedic challenge is global but the solution has to be local because lifestyle is different, as our food is local."

The governor who promised to engage some orthopedic surgeons to man the orthopaedic unit of the Cross River-German Specialist Hospital, Obudu, challenged the conference to come out with specific international statement that challenges orthodox believes.
“So I look forward to a Calabar Declaration that would scientifically question most of the previously held belief systems of medicine and othorpaedic trauma in particular."

Earlier, Chairman of the Nigerian Orthopedic Association, Zone 3, Dr. Cosmas Ihezie, thanked Governor Ayade for his support for the conference to be hosted in Calabar.
He also particularly commended the governor for the provision of an 18-seater bus to the local Nigerian Medical Association.

Ayade seeks collaboration between Cross River and Britain on development, security


Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has decried the lack of collaboration between the state and Britain in various strata of development.

He noted that Cross River rather enjoys roboust collaboration with other countries even when Britain is Nigeria's traditional ally given the historical colonial ties between both countries.

The Governor spoke at the State Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar while playing host to the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson.

According to the Cross River state number one citizen, "in the course of my stay in office as Governor, I have seen that there has been very little deliberate effort from your embassy to get close to the grassroots. Perhaps you are the first to visit us as an official of the British embassy and to us this is very exciting.

"We have had relationships with other countries in different sectors including Agriculture, maritime business among others but this is not the case with Britain. And this ought not to be so given Nigeria's history with Britain as our colonial master.

"So your visit therefore, should open up the opportunity for greater collaboration between Cross River State and the United kingdom.

"Experience has shown that relationship with the national doesn't distill perfectly to the sub national. So your visit to a sub national at the state level gives you a true perspective into the issues and problems of the Niger Delta.”

Ayade shared Cross River's security concerns with the visiting diplomat, including threat posed by the Ambazonian separatist fighters in Southern Cameroon which shares boundaries with the state and solicited Britain's assistance in the areas of security in form of institutional support, technical training "or any form of collaboration that can actually isolate Cross River knowing that we are a border state between Nigeria and Cameroon and is at the front of the war zone.”

Earlier, Aktison extolled the splendour and beauty of Calabar and said she was delighted to have visited the city.

The British Deputy High Commissioner thanked the governor for hosting her and team and commended his government's strides in infrastructure and industrialization.

*"Ministry of Health Join Hands With NDLEA To Curb Drug Abuse In Cross River State."*

Events in the recent past show that drug abuse has been on the rise amongst young people at n the country and even in Cross River state. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have clearly reflected a new zeal in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in all parts of the Country, in a bid to sustain these efforts and compliment the wonderful efforts of the Agency the CRS Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has declared her willingness and that of the Health Ministry to join in this fight to see how Drug Abuse which is today a societal challenge is curbed. She declared war again drug abuse in the State as the health sector will henceforth collaborate with the Drug Law Enforcement to end drug abuse.

Speaking during a courtesy/advocacy visit to help accelerate this war, the Cross River State NDLEA Commander Mrs Edet Anthonia commended the Commissioner's effort and commitment towards giving cross riverians good health care delivery through her numerous achievements and outstanding leadership prowess that has gained her National and International recognition and other appointments.

"We're pleased to meet with you as the purpose of our visit is to interface with you to enable us chat a way forward to curb the increased rate of Drug Abuse in the State. We're not ignorant of your wonderful achievements and hard work that has transformed the health sector as your achievements remains tall and too many to list out. You've shown commitment and capacity and this Agency remains very proud of you. We can't go on with this fight without coming to seek that synergy with your Ministry as you have direct mandate for mental health issues."

Amidst a poor level of information dissemination down to the grassroot and lack of strong inclusion of drug education in our Educational Curriculum, the Health Commissioner in her response welcomed the Commander and her team for the advocacy visit as she assured them of a massive collaboration to reduce if not end the high level of drug abuse in our society.

"Drug Abuse has today resulted to so many cases of mental/societal issues as well as suicidal cases, its alarming as almost every family has someone affected even amongst school children. Of late, they've been an increase in such cases due to the high inflow of refugees into our State which comes with its risk. A State wide sensitization program in Schools and Communities will go a long way to reduce this menace that has eaten deep into our Youths.

"As a Ministry that is very much interested in the healthy living of her citizens, i want to assure you of our readiness and commitment to join in this fight and save our people. We'll work as a team create innovative strategies to reach our target. Let me strongly commend the efforts and drive of the National Leadership/Chairman of NDLEA for their commitment and efficiency as they've recorded much success in this fight in recent times."

Dr Edu applauded the activities and efforts of the State Commander as her hard work hasn't gone unnoticed especially at Airports and different Borders that leads to the State. She charged men to always support women in leadership while she solicited that the Agency's plan of activities for the year be shared with the Ministry so that the Ministry can get more involved and take this fight to a greater level.

In a vote of thanks, the Director of Public Health Dr Iwara Iwara assured the Agency of the Ministry's willingness and commitment towards being a part of this fight as he assured them that the State is blessed with a Commissioner who is young, vibrant, intelligent and commitment towards changing the narrative and making cross river state a better place for all to live in. Mr Casmir Ugbong the Ministry's DPRS and Mr Uket Uket Mbang a Pharmacist who also spoke during the visit assured the team of the State's maximum support and synergy to this fight. Drugs destroys… stop Drug abuse!!!!

I’ll turn-Around Obudu Ranch Resort facilities before December 2022, Says Ayade


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has promised to turnaround the facilities at the Obudu Ranch Resort before December ,2022.

An indigene of the area, the governor said failure to fix the Resort before exiting office will amount to injustice against himself and the inhabitants of the Ranch community.
“if I don't fix the Ranch before I leave, whoever takes over after me might ask you the chiefs question which is, your son was Governor for eight years, what did he do for the Ranch? So I'm ready to fix the Ranch.”

Ayade who was addressing clan heads of the communities hosting the Ranch described the facility as "the most beautiful place in Africa.”

According to him, "investors from Switzerland are already at the Ranch to reconstruct and fix it and quote me,the facilities at the ranch will be latest and world-class at the end of the turnaround.

"They are going to conduct a study around the entire Ranch for rehabilitation, reconstruction and upscaling to modern facilities.

“It is important to note that the seven-man team came from different parts of the world, majorly Switzerland and they are already feeling like they were in their own country because the weather is the same.”

Earlier, the host communities speaking through their clan heads assured the governor of their unflinching support and commended his interest in the Ranch.

They also thanked him for constructing 147 kilometres of the road to link the five local government areas that make up Cross River North Senatorial district, a move they said would help boost the economy of the area.

According to them, the 300 hectares of potatoes farms donated by the Ranch community was already providing job opportunities for the young and old in the area.

They further announced "the donation of two cows- a male and a female- to start livestock farming in the Ranch.