Cross River’s 140-bed hospital will be reference point in Africa -Ayade


Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade says the state’s 140-bed specialist which is at an advanced stage of completion in Obudu will be a reference point in Africa.
Governor Ayade who was in Obudu to inspect the progress of work at the ultra-moderm hospital, said given the reputation of the partners involved, Siemens and Coscharis, it will no doubt be a touchstone in quality healthcare in Africa.
"This is Siemens hospital basically. Siemens is number one in hospital equipment. Even in American hospitals, they have more of Siemens equipment, so we are convinced that our MRI, CT scan, radiology, diagnostics and dialysis equipment will be world-class," Ayade disclosed.
He said he was convinced the hospital will be a first-class hospital especially given that it will have its own oxygen plant to produce oxygen, even as he disclosed that the hospital will have “a special covid unit, which will cater to covid-19 patients in a special way with oxygen fully generated from within the system."
The hospital is also fitted with a solar power system to guarantee 24-hour power supply, thus not being dependent on the national grid
On the hospital's bed capacity, the governor quipped: "We have a total of 120 beds, plus an additional 20 for those who are going into the recovery phase. So we are going to have a total of 140 beds hospital. Massive!
"So I am very excited this hospital will be the reference hospital for Africa, not just Nigeria. Before we took this design, we had studied all the hospitals in Nigeria in terms of all the critical equipments, even in Abuja, both public and private hospitals. We are convinced that the level of sophistication will be unmatched. Our dispensary unit has an outdoor station, you drive through, sit in your car and a robot delivers your drugs to you. You swipe your card, get your drugs and you are gone without any human interference. The human element is our secondary phase, should the robotic services fail you.
“We also have a partnership with a German firm for drug revolving program and also with Canadian team to support us with drugs. Of course, Cross River State has a pharmaceutical company. So we will also be producing drugs as a state. The hospital will also buy drugs from the Calapharm. I think the circle is completely proper and the social benefit is unquantifiable, it’s a thing of joy for me.”
On staffing, the governor disclosed that a team will be sent to Germany for massive training, six months to commissioning.
“We have a lot of Cross River doctors who will be sent to Germany for training to come back here because this is actually Cross-German hospital, a partnership between Cross River State government and Siemens under the catalysis of Coscharis. Our excitement is actually bringing the best hospital in Africa to Obudu."
Ayade gave reasons why the hospital is sited in Obudu.
According to him, this an axis that is lacking in terms of medical care. Abuja is quite extremely out there, Lagos is far out there. And because we are building an international airport here and because Obudu Ranch Resort is a tourist attraction, we have high level, high profile citizens who will be coming on tourism here. The British Canadian University will be taking very elitist students, so we would not want any challenges. We will need a hospital that can provide for these primary footfalls that will serve as the initial base of patronage. I see Benue, Ebonyi, Cross River and some of the South South states coming here because of the sophisticated level of equipment we will have here."

*150 Catholic Priest and many Reverend Sisters take the COVID-19 Vaccines as Cross River state continues to Top the country in target population Covered*

With the event of the third wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Cross River state under the Guided Leadership of Sen Ben Ayade a renowned Professor of Microbiology and Governor of the state has continued to stand out in prevention of the dreaded disease. During the First phase of the COVID-19 vaccines roll-out the Governor put all modalities in place to ensure seamless logistics to get the vaccines to Cross Riverians making cross River Top the chart in Nigeria with 117% coverage of targeted population in Nigeria.

With the sequencing of the Delta variant in Cross River state, the Cross River state COVID-19 response taskforce Led by Dr Betta Edu and closely supported by Dr Janet Ekpeyong have worked to see that the doses of COVID-19 vaccines are available to all cross Riverians in all Primary,Secondary and even Tertiary Health facilities in the state.

The team recorded another first as Catholic Priest converged in Bekwarra Local Government Area! A novel step first of its kind in Nigeria which involved bringing together the Leadership of the Catholic Church in the state to get vaccinated and also speak to their congregation to get vaccinated in the interest of the general public safety.

The Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu who commended the exceptional leadership of the Catholic Church in the state for their continuous support to health care delivery in the state. She said their action has shown strong leadership dispelling all myths and fake news around the COVID-19 vaccines. At least the Christian body can know that the vaccines are not harmful but will only provide protection for individuals against the COVID19 pandemic “the Virus keeps mutating from Beta to Delta to Mu etc we need to quickly get 80% ~90% vaccinated to achieve herd immunity and stop the spread of the disease. Everyone who has died recently of COVID-19 are persons who are not vaccinated, further more everyone who has had very severe symptoms are unvaccinated. So why should we wait to die or get severely ill when the vaccines are available? “ said Dr Betta

Dr Janet Ekpeyong the DG CRSPHCDA in her remarks said the state Government has made vaccines available in all Primary Health centers, some fixed post, secondary facilities and tertiary facilities, she assured the Priest that teams will be sent to missionary Hospitals to immunize people there. The DG went further to explain that taking the vaccine helps the individual to build immunity which will fight the disease if the get exposed to it, preventing complications and death.

The Bishop in-charge as well as the SA to the Governor on Religious matters Father Bob Ettah, thanked the health sector for the great job the have been doing encouraging them to always partner with the Catholic Church on time to spread health information to the grass root! The promised to work with the state to make greater impart in the health sector.

Highlight of the event was the immunization of Reverend fathers and Reverend sisters by the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and the DG Primary health Care Dr Janet Ekpeyong in Bekwarra

BETTA EDU MAKES LIST AS VP OSINBAJO CHAIRS PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON HEALTH SECTOR REFORM

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the setting up of a Health Sector Reform Committee to commence the development and implementation of a Health Sector Reform programme for Nigeria in collaboration with the State Governments and the FCT administration. This is sequel to a Health Sector Diagnostic Review Report developed by a consultant, Vesta Healthcare Partners and the Federal Ministry of Health.

The committee will undertake a review of all healthcare reforms adopted in the past two decades and lessons learnt and factor them into the development of the new Health Sector Reform Programme.

The committee which is set up for a period of six months under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has members drawn from private and public sector health care management professionals, development partners, representatives from the National Assembly as well as the Nigeria Governors Forum among others.

Other members are: His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State ; Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Honourable Minister of Health; Mr. Alex Okoh Director General BPE; Prof Ibrahim Abubakar, a Professor in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London and Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health; Mr Babatunde Irukera, Director General, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council; Senator( Dr) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe; Dr. Adedamola Dada; Dr. Sani Aliyu; Dr. Mairo Mandara; Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga; Professor Uche Amazigbo ; Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health; Dr Faisal Shuaib; Prof Nasiru Sambo; Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa; Dr Gambo Aliyu;

Others in the committee are: Dr Betta Edu ( Chairman Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum representing National Council on Health); President Nigeria Medial Association; President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; President National Association of Nigeria Nurses & Midwives; President Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria ; Mrs Temi Marcella Awogboro ; Dr. Muhammad Sadiq; Dr. Azubike Tagbo and World Health Organization, Nigeria.

Vesta Healthcare Partners and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are to serve as resources persons and have observer roles in the committee.

*Nigeria Health sector Key Stakeholders meet to find solutions to challenges facing The sector.*

*SGF Boss Mustapha declares open Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum meeting.*

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has reiterated the need for a drastic reform in the Nigeria Health sector using the window of opportunity which COVID-19 has brought that have made Government give special attention to the health sector, calling on Federal ministry of health and states to do more in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari to achieve Universal Health Coverage. He made this call in Abuja on Thursday as he declared open the meeting of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum where key stakeholders in the Health sector met to discuss with development partners ways to improve the health system in Nigeria.

The SGF stated in his opening speech that the pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to x-ray the inefficiencies in our health sector and even inefficiencies in Economy etc. The weaknesses in our health system became more glaring as we see how even more established health systems in Europe and America buckled under the pressure of the pandemic.

He disclosed that the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 task has afforded him the opportunity to meet with different players and stakeholders of the health system ranging from interacting with States, development partners and key private sectors players to dig deeper, interrogate and x-ray the system better.

"At the Federal level it has provided us the unique opportunity to review the healthcare system which is in dire need of reforms and funding, we need all Partners to get more committed to supporting Nigeria at Federal and state levels; it’s not yet time for fatigue! The SGF appealed to Doctors to call off the strike in the interest of Nigerians!

Minister of State For Health, Senator Oloruninmbe Mamora in his opening remarks harp on the benefit of strengthening healthcare system at sub national level as the fastest way of achieving universal health coverage. He said this will be fully actualised when development partners streamline their interventions to health needs of various States.

According to him it is important to appeal to all sub-national entities to recognise the serious nature of this situation and strategise with the federal government to win the war. We do not have a different response; we have one national response.It is expected that each and every sub-national government should fit into this national response so that we can collectively deploy our resources, strategies and personnel to directly and decisively achieve universal health coverage.

In her opening remarks, Cross River State Commissioner For Health and Chairman of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum , Dr Betta Edu called on the Federal Government, development partners and key players of the health sector from the private sector to do things differently to see better results. There is need to review Governance structure, reduce fragmentation in the health sector, ensure sustainable Health care financing through Mandatory Health insurance Scheme for all Nigerians, specifically focusing on the development of critical infrastructure in the states, responding to man power needs which will make the health sector at state level more resilient and functional.

Dr Edu stated that one striking issue that the health commissioners have identify is the fact that they have a lot of fragmentation from the national all the way down to sub National level which indirectly affects the system because things are being poorly coordinated, duplicated with alot of wastage and leakages in the implementation of policies and programs. She said there was need to marry various interest at the same time decentralize health care delivery from the Federal to the state level.

She commended the Exceptional Coordination of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVId-19 in managing the Pandemic in Nigeria, Headed by SGF Boss Mustapha and contributions from private sector players and development partners while calling for more support for states.

Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria praised Nigeria for their COVID-19 responses stating that the US Government is committed to supporting the Nigerian Health sector both at National and states as they have always done especially in HIV, TB, Malaria, MNCH amongst others.

The Meeting had in attendance representative of Unicef, World Bank, NGF, ARC, EU, UN, BMGF, Global Fund, GAC, PMGN, Dangote Foundation, Sterling Bank, Zipline, Drug Stoc,and other Development Partners and Private Sector Participants at the Opening Session of the two days interactive gathering.

