Cross River APC gains as former council boss, thousands ditch PDP in Yakurr


The ranks of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River state swelled at the weekend following the defection to its fold of two-time chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area of the state, Itam Ettah aka Bomboy.

In a rally held at Obol Lopon square, Ugep, headquarters of the council, Ettah defected to the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with thousands of his supporters citing "our dear governor, Professor Ben Ayade's purposeful governance, massive industrialisation drive and the need to socket our state to the epicentre of national politics and align with the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari" as reasons.

Recalled that Governor Ayade ditched the PDP for the APC in May, taking with him critical PDP stakeholders in the state, including virtually all his political appointees, all local government chairmen and their councillors, 18 out of the 24 member House of Assembly, some members of the National Assembly, state and ward executives of the PDP among others.

The former council boss who thanked the governor for rising to occasionsion when he was kidnapped by hoodlums sometime ago said his defection to the APC signals the end of his former party, the PDP in the Yakurr.

Speaking at the rally, the newly elected Cross River APC chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba commended Ettah for joining "the progressive family and a winning team'.”

Barrister Eba said he was sending Ettah as a "political evangelist" to spread the APC gospel beyond Yakurr.

He urged all party faithful to fully participate in the extended party registration exercise as well as the continous INEC voters registration exercise.

In their separate remarks, leader of the party in the council and the state Commissioner for Lands, Professor John Inyang, Chairman of Yakurr council area, Hon.Efem Ebri Okoi, member, Governing Council of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, HYPPADEC, Barrister Utum Etteng and the out-going state APC Treasurer, Hon. Mike Agbe variously described the the APC as an unstoppable movement, a train, a large family and the biggest party in Africa.

They urged the remaining PDP members in the state to join the APC, assuring of equal treatment for old and defecting members.

*USAID, FHI360 Awards Cross River State Government as Cross River State HIV Prevalence drastically reduced from 6.6% To 2.1% to 1.7%.*

.... Moved lower than Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Benue.

USAID, FHI360 and SIDHAS project has awarded the Cross River State Government through the Cross River state Ministry of Health for an outstanding performance which has led to drastic significant reduction in the prevalence and spread of HIV AIDS in the state. The commended the Governor Sen Ben Ayade for his Commitment to health care and even HIV management in the state. The also Commended the very proactive nature and vibrancy of the Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu who have worked with her team and partners to deploy strategies in combatting the Disease, which has yielded great results.

Cross River State has continued to show excellent progress in the fight against HIV & AIDS. This was disclosed by National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) during the week. The data released by NACA revealed that there has been a consistent drop in HIV & AIDS prevalence rates in the state. This is in contrary to reports emanating from some sections of the media suggesting that Cross River is going higher in the prevalent rating and backsliding in the control of the deadly virus.

According the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, the prevalence dropped from 6.6 per cent just 3 years ago to 2.1 per cent in 2020 and to 1.7 percent in 2021. Big thanks to the great contributions and support from our partners USAID working through FHI360, on SIDHAS Project. Also other partners like UNICEF, AHF, Hartland alliance Jepigo etc

Dr Edu said though the rate of HIV prevalence in the state has reduced to 1.7 per cent from 2.1 per cent, “it is still a source of concern to the State government who has vowed to bring it down to 0.001%.”

She said there was need to step up effort to reduce it further and if possible eradicate it through aggressive publicity campaign and follow up of existing cases, situation room monitoring, community active search, youth friendly centers, one-stop service Hubs, PMTCT (prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV), strategies targeted at key populations; while promising that the government of Senator Prof Ben Ayade is committed to achieving that goal.

“Although the current prevalence rate shows a reduction, it is still a source of concern when we consider the actual number of people within the bracket. There is, therefore, the need for us to step up our efforts to achieve a further reduction in the prevalence rate through aggressive public enlightenment campaign and follow up which must be taken to the nooks and crannies of the state.” She noted.

Recall that in 2019, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade had said the state was not safe despite the declaration of 2 percent HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the state by the National AIDS Indicator Survey.

Meanwhile the Director General of Cross River State Agency for Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr Etcheri Ansa has reacted to the latest rating by assuring Cross Riverians that the agency will continue working towards reducing the number of new HIV infections and utilising a multi-sectoral approach for the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS.

According to her this is in line with the UNAIDS 90’90’90’ initiative which states that by the year 2030: 90 per cent of people living with HIV should know their status; 90 per cent of HIV positive individuals are initiated on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and 90 per cent of individuals on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs should achieve suppression.

“We must seek out everybody living with HIV/AIDS for proper cure. “The Cross River State government is committed to achieving this goal as part of our hollistic Health strategy approach for attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

According to the new data released, Akwa Ibom State occupies the number one spot in the National HIV Prevalence list with 5.6%, followed by Benue with 4.9%, Rivers 3.8%, Taraba 2.7%, Anambra 2.4%, Enugu 2.1%, Abia 2.1% Delta, Nasarawa on 1.9%, Edo, Bayelsa on 1.8% while Cross River State is 1.7%.

*Ayade Relentless; poised to fix the Health sector! Massive work going on in 60 years old Dilapidated so Eja Memorial Hospital (General Hospital) ABI LGA*

The Health sector in Cross River state is one sector that has been on an upward trajectory receiving support from His Excellency Sen Ben Ayade to improve the quality of Health care delivery in the state.

One would wonder with the low allocation to the state from FAAC, the minimal IGR how is the state still able to do so much in a sector which is basically social welfare oriented. The answer is simple, the deep vision of the Governor and his wife and their commitment to see improvement in the health sector as millions of lives depend on it!

Over the last 4 weeks massive work has been going on in the 60 years old dilapidated Eja Memorial Hospital ( General Hospital ) in ABI Local Government following its enlistment as a facility to deliver Ayade care to members of the public that are around ABI and its environs.

The Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu who is also from ABi Local Government praised Governor Ben Ayade for the series of breakthrough in the health sector of the state and in abi LGA in recent times. First we are happy that in addition to the building of new PHC facilities and supply of medical equipment, several Primary Health Centers have been renovated.

The First College of Nursing Sciences in south south Nigeria is located in ABI LGA, now we can award our nurses Degree in nursing from that college while the qualify for NYSC. Above all the Governor has gone ahead to begin the total over hauling and revamping of the 60 years old dilapidated Eja Memorial Hospital.

The Paramount Ruler of ABI LGA Eval Edward has commended the Governor for bringing development and progress to the people of Abi LGA. The nursing college in the LGA will not only fill the man power gap in the Health Sector but has created a new economy in the LGA with influx of students and lecturers from all over the state and even from outside the state. The renewal of the Secondary Facility is a welcome development in ABI. It will ensure we get better care and attract more persons to utilize the Health facility. I strongly commend our daughter Dr Betta Edu who is at the helm of affairs in the health sector. She has performed exceptionally well and has attracted a lot of Development to ABI LGA. We will continue to support Government to do more in Abi LGA.

The Chairman of Abi LGA Hon Faraton Robinson has also praised the Governor and the Health Commissioner for first posting more staff to Eja Memorial Hospital including some Dedicated Doctors who have really changed the dynamics of Health delivery in that facility. He said the on going work will be closely supervised by the council for best results.

How broom revolution is reconfiguring Cross River politics 

By Chidi Onyemaizu

On May 20, 2021, Governor Ben Ayade took the pragmatic decision to socket Cross River state to the central government by switching allegiance from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

That decision did not bring down heaven but it raised dust, reconfigured for good the political firmament of Cross River, provoked mass movement and signposted permanent retirement of politicians who hitherto determined the tenor of politics in the state.

Ayade is a refined politician who is not given to political fisticuffs. His political creed, 'Politics with Ethics' does not allow for pettiness in the name of politics.

Therefore, whether in Cross River or in the larger national polity, the Cross River state governor has no enemies to fight, to borrow from former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, a recent piece in ThisDay which has all the trappings of a hatchet job, laboured in vain to suggest otherwise.
Truth is, Ayade and the APC are not in competition with any party or political figure in Cross River, real or imagined, because verifiable evidence on the ground clearly shows that such party or politicians now only exist on the pages of newspapers, social media platforms and electronic media news bulletins having been retired by the current political realities.

Ayade and the APC are now the main embodiment of politics and political leadership in Cross River. This is an indisputable fact.
Ayade's exit from the PDP has indeed narrowed the party to the confinement of a few yesterday's men.

For the records, the taunted political wizardry of the so-called three wise men has been severely eviscerated. It will be difficult if not outrightly impossible for them to further influence the future direction of politics in the state.
Keen followers of Cross River politics can check this out: Former Governor  Donald Duke’s political relevance has since dwindled. In 2019, he contested the presidential election and got only six votes in the polling unit in front of his house, he was roundly defeated.

In 2019, the only federal constituency that PDP lost to the APC even when Ayade was in PDP was the Abi Federal Constituency, the home constituency of former governor, His Excellency, Liyel Imoke.

So, Imoke’s political strength which earned him the name, Avatar, in the opinion of many, is now questionable.

In the southern senatorial district of the state, Prince Bassey Otu, popular as Sweet Prince, remains more popular than Gershom Bassey, the incumbent senator and one of the tripods of the troika.