Cross River State Commissioner For Health and Chairman of Forum of Commissioners in Nigeria , Dr Betta Edu with the Secretary to the Govt of Federation, Boss Mustapha, Minister of State For Health,Sen Oloruninmbe Mamora, Unicef, EU, UN and other Development Partners and Private Sector Participants at the Opening Session of the ongoing Commissioner Of Health's Forum at Transcorp Hotels Abuja.

Ayade empowers mother of two, physically challenged, hundred others through skill acquisition

For a house wife and mother of two, Mrs. Offiong Harrison Efa, the future depends on the Fabrication and and Contruction Academy of West Africa, Calabar, where she and hundreds of others are currently acquiring for free, different skills.


Mrs Effa hopes to become a self-employed skilled woman so as to eke out a living at the end of her training.

The housewife who describes the academy as a life changer has therefore, commended Governor Ben Ayade for offering her the opportunity to fine tune her future.

Efa who is among the hundreds of trainees at the academy is specialising in different types of electrical installations.

The fabrication academy is one of Governor Ayade's skills acquisition programmes established in March 2021 to offer free manpower training to indigenes of the state, especially the youth.

The mother of two who spoke on the sidelines of a written and practical examinations at the academy by students specializing in welding disclosed that "since I got here six months ago, I have acquired so much knowledge on electrical works.

“I can now fix all kinds of electrical issues and handle all kinds of electrical installations as well."

Commending the governor for the free skills training programme, Efa said her excitement knows no bounds, adding that
"I am very happy to be here and to make use of this opportunity the governor has created for the youths.

I am a married woman with two children but the opportunity to learn a trade and be able to fend for and assist my family was too good to turn down and so that's why you see me getting involved even in a male dominated profession. I cannot thank the governor enough for teaching me how to fish."

Similarly Daniel Effiom Archibong, who spoke shortly after his written and practical examination on welding, said the Academy “has impacted very positively on my life in the past six months. I can now construct, weld and fabricate different kinds of machines including iron bending and other kinds of work beyond welding.

Other governors need to emulate Governor Ayade's initiative in order to generate self-employment opportunities for the teeming army of unemployed youths in the country."

On how the academy impacts on the economy of the state and the individual trainees, Charles Parker, an American consultant to the fabrication academy, disclosed that "every graduate of this academy will be well equipped to start their own businesses because one of the courses they are taking while they are here is entrepreneurship.

"This is so because at the end, whenever they graduate they will be given some token to help them set up their own businesses."

Parker said the thinking of the governor "is to empower the youths so as to rid the state of all the social vices associated with unemployment. The academy is not just for men. We have women here, we have physically challenged, we also have hearing impaired students that come here to learn a skill set so that they can provide for themselves and families."

Speaking on why he put the trainees through formal examination, Commissioner for Youths and Skills Acquisition, Signor Omang Idiege, said "the students are being examined both practically and theoretically to test the training received within this six months.

" This examination is not just from the Ministry of Youths and Skills alone as we are collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education and the scheme used is designed by them. They are collaborating with us as well so that they can have a standard test."

Idiege said "Most of the instructors are retired permanent secretaries, retired directors with some of them notable businesses owners both within the state and outside. We advertised for instructors and about 89 people applied through intense interview with the consultants. About 13 of them were chosen among the 89 who applied and this was based on their experience and pedigree."

The Commissioner disclosed that the academy doesn't charge tuition, as according to him, "Governor Ayade, based on his passion, ordered free enrollment as an encouragement for youth to come in, starting from obtaining the forms which saw thousands of youths indicate interest.
The forms were free and no form of tuition is being charged by the academy."

*Nigeria’s First Referendum, Gov. Ayade Relinquish Power To Cross Riverians to Decide on industries.*

History is made again as Governor Ben Ayade relinquished power to Cross Riverians to decide on the destiny of over 40 industries in the state. He has again proven that power truly belongs to the people strengthening inclusion in governance. The first ever Referendum has been granted to all cross riverians including those in Diaspora as Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has decided that only cross riverians can decide the fate and sustainability of all her Assets/Industries either through Privatization, Concession or 100% state owned and operated.

Making this known through a Press Briefing involving the Chairman of the State Privatization Council Mr John M. Odo, Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, Commissioner for Industry Hon. Peter Egba, Commerce Commissioner Barr Rosemary Archibong, LGA Chairmen and other members of the Committee, Mr John who thanked his Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for Industrializing the State through his numerous Agro Industrialization Revolution Program stated that the State will be carrying out a Referendum to decide on the fate of her Assets/Industries "There is need to put in place a transparent sustainability plan which will ensure increase IGR and provide more employment opportunities to Cross Riverians, the Ayade's administration has decided to put powers in the hands of the masses through a Referendum on what should be done with their Industries. He further stated that if Cross Riverians decide on privatization, it will be done through a transparent process that will give priority to Cross Riverians who are interested in the privatization of the industries before anyone else." He stated.

Also speaking during the briefing, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, a member of the Referendum Committee applauded Governor Ben Ayade for always prioritizing his citizens and putting them first in everything. "Let me remind us that there's a 30% rate of unemployment in Nigeria and the sustainability of these industries will create jobs for our teaming population, a decision His Excellency has left for all cross riverians within and those in diaspora to make. It's already on record that this is the first Referendum happening in Nigeria as Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has completely surrendered his Executive Powers to cross riverians to decide on the fate of some Assets/Industries. The decision to either go into Privatization, Concession or maintain the status quo lies in our hands.

"We'll have to decide as cross riverians either by filling the paper questionnaire or by voting online by visiting the website www.crspc.org accessible to all cross riverians even in Diaspora. Referendum Questionnaires have already been distributed to all Local Government Council Chairmen. At the end of voting both Physically and online, a reputable firm will be responsible for collating and vetting as well as authentication of the results within a space of 72hrs so I encourage us all to take part in this history making decision. Dr Edu added."

The Honorable Commissioner for Industry Hon. Peter Egba and Barr. Rosemary Archibong Commissioner for Commerce who also spoke all commended the Governor for his Agro-industrial Drive which has led to the building of several industries in six years. We commend the government's decision to leave the fate of her Industries in the hands of the masses to decide. "Industries tends to thrive more and yield more income and promote employment if privatized, we call on cross rieverians to take the Referendum as an opportunity to determine how their Industries can be run and managed effectively.

The third tier of government through the Chairman of Chairmen Hon. Emmanuel Offiong Bassey Chairman Akpabuyo LGA declared the willingness and support of all Chairmen to take active part in the referendum Exercise. some of the State own Assets/ Industries under consideration by the State Privatization Council to undergo the Referendum includes;

Garment Factory Calabar, CRS Pharmaceutical Factory Calabar, Instant Noodles Factory, Feed Mill Calabar, Frozen Chicken Factory Calabar, Rise Seedlings Factory Calabar, Mega Watt Power Plant Calabar, Poultry Farm Calabar, Tooth Pick Factory Yakurr, Pyle and Pylon Factory Akamkpa, Industrial Starch Factory Obubra, Cocoa Processing Factory Ikom, Rice Mill Factory Ogoja, British Canadian School Obudu, Obudu International Airport, Cross River Airline Company (CALLY AIR), Organic Fertilizer Factory Calabar, Tinapa Resort Calabar, Marina Tank Farm Calabar, Marina Resort Calabar, Calapharm, Songhai Farm Itigidi, Referral Specialist Hospital Obudu, Groundnut Oil Factory in Yala and a host of others.

Cross riverians are enjoined to visit any LGA Headquarters at close to them or log unto www.crspc.org and take part in the Referendum exercise as the fate of the State owned Assets/Industries depends on their decision.

Ayade bags Best Humanitarian Governor Award from National Commission for Refugees

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has declared Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade the best humanitarian Governor in Nigeria.

The Federal Commissioner for NCFRMI, Hajiya
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the declaration on Monday, in Abuja while presenting the "Best Humanitarian Governor" award to the Governor.

She said Ayade's humanitarian disposition towards refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons was rare even across the African continent, adding that NCFRMI was proud to identify with his achievements.

"Governor Ayade's passion, commitment and concern for the vulnerable members of the society is rare and worthy of emulation. We acknowledge that he has been doing so much to support migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons in Cross River.

"It is in recognition of these efforts to better the living conditions of this category of persons; giving the hopeless, hope; homeless, shelter and the hungry, food; and even going further to create a source of livelihood for them, that we have deemed it necessary to give Governor Ayade the award, to encourage him to continue the good work", she said.

Hajiyya Sulaiman-Ibrahim sought to partner with the Cross River State Government in the task to cater for the needs of refugees, migrants and IDPs in the country.

She stated that the NCFRMI would regularly interface with Gov. Ayade to this end.

Responding, the Governor, thanked NCFRMI for finding him deserving of the honour, saying, " humanity is my religion and I will continue to do all that I can to uphold humanity".

He described NCFRMI as a necessary partner needed to complement the efforts of the state governments to meet the challenges of refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons in the states.

Ayade used the occasion to further draw the federal government's attention to the plight of the displaced Bakassi people and other IDPs while calling for more support towards ameliorating their suffering.

*Cross River State government yesterday flagged off the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination Exercise*

*Take the vaccine to avoid complications and death from COVID-19!*

As the Country and indeed Cross River State enters fully into the third wave of the COVID19 pandemic with rising number of cases and death, it is important for Cross Riverians to come out in large number and take up the vaccines which are very limited!

Officially flagging of the Event, state Commissioner for Health Dr. Edu thanked the state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, for providing support as well as the health workers for ensuring the state achieved 117 per cent coverage of the target population during the last exercise making Cross River state to lead in Nigeria in terms of vaccine coverage. She thank Cross Riverians for their cooperation assuring the Federal Government that the vaccines sent to CRS will soon be exhausted and the will need to mop from other states experiencing vaccine Hesitance and deploy to Cross River as before.

Edu urged residents of the state to come out enmasse for vaccination rather than take the pandemic as a joke, as cases of the pandemic is on the increase. “Cross Riverians should just come out enmasse and get vaccinated as we are presently in the 3rd wave of the pandemic in the state.

“The number of confirmed cases through the PCR is rising, so it’s important for people to come out for vaccination immediately. Beyond the vaccination, we must continue to observe all the COVID-19 protocols.”

The commissioner added that people who have died of COVID-19 are those who have not taken the vaccine, so people should come out and take it.

Speaking at the vaccination flag off ceremony, the Director General, DG, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, CRSPHCDA, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, stated that a total of 105,000 doses of Mordena for first timers and 11,000 doses of Astrazeneca for those requiring second doses have been sent to the state. She stated that about 120,000 people in the state are expected to be vaccinated, even as she called on residents of the state to come forward for the excercise to avoid mutation of the virus.

Ekpeyong said, “The COVID-19 keeps mutating and has caused a lot of havoc globally, so this underscores the need to ensure people are vaccinated.


The DG Cross River State Primary Health Care Dr Ekpeyong commended health workers in the state for ensuring that the state emerged the best state, saying that they want to maintain that position during this 2nd phase exercise.

In her earlier remarks, the state immunization officer, Joy Chabo, stated that the state recieved the highest number of vaccines in the South South, because of its impressive performance during the last phase of the vaccination.

The immunization officer maintained that even though Delta variant has not yet been found in the state, it’s an opportunity for people to come out for vaccination to ensure the state has immunity.

Also speaking, the World Health Organization, WHO, representative, Dr. Pella Umar, lauded the zeal of the state in fighting the virus, which ensured it recorded 117 per cent during the first round. He praised the diligence of the Commissioner and DG, noting that their commitment has placed Cross River state in lime light.

He called on all to embrace the vaccination so as to boost the immunity of the entire population by at least 95 per cent.

Unicef Rep and NPHCDA rep we’re all on hand to monitor the swift process of registration and vaccine administration

Vice President Engages APC Youths; Calls for grassroot mobilization*

Earlier this week, the National APC Youth Lobby Committee were received at the Presidential Villa by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN as part of their build up process towards youth inclusiveness in 2023 and to present the report of the party’s National Youth Conference in June, earlier this year.

The Vice President called on the youth arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to brace up and build a stronger membership base from the grassroots by mobilizing young Nigerians across the country to join the party beginning from the ward level. He tasked the committee to deal with the issue of inclusion at the grassroots level first.

The leader of the APC National Youth Lobby Committee, Barrister Ishmail Ahmed thanked the VP for being a consistent voice and supporter of youths regardless of political affiliations, but appealed for more youth integration in the affairs of the party across all levels. He appealed to the Vice President as a vociferous voice to continue championing Youth Inclusiveness in Governance and the party.

Also Speaking, Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong disclosed that youths inclusion in the political arena is very critical in a sense that it is a great machinery to reinvent the governance structure of the country. Therefore, creating an enabling and equitable environment for youth in Nigeria is unquestionable. Today’s youth need real opportunities to participate in the political processes and contribute to practical solutions that advance development and economic growth.

The committee had in attendance the Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Engr Inuwa Abdullahi, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu; Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Mr Ahmad Zakari, and many youth leaders across the party including Mr. Hakeem Shagaya, Dr. Etin Osa, Ms. Fatima Kakuri, Mr. Kabir Aregbesola among others.

*Gov. Ayade Approves 100% CONMESS For Doctors In Cross River State, Other Health Workers To Benefit Soon*

*Nigerian Medical Association CRS, praise Governor Ben Ayade says he has made history in CRS*

Medical Doctors in Cross River State have never had it this good in recent years. For the first time a Governor donated a bus to NMA CRS, works to complete their secretariat and has now made salaries of Doctors at state level to be at par with their colleagues at the national level.

Doctors in the state earn 70% of the Consolidated Medical Salary structure (CONMESS) against their federal counterparts who have enjoyed a 100% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure which has led to attrition of Doctors where the leave the state employment as soon as any federal institution begins to employ. This struggle has lasted for over 11 years with no head way, but without cohesion GOV Ben Ayade has shown sincere commitment to improving health care and improving the welfare of health workers in the state. History has been made under the leadership of Sen. Prof Ben Ayade, his dear wife Dr Linda Ayade and the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu. Cross Riverians can now get better care at all levels.

In a thank you visit to Governor Ayade and his Wife Dr Linda Ayade, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu commended their support as the reason behind the huge successes recorded in the health sector noting that the Governor’s wife is also a medical Doctor with a passion to improve health care. "Your Excellency, your support have yielded numerous achievements recorded in the Health Sector. Now with this huge success where our medical doctors can now get 100% CONMESS I must say our Health insurance is sure to work with improvement in the quality of health care rendered across the state to our people.

"Under Ayade’s Administration Primary Health Care Development Agency was created, Health Insurance Scheme was created and implemented, the first College of Nursing Science south-south Nigeria was created, primary and secondary health facilities built and some renovated,pharmaceutical company built and now health workers salary improved all in an efforts to provide quality health care for our people while achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Amidst the very lean financial resources of the State , His Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade still made this possible. In the midst of the crises in the health sector in the country, Medical Doctors in Cross River state are smiling, expressing their joy and commitment to put in more effort in the delivery of quality health care. The Ministry of Health appreciates the Governor for prioritizing the Health Sector."

The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association Cross River State Chapter Dr Innocent Abang, thanked and commended the Governor And his wife, Dr Linda Ayade. "Your Excellencies NMA CRS wishes to thank you for making what seem impossible to become possible, the ripple effect of this is enourmous, it will change the picture of health care delivery, reduce attrition, retain and attract Doctors to state employment while improving quality of care."

"the efforts of the performing Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu who has stood firm and has given her all to make this day historic for us Doctors is exceptional. We assure you of more support and more efforts in our line of duty as am calling out on all Medical Doctors in Cross River State to do more!."

In her response, the Wife of the Governor Lady Dr Mrs Linda Ayade welcomed all, charging Doctors to stop the exodus out of the State/Country and continue to practice in Nigeria stating that the Country remains ours and we must play our part to fix the health system.

"We must learn how to take steps forward and do our best always in our own little way in the interest of the people rather than keep shooting ourselves on the foot or apportioning blames. Collectively we'll get to where we desire to be.

"My desire is to see that we get more Doctors coming into practice rather than leaving, we need to stop pointing fingers and contribute our own quota to the Society Government must also play their part. Am happy this has been settled and our Doctors can now smile. Am assuring us all that very soon the health sector under Sen Ayade and our workaholic and foresighted Commissioner Dr Betta Edu will see more results as the health system is improving speedily and I remain proud of her efforts and numerous achievements as well as effort from her team members."

Dr Linda assured other health workers that same salary increment will be accorded them soon. She thanked the State Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, Nigeria Medical Association, DG of the CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong, DG SACA Dr Etcheri Ansa, DG State Insurance Scheme Chief Godwin Iyala, SA Health Dr Ushie, CRSMOH Directors, Medical Superintendents and the entire health sector. Our patients should expect better care!.

PIB has shortchanged Cross River, says Ayade

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari seeks to perpetuate injustices that Cross River State has suffered over the years, so says Governor Ben Ayade.

Ayade said the law failed to address the concerns of the state in spite of the presentation he made to the relevant senate committee

Governor Ayade stated this while receiving in audience some members of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) led by the state’s representative, Ntufam Eyo Nsa Whiley.

Whiley said they were in the state to sensitize the government and the people on the forthcoming stakeholders meeting with the leadership of the commission to collate views with regards to reviewing the current revenue formula.

Ayade expressed scepticism that the new attempt at reviewing the current revenue formula would herald anything positive for the state, maintaining that he has no faith in RMAFC, as nothing concrete would come out of the exercise.

Recalling how the Senate Committee on PIB that toured the state failed to mirror the grievances of Cross River in the bill before it was finally signed into law by the President, the governor said the experience was enough “for us to express our deep and sincere distrust in the entire exercise and processes of RMAFC."

Ayade who was visibly overwhelmed with anger said: "As I spoke to the Senate Committee on PIB then, I will choose same to communicate the position of Cross River State, which is that we do not have faith in this exercise, neither do we believe that it will end properly."

With particular reference to the PIB, Ayade lamented that "as far as we are concerned as a state, we have been reduced to want in body in spirit and in soul," adding that "there is no indication whatsoever that the review of the revenue allocation will be based on the principle of jurisprudence, equity and fair play."

He recalled that "when the PIB committee visited, I took my time and articulated in the best of professional grammar to explain to them that producing communities are not as delicate and sensitive as impacted communities. Cross River State bears the brunt of production, but today the PIB is signed into law, insensitive to the oil impacted communities to which Cross River State belongs.

"In the same PIB, 30% of revenue is set aside for frontier exploration, luckily the Calabar basin which they refused to recognize in that category which stretches from all the mountain basins, cutting across the whole of Bakassi, Biase Odukpani, Okuni, Ogoja, Yala is heavily impregnated with hydrocarbon. The geo-coordinates have been issued by myself since 2016 to the federal government. Today we watch and see how the 30% set aside for the frontier exploration will be managed. And we will see what will happen to the Calabar basin."

Ayade queried a scenario "where Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States; and Cameroon all have oil and Cross River will not have oil? And you sit on this injustice and it goes on year after year after year?"

According to the governor, "the principle under which RMAFC is set out and the way they are operating so far is inconsistent with the provisions of the law that established it. And I would like to have this on record that you have failed to use your mandate judiciously. You have failed to understand that the law empowers you to review the formula not based on obnoxious principles."

The governor charged RMAFC to do what is fair, just and right, even as he expressed the worry that ”even as we come to articulate our position, if the majority of the people who are satisfied with the present situation, carry the day, we would have spoken in futility and in vain.

"It is clear that the law has taken all our rights and vested them on RMAFC, so no matter how we shout and scream, the buck stops on your table. Even the stabilization funds that are now being shared among all the states, that was not the spirit and intent of the stabilization funds. The basis for everything that the Constitution had envisaged to balance the financially disadvantaged states is being taken off and that is the role of RMAFC."

Urging Whiley to be a good ambassador of the state, Governor Ayade enjoined: "Luckily we have our own son with a very rich Curriculum Vitae and if you are there and this revenue review is done without a specific focus on Cross River State, with an improved interest of Cross River State, balancing the injustice, then it will not be fair to us. Because we cannot continue to build prison yards when we can build farms and factories."