In the central senatorial district of the state, APC boasts of heavyweights like Senator Owan Enoh, former Senate Majority leader, Victor Ndoma Egba, Obon Obla, former Niger-Delta Minister, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, Alex Egbona of the House of Reps, Bolaji Anani, Barrister Chris Agara among others.

And in the North, Ayade's home senatorial district which he once represented in the Senate, the governor is in absolute control.

The Jarigbe-Odey debacle which ended in the former's favour and which some people have been citing as evidence of PDP's resurgence was a product of unimaginable dark litigation. It cannot be a barometre to measure a political party's popularity or relevance.

In today's Cross River, Ayade has brought to bear on it an unprecedented mass movement, a broom revolution that has planted APC in every nook and cranny of the state.

His policy of food on the table appointment also means he has an army of followers.

There is no family in Cross River, no kindred and no village that does not have at least one of their sons or daughters as an appointee in the Ayade government.

Under such circumstances, no one expect such appointees and those who depend on them for survival, not to key into the political direction of the man who puts food on their table.

His superlative achievements, especially in the areas of industrialisation and infrastructure as well as youth empowerment and job creation, also speak loudly for him, prompting thousands of youths to willingly register as APC members in solidarity and appreciation.

Cross River monarchs, speaking through their leader, Chairman of state's Traditional Ruler's Council, His Royal Highness, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, are also solidly in support Governor Ayade's defection to the APC: "It is our believe that God wants to do something out of this for two reasons: old things must pass away and old things must become new

"Past Governors of this state have always admonished us to follow the leader and in this state, the leader is the Governor. So nobody should tell us otherwise now that it is Ayade’s turn.

"Therefore, we must follow Ayade because we know that your thoughts towards Cross River State, Your Excellency,  are of good and not evil, you will lead us to a successful end.

"We know of a truth that we cannot afford to be in opposition."

Ayade does not trumpet his political strength because a Tiger does not unnecessarily flaunt its Tigerdom. However,  let no one forget that he is so far the only Cross River governor who won re-election as an opposition governor.

In 2019, Ayade surmounted the intimidating APC federal might to win re-election as a PDP governor and equally ensured that the PDP won all seats in the state House of Assembly and all but one seat in the National Assembly. His predecessors, Duke and Imoke won their first and second term elections respectively as governors of a ruling party.

If Ayade was able to snatch victories from the jaws of APC in 2019 as an opposition governor, it shows that he is the main issue in Cross River politics and that 2023 will be no Herculean task for him and the APC now that he in the mainstream of Nigerian politics.

The bitter pill which has been difficult for a feckless opposition to swallow is that Ayade moved with Cross River leaving his former party empty and shallow.No wonder some social affairs commentators now describe it as "defunct PDP"

For example, all the council chairmen and councillors have all moved, all PDP chapters and ward chairmen moved with Ayade, 18 of the 24 members of the House of assembly, including the speaker have all moved with him.

As a stamp of death settles on PDP's pallid structures in Cross River, a senior member of the party in Calabar South was at home with the grim reality of the situation recently when he admitted: "Unless a miracle happens, our party may not survive this tsunami. Never in our wildest dream did we contemplate this haemorrhage in our party.

“We thought Ayade was bluffing when he said that if he moved, Cross River would move with him”

How Ayade was able to dismantle an entrenched cabal of godfathers and in their stead enthroned a massive, consuming new political movement, a sort of revolution, is a riddle wrapped in a puzzle.

It befuddles the minds, including the disrobed godfathers who now only nourish their bruised ego with the glories of the past.

They are of course free to live in their past glories but Edna Ferber's admonition will suffice here: " Living in the past is a dull and lonely business; looking back strains the neck muscles, causing you to bump into people not going your way"

Chidi Onyemaizu is Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to Gov. Ayade

*Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr HCIB inducted into the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) as a Senior Member*

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on the 30th of October 2021, admitted 50 members into the Institute at an elaborate ceremony at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr HCIB was admitted as a Senior member of the Institute. He received his award alongside other notable awardees including the Director General, World Trade Organization (WTO) Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the Deputy Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Obiora.

Speaking on receipt of the award, Asuquo Jr. stated that “The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) is the world’s foremost institution when it comes to banking & financial professionalism, ethics and integrity. To be inducted as a Senior Member of the institute today is a great honor and privilege that I do not take for granted. I am humbled and I will continue to strive to maintain the highest level of fiscal discipline and transparency that warranted this special recognition by the institute.”

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) is the umbrella professional body for bankers in Nigeria and was established in 1973. In a statement by the Head of Corporate Communication & External Relation of the Institute, Mr. Nelson Olagundoye, he described the awardees as individuals the Institute recognizes for meritorious services, commitment to professional responsibilities and valuable contributions to the industry in particular and the economy in general.

Ayade presents N276 Billion Budget of Conjugated Agglutination for 2022

Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade Friday presented N276 billion as the 2022 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly.
Tagged: "Budget of Conjugated Agglutination", Governor Ayade said N170 billion is for Capital Expenditure while N106billion represents the Recurrent Expenditure.
Explaining the title of the budget, Ayade disclosed that It's conjugated agglutination because "it is a cascade of so many projects, back to back to ensure their completion. Putting all together to form a new envelop, that when it explodes you will see a new prosperity agenda."
The Budget which is markedly different from the previous year, according to the governor, focuses on the completion of ongoing projects like the Obudu Cargo and passengers International Airport, Obudu British/Canadian International School, the Odukpani Junction flyover among many others.
Also constituting the focus of the 2022 budget, Governor Ayade said it seeks to ensure the sustenance of his administration's policy of regular payment of salaries.
The governor announced provision in the budget to set aside between N30 to N50 million monthly for the payment of gratuity for retired civil servants in the state.
Additionally, Governor Ayade said the Appropriation Bill will mirror projects aimed at generating immediate income for the state and impact directly on the people.

Ayade pushes for designation of Cross River as export corridor


Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade wants the state to be designated as an export corridor so as to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA).

Citing the state’s long Atlantic coastline and the huge industrial value chain made possible by his administration, Ayade believes the state deserves to be so designated.

Speaking at the State Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's office, Calabar during a presentation by the state chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the governor stressed that "this presentation enables us to decide on our merchant vessel as proposed in our budget so that we can start exporting our noodles, start exporting our frozen chicken, start exporting our rice, and indeed start exporting all that we produce from our agro factories.”

He disclosed that exporting from the Calabar Port, products from Cross River's industries will find a ready market in at least 15 countries in the West and Central African coast.

Continuing, the Cross River state number one citizen said: "We must take advantage of our industries and push our products beyond Cross River, beyond Nigeria and take advantage of the AFCTA to expand the horizon of our market. That is why we have the Ministry of Commerce, that is why we have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to focus on how we can export.

"And I remain committed and dedicated on the need for Cross River State to have a very robust maritime trade activity to enable us develop our business environment where young men and women will migrate out of politics into business.”

Earlier, Cross River state Chairman of the association, James Alicha commended the governor's industrialisation drive assuring that with 33 industries established by the Cross River state government under Ayade, the state will benefit immensely from non- oil earnings through AFCTA efforts.

"If we are to showcase these 33 industries alone, Cross River State will compete favourably with other states that are deriving their revenue from other businesses other than oil .

"AFCTA is here to market the products from all His Excellency's factories", Alicha stated.

*"First College of Nursing Science South-South zone of Nigeria; Cross River State College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences holds Maiden Matriculation for 150 students."*

*Parent & Student overjoyed praise Ayade as New Degree Awarding Status will Qualify them for NYSC!*

There were shouts of joy, dancing, and jubilation as young students took procession into the Tear Rubber Cross River State College of Nursing and Midwifery Science Itigidi ABI LGA. In the words of a matriculant “ It feels like a dream, that I will graduate with a degree from this institution & go for NYSC, God bless super Governor and visionary Health Commissioner.”

Following hard work, Governor of Cross River State Sen Ben Ayade working through the Commissioner for Health in collaboration with the Legislative arm were able to gain Accreditation For the first College of Nursing Sciences in South-South Zone of Nigeria meaning graduates will now be awarded a degree and are eligible for NYSC, an unprecedented height the Health Sector has recorded amongst others mind-blowing achievements in the last 12 months. The College held her first Matriculation and Capping exercise.

The event that had the wife of the Governor Dr. Linda Ayade as the Special Guest of Honor also had the Speaker of the CRSHA Rt. Hon. Eteng Williams as chairman of the occasion, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu as chief host, the Commissioner for Lands Prof. John Inyang, the member representing the good people of Boki 2 Constituency Hon. Hilary Bissong, the Chairman of Abi LGA and Yakurr LGA Hon. Ofem Eno, the DG of the CRSPHCDA Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Paramount Ruler of Abi LGA Eval Solomon Edward and other Chiefs, NANNM Chairman Comrade Josephine, Chairman Governing Council Dr. Margaret Opia, Dec Abasi Offiong, Principals of various schools, and a host of other very important dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, the Wife of the Governor Dr. Linda Ayade charged the Matriculating Students to take their academic pursuits seriously to make the State Government and their parent's who have sacrificed so much, proud.

"I'm standing here filled with positive emotions, I am so proud to be a part of this success story. Knowing the details of what the School went through to become a College today I'll say the team under the leadership of Dr. Betta Edu has done great. As students, you must reciprocate the efforts of the government by studying hard knowing very well that the lives of thousands will be dependent on you during practice."