He announced the setting up of an adhoc committee to collate and articulate the position of the state at the South-South meeting with RAMFAC.
The committee, which has a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barr Efefiom Ekong as chairman, has as members, His Royal Majesty Etim Okon Edet, chairman Traditional Rulers Council, Chief Gersh Henshaw, Prof Mike Okom, Stella Odey-Ekpo, Pastor John Ewa, Comrade Ben Ukpepi, Dan Obo, Betty, representative of the market women amongst others.
Earlier, the state's representative in RMAFC told the governor that "The essence of this visit is nothing more than to know where we stand and how we stand and where we can improve in the sense of the revenue that accrues to Cross River.

"What my colleagues in the 36 States and I are doing is a directive of President Mohammadu Buhari to go round and sensitize their own states' indigenes to know that it's time for their revenue formula to be reviewed."

Cross River Pharmaceutical Factory will meet WHO standard -Ayade


To ensure that products from the Cross River State Pharmaceutical Factory Limited meet the World Health Organization (WHO) standard and global best practice, the state government has partnered Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), for a slight redesigning of the factory and installation of more equipment at the factory.

Good Manufacturing Practice is a system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

Speaking shortly after conducting the GMP Managing Director, Machineries and Packaging, Mr. Piyush Dave round the drugs factory in Calabar, Governor Ayade disclosed that "GMP is a very competent and professional company that has done installation for pharmaceutical factories across the entire world."

Ayade noted that "GMP was competitively selected as technical partners based on the competence and presence in Nigeria," adding that "they have a long standing experience in Nigeria and we have outsourced to them to give us the final milestone to the completion and actualization of this Cross River State pharmaceutical factory."

The factory which had long been completed, but had to undergo a redesigning phase, in line with WHO requirements, according to governor, "will require a bit of reconstruction because after the construction, based on the initial design, there was need for the factory to be redesigned completely to meet WHO standards for us to be able to supply drugs to refugees and IDP camps across the globe."

The governor also disclosed that "NAFDAC has approved our design which is a world- class design that allows you to seperate the different sections of the pharmaceutical factory to meet world-class international specifications. I am very proud that we are having a pharmaceutical factory that is a product of Cross River State innovative thinking."

Enumerating the types of drugs to be producd from the factory, Ayade hinted that "Indeed, this is the first and perhaps the only pharmaceutical factory of this size in the South South. We will produce antibiotics, eye drops, ointments, cosmetics and powders. We will produce all categories of drugs because we have all the different types of machines for all the different types of productions. It is a one-stop pharmaceutical factory where you produce all your drugs."

While appealing to Cross Riverians and indeed, Nigerians who are specialists in pharmacy to come on board and offer their expertise, the governor maintained that "beyond producing the traditional generic drugs, it is our intention also to delve into the innovation of drugs that meet our needs."

He said with the level of installation work going on, the factory would commence operations sooner than later.

Earlier, the Managing Director of GMP disclosed that his company was basical into the pharmaceutical industry and "we have built so many pharmaceutical companies in the world. We had the opportunity to drive this factory almost 18 months ago, but due to the global pandemic, it was a little bit delayed, but thanks to the governor, we have the official approval from the presidency to finish this factory within six months."

Dave further expressed the hope that "this factory will be perfect for Nigeria as we are going to build according to WHO specifications and GMP Standard. it will follow all procedures."

On completion, the GMP CEO hinted that the factory "will be able to produce tablets, liquids, capsules, eye drops, ointments. We intend to bring in more hands to enable us work faster and meet the six months' deadline."

*"Cross River State Ministry Of Health gets Grant From The Global Fund Resilient And Sustainable Systems For Health"*

It's on record that the Cross River State Health Sector under the watch of Dr Betta Edu in Governor Ben Ayade’s Administration has recorded outstanding achievements and stands as one of the States that has made giant strides in key health programs implementation, this hard work hasn't gone unnoticed as today the State has been selected yet again amongst the Three States to be supported in Nigeria by this grant which is to commence in September
2021.

The 2021 through 2023 Global Fund Resilient and Sustainable System for Health (RSSH) Grants which CRS has been selected has the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) as the Principal Recipient (PR) and the NPHCDA as one of the Four sub-Recipients. The 3yrs Grant is aimed at expanding and strengthening the capacity of the CRS Health System and that of Nigeria through various approaches which includes the provision of effective leadership and an enabling policy environment that ensures adequate oversight and accessibility for the delivery of quality Health Care for sustainable development of the National Health System.

With this giant stride of Governor Ben Ayade and Dr Betta Edu, the State's procurement and supply chain management will be strengthened as equitable, safe, appropriate quality and effective laboratory services will be ensured to help meet current and future needs of the State. They'll as well be maximum promotion of community engagement for a sustainable health development. The Health system of the State will be strengthened as interventions will be made to address every identified gaps.

Community Health influencers and promoters will henceforth be given stipends to help support and encourage community-based monitoring, integrated supportive supervision supporting the operationalization of the shifting and task sharing policy, as well as support for States to access the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and support for private sector e-reporting for an improved health outcomes.

Dr Betta Edu as Commissioner for Health, Expressing her satisfaction, and giving gratitude to global funds and the FG; the health boss assured cross riverians that all hands will continue to be on deck to ensure that the State continue to benefit from the National and Development Partners who are eager to support us build a more resilient health system.

"Its another Breakthrough news for me because Cross Riverians are going to benefit from this grant, as a State we're blessed with a Governor committed to anything health as such he has always given us a soft/safe landing in whatever we do. The RSSH Grant will boast and strengthen the health sector while addressing gaps in the health Information Data system, malaria, HIV, community engagement to offer health services at rural areas as well as improve health care delivery in our State we're going to effectively utilize this grant from Global Fund. I want to assure cross riverians that more are coming and we'll never be short changed especially now that we've been socketed to the center. We'll sensitize our people more on how to benefit from this."

Ayade Recieves UNDP Team , As Cross River Is Chosen for Investment Mapping and Profiling Exercise


To help fill the financing gap required to achieve the sustainable development goals, the United Nations Development Program ( UNDP) has chosen Cross River as a mass impact flagship initiative to empower investor's with clarity,insights,and tools to achieve the SDG'S.

This was disclosed by the UNDP Program associate Fatima Unar when she led her team to calabar the Cross River State capital.

She disclosed that the SDG impact aims to provide investors, businesses and others with the unified standards,tools and services required to authoritize their contribution's to advance the SDG's and to identify SDG investment opportunities in emerging economies and developing countries.


" We are here in Calabar to provide investors and businesses the unified standards for goods and services required to authenticate their contribution's to the sustainable development goals and to identify Investment opportunities for the in emerging economies. "

" In light of this, we have introduced the impact intelligence tool or SDG Investor maps to identify and map out all Investment opportunities in different sectors of the economy."

Continuing Umar said " The Aim of this exercise is to help public and private sector stake holders to identify Investment Opportunities that can contribute to addressing the sustainable Development needs of the country. While establishing effective synergies with the country's national and sector Specific Policy Priorities"

Speaking while receiving the team on behalf of the state government, the DG Cross River State Investment promotion council Barrister Rosemary Ekeng thanked the UNDP team for choosing Cross River as one of the states for Investment Mapping and Profiling.

She added that "Governor Ben Ayade has done a lot especially in the area of agricultural value chains and this visit and the subsequent mapping and Profiling exercise being undertaken by your team will be of great benefit to the state and intending Investors. "


She enumerated some of the Investment opportunities for both domestic Investors and foreign Investors to include " opportunities in the agro allied processing sector where we have the calachika where you have whole poultry value chain, to the cocoa processing factory with a whole value chain being set up for cocoa processing , we also have the Obudu ranch that provides opportunities for cattle rearing , dairy production and ofcourse the whole value chain for cattle as well. "

Ekeng assured the team that " Cross River State is ripe for Investments, the Governor has worked very hard to make sure the state is Investment friendly and opportunities abound for investors to key into the Industrialization of the state by the Governor. "


Some of the projects visited by the team include, the Cross River poultry farm, the cocoa processing factory, and other projects sited at the ultra modern Ayade industrial park .

*Dr Linda Ayade Declares open Nigeria Medical Association CRS AGM; harps on the need to stem brain drain and attract medical Tourism *

.....As NMA CRS lauds Governor Ben Ayade and the “Performing Commissioner” For Health Dr Betta Edu!

Western and Middle East countries are luring Nigerian medical professionals and healthcare workers to migrate as they seek to bridge the gap in medical personnel created by the Coronavirus outbreak in their countries. Is this a loss for Africa, or are we entering into a different future globalised landscape?

This was disclosed as part of the emerging trends influencing healthcare delivery in Nigeria during the Annual General Meeting/ Scientific Conference of Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State Chapter held on Wednesday in Calabar.

Declaring the Scientific Conference open, Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr Linda Ayade harps on the need to stem brain drain and attract medical tourism by creating enabling environment and encouraging medical practitioners to improve healthcare delivery across board in the State and country.

She assured the Medical personnel's of the state continuous support especially in area of Security and COVID-19 response as Frontline health workers faces the highest risk of contacting the virus. Health infrastructure and Access to better Health Care. According to her the time is now to curb brain drain in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Cross River State Commissioner for Health and National Chairman of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, Dr Betta Edu disclosed that the government of Prof Ben Ayade will continue to work with Doctors in its improved Health facilities and working environments, while providing higher remuneration through the 100% CONMESS. career progression and professional advancement, along with better quality of life including good security as part of the remedy to stem out brain drain among Medical doctors. She noted that Doctors in the teaching hospitals will need to strategically work with state to serve at General Hospitals and Comprehensive primary Health Centers to support the Health insurance Scheme which has registered over 60,000 persons already. She Commended NMA Cross River Chapter Led by Dr Innocent Abang for showing strong leadership and capacity. Congratulating them for the near completion of the NMA secretariat which had been pending for many years! “Everyone has a role to play; Doctors can work strategically with Government to fix the Health sector in Nigeria”

The Chief Host and NMA Chairman, Dr Innocent Abang in his opening remarks revealed that stemming out brain drain has no better time than now when the top echelon in medical practice are relocating to foreign climes with consequences on the impact of training the next generation of Medical practitioners etc. According to him the care of patient and doctors, Job satisfaction is key in promoting quality service delivery when a balance is achieved for both parties.

He commended the effort of the digital Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prof Ben Ayade and the “Performing Health Commissioner” Dr Betta Edu for the procurement of the brand new NMA bus and completion to a good extent the NMA Secretariat in Calabar. He also commended the drive of the Government in the Health insurance Scheme as well as other successes recorded in recent times in the health sector of Cross River state. He called on Government to do more to in retaining Doctors in the state employment while pledging support of Doctors yo build a more resilient health system in Cross River.

Chairman of the Occasion and former CMD UCTH and Pro-Chancellor University of Ile Ife, Prof Rowland Ndoma Egba reiterated that Nigeria has the best number of medical practitioners who can advance the art and science of medicine and promote study in research into medical and related scientific problems but all they needed was job satisfaction, safety and enabling environment. He called on Doctors to deliver more patriotic human and committed service while encouraging Government to play their role efficiently.

The Conference was attended by high profiles and medical Don's across the Country, H.E Retired Brigadier General Anthony I. Ukpo, Chairman of Asi Ukpo Diagnostic and Medical Centre,commander of Federal Road safety Corp Com. Ameh; Several Professor, past and present Chief Medical Director UCTH Calabar, Dr Bassey Edet, Medical Director FNPH Calabar and His Royal Majesty, Ndidem Eta Eteta, Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality Rep among others.

*Cross River, UNFPA Partner To Focus On Women and Girls' Development*

The United Nations has said it will continue it's partnership with the Cross River State Government in a bid to focus more on activities of women and girl child development in the State.

Speaking during a three day working visit to Cross River, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative, *Ms.Ulla Elizabeth Mueller*, said the partnership will strengthen synergy between the State and the UN .

Elizabeth who said Cross River has been a strategic partner over the years with the UN agencies ,explained that impactful programmes of action across the eighteen Local Government Areas of the state are feasible.

The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, *Dr Inyang Asibong*, who received the Resident Representative on behalf of *Gov Ben Ayade*, expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation between the State and UNFPA.

"There have been some very notable successes since 2014 when the UNFPA became the lead agency for the United Nations Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (UNSDPF) or UN-Delivery as One (DaO) in Cross River State.

" Your various interventions in the State which has improved livelihood and overall development in ending preventable maternal deaths, spearheading family planning, and addressing all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices against women and the girl child across the State is highly appreciated" he said.

While calling for a continuous partnership with UNFPA and other UN agencies , the DG, CRSPHCDA, *Dr Janet Ekpenyong*, assured that the Agency is working assiduously to meet set targets

Earlier In her remark, the Director e- Health, Cross State Ministry of Health, *Dr. Comfort Ekanem*, who represented the State Health Commissioner, *Dr Betta Edu*, said one the many achievements of the synergy with the UNFPA including the provision of life-saving medications for over 100 health facilities across the State; a 22% reduction of maternal mortality rate.

Also to their credit was the 75% new acceptance of family planning methods by women of child-bearing age; 11 fistula repairs in the General Hospital, Calabar; establishment of one youth-friendly center in Calabar; 20 successful integration and empowerment of fistula survivors and the provision of GBV services to 55 GBV survivors across the State.

Present at the event were Representatives of NGOs and Heads of line MDAs implementing UNFPA-supported programs in Cross River State including the State Ministry of Women Affairs, and State Bureau of Statistics.

*Cross River state signs onto the biggest Pharma Transformation Project in History of Health Sector; safer and affordable Medicines for all!*

Cross River State Government raises to the occasion to ensure that it achieves universal quality health care at all cost for the people. It is on this basis that it has signed unto a PHARMA Transformation Project with Consortium of healthcare providers and financiers to provide safe affordable and original medicines as well as deliver those medicines to every health facility in the state.

Governor Ben Ayade’s speedy transformation of the health sector, his drive to provide innovative solutions to the problems in the health sector has gradually become phenomenal, with three referral hospitals at final stages, a Pharmaceutical company which operations begins soon, a functional Health insurance Scheme, and massive upgrades of Health facilities; the state has signed unto a Pharma transformation project which will immediately ensure quality drugs from manufactures both locally and internationally will be made available in all health facilities at the cheapest rate possible far lower than what exist in Pharmacies, chemist or anywhere else!

Governor Sen Ben Ayade at the Presentation said drug stock-out in health facilities are unacceptable, having people show up at facilities with no drugs available is unacceptable, that people die due to substandard fake drugs in circulation must stop and that is why experts have been consulted to work with health workers on ground and change the stories from our health facilities for ever. “Let’s make Cross River state the biggest Pharma success story in Nigeria”

The Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu who said the revival of the Cross River state Drug Revolving fund and essential Drug Program which collapsed in 2014, and the new technologies which allows for drugs to be ordered online by facilities and individuals, delivered through drones to facilities even in hard to reach areas, will change the picture of health care delivery in the state building a stronger health sector responsive to the people!

"This is another giant stride for us in the health sector of our State as we reach an understanding with the Consortium to implement the Health Supply Chain Transformation Project. The State healthcare policy as we know revolves around the provision of quality healthcare services for the people and that's our aim if we must achieve Universal Health Coverage. This is the reason why AyadeCare scheme must be given every needed support and attention and the process I must say is having a head way. To succeed we need a functional Pharmaceutical Services." The enrollment process into the AyadeCare scheme is ongoing as it covers the entire 18LGAs, with the vulnerable, pregnant women, and children under age 5 getting free enrollment. Cross Riverians who have been enrolled into the scheme will stand a chances of winning 1million naira every Month at which 12 millionaires will emerge yearly.

The Pharma Consortium which is made up of Drug Stoc international, zipline international, sterling bank, Hort MediKals will handle the renovation of the ware houses destroyed during end SARS, employ Cross Riverians and provide drugs with Logistics from manufacturers to end users at Health facilities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Divisional Head, Health and Education Sectors with Sterling Bank, Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu expressed his satisfaction and excitement with the level of understanding reached between the Bank and the Cross River State government. “This is the beginning of good things to come and I hope other States in the Country would replicate the strategy that has been put in place by the Cross River State Government to address the challenges in its Health Pharma Supply Chain.”He added that Sterling Bank would de-risk any sector of the Nigerian economy that is willing to adopt a similar strategy through re-imagining finance. "This is about putting in place a win-win situation for all parties.” he stated. The MoU is sequel to the Bank’s partnership with the Cross River State Government on the implementation of a Health Insurance Scheme tagged: "AyadeCare". The scheme was launched recently as part of an effort to achieve Health Insurance cover for vulnerable.

Drug Stoc, Zipline and Hort Medical have committed to provide quality medicines of international standards to facilities. The drugs will also be purchased from Cross River Pharmaceutical Company once operation begins!

The DG CRS Primary Health Care Dr Janet Ekpeyong, the DG Health Insurance Dr Iyala the DG SACA Dr Etcheri Ansa as well as the SA on Health Dr Ushie, Heads of General Hospitals, Directors in Ministry, CRSPHCDA and of Primary Health care in the Local Government were all present at the stakeholders Meeting in Calabar where the gave their commitment to reviving and sustaining the Pharma Transformation and other transformations in the health sector.

Navy to establish two new operational bases in Cross River as Ayade receives CNS


The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo says the Nigerian Navy is set to establish an outpost at Ikang and a naval security station at Dayspring Island.

Both locations are in the Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River which shares maritime boundary with the Republican of Cameroon.

Speaking Thursday during a courtesy call on the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade at the Executive Chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar, Vice Admiral Gambo explained that the move has become necessary "because we are aware of the security situation in the state- cultists, kidnappers and other criminal elements- and to that effect, it has been part of our strategic plan and I think it is expedient that speedily we establish outpost and security station in these locations so that we can improve our security architecture in the state and of course, secure our borders and around the Republic of Cameroon.”

Assuring the governor of the Navy's commitment to the security of the state nay Nigeria, the Naval boss said "we have to keep our eyes open and to ensure that Cross River State and Nigeria at large is secured from that angle.

"We want to reassure you of the availability of the Nigerian Navy; we are at your service to ensure that Cross River State and her good people are safe and secured for economic prosperity and development

"I want to inform you, Your Excellency, of the ongoing general operations in the creeks around the state to ensure we rid it of all criminal elements; the cultists, the kidnappers and all that to make sure it is safe for maritime business to thrive since Cross River is a litoral state.

"In that regard, we are also collaborating with other agencies the Army, the Airforce and of course, the police and other security agencies in the state to ensure that the waterways are safe and secure for the prosperity of the good people of Cross River State"

Continuing, Vice Admiral Gambo who said he was on an operational and administrative visit to Cross River expressed optimism that the Naval War College being built in Calabar will be ready for commissioning next year.

Responding, Governor Ayade commended the Navy for its security efforts in Cross River so far, which according to him, have "kept us out of the way of harm particularly knowing the complex nature of Cross River's location vis a vis maritime security challenges.

“Very recently NNS Victory had undertaken several operations and I want to thank NNS Victory for their efforts in clearing out those bad boys from the creeks. Indeed, that has helped.”

The governor thanked the Naval Chief for the proposed Naval operational bases at Ikang and Dayspring Island, describing the development as deft moves to secure people of the area from criminal elements.

He however, pleaded with the Navy to also establish a base around Esighi where the Bakassi Deep Seaport project is sited.

His words: "We will need a strong naval presence, we will need a naval patrol across the entire length and breadth of our maritime domain.”

He pledged to sign the Certificate of Occupancy for the ongoing construction of Naval facilities in Calabar as pleaded by Vice Admiral Gambo.

Buhari grants Ayade's request, approves Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Development Institute in Cross River

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Development Institute in Cross River State.

The institute is for the South-South geo-political zone.

The approval followed an earlier request by the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade to the President for the siting of the institute in the state.

The letter granting the approval was presented, Monday, to the governor at his conference room in Calabar, by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor M.S Haruna.

Presenting the letter, Haruna told Ayade that "We are here to officially communicate to you that President Muhammadu Buhari has granted your request and approved the zonal Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Development Institute to be sited in Cross River State."

Haruna said the choice of the state followed a rigorous evaluation of states in the South South zone, along with other parameters, adding, "the products of your achievements stood tall, hence the decision to site that zonal office here in Calabar."