The speaker of the State House of Assembly in his speech congratulated the Governor and the leadership of the health sector under Dr. Betta Edu for the giant strides recorded so far and for achieving tremendous successes in many areas. "We faced severe battles to get to this point. At some point, accreditation was taken away from all Cross River state schools of Nursing and Midwifery for over 4 years. but today under the leadership of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, we've gained it back and gone further to upgraded to a College. We'll continue to support the growth and development of the health sector through budget appropriation, we look forward to having more Colleges as requested by the Health Commissioner."

Dr. Betta Edu in her speech thanked the State Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade and his dear Wife for the tremendous changes that have come to the College while providing the best to ensure We achieve a college status. "The government of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has fulfilled its part in giving you a College and making this environment more comfortable for learning it is now left for you to reciprocate and make us proud. “We've come this far due to the hard work and consistent efforts of both the executive and legislative arm of government. I strongly appreciate the efforts of Dr. Linda Ayade, Honorable Speaker Rt. Hon. Eteng Williams and Assembly Members, NBTE, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, as well as all the health team who made this dream come true. I charge you all to study hard, avoid distractions while challenging Staff to invest more in students without victimizing them. The best graduating students will be awarded half a million as part of Dr. Linda Ayade's scholarship."

The member Rep Boki 2, the Commissioner for Lands, and DG primary Health Care in their Goodwill messages all congratulated Students for being successful following a rigorous selection process while charging them to study hard and become world-class Nurses.

Highlights of the events include; Welcome Speech from the Provost Mrs. Ruth Ebong, Goodwill message from Dr. Margaret Opiah, Handing over of 150 Matriculating Students to the Provost and Health Commissioner, Capping & Students Declaration, presentation of Awards of Excellence to Dr. Linda Ayade, Dr. Betta Edu and Dr. Magaret Opia for their excellent support and immense contribution to the growth of the College, Matriculating Lecture by Dr. Teresa A. Osaji and other Goodwill messages from dignitaries.

Alphonsus Ogar Eba emerges Cross River APC Chairman 

Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba Saturday emerged the State party Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State.

Ogar emerged chairman through a consensus voice votes by party stakeholders as he went into the race unopposed. 

In attendance to observe the conduct of the Congress was a 7-man state Congress Committee including Alhaji Abubakar Malami, Barrister Emilia Okonji, Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The new state APC Chairman, while thanking Governor Ayade who is the leader of the party in both the state and the South South Region, elders of the party for the confidence reposed in him, however promised not to betray the trust, even as he called for members to support him so that the party can retain power in the state come 2023.

The Congress which witnessed delegates from the 18 local government areas, also had party chieftains from the three senatorial comprising Minister of State for Power, Jeddy Agba, former Senate Leader, Senator Ndoma Egba, former Minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Usani Uguru, Senator John Owan Enoh, member representing Abi-Yakurr Federal Constituency, Hon. Alex Egbona, Hon Legor Idagbo, Mike Etaba, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Eteng Jones Williams. 

Addressing party faithful, stakeholders after emerging party chairman, Eba thanked the delegates and the party for the opportunity given to him to serve as Chairman.

*APC NAT' RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE; Former Governor of Nasarawa Chairs as DR Betta Edu alongside 4 Former Governors Senators, Former Reps Speaker, & serving Minister Inaugurated*

The National Caretaker Chairman of All Progressives Party (APC), Governor Mai Mala Buni has inaugurated the 9-member National Reconciliation Committee to reposition the party ahead of the planned National Convention and the 2023 General Elections.

The inauguration which took place at the party Secretariat at Abuja was well attended by other party faithfuls and members of the Extraordinary Caretaker Committee.

Dr Betta Edu who was inaugurated alongside others will served in the committee chaired by former Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Adamu with His Excellency Moses Adeyemo as the Secretary.

Mai Mala Buni, who inaugurated the Committee tasked the committee to ensure that aggrieved members of the party are reconcile, harmonise and integrated to cement all cracks and seeming differences.

According to him, as the congresses have commenced and it's ongoing the committee should be able to meet aggrieved persons and dialogue for peace and all encompassing unity of the party with the right approach and Internal mechanisms.

Dr Betta Edu who was excited about an opportunity to serve and be a member of the committee expressed determination with the task given to her and other members of the committee while assuring to utilise the opportunity as the only gender sensitive member present to explore her wealth of experience in resolving conflict.

She thanked the the leader of the party, President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mai Mala Buni and her for the opportunity given to her to served in the sensitive committee of the party. Huge appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State Sen Ben Ayade for building young leaders that have become very useful to nation building like Dr Betta Edu.

The Committee consist of former Governors, senator, Speaker House of Representatives and a serving minister as members.

*Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough, A Step Forward For Entire World, Says C/River Health Commissioner*

Dr Betta Edu, the Commissioner for Health in Cross River, has described the approval
of Malaria Vaccine by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “a positive step forward for the entire world.”

Edu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Calabar that Malaria had killed many people more than HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and many other diseases.

She said that scientists have been searching for vaccines for malaria over the years but have not been able to get a major breakthrough. According to her, over 11%maternal mortality, especially in sub-saharan Africa is associated with Malaria, major cause of death in children under five years is also malaria, the general population even in Nigeria is affected by malaria with huge economic burden to families and even Government. Recent research in Cross River state showed that Malaria was the reason behind most outpatient visits to health facilities.

She added that “getting a vaccine that can prevent Malaria is a blessing and we believe that after due Pharmaco-vigilance, Africa and indeed Nigeria will have access to the malaria vaccine.
Once the vaccine is out and the Federal Government approves it and thereafter the National Agency for Food, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) does the pharmacovigilance on it, we will immediately begin the process of getting our people to know and benefit from it.

“We will also carry out sensitisation at all levels, just as we have been doing on Long Lasting Insecticide treated nets. Vaccine is a stronger form of prevention for Malaria. If we have vaccine, then we know that we are getting to the point where we can say goodbye to Malaria.”

Also, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, told NAN that the news of the vaccine recommendation by WHO was “exciting.”

Ekpenyong, who said that Malaria had claimed millions of lives, added that “Most health practitioners have just been doing reactive measures. This vaccine will go a long way to help us deal with Malaria proactively. It is a welcome breakthrough especially for us in the health sector.

“For us, we are excited that our children will no longer die of Malaria and our pregnant women will be protected against Malaria, which is one of the causes of maternal mortality.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended a widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) Malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high P. falciparum Malaria transmission.

The recommendation is based on results from an ongoing pilot programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that has reached more than 800,000 children since 2019.“This is a historic moment.

The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“Using this vaccine on top of existing tools to prevent Malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year.”

Malaria remains a primary cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 260,000 African children under the age of five die from malaria annually.(NAN)

*Dr. Betta Edu Scholarship: 4 years, 12 terms, 1320 children have benefitted so far in Abi LGA*

Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu has doled out educational scholarships to over 1320 school children so far in various schools in its scholarship award program.

The Commissioner in furtherance of her Community Youth Empowerment Scheme has awarded the multi-million Naira educational scholarships to school children in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State just as it commenced distribution of school desks, exercise books for school children across the communities of Adadama.

No fewer than 1320 pupils in various institutions received exercise books, desk, and school fees for their annual scholarship award program.

Speaking at the presentation on empowerment, Dr. Betta Edu explained that education is a key component of socio-economic development and the greatest human capital investment.

" I am committed to building the capacity of these people and institutions in the communities, particularly the school children and youths by identifying skill gaps and partnering to up their skills and make them self-reliant.

“1320 pupils across the schools in Adadama communities which constitute the Political Ward have so far, been given scholarship since the commencement of the scheme in 2016 with significant relief the impact on the parents and guardians.

She noted that her education empowerment doesn't have a political inclination as a key component of the economy such as education and health are not compromised. All these are evidence of Ayade led administration passion for the standard of education, living, and well-being of our students.” She urged the beneficiaries to make very good use of the chance by paying rapt attention to details in class and asking questions from their teachers whenever in doubt. Let’s produce the next generation of leaders that will help our community

Expressing the happiness of the communities with Dr. Betta Edu gesture in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the representative of the headteachers and the Community Mr. Emmanuel Ibanga thanked her for the empowerment program saying it would go a long way in sustain the school pupils and reduce youths restiveness in the Community. The chiefs of the community also spoke through Eval Samuel from Ibalebo who said “if only politicians and those who have in society can find ways to help others like you have been doing over time, society would be a Better place for all” others present included the Councilor or Adadama ward, Hon Iwasam, the supervisor from Adadama ward Hon. Nku Ibanga, Mr. Sam (carton) amongst others. Some Desk and books were donated by Hon Oliver Orok as part of SDG intervention in state.

Cross River ramps up chicken processing at 24000 birds per day factory as ultramodern poultry begins evacuation of birds


Poultry production and protein intake in Cross River in particular and Nigeria in general recently received a major boost as the ultra-modern Cross River state Poultry Farm Limited began the evacuation of birds from the facility to the Cross River Chicken Processing factory.


Situated at Odukpani, an outskirt of Calabar, the Poultry farm and the chicken processing factory both have installed capacity of 24000 birds per day.


The factory and the poultry are part of agro-based industries established by the administration of Governor Ben Ayade to create an economy for the state as well as jobs for the youth.


According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita, Calachika which has been ready since last December suffered from inadequate supply of birds prompting the governor to speed up completion of the Poultry Farm.


"We are happy and excited that we are on the verge of producing chicken for commercial consumption. 

So, these are good times. Some persons who thought that this was all a mirage can now see that it is real. The birds are available and as such Calachika will be producing daily near it’s installed capacity.”


Production Manager of Calachika Chicken processing factory, Mr. Zia Ul Haq Abbasy, said the birds are of good quality and expressed confidence that "very soon, our chicken will be all over the Nigerian market. As you can see the birds we have here are of good quality.”


"The factory has an installed capacity of 24000 birds per day and based on my experience in 20 years of poultry processing, I don't find anything lacking in this system that Governor Ayade has installed here", Ziah, a Pakistani, further said.


The factory, he disclosed, was ready to get all the certification needed for export of its products as it has the capacity to expand to 60000 birds per day.

*"Cross River State Flags Off First Round Outbreak Response On Poliomyelitis (OBR1) With Over 887,000 Children As Target"*

The Cross River State Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu has officially Flagged Off the 1st Round Outbreak Response on Poliomyelitis vaccination Exercise alongside the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Janet Ekpenyong. The exercise which took place at the PCN Primary School Big Quo Town is to help protect children from Polio Virus Type 2 as over 300 cases have been recorded across Nigeria with none in CRS. Polio Vaccine Type 1&3 had already been administered as Polio Virus Type 2 is beginning to show up again in neighboring states.

Speaking during the Flagging Off Exercise, the Health Commissioner called on Mothers to ensure they get their children vaccinated. "Every day in CRS we try to prevent disease outbreaks just like we did during the outbreak of Covid-19, we started an early prevention campaign and this is what Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has been emphasizing on; Disease Prevention. As a State, we don't have polio cases yet but we must not relent because one case in a Neighboring state can spread rapidly to our state Cross River and affect our Children. Our neighboring States already have one or two cases which mean we're not safe and must ensure our Children under age 0-59months gets the Polio vaccine while we continue to do our best to prevent any outbreak.

"We've decided to carry out an integrated approach where Children get the Polio vaccination while their Mothers and fathers or caregivers who haven't received the Covid-19 vaccines are vaccinated. Our health workers have been equipped in teams to attend to both Adults and Children as this is not only limited to Polio and Covid-19 vaccines alone but every other immunization/vaccination process that the child needs to grow and live healthily. Let me charge all health workers on behalf of Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade that 100% success needs to be achieved in this exercise as our target is to reach out to over 887,000 Children aged 0-59 Months and their parents ."

The Commissioner stated that logistics for both Water and Land ways have been provided to ensure that the over 430 hard-to-reach areas in the State aren't left out as very soon Drones will begin flying to deliver vaccines across the State. She assured Cross Riverians that the vaccines are safe and free as no Child will be left out during the exercise. She commended the efforts of the Director-General Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the entire Health Workers, Partners, Staff of the CRSMOH and the CRSPHCDA, the Head Teacher of PCN Primary School Big Quo Town Mrs. Phillip Kamgba as well as Mothers for making the exercise a success.

In her remarks, the DG of the CRSPHCDA Dr. Janet Ekpenyong appreciated God, the Governor, the Commissioner for Health, and the health workers for their efforts which have led to the State being remains Polio free stating that a lot of human and capital resources have been put in place to keep us safe. "No case of Polio Type 2 in CRS even though Nigeria has recorded over 300 cases in Recent times. The government is committed to ensuring that no child is left out as I'll appeal to parents to ensure their kids are vaccinated. We will be going to churches, Mosque markets places, and homes to vaccinate every eligible child and their parents under the new integrated vaccine policy.

Dr. Ekpenyong appreciated the efforts and leadership style of the Commissioner as she continues to take the lead in all health matters across the Country/State. She acknowledged the hard work and commitment of all Partners, health workers, mothers, and children reiterating the safety and potency of the vaccine.

Goodwill messages came from the representatives of W.H.O Dr. Binam Getachew, that of UNICEF Mr. Ephraim Chuckwu, the Head Teacher of PCN Primary School Big Quo Town Mrs. Philip Kamgba with an Overview of the exercise presented by the State Immunization Officer Mrs. Joy Chabo. Highlights of the event were the official flagging off exercise, Polio vaccination of children and Covid-19 Vaccination of Mothers by the Honorable Commissioner for Health and the DG CRSPHCDA as well as the distribution of toiletries to school Children and Mothers.

*"School Of Nursing Calabar breaks record, Matriculate 100 Students for the first time in many decades; As Health Commissioner To Reward Best Graduating Student With Half A Million"*

Cross River state in the last 12 months has recorded unprecedented heights in the health sector and the nursing profession in particular. For the first time in history, Governor Ayade achieved full accreditation of all Schools of Nursing in Cross River state with increased intake approval from 30 intake capacity to 100-150 across the schools. He increased the tempo by achieving the first College of Nursing Sciences in the South-south zone of Nigeria.

With the number of students admitted into the School of Nursing Calabar raised from 30 to 100 after full accreditation amongst other outstanding achievements under the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu, the School has today matriculated and capped 98 Students for the academic year with two due. The matriculation event had the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu as the Special Guest of Honor also had in attendance the Dean, Faculty former DNS, Dr. Mrs. Christy Ekpe as the Chairman of the Occasion, Director General of the CRSPHCDA Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Director of Nursing Dr. Mrs. Pauline Obute, the Director of Administration Mr. John Ukwu, the NANNM Chairman Comrade Josephine Bassey, the wife of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Mrs. Imabong Eteng Williams, the Principal of the School Mrs. Joy Nelson Obeten and a host of other important dignitaries.

Speaking to the Students during the Matriculation Ceremony, Dr. Edu applauded the efforts put forth by parents. She called on the Students to sacrifice these 3years for intense studies stating the many successes that Governor Ayade's administration has so far recorded to ensure they get a more comfortable learning environment.

"Let me start by congratulating you all for getting this far even though the journey has just begun. Your parents and even the state Government have sacrificed so much to provide the best of learning standards with a comfortable environment for studies. You must sacrifice these 3years to study hard so you can make everyone, including the State proud. As a means of encouragement, I'll give out half a million naira to the best graduating Student in this set. The state will strive to make this another College of Nursing before 2023 ends to avail you of the opportunity of going for NYSC. CRS and the entire Society depend on you to graduate, serve the state and save lives. I welcome you all into the School on behalf of our amiable Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade and his dear wife Dr. Linda Ayade."

In her welcome address, the Principal of the School Mrs. Joy Nelson Obeten thanked the State Governor for his unending support towards the School, the Health Commissioner Dr. Betta Edu for her tremendous efforts and wonderful achievements that have brought about positive and lasting changes to the School which today has gained full accreditation status amongst others. "We're blessed to have a Governor like Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade with a Commissioner who has sacrificed her all to raise this School to this standard. our highly cherished Parents I say thank you and God bless you.

Amongst those who gave their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the occasion Dr. Mrs. Christy Ekpe appreciated the hard work of the Health Commissioner who has recorded tremendous achievements and has transformed the health sector while charging the Students to focus on their studies so they can come to fill the gap of poor manpower capacity in the health sector. The Director-General of the CRSPHCDA Dr. Janet Ekpenyong on her part commended the leadership of Dr. Betta Edu in the health sector that has so far yielded many positive results, she assured the students of the job opportunities upon graduation. Dr. Pauline Obute, Comrade Josephine Bassey, and Deaconess Abasi Offiong Offiong in their Goodwill Messages charged the Students to put their studies/academics first before anything else. The wife of the speaker Mrs. Imabong Eteng Williams assured the school of nursing Calabar that the CRS house of Assembly will enact laws to create the college of Nursing sciences Calabar.

Highlights of the event were the capping/pinning of all the 98 matriculating Students, presentation of Award of Excellence to Dr. Mrs. Christy Ekpe, Dr. Mrs. Pauline Obute, Mrs. Imabong Eteng Williams, and Deaconess Abasi Offiong Offiong for their immense contributions to the growth and development of the Nursing profession by the Honorable Commissioner and the Director-General of the CRSPHCDA. With the recent renovation and equipping of the School, by the State Ministry of Health and UNFPA, Matriculated Students will now study in very comfortable and serene environments.

Ayade visits RMAFC, seeks better revenue allocation to Cross River


Following poor revenue allocation accruing to the state from the federal government, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has visited the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation & Fiscal Commision, Abuja 

where he made a case for better revenue allocation to the state from the federation account.


Ayade, who addressed the Commission’s committee on Fiscal Efficiency & Budget, lamented Cross River's poor financial status, which he blamed on the ceding of Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon and the consequent transfer of the state’s 96 oil wells to Akwa-Ibom state by the federal government.


According to the governor, the twin actions of the federal government plunged Cross River state into severe financial crisis and untold hardship, leaving her helpless with the second smallest federal allocation in the country.


He maintained that the federal government was unfair to the Cross River despite being responsible for her plight and appealed to RMAFC to consider upscaling federal allocation to the state.