According to the NASENI CEO, "President Buhari approved six of these institutes for each of the geopolitical zones and I am happy to announce to you that, that of the south south is to be located in Cross River."

In order to ensure food security and sufficiency in Nigeria, Haruna noted that there was need to embrace research and technology, adding that "the effort and achievements of Governor Ben Ayade have continued to resonate all over the country and this was what informed President Buhari's choice of Cross River as the South South zonal office."

In his response, Governor Ayade, while calling on Cross Riverians to thank President Buhari for considering Cross River as the appropriate choice to bed the Institute, said: "NASENI is the way for us to go, because as a nation, there is no way you can progress without a good research in science and engineering. There is no way, even if we are copying technology, the way China started which is reverse engineering where you import something, deconstruct it and now fabricate yours and even that process requires the backing of science and engineering research."

While decrying over dependence on foreign technology, the governor lamented that "as far as a nation depends on another for agricultural equipments, for ammunition, for food, for drugs, then you are a slavish nation, you are a subhuman nation and that is what is seen in Nigeria today and that is the narrative Professor Haruna is trying to change."

Ayade particularly thanked the President for the choice of Professor Haruna as head of NASENI, as according to him, "Haruna has distinguished himself internationally and brought back that experience to add value to our science and research. I want to congratulate you.

"For us, there is no institute in Nigeria that is bigger than the one you are about to site here. The institute will focus on the manufacturing of the equipment for agricultural purpose and beyond that, whatever is the object clause of NASENI can be done from this institute. I want to thank you so much."

Governor Ayade directed the state commissioner for lands to immediately make land available for the institute while also announcing the provision of a temporary office accommodation and vehicle to NASENI to fast track the establishment of the institute.

Lol Bros wetin I do you na?

Ayade and Cally Air: Audacity of big dreams

By Chidi Onyemaizu

Come on board. It is a Boeing 737 and it is on the fleet of Cally Air, Cross River's newly birthed Airline.

Boeing 737 is a beautiful huge bird in the sky, a wonder in aero- engineering. Its breathtaking design gives fillip to the moniker: If it is not Boeing, I'm not going.

The interior is magnificent. It comes with a residential feeling, with relaxing colours and restful seats.

The floor offers a friendlier atmosphere and comfortable environment.

Indeed, Cally Air is the latest in Governor Ben Ayade's relentless effort to recalibrate Cross River's economy. The Airline is primed to play a huge role in broadening the frontiers of an economy that was before now wholly tied to paltry monthly federal allocation.

Cally Air can indeed recreate in Cross River, Ethiopian and Emirate Airlines' flowery stories.

Essentially, with its multiple indirect, direct and auxiliary jobs creation propensity, the Aviation business is an economic enabler. Ask the Ethiopian Airline, ask United Arab Emirate's (UAE) Emirate Air.

Certainly, Cally Air can replicate in Cross River what Ethiopian and Emirates Airlines have done to the Ethiopian and UAE economies respectively.

The beneficiaries of the direct jobs (e.g pilots, flight attendants, maintenance Engineers etc) and indirect jobs( e.g caterers, airport attendants, tourism and hotel operators, taxi operators etc) that Cally Air will create are Cross Riverians. This will in turn boost the economy of the state.

Notedly, there are different ways of measuring air transport’s impact on an economy.

A look at these variables reassures one of Cally Air's enchanting prospect:

*The jobs and spending generated by airlines and their supply chain, the flows of trade, tourism and investment resulting from users of airlines serving the country or city, and the city pair connections that make these flows possible.

*The air transport sector facilitates and lubricates such auxiliary jobs as airport operators, airport on-site enterprises e.g restaurants, retail, taxi services etc.

The Ethiopian economy, for example, has benefited immensely from Ethiopian airline. The Airline indirectly employs about 19,000 people.

In addition, by buying goods and services from local suppliers the airline supports another 179,000 jobs. In all these, the airline is estimated to support a further 80,000 jobs through the wages it pays its employees, some or all of which are subsequently spent on consumer goods and services.

Foreign tourists arriving by air to Ethiopia, who spend their money in the local economy, are estimated to support an additional 815,000 jobs.

In total, 1.1 million jobs are supported by air transport and tourists arriving by air.

In the case of Emirate Airline, in 20 years, it has attracted to UAE GDP, the sum of $128 billion, according to International Air Transport Association, IATA.

This is in addition to supporting nearly 800,000 jobs.

Accordig to former British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, "Success is the child of audacity". This finds amity with Governor Ayade and the birthing of Cally Air.

Creating an enduring economy requires big dreams and crystallization of such dreams can only be a function of the will power to aim higher than one's carrying capacity. Ayade sums it up: "I rather aim high and miss than aim low and hit...we are only as big as our imagination, if we can dream it, then we can achieve it".

His audacity to dream big and the grit resolve to bring to reality such seemingly tall dreams best explains the crystalization of Cally Air.

How could Cross River, stripped of its 76 oil wells, stifled by suffocating debt profile and left body and soul with a sagging revenue allocation pull such feat as floating an airline even when buoyant states fear to thread that slippery path?

As confounding as this jigsaw may be, the answer can be gleaned from Ayade's resolve against insistent self- doubt and crushing self pity thus validating Robert Goddard's assertion that "it is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and reality of tomorrow.”

Yes, Cross River's meagre monthly allocation is hardly enough to pay salaries and pensions much less acquiring Boeing Aircrafts but people need to remember that the state is under the superintendence of a thinking head who continually thinks out of the box.

Rather than whine and gnash teeth over the state's unsettling cyclone of twisting financial agony, Ayade has used intellectualism to find a way around Cross River's lack.

And so, in the absence of physical cash, he has devised means of employing intellectual money to fill the void.

Intellectual money simply implies using intellect to get things done without necessarily applying liquid cash. This was how Cally Air came about.

With Cally Air and the avalanche of industries built by the Ayade administration in the last six years contributing their quotas to deepen the economy of the state through job creation and revenue generation, the governor's vision of Cross River of tomorrow has ultimately berthed on the shores of reality.

Cross River of tomorrow is Cross River with a solid economic base, one that holds prosperity agenda for the future of its people, especially the youth.

Cally Air has in its fleet Boeing 737 aircraft with the capacity for about 150 passengers per flight and superbly managed by Aero Contractors, West Africa's over 60-year-old Aviation Company with solid experience in aviation services.

And so, in bringing this noble dream to berth on the shores of reality, Ayade has once again proved that he is visionary and goal-oriented.

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

Former state chairman of PDP, Ambassador Sunny Abang defects to APC as broom revolution sweeps across Cross River.

My investiture as Catholic Knight makes me a warrior of God to fight injustice- Ayade


Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade says his investiture as a Knight of Saint John International (KSJi), is an urgent call on him to rededicate his life to the service of God and humanity.

Reflecting shortly after his exemplification, commissioning and investiture by the noble order, Ayade, waxing philosophical, described the event as one that imposes a duty on him to ensure justice and fairness to all irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the investiture is “about commitment to our God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth," adding that "in all I do and in all I am going to do, going forward, I shall indeed rededicate and recommit myself to fairness, to justice to all, irrespective of color, religion or belief."

The governor, who was invested along with his wife, Dr. Linda Ayade, as Lady of St. John International at St. Patrick's College, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, spoke of the spiritual challenges ahead of him, maintaining that "I am today a warrior of God to fight and defend justice and to wrought humanitarian efforts in this world to bring value to mankind and to ensure that all of my talent, my funds, my time, my skills are all committed to the service of God."

On how he will marry this responsibility with the challenges of his office as governor, Ayade quipped: "As a matter of fact, this is what can actually support my responsibility even as governor of Cross River State because we will ensure fairness and goodness to all. We shall be insensitive to religion and insensitive to ethnicity. My investiture is only to do the work of God and God's direction is very clear: 'Do unto others what you want others to do unto you'."

The governor further assured that he will “be fair and I will be just and I think that by my being a knight today and my wife a lady, it is obvious that indeed, you are going to find even more goodness in everything about what makes somebody or a family a decent family in government.

"And I am very happy that my wife who is also a devout and strong Catholic has shared with me the aspirations for us to be elevated to this rank and I am totally grateful to God.”

*CROSS RIVER STATE GETS FIRST COLLEGE OF NURSING SCIENCES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA; Graduates to go for NYSC*

Dr Betta Edu Commends Governor Ben Ayade for making History and For Exceptional impact-driven Leadership "*

The Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr. Betta Edu has led the Governing Council and Management team of the College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Itigidi (CONMSIT), on a special thank you/courtesy visit to His Excellency Senator Prof. Ben Ayade to intimate him on the Newly attained accreditation status of the first ever College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences in the South- South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. another giant stride in the CRS health sector under Dr Betta Edu’s watch.

Sen. Ben Ayade Governor of Cross River state who received the Accreditation certificate and delegation in his office Expressed his satisfaction and congratulated the Honorable Commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu, the Governing Council and the Management team and other Stakeholders for delivering on the mandate bestowed on them, am impressed at the speed at which things are achieved in the health sector, He assured the team of his continuous support and commitment towards making the maiden College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences in the South-South Geopolitical Zone a Model and a Citadel of professional and academic excellence.

"I had great confidence in Dr Betta Edu when I appointed her Commissioner for Health as I knew she'll give me the expected result, the Council has done a great job and am very proud of this huge achievement. For this record breaking achievement, issues bothering this Council will be looked into and given speedy attention."

On her part the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu applauded the Governor for prioritizing the health sector and making the entire process that led to this achievement seamless. "Cross Riverians are blessed to have you as their Governor Your Excellency, in your administration the health sector has always come first and so is the health of every cross riverian. You've made us record outstanding successes by supporting us morally, intellectually and financially.

"We couldn't have come this far without your exceptional Leadership, today because of your fatherly support and tireless effort our health sector is ranked top on many fonts, all our Schools and Colleges have gained full accreditation with an increased benchmark in intake of students, our General Hospitals across the State are wearing new looks, today we're to house the first ever College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences in the entire South South Zone, the health insurance has finally become a success story and Cross Riverians will start taking up services in August. Your Excellency the achievements are just too numerous to mention and as such we've come to say thank you for supporting and believing in us while reassuring you that we'll keep doing more to see that we all finish strong."