He used the occasion to highlight some projects embarked upon  by his administration, including the ultra modern rice seeds & seedlings multiplication complex, Cocoa processing factory, chicken processing factory, rice mill and noodles factory amongst others.


Ayade solicited the intervention of the RMAFC through the commission’s special fund for the development of natural resources, to enable the state consolidated on the gains recorded, particularly in the area of agro-industrialization.


He said the numerous industries and critical infrastructure put in place by his administration were not only for the benefit of Cross River state but the entire nation as they are meant to create hundreds of thousands of jobs for the teeming youths, help further stimulate the economy and fight hunger and poverty.


Speaking, chairman of RMAFC’s committee on Fiscal Efficiency & Budget, Adamu Shettima Yuguda pledged to ensure fairness and equity in making sound recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari.


He regretted the harsh predicament suffered by Cross River due to low federal allocation.


Yuguda who also commended the governor for the achievements recorded in the state so far said: “Your projects are mind boggling, particularly your heavy investments in Agriculture and its value-chain. The fact that Cross River state lies in the south-south region of the country and one of the states in the Niger-Delta, one begins to wonder how such investments outside oil and gas are tenable. For this singular foresight and achievements of your administration, the commission wishes to congratulate you.”


The chairman disclosed that the Commission’s Special Fund for the development of natural resources from where the state is seeking intervention “was established to help achieve resource diversification and provide alternative source of revenue to oil, not only to the federal government but also the sub nationals.”


He was of the view that Cross River State has shown enormous commitment in seeking alternatives to oil by embracing the federal government resource diversification policy.

Ayade hosts General Abdulsalami Abubakar, harps on Nigeria’s unity


Amidst deepening chasm between the Northern and Southern Nigeria over the 2023 presidency and Value Added Tax, VAT, Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade has called for enduring camaraderie between the two halves of Nigeria.
Ayade urged political leaders from both sides to take a cue from former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar's 54-year friendship with the late Military Administrator of River State, Brigadier General Anthony Ukpo (rted).
He also stressed the need for politicians to always think Nigerian first and avoid divisive tendencies.
Ayade spoke in his office while playing host to Abubakar who was in Calabar on a condolence visit to the people of the state and the family of the late General Ukpo.
The Yala-born retired General died a forth-night ago after a brief illness.
The Cross River state governor hailed General Abubakar for finding time to visit the state saying "the lessons I have learnt from your visit is that your 54 years of friendship with General Ukpo is a true definition of friendship.
"I wonder if you would have kept that friendship if you were a politician. Friendship is best tested when one is gone. Politicians from North and South, indeed should take a cue from you.”
Further extolling the former military ruler's sterling qualities, Ayade said: "For you to come with your lovely wife and your children to honour our brother is a thing of joy and we have now seen why you remain a major source of success and a good story for this nation.
"That is why God has kept you very healthy very strong and very bright as you have always been. I want to use this opportunity to thank you for bringing democracy to Nigeria and God will bless you immensely for this"
The governor once again rued General Ukpo's demise, describing him as "a great son of the soil, a strong advocate for justice and fairness who contributed greatly to the economic development of Cross River by siting all his investments in our dear state."
Earlier, General Abubakar said he would miss the friendship and companionship of the late Ukpo.
According to him, he held the late Military Administrator in high esteem hence his presence in the state to condole with the government and people of Cross River State as well as the deceased's family.
"An honour I can do to such a long-standing friend, a very dependable one, an upright citizen, is to come and commiserate with you and the people of Cross River State and also with the family of General Ukpo.
"So, through you, Your Excellency I want to convey our condolences to all the people of Cross River State and also the people of Yala
"Your Excellency, it may interest you to know that during these 54 years of our friendship I cannot tell you the number of times Tony had visited us in Minna with his last visit being just about two months ago before the good Lord took him. So we wish the family all the comfort and succour in this time of grief and loss", the former Head of State said.
He thanked Ayade for standing with the Ukpo family in their moment of grief.

*UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations 'Delivery As One' Work Plan*

The United Nations and the Cross River State government has jointly signed the 2021/2022 Work Plan.

The Country Rep of the United Nations Population Agency UNFPA, Ms Ulla Elisabeth Mueller thanked Governor Ben Ayade for the opportunity and time created for the signing of the work plan and commended the collaboration from the Cross River State Government for the development of the work plan.

Mueller noted that "Cross River State is one of the leading states in the implementation of the Delivery as One project in Nigeria. It has been an interesting journey working with Cross River State in the past years.

"Cross River State has dynamic youths who want to contribute to the building of this country despite the challenges confronting them.

"The UN has moved to support you to overcome these seemingly myriad of challenges. During implementation, your team and the UN team will prioritize and ensure that every body gets the services that will be rendered"

On his part, Governor Ben Ayade commended the UN for the passion shown to Nigeria, particularly the challenges of Covid19 and the security within the Niger Delta region.

Ayade noted that "the choice of Cross River State for implementing all of these programs is not a surprise to us. Our concern is that we need to find time to sit on a table to share our concerns and find a sustainable way to addressing these concerns.

"I am particularly grateful because you are here to assist me deliver on my core mandate as Governor because your areas of delivery speaks to my core mandate. Our youth come out of school without job placement and that is why we line up industries to address unemployment in the state as well as expanded government to accommodate the interest of the youths.

"We started the Welding and Fabrication Academy, we will graduate our first batch in a couple of weeks from now, let's see how we can incorporate them into this plan and see how we can provide basic start up kits for them.

"While I commend your dexterity to assist our state, I hope to see the change that will be associated with this humanitarian intervention"

The Governor seized the opportunity to commend the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong for her resilience and commitment to ensuring the coordination of UN activities in the State.

Earlier, the Commissioner, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong commended efforts made by the UN Agencies working in Cross River State with UNFPA as the lead agency for the various interventions under the Delivery as One.

Asibong mentioned key result areas for the intervention to include:
a) Governance, Human Right, Peace and Security
b) Equitable Quality Basic Services and
c) Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and Development.

The Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Tanko Ashang signed the work plan on behalf of the Cross River State Government while the UNFPA Country Rep, Mrs Ulla Elisabeth Mueller signed for the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Martins Orim led other government functionaries to witness the signing, while the Head of Calabar Office of UNFPA, Dr Aliyu Yakubu led other UN agencies in Cross River State.


By
Elijah Ugani

Ayade, Aregbesola commission ultramodern fire fighting truck in Calabar, laud PMB

Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, supported by the Minister for Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Tuesday commissioned a state-of-the-art fire fighting truck in Calabar.
Governor Ayade lauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister for the truck, which is one of about 200 acquired by the federal government.
Describing the acquisition and distribution of the trucks as one of the silent achievements of President Buhari, Ayade commended the minister, whom he said, “is active and performing, delivering on timelines.”
He promised to take a cue from the President and ensure that budgetary provision is made in the 2022 budget for the acquisition of fire fighting trucks for the 18 local governments in the state.
"Cross River is known as the tourism capital of Nigeria and as such safety must be our priority. So you will see that we will reflect this in our budget for 2022 to ensure we provide this kind of fire fighting truck in all the local government areas,” the governor pledged.
Ayade, who noted that emergency response systems have remained a big challenge since fires happen extemporaneously and most times on a state of emergency, disclosed that his government has already placed orders for three fire fighting trucks for the Obudu International Airport.
The minister of interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola accompanied by the controller federal fire service, and all the heads of para military agencies in the state said the deployment of the modern fire fighting truck was to further strengthen safety from unforeseen fires.
While calling on the media to support the effort of government to promote the consciousness of Nigerians in their communities to own the equipment, the former Osun State governor said the federal government has purchased 200 modern fire fighting trucks, distributed 141 and 59 still outstanding.
He pleaded with the personnel handling the trucks to handle them with care as the they do not come cheap.

*Cross River state leads the world by Example; Vaccinate Refugees as such leaving no one behind! Gov Ayade provides Relief Materials and sensitizes refugees on Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccine rollout*


The Cross River State Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu visited Refugee Camp at Ogoja Local Government Area as part of sensitization exercise for Cholera prevention and Phase two roll out of COVID-19 Vaccination across the State alongside the Director-General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, and the vaccination Team.

The COVID-19 pandemic which is having a serious impact on the most vulnerable communities worldwide and threatens progress on HIV, TB, malaria, maternal care, vaccination, and other areas of healthcare especially amongst Refugees and internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have received adequate attention by the State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade who has stated severally and demonstrated his support for total rehabilitation and reintegration of refugees and IDPs across the State.

With the new wave of Cholera outbreak in Nigeria and the receipt Of doses of the Modena vaccines early this month in the state, Cross River has since commenced vaccination of every citizen eligible as well as Refugees across the State beginning with the refugee settlement at Adagom. IDPs are often at the risk of exposure to outbreaks and infections like cholera and COVID19 due to their living arrangements and predicaments; Said Dr. Betta Edu.