The Chairman of the Governing Council Dr. Margaret Mombel Opiah in her remarks thanked His Excellency for finding the team worthy of this enormous assignment while expressing satisfaction on the level of commitment demonstrated by the Governor as it concerns the health of Cross Riverians. She went further on behalf of the Governing Council and the Management team of the College to express her profound gratitude to the Governor for the level of transformation, direction, and support in turning around the health care sector of CRS.

CRS has successfully Upgraded the School of Nursing to a College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences in line with the 2023 deadline given by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and also achieved approval and accreditation from Regulatory Bodies to commence operations as a College leading to the award of ND/HND to graduates of the College. Due to the Digitally and Radical reformation of the health sector under Dr Betta Edu's watch we're proud to inform you that all is well. Today, Cross River State now house the Zonal Office of the NMCN for ease of regulation of Nursing practices, education and other related matters for professionals.

Also in the team were the Provost of College (CONMSIT) Mrs. Ruth Ebong, The Director Nursing Services CRSMOH Dr. Pauline Obute and the State Chairperson of NANNM CRS Comrade Nurse Josephine Ikpeme Bassey. They all used the opportunity to Congratulate the Governor, for his innovation in the health sector especially the deployment of Drones to deliver drugs and medical consumables of low density to hard-to-reach areas and Dr Edu for her result oriented nature.

Highlights of the visit witnessed the presentation of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Approval and Accreditation Letter to His Excellency by the CRS Commissioner for Health and Chairman of Council Dr. Margaret M. Opiah and also an Award presentation as "Nurses friendly Governor” on His Excellency by the State Chairperson of NANNM CRSC Comrade Josepine Ikpeme Bassey.

SON to establish laboratory in Calabar, commends Ayade's industrialisation strides


The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has chosen to build its laboratory complex in Calabar, the Cross River state capital, so says its Director General, Farouk Salim.

The laboratory will be cited at the sprawling Ayade Industrial Park, Calabar which houses a cluster of industries built by the Professor Ben Ayade-led administration.

Speaking during inspection of the Park, Salim said the sheer size of the industrial park and the industries therein was amazing despite Cross River's meagre federal allocation.

"It is amazing what has been done here by His Excellency and to think it was done despite Cross River being number 35 out of 36 in the country in terms of allocation.

"It's amazing that with that little income the state has been able to harness and build such a facility. It is quite impressive and the most important thing about this facility is that locally, it is going to create many opportunities for people from farmers, to processors and to the off-takers who sell the products. It is a very interesting and a special approach by a state government which I have not seen such so far in the country.”

Paying glowing tribute to the governor, the SON DG said: "His Excellency is a man of foresight , as a Professor with great ideas, it looks like there is more harmony between Cross River State and the federal government which is the most important thing because if there is harmony there is going to be progress. The federal government has every reason to contribute to Cross River State because they are now part of the harmonious relationship with the federal government.”

He described the industrial park as "one of the choice areas in the state and it is a wonderful opportunity for our organization to site our operations here.”

Salim expressed SON's readiness to certify the products of the industrial park after passing through the certification process.

Responding, governor Ayade thanked SON for the decision to cite its laboratory complex in Calabar, describing the move as a validation of his industrialisation policy and dividend of socketing to the central government.

"Coming here and feeling excited by what we have done so far, for me, is a vindication and basically a socio political accreditation of my achievements. I want to thank him so much for the encouraging words, thank you for willingness and committment.

"But I think Cross Riverians should know at this point that our socketing into the centre by moving to the APC is beginning to yield far much more dividends at a speed I never imagined.

"Today we have SON here, not by any proxy but by the DG himself coming here, making a choice of a location to build a SON complex in Calabar and we have given them a place at our ultra modern industrial park.

"I am quite excited at the opportunity that SON is bringing to Cross River State and this would not have been possible if we didn't have this socketing to the centre principle. I agree that the harmony existing between federal government and Cross River at this point is so strong and much better and Cross Riverians should expect to see more of this", the governor said.

The governor explained that his industrialisation drive was driven from anthropological perspective "to create jobs for our people.”

*"World Hepatitis Day: Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu Officially Flags Off World Hepatitis Week “HEP CAN'T WAIT” free Testing and vaccination"*

*_"With Someone dying from Hepatitis Every 30 Seconds It's Wise We Discontinue Community Use Of same Toothbrush, stop unprotected sex, get tested and vaccinated against Hepatitis".- Dr Betta Edu._*

The 10th official World Hepatitis Day Celebration has just been flagged off in CRS as July 28th every year is set aside for the World Hepatitis Day. Flagging off the Week the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has assured Cross Riverians that the government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade will do all within its capacity to prevent people from contacting or dying of Hepatitis virus.

Speaking during the flagging off exercise in PHC Ma-Effa Junction, Akamkpa LGA, the Health Commissioner sensitized Cross Riverians noting that every 30 seconds someone dies of Hepatitis globally which most times is due to ignorance. "Today all over the World is marked as World Hepatitis Day. In Cross River State the prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are 8.8%
and 1.1% respectively. Over 16.2 million people in Nigeria are living with Hepatitis B Virus and 2.2million people living with Hepatitis C Virus. Majority of these infected people are unaware of their status. Together we will tackle this virus to complete elimination by getting the population screened for hepatitis, providing vaccines for those negative and supporting persons requiring treatment.

"Hepatitis can be spread through contact with body fluids, unprotected sex, sharing sharp objects and needles (the man who goes around to cut everybody’s nails with same scissors and tools),and sometimes most easily by community sharing of toothbrush were family members or close friends share the same toothbrush, We must discourage this. We're here to sensitize and create awareness on the negative effects of this virus to educate you on the mode of transmission, prevention and possible treatment. I call on everyone to get tested and vaccinated so we all can stay safe.

Dr Edu charged health workers, traditional rulers, youth leaders and even religious leaders to advocate and spread this information all over the State to reduce the high level of ignorance in our society today. She thanked His Excellency Sen Ben Ayade for always supporting the health sector, the Chairman of Akamkpa for playing host, traditional rulers, health workers and everyone for making the event a success. We truly can’t wait to end Hepatitis!

Also speaking during the event, the Director General of the CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong charged cross riverians to take responsibility for their safety by coming all out to get tested and vaccinated. "We decided to celebrate this year's World Hepatitis Day here in Akamkpa to enable us take this message to all the nocks and cranny of Akamkpa and beyond, we came here to sensitize and create awareness on Hepatitis and to send a strong message to our people to continue to stay safe and not die of this deadly disease which kills faster than HIV/AIDS; by getting tested and vaccinated. We can't allow this virus ravage us as such we must first prevent ourselves from it.

On his part the Chairman of Akamkpa LGA Hon. Linus Bassey Etim called on his people to embrace this opportunity and come get tested and vaccinated. He thanked the Honorable Commissioner for always having the Akamkpa people in mind as she has carefully spread health programs across the entire LGAs of the State putting into consideration the number of cases or risk of exposure facing such an LGA per health program. He applauded her for always taking part in every health event as her presence has only proven that she's got the Interest of cross riverians at heart.

The Akamkpa LGA Traditional Rulers Council represented by Ntufam Barr Paul Ogar the Clan Head of Akamkpa assured the Health Commissioner of maximum sensitization of their people on the signs/symptoms, mode of transmission, as well as prevention. He thanked the Honorable Commissioner for working round the clock to keep cross riverians safe stating that she remains the best the State has ever had.

Highpoint of the event was the official Flagging Off of the World Hepatitis Week by the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, testing and vaccination of the Chairman of Akamkpa LGA by the Commissioner and free testing and vaccination of over 1000 people. With the Commissioner during the event was the Director of Public Health Dr Iwara Iwara, Vice Chairman of Akamkpa LGA Hon. Mary Ankpor, Wife of the Chairman Mrs Enobe Bassey, The entire Akamkpa LGA Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, CRSMOH Directors, PHC Directors, Youth Leaders, and Mrs Amah Mary the Ag. Coordinator SASCAP.

*World Hepatitis Day; Every 30 Seconds Someone Dies Of Hepatitis*


There are Five main strains of the Hepatitis Virus which are A, B, C, D and
E. Together, Hepatitis B and C are the most common cause of deaths. This Article will be looking at the Viral Hepatitis B and C. Viral Hepatitis is a major global health problem with more than 400 million
patients chronically infected, causing over 1.4 million deaths per Year globally. Its
prevalence varies throughout the World, but is highest in the Tropical Regions. It is
estimated that 5-15% of Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa are chronically infected with
HBV. There is a 15-25% risk of dying prematurely in Adulthood from HBV-related
Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, while a small proportion of those with
acute infections may also succumb to fulminant liver failure.

Nigeria contributes significantly to the global burden of chronic viral Hepatitis with the prevalence rate of 8.1% for Hepatitis B and 1.1% for Hepatitis C. This translates to an estimated 16.2 million people with HBV and 2.2% million people living with HCV. Despite the clinical impact associated with this disease, majority of infected people are unaware of their status, largely driven by the asymptomatic nature of the disease. Globally awareness on Hepatitis B and C is very low at about 10% and 19% as estimated by the W.H.O. In Nigeria alone there could be about 15million people who are unaware that they are infected. Hepatitis B and C account for
about 90% death of all types of Hepatitis. The danger is that those who are unaware of their *INFECTED* status could go on and develop liver diseases including cancer, also infect family members and sexual partners or die out of ignorance.

In Cross River State the prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are 8.8%
and 10% respectively with Urban and Rural disparity. In a recent study conducted
by Okoro etal in Cross River State, it was discovered that HBV/HCV positivity was
higher among males than females. Age was significantly associated with being HBV negative and HCV negative. Communal use of toothbrush was significantly associated with HBV positivity. The first ever global Hepatitis strategy was adopted by the World Health
Assembly in 2016, setting the World’s first Hepatitis elimination targets. The strategy calls for the elimination of viral Hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030
reducing new infections by 90% and mortality by 65%, new drugs and expanded
access to vaccines are making it possible. To support that goal, W.H.O is now supporting a global process for validating the elimination of Hepatitis, just as we do for other diseases. Also, there are other strategies like “find the missing million”
by the World Hepatitis Alliance and the Yearly World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is
commemorated each Year on the 28th of July bringing the World together under a single theme to enhance awareness of viral Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer.