The Government of Cross River state working with various partners is committed to resolving issues around the Health care, education, and livelihood of refugees. With the spread of COVID19 and cholera in the country, there is a need to sensitize the refugees on ways to prevent these outbreaks in their settlements. This is why we have come. We also want to give the vaccine to every eligible camp member to ensure they are protected. To prevent Cholera and Even COVID19 we must ensure proper handwashing using the clean water sources that have been provided; ensure you drink clean water and avoid open defecation. Using a face mask often and taking the COVID-19 vaccine will further prevent the spread of COVID19 in the settlements. Following Sensitization and vaccination we will provide more health staff to provide care for health issues and psychosocial support from our social workers she said. The Commissioner said the government of Cross River State is deeply concerned about this unprecedented pandemic and its impact on refugees and their host communities.

According to DG CRSPHCDA, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the government is working assiduously to support vulnerable persons under purview that requires vaccination in line with the Presidential Steering Committee plan to reach this group in the second phase.

She disclosed that the COVID-19 crisis has already had significant consequences for the Agency operations, forcing them to rapidly adjust the way they work. However, we are sparing no effort to help and protect refugees the best we can under these difficult circumstances. She noted that vaccines are safe and free as such they should discard rumors around vaccines.

As part of the exercise the Commissioner For Health Dr Betta Edu an DG Primary Health Dr Janet Ekpeyong went through communities to inspect for sanitation in the settlement, screen children for malnutrition and provide relief materials ranging from bags of rice, toiletries, and a host of other items at the settlement.

UNICEF Commends Ayade on world-class facilities at new teachers institute

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has joined other international bodies to commend Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade for constructing the world-class Teachers Continuous Training Institute in Biase Local Government Area of the State.
Speaking to newsmen during a four-day training of Youth Volunteers on Real Time Monitoring for the Child-Friendly Communities Initiative, held at the institute’s amphitheater, UNICEF representative, Ms. Bhawna Vajpai said the state-of-the-art facilities in the Institute rank among the best across sub-Saharan Africa.
She was of the view that the institute would sooner than later become a citadel for teacher’s development in Africa.
Vajpai, who is the Convergence Specialist, described Ayade’s decision to establish the institute as a world-class training center for teachers across Nigeria and beyond with modern technology as the hallmark of a leader with an eye for the future.
On her part, UNICEF Education Specialist, Dr Agatha Nzeribe, said the facility is a product of good and deep thinking.
In her wards, "this is a vision that ensures that teachers receive the needed capacity development at intervals. This is something worthy of commendation.
"Here is a facility designed to support teachers. The governor has demonstrated his commitment to teacher quality issues by improving the teachers capacity within the state.
“I am personally impressed. The facility is generally friendly and quiet. You won’t get distracted here. If I have any training this will be the venue.”
Governor Ayade had during one of his visits to the institute said the institute was established “to continuously retrain teachers because the quality of students is determined by the quality of teaching and the quality of teaching is a reflection of the quality of the training.
“The institute is therefore, set up specifically to attend to the teaching needs of West Africa, to drive home the message of quality teaching because only through quality teaching that you can have quality learning which also translates to quality outcome.”
The Teachers Continuous Training Institute, set on the undulating topography in Biase, in all its grandeur, presents itself as a bastion for the education of teachers and the enhancement of the teaching profession as attested to by UNICEF.

*World Heart Day; Cross River State Ministry of Health in Collaboration with Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club staged 12km 1000 Man walk in Calabar*

As the world struggles to fight COVID-19 and more persons including young people die of Heart failure; there is need for everyone in Cross River state to be more aware of the importance of ensuring good health and fitness. With the theme for 2021 World Heart Day being "Harnessing the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention and management of CVD globally"

The State Ministry of Health in Collaboration with over 12 Fitness clubs staged a 12km walk through the Calabar Carnival Route to mark the day and sensitize people on the dangers of Cardiovascular disease and the need to exercise in other to keep fit as one major part of preventive healthy living.

The Commissioner For Health, Dr Betta Edu disclosed that Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s number one killer, resulting in 18.6 million deaths a year across the globe.

According to her the disease has many causes ranging from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution, and less common conditions such as Chagas disease and cardiac amyloidosis while calling on everyone to reduce the intake of alcohol and cigarettes.

"For the people living with CVD, COVID-19 has been heartbreaking. They have been more at risk of developing severe complications from different forms of the virus. Many have been afraid to attend routine check up. Many persons don’t even know they are hypertensive, too many even in recent times have slumped and died from cardiovascular Disease. The need for everyone to be aware and get involved in activities that will reduce the risk of dying from Heart disease or failure can not be over emphasized!

“Our daily exercise and regularly medical check up is very important. I use this opportunity to call those living with CVD to immediately adhere to the doctor instructions on medication, ensure they eat healthy and exercise as well as sleep as necessary; Says Dr Edu.

The Chairman of Healthy Billionaires Fitness Club, Mr William Archibong Jr disclosed that the walk aims to encourage a fitness and healthy lifestyle, which ultimately leads to more productivity and serenity of the mind.

It is not enough to work from Monday to Saturday or Sunday; you must find time to keep fit and shed off excess weight. “It will help you to be mentally fit and be in a position to cope with your activities,’’ he said.

The Walk had top Government functionaries such as Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Eric Anderson, Commissioner for Solid Mineral, Mr George O'Ben-Etchi amongst many others. It was sponsored by zenith Bank.

Cross River South: Duke as a Reincarnation of Quisling



Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Jonsson Quisling, the Norwegian politician who actively collaborated with Hitler's Nazi regime in Germany to subjugate his own country and people, will be green with envy in his grave if he realises that an Efik son, Donald Duke, has doubled his record in treachery and betrayal.

Yes, Duke, Cross River state governor for eight years( 1999-2007) and former Commissioner of Finance in the state under Governor Clement Ebri, is Efik's  version of Quisling and he is not pretending about it.

As the 2023 Cross River gubernatorial election approaches, Duke is again on familiar turf. He has deployed all devious weapons of treachery in his arsenal to thwart power shift to the Southern Senatorial district where the Efiks domicile.

According to the Cross River state charter of equity, the state governorship seat is expected to rotate back to the South in 2023 having gone round the three senatorial districts but Donald is working against the realisation of this goal. Like Quisiling, Duke is in cohort with outsiders to sell his people for a pittance.

Like his alter-ego, the Norwegian Quisling, Donald is collaborating with Governor Nyesom Wike of River state and Senator Sandy Ono from the central senatorial district of Cross River to deny Southern Cross River nay the Efik nation the opportunity to produce the next governor of the state. 

Does Duke perhaps want to be the first and last, in fact, the only Efik nay southern governor? It seems so. Talk of a dog in the manger and Duke readily comes to mind. He perfectly fits the description. 

Having been governor for two terms, Duke is constitutionally barred from contesting the same position again but he is now actively working to ensure that no Efik son or daughter attains the same position. He wants no Efik person to equal or exceed his political record.

Is Donald claiming that in the south there is no one capable of governing the state? When the Southern Senatorial Zone is blessed with experienced, ebullient and intellectual leaders across all walks of life.

As most young Nigerians on social media would joke when confronted with a puzzling post, "no be juju be that?" Donald has a long history of treachery against the Efik nation and his fellow Efiks and I ask, no be juju be that?


With no pangs of conscience, Donald has been seen frolicking with leaders outside Cross River and campaigning for a candidate to emerge from another Senatorial Zone other than the south in 2023.

By this action Duke has sold out the Southern Senatorial district. This is even as his bossom friend and Senator representing the District in the Senate, Senator Gershom Bassey is also interested in the governorship race.

Duke pathetically has no history of loyalty to friendship, respect and love for the Efik nation and empathy for the youths.

For example, even as close as Gershom was to him, as a brother and fellow Efik, Duke as Governor turned his back on Gershom.

It was Liyel Imoke from the central who, as Governor, gave Gershom the desired recognition and lift.

As governor, Duke held in unspeakable disdain, the then Obong of Calabar, Nta Elijah Henshaw who he had wanted to jail. Duke was never tired of abusing that office.

Though he became Commissioner of Finance and governor  at a young age, Duke as Governor was aversed to a similar ascendancy for the youths.

This explained his obnoxious policy of pegging the age requirement to contest councillorship election at 40.

Duke's disdain for Efik land hisses with diabolical resonance. He is more at home outside his ancestral Efik land. For example, as Commissioner for Finance, Duke operated from Lagos and only came to Calabar once in a while.

"You should not dwell on the betrayal that you can see. The truly terrifying betrayal is that which lies hidden from your eyes", so says Aizen Sosuke.

The above quote is for the Efik nation and the people of Southern Senatorial district: Duke should be treated with utter ignominy. He does not worth your worry because he is an ant that thinks himself an elephant.

In the final analysis, Duke poses no real danger to the political aspiration of the South for he is a paperweight politicians. Here is a man who has been on a free fall politically since leaving office. Verdict: Duke cannot deliver his polling boot if election is held today

Cross River 2023: Southern Senatorial District and Danger of Political Oblivion



"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided" – J.K. Rowling


Rowling perhaps had the Southern senatorial district  and the 2023 Cross River gubernatorial election in mind when he penned the above immortal lines.

Even the blind can see and feel it: That the South is sadly approaching the 2023 Cross River gubernatorial election a divided house. And should this be so? No.

The consequences of disunity in the Southern district and indeed among the Efiks as regard the 2023 election will be far-reaching unless urgent steps are taken now to unite all the disparate political gladiators and ethnic nationalities in the South- Ejegham, Effut among others- and forge a common front.

It is true that according to the Cross River charter of equity, it is the turn of the Cross River South senatorial district where the Efiks and other nationalities are domiciled to produce the next governor but this charter is unwritten and not cast on stone.The danger of the governorship seat eluding the South and the Efiks in particular is therefore, real.

This means that by omission or commission on the side of the South and Efik nation at large, the 2023 guber train may depart without them on board.

Truth be told, as 2023 approaches, the Efik nation is at crossroads. Never in our cherished political history have we been this polarised.


As a people desirous of producing the next governor of our dear state, I shudder in utter amazement that Woodrow T. Wilson's timeless admonition, "we cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We stand together until the end" rings no bell in our ears.

Should the Efiks and other stakeholders in out senatorial zone continue to work at cross-purpose towards the 2023 Southern governorship project, the looming danger is that the central senatorial zone will waste no time to capitalise on that to snatch the levers of power.

Already, indications are that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is disposed to ceding its guber ticket to the Central zone and to Senator Sandy Ono in particular.

Senator Ono running with a Deputy from the Northern Senatorial district will seal politically, the fate of disunited Southern zone as far as the 2023 governorship election is concerned.

There could be a few fifth columnists and quislings in the Efik nation like former governor Donald Duke working against the political interest of the ethnic group but this should not be allowed to stand in the way of the larger collective resolve of the Efiks and indeed Southern senatorial district to attain political ascendancy in 2023.

The determination of the Southern senatorial district to succed politically must be stronger than the prospect of failure.What the Efiks need at this material time, therefore, is unity of purpose, after all, it is said that when spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.

His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, a fair-minded and refined leader, is committed to power shift to the Southern zone but this will be a Herculean task if the intended beneficiaries of that commitment continue to steer the ship of success farther away from the coast.

Those that reject hope sink in despair.This is not the character trait of the Efik.They are resilience and goal-getting.Therefore, all hope are not lost.

The 2023 governorship seat is still within the reach of the Efik nation only if its political leaders can collapse their individual ambitions into the common pool of Efik interest by selecting a consensus guber candidate to fly South's flag in the contest.

You need to get back into your mother's womb. How does anyone with a sane mind blame d Governor for this? Other states that were destroyed was it the fault of the Governor as well? It's a pity that people like you without basic comprehension skills still exist. I won't be surprised you were one of the looters

Endsars: Senate Committee expresses shock at level of destruction in Cross River


Almost one year following the nationwide mayhem unleashed by the #endsars protests, the Senate Joint Committe on National Security & Intelligence, Defence, Police Affairs and Judiciary & Legal Matters, Tuesday, visited Calabar to assess the level of damage to property in the state.

Led by its Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, the Committee expressed shock and sadness at the level of destruction of both public and private properties in the state.
The Committee visited several places including the Tinapa Lake Resort, the Calabar International Convention Centre located at Summit Hills, the Calabar Garment Factory, Ayade Industrial Park, Federal Psychiatric Hospital and the World Health Organization)WHO) office, amongst other.

Speaking when the committee paid a visit on the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade shortly after inspecting the damaged properties, Senator Gobir said members of his committee were “saddened by the event and especially the mindless level of destruction visited on all the properties we saw."

The Committee Chairman said the committee felt the need to visit the state and see things for themselves before concluding its report.
"Immediately we landed, our first port of call was Tinapa and what we saw was unbelievable because we never expected that kind of destruction we saw in that place."

Gobir recalled that he was "in Tinapa some years back and I know the kind of things you could find in Tinapa because what was there was second to none in this country, but unfortunately when we went there yesterday, the situation was so bad and the destruction was so much."

Lamenting, the Chairman said: "Sometimes we wonder why people should go to that extent. But because people are senseless they tend to sabotage or go on that kind of wanton destruction.
In spite of the gloom, the Senator said it members could not help but notice the scale of industrialization undertaken by the governor.

“Despite all these, we have seen the kind of development through industrialization under your watch and of course, we are not surprised because you are a man of intellectual capacity,” Senator Gobir stated.

Thanking the Committee for its evaluation tour of the state, Governor Ayade who described the attacks as wilful, vicious and mindless, lamented that "for the little intellectual money we have struggled to be able to push in value, some people came in and destroyed everything.

"We have people on video while destroying saying: 'Let's see how Cross River will be boasting about their Tinapa, let's see how they will be talking of this Industrial park'. Truly, the highest destruction in the whole country was in Cross River, as most of our assets including our piles and pylon factory which you could not go because it is in far away Akamkpa were destroyed.
"It is the major factory that will build the sub-structure for the deep seaport. So there was somebody behind the strategic attack because even the looting they did was just too much. All the persons arrested in connection with the violence happen to be non-indigenes. When we did door to door search, the people in whom we found some of our looted assets were linked to a certain ethnic nationality. So, for us as a state, it is like we lost a whole generation."

According to Ayade, "What happened in Cross River State during the Endsars was something I will say was not natural because when the protest started across the country, Calabar and indeed, Cross River was totally at peace. I therefore, took proactive steps by putting out a broadcast offering scholarships to all indigenes of the state in the Cross River State University of Technology, including announcing massive programs of incentives. I spoke to the youths, encouraged them to be cautious that Cross River State was the state with the least federal allocation. I told them that the destruction would hurt us as a state.

“I was on TV and radio, I addressed them through these mediums, we had several meetings with the service commanders to forestall anything that could go wrong but we also saw on social media, people asking why was Cross River so peaceful while all our neighbouring states were burning? It was almost as if somebody was actually pushing an agenda about why should Calabar have peace? And so if you check the systemic destruction you will know that it was orchestrated. In one of our security meetings we were told that there was a team of people who were going to come through the waters to come and attack us because they think it was an embarrassment that everywhere else was burning except Calabar."

*Health Commissioner Lay Foundation Stone for Lions Club Multi-Million Diabetes Screening and Treatment Centre of Excellence in General Hospital Ogoja*

Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu has laid the foundation stone for the construction of an ultra-modern Diabetes Screening/Treatment Centre, at the General Hospital, Ogoja, in Ogoja Local Government Area of the state which is been donated by Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi led Lions Club International, District 404 A2.

Dr. Edu, during the ground-breaking ceremony stated that the General Hospital Ogoja under her watch has become a center of Excellence with several specialties to cater to the needs of persons in the Northern senetorial district and beyond. The state Health commissioner said Diabetes has the highest prevalence in the south south region of Nigeria which includes Cross River state and 50 percent of persons living with diabetes are still undiagnosed. Persons living with diabetes are more likely to die from COVID 19 as compared to the General population, this is why the State government is collaborating with Lions Club to ensure that Diabetes prevention is given maximum and proper attention, as well as treatment, social support, nutritional support and management. She said the project will be given adequate support to secure the lives of diabetes patients in Northern Cross River State.

"The State Government is highly impress with what the Lions Club International, District 404 A2 Nigeria, is doing at Ogoja. The edifice when completed will also service neighboring states like Benue, Ebonyi and as such strengthen the State Medical Tourism; she said.

Edu said, “The intervention of Lion’s Club aligns with the administration of Governor Ben Ayade's vision of prolonging the life expectancies of people of the state. Our vision is to provide quality health care and to make it accessible and affordable.

In her remarks the District Governor of Lions District 404 A2, Lion Lady Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi, PMJF, NLCF, stated that the need to improve the quality of life of the people informed the construction of the project.

She said, “This event is particularly significant because it marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of Lions Club International, District 404A2, Nigeria.

“I salute every Lion leader and stakeholder here present to witness the beauty of service towards improving our communities and humanity. “Studies have shown that on the average, 40 people die everyday from diabetes-related ailments in Nigeria.

“This informed the need for this facility, which will cater for the health needs of those in surrounding communities, while providing a point of care for screening and treatment to help avert the looming numbers of fatality from Diabetes mrecorded nationwide.

She submitted that diabetes is a deadly disease with high prevalence in Nigeria and quick in reducing the lifespan of the people.

“We have provisions for those who have been diagnosed. We will be treating patients, we will be making referrers in some cases that can’t be handled. “We will also be monitoring the progress of people that have been diagnosed with diabetes,” she said.
The DG SPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong who accompanied the Commissioner as well as the Chiefs praised the commitment of Lions Club to meeting needs in society. The promised full support to project.

APC Youth Lobby Group visits Femi Gbajabiamila

.....Asuquo Ekpenyong and others canvas for youth inclusion in governance

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila on Thursday received delegation of APC Youth Lobby Committee in his office where the group had come to advocate on youth inclusion in governance.

The Speaker in his remarks said he subscribed to the belief that the Nigerian youth had a lot to offer, a remained a youth advocate.

The Statement issued by the Speaker's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Lanre Lasisi stressed that the 9th House of Representatives had also keyed into the youth advocacy in governance and public offices as many bills being considered were motivated by the interest of the youth.

According to him when the Speaker hosted the APC Youth Lobby Committee on Inclusion during a courtesy call on Thursday at the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila encouraged the Nigerian youth to continue to be productive.

However, the Speaker noted that "power is not served à la carte," hence the Nigerian youth must peacefully work toward gaining positions of leadership.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Bar. Ismail Ahmed, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the National Social Investment Programme as well as the caretaker National Youth Leader of the APC, said Gbajabiamila had shown loyalty, dedication and commitment to the APC as a progressive family.

He said with the way the Speaker appointed mostly young people as his aides, he had shown uncommon love to the Nigerian youth and proved that he remained a Progressive to the core.

He said the visit was to encourage the Speaker to continue being an ambassador for the Nigerian youth.

Also Speaking, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong commended the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives as one of the most effective speakers of the House to date, he stated that the Speaker’s effectiveness was not unconnected to the fact that he entered the house at a relatively young age in 2003 and had since had the opportunity to be groomed and consequently developed excellent leadership skills.

Mr. Ekpenyong further stressed that it is impossible to teach a man to drive a car from the backseat, he must be sat in the passenger seat beside the driver to learn properly. He concluded that the APC Youth Lobbying Committee’s visit to him was particularly to seek his support for young Nigerians to have a fair opportunity to learn and be groomed so that they too may become effective when they attain leadership positions. “We appeal that you continue to advocate for youth inclusion and even expansion in Governance whether through elective or appointive positions”.

Excitement as Cross River cocoa processing factory begins chocolate production


Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade has expressed his excitement following the commencement of production of chocolate bars at the Ikom Cocoa Processing Factory.
The cocoa processing factory is one of the several agro-alied factories established by the Ayade-led administration as part of its agricultural revolution.
Speaking shortly after being conducted round the various production chains of the factory, Ayade said the time had come for Africa to begin to reap the full benefit of its cocoa value chain.
He regretted the fact that although Africa “accounts for eighty six percent of world cocoa production, it unfortunately, in terms of the economy, gains only six percent which means that Africa produces 86%of cocoa, export the cocoa beans and in turn goes back and import chocolate into Africa. This process has come to an end. So what you find here is a full cocoa processing plant from the tree to chocolate for final consumption."
Disclosing that the beneficiation process has so much value, he said "the process is very clear. It starts with separation and then cleansing until you get clean beans. The clean beans go through a complete conveyor system and goes through the process of fermentation, maturation and drying until you get to a point were you get the product you want."
Ayade said the chocolate from the Ikom cocoa processing factory is special in the sense that "it has a slightly bitter taste, which is what is now desireable as opposed to the very sugary, very sweet and fattening products that are very unhealthy.
"For our own chocolate brand, we try to use the best of the ingredients which contain that slight bitter taste, which is an antioxidant that is particularly good for the body."
Urging Nigerians to take advantage of the uniqueness of the chocolate from the Ikom cocoa processing factory, he said “it is very important for you to know that as we debut with Ikom chocolate, know that It is African chocolate, 100% organic, grown in African soil, processed in Africa and made available to the world."
The governor who expressed excitement at the commencement of the production of the wholly made in Nigeria chocolate, said: "I feel very very gratified that today we are about to start the commercial production of chocolate in Ikom, Cross River state of Nigeria."
Justifying his venture into agro-industrialization, Ayade explained that "the process we have in place is a necessary requirement to actually create jobs for the teeming youths. If 65% of our 4.5 million population are young people under the age of 35, and if we cannot create jobs, it means that you are going to have more and more #endsars like protests.
"So my inspiration was to actually create jobs and the best way to create jobs is through agro-industrial revolution and that is what this cocoa processing factory stands for."

*UNESCO to support C/River National Park for effective protection of biodiversity*
... Following it's designation as an International Biosphere Reserve

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has pledged its readiness to support the Cross River National Park for effective protection and preservation of its biodiversity.

The UNESCO also pledged to empower residents of the host communities with a view to prevent illegal logging ongoing around the park.

*Ms Audrey Azoulay*, the Director-General of UNESCO, gave the assurance on Sunday when she visited the park in Akamkpa, Cross River.

Azoulay, who took a walk round the park with other officials, said she was on a working visit to the park as part of the International Biosphere meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja on Sept. 13, 2021.

She said that the visit was to also ascertain the fight against climate change and to protect the biodiversity in the park.

She noted that committed steps have been taken by *Governor Ayade* and the CR Government on Wildlife Plant and Animal Conservative and Preservation and to support the host communities of the park.

“We are in Nigeria to provide solution for a greener economy for the communities, for better knowledge of the ecosystem, protection of nature and empowerment of the local communities.

“UNESCO is standing with Nigeria to protect its biodiversity through an increase of the network of the biosphere reserve.

The Minister of State for Environment, *Mrs Sharon Ikeazor*, said that the Ministry was also collaborating with the local communities to protect the biodiversity.

Also, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation in Cross River, *Dr Inyang Asibong*, said that the state government places premium on the protection of the biodiversity, hence their sustained collaboration with the Management of the park.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment in Cross River, *Mr Mfon Bassey*, noted that the ministry was committed to the protection and preservation of the reserve area.

The Controller of Cross River National Park, *Mr Zanna Lawal*, said that the Park was surrounded by 105 communities in Oban, Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.


Also speaking, Mr Victor Asuquo, the Youth leader of the host communities, appealed to UNESCO, the State Government and the Federal Government to provide alternative sources of livelihood for poachers, hunters, and timber loggers/dealers.

*Cross River state issues new public Health guidelines to curb spread of COVID-19: Test for COVID-19 at Health Facilities across state using Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit.*

Following the spread of the COVID-19 Virus and the sequencing of the Delta Variant of COVID-19 in the state which has affected a good number of persons lately, the Commissioner for Health and Chairman COVID19 Taskforce in Cross River state Dr Betta Edu has released a new health guideline on COVID19 testing which is intended to provide protection for the Health workers (front line) and the patient as well as aid early detection of suspected cases, thus reducing spread and saving lives in the communities.

This step which is expected to ramp up the state testing for COVID-19 and support the surveillance section of the epidemiology Unit of the public health response from the ministry of Health to reach more persons, confirm more cases and build skills of front line health workers to overcome the pandemic is rated by many Public Health specialist as being timely!

The state has purchased several Rapid Diagnostic Test kits for COVId-19 in addition to previous donations from NCDC which is to be distributed to all major Health facilities in the state both at secondary and primary Level. The state Epidemiologist’s and the Rapid response team has also begun the training of more frontline Health workers on testing for COVID-19 since they are expected to test all those who come into their health facilities before treatment.

The Honorable commissioner for Health is using the medium to advocate to Cross Riverians to take the vaccines and stay protected as all those who have died of COVID-19 or have come down with very severe forms of the disease are people who have never taken the vaccines. Don’t gamble with your life; get vaccinated immediately! Vaccines are limited!

Cross River’s ultra-moderm rice mill ready for commissioning by Buhari -Ayade


All is now set for the formal commissioning of the Cross River State-owned 10-ton per hour ultra-moderm rice mill located in Ogoja Local Government Area by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The state Governor, Sir Ben Ayade made the disclosure recently during the test run of the factory.

While thanking the contractors for what he described as their diligent commitment to the project, Ayade said: "I have just watched the test operation and it is fully operational.

"The dream of having the Ogoja rice mill has come to birth today. We have just had a full test run, a pre-commissioning test run from the point of receiving the padding from the pad, through the pre-cleaning to parboiling stage to the presieving where it does the destoning, taking out the outter shell to the whitener and from where it goes further down the system to absorb the grading and making sure that the grain size is uniform and finally to the bagging line."

According to Ayade, the rice also goes through the vitaminization plant, which process has been tested at the pre-commissioning stage and this is fully functional and operational."

Beaming with excitement, Governor Ayade also hinted that "the mill is the first of its kind in Africa and I am particularly proud that we have this outstanding world-class vitaminzed rice mill in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State."

He said the establishment of the rice mill in Ogoja has the potential to make millionaires out of the young farmers from area.

"I look forward to converting the entire people of the state into rice farmers. This is because the storage capacity alone is about 6,500 tons and on continuous production, we have a storage capacity of 240 tons per day, at 24 hours operation. So if we have 240 tons per day, it therefore means that even if we are to convert the whole land in Cross River State for rice farming, this factory has the capacity to take all."

Significantly, he said: "The issue of poverty will come to an end. But you need an aggregate vote that will be made available to farmers to be able to buy, carry and deliver to this factory. So for every local government, we are going to have a supplier to this farm.

"We have a grading system to access the quality of grain. The Cross River rice seedling factory will supply seedlings to the famers so we could have consistent quality of grains. We will have people who will buy off the padding from the farmers. We are also going to introduce the anchor borrowers program, where key stakeholders will be given funds by the state government and perhaps the federal government to assist them do large scale industrial farming like myself."

On how the factories will be run to ensure their survival, Ayade said: "We are discussing at different levels, just as we have put in place a privatization council. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, a government finishes a project and it is making it available to the citizens of the state."

Additionally, also revealed that "we have an industrial referendum to determine what happens to each of the industries," noting that "we are at the exit point of my administration, less than two years to the end, so we need to discuss the continuous maintenance and availability of these equipments and plant.

"So it is the outcome of the referendum, which is the opinion of the citizens of Cross River State, that will determine the fate of each of the industries. If we choose concession, we go with concession. If we choose outright privatization, we go for outright privatization. So I wish to inform every Cross Riverian who has logged into the website to vote for what should happen to our industries. Voting will close by 15th of September, after which we will start the data and statistical analysis, and When we are done, we will have the final opinion on what Cross Riverians are saying about the industries."