On July 28 2020, Individuals, Organizations and Governments around the World celebrated the Tenth Official World Hepatitis Day (WHD), which is one of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) seven officially-mandated global public health days. WHD is a day for the World's’s Hepatitis community to unite and make their voices heard. It’s a day to celebrate the progress we have made and to meet the
current challenges. It’s also an opportunity for us to increase awareness and encourage a real political change to jointly facilitate prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
*“HEP (Hepatitis) Can't’t Wait”* is the theme for 2021 World Hepatitis Day.
With a person dying every 30 seconds from viral Hepatitis related illness even in the COVID-19 crisis, we can’t wait to act on viral Hepatitis. HBV infection is a vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination with the monovalent HBV vaccine was introduced in Nigeria in 2004 as part of the National Program on Immunization (NPI), to be given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.


*MODE OF TRANSMISSION:*

Hepatitis B and C shares the same mode of transmission with HIV such as unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of needles and sharps, transfusion with infected blood, semen and other body fluids
and Mother to Child Transmission. Hepatitis can also be transmitted during organ transplant and through direct contact with sweat from an infected person.

*SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS B:*

 Abdominal pain.
 Dark-colored urine.
 Fever.
 Joint pain.
 Loss of appetite.
Nausea and vomiting.
 Weakness and fatigue.
 Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

*SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS C:*

In addition to the above, Hepatitis C patient will also present with the following signs and symptoms:

 Bleeding easily.
 Bruising easily.
 Itchy skin.
 Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)

*PATIENT EDUCATION:*

 Blood-borne disease that can be transmitted during sexual intercourse or at the time of Childbirth.
 Prophylaxis is strongly advised.
 Family members born by the same parents should also be checked for HBV
infection.
 The best preventative measurement is vaccination.

*WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED*

All Cross Riverians are at risk- and deserve to be counseled and screened for HBV
at any opportunity eg:
 Clinic/Hospital visits
 Pregnancy
 Pre –school children
 Blood/organ donation
 Contact with identified person

*SPECIAL SUBJECTS REQUIRING SCREENING*

 Recurrent blood transfusion patients
 Post transfusion jaundice or Liver Function Test abnormality
 Hepatocellular Carcinoma
 1st degree relatives of Hepatitis +ve patients
 Patients with HIV
 Pre-commencement of chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy
 Prisoners
 Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Female Sex Workers ( FSW) and
People Who Inject Drugs (PWID )
 History of STDs


*PREVENTION OF Hepatitis B and C INFECTION*

 Health /Education for Health Care Workers and the general public
 Universal Immunization (infants, children, adolescents) and implementation
of National Programme for Immunization (NPI) scheme for HBV
vaccination.
 Immunoprophylaxis against HBV is of two types: Passive Immunization
using HBIG- confers only immediate and short-lived protection and Active Immunization using inactive HBsAg- gives long-term immunity,
 Contact tracing and Immunization of non-immune persons
 Screening and vaccination of all special risk groups especially surgeons,
dentists, Lab staff, Accident/Emergency staff, Key Populations and law enforcement agents
 Screening of pregnant women at ANC and Immunization of the non-immune.
 Immunization of all babies born to HBV +ve pregnant women immediately
after birth.
 Screening of all blood/organ and blood products before transfusion/transplantation.
 Proper disposal of all sharp instruments (needles, lancets, blades).
 Harm reduction programs

*MY TAKE HOME MESSAGES TO CROSS RIVERIANS*

 HBV infection is a Worldwide problem. More in Nigeria
 100 times more infectious than HIV. Spreads is similar.
 All Nigerians are at risk. Screen at any available opportunity.
 TREATMENT to be initiated by SPECIALISTS ONLY!!!
 Prevention through Vaccination is the best.

*SUMMARY*

 Viral Hepatitis is common
 HBV & HCV are associated with Chronic liver Cirrhosis.
 Immunoprophylaxis is proving to be difficult – no effective neutralising immune response has been achieved.
 Diagnostic tool still a challenge
 Treatment is expensive
 Prevention through vaccination is the key for HBV (NONE FOR HCV)

*IN CONCLUSION:*

Without finding the undiagnosed and linking them to care,
millions will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost. On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, we call on people from across the State to take action and raise awareness.
In the current COVID-19 crisis, we can’t wait to act on Viral Hepatitis.
 People living with viral Hepatitis who are unaware can’t wait for testing.
 People living with hepatitis can’t wait for life saving treatments.
 Expectant mothers can’t wait for Hepatitis screening and treatment.
 Newborn babies can’t wait for birth dose vaccination.
 People affected by Hepatitis can’t wait to end stigma and discrimination.
 Community organizations can’t wait for greater investment.
 Decision makers can’t wait and must act now to make hepatitis elimination
a reality through political will and funding.

*Dr Betta Edu*
*Honorable Commissioner For Health, CRS*

UN proclaims Ayade Champion of Industrialisation in Nigeria as Cross River launches industrial policy

The United Nations (UN) has declared Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade as the Champion of Industrialization in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the state’s Industrial Policy which took place at the Conference Hall of the Governor's Office, Calabar, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) country representative, Jean Bakole commended the governor over his agro-industrial revolution, proclaiming him the "Champion of Industrialization."

The industrial policy is a strategic policy document that aims to ensure inclusive and sustainable development through industrialization. It was produced with the technical support of UNIDO.

The official signing of the Cross River state Integrated Trust Fund Agreement with UNIDO also took place at the event.

Jean Bakole said since the UN body started the implementation of the country program in Nigeria in 2018, it has made a lot of significant achievements with Cross River State, attributing it to the governor's grit determination to industrialise the state.

According to Bakole, "this is a historical day for UNIDO on the industrialization of the country. For the first time since we have been around the country, we are signing a trust fund agreement with a state in Nigeria.

"We cannot emphasize enough the good industrialization works of Governor Ben Ayade and we call him a captain of industrialization in the country. I therefore, on behalf of UNIDO proclaim him the Champion of industrialization in Nigeria.”

The UNIDO chief recalled that "in 2018, under Governor Ayade's watch was the first time we organized the celebration of African industrialization day in a state.”

Bakole said that the UN angency has since moved ahead with a number of achievements, including the finalization of the industrial policy plan of Cross River which shows the road map on how address the challenges of Industrialization.

"UNIDO is here to support Nigeria because Nigeria is a leading economy in Africa and cannot fail. We would like to thank Governor Ayade for all his support and it has been effective for all projects, effective for the industrial policy and effective for the GAP assessment for the pharmaceutical company and also effective for the integrated agro industrial park initiative we are going to sign today", Bakole quipped

Responding, Ayade thank UNIDO "for identifying with Cross River State and identifying with our ambitions that today they have come to sign an agreement with us committing themselves to supporting Cross River towards the Agro-Industrialization that we have started.”

The governor said he was delighted that UNIDO prepared two reports on the industrial policy plan, including the GAP analysis submitted for the Cross River pharmaceutical factory "which is the master plan on the industrialization of Cross River State particularly from the Agro-Industrial perspective.”

Ayade expressed optimism that UNIDO, by its report, would also help the state fast track the process of getting a World Health Organisation (WHO) certification which will allow it to export drugs abroad.

"With this GAP analysis and ultimately fulfilling all the recommendations of the GAP analysis, the Cross River Pharmaceutical Factory which is indeed the only factory in the South of Nigeria will then be producing drugs to deal with issues that are fundamental to public health, to deal with issues like hunger, poverty, malaria, yellow fever all those public diseases that have always made us to run out seeking for drugs.”

Cally Air to unlock economic potentials of Cross River -Ayade


Cross River State governor, Sir. Ben Ayade, Monday, disclosed that the floating of the state-owned Cally Air will help unlock the economic potentials of the state.

Cally Air, Monday, made its maiden flight into Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar from Lagos en route to Abuja.

Addressing journalists shortly after the aircraft touched down, Governor Ayade said it was a dream come true, recalling that "It was a dream we had in 2017, occasioned by the high influx of traffic into Calabar and the monopoly of some airlines dominating the Calabar route."

The governor said the high cost of flight tickets occasioned by the monopolistic tendencies of these airlines made it "imperative as a government, in spite of the fact that we are performing beyond our financial carrying capacity, to start up Cally Air. And that dream has become a reality today."

Reiterating that the airline is wholly owned by the Cross River State Government, Ayade said no loan was obtained was obtained to acquire the aircrafts.

His words: "Cally Air belongs to Cross River State. No loan, no facilities were obtained and it is one hundred percent a property of the citizens of Cross River State.

"I don't own it, aero contractors does not own it. No one has a percentage share. The recruitment was done by aero contractors, but we have a responsibility to ensure that the sensitivity and ethnic differences in Cross River is reflected.”

He therefore, urged Cross Riverians to patronize the airline, noting that "Cally Air is actually intended to serve Cross Riverians. It is for you Cross Riverians. The decision by the airline to ply this route is to serve the people. Your fare which starts from N17,000 is intended to support Cross Riverians. So you must make Cally Air your choice airline. Cally Air will provide you the sufficiency of comfort as well as safety."

The governor who said the airline will make punctuality the soul of its business, also disclosed that "when we say Cally Air operates on the dot, we mean it will be prompt, it will be apt, it will be time conscious to ensure that Cross Riverians can go to Abuja, do their business and return same day to save them the cost of hotel bills."

According to him, "the whole concept of Cally Air is to ensure Cross Riverians reduce the cost of transportation and increase footfalls into Calabar so that our hotels can boom and we can then increase our tourism.”

He promised that “as Cally Air begins to prosper, you are going to see more aircrafts being procured by Cross River State Ministry of Aviation and as I said, this is a property of Cross River State Government by extension the citizens of Cross River.

" Your money is there, my money is there, all of our taxes have come to the achievement of this. There is no bank loan and I am saying it on camera for emphasis, no bank here or abroad that will say Cross River borrowed 10kobo. There is no one that will say we borrowed one naira."

On the operational modality between the aero contractors, handlers of the aircraft, and the state government, Ayade hinted that "Aero contractors knows that this aircraft is given to them for six months in the first instance strictly, because we do not have an AOC, which is the licence to run an airline business. We only have a licence for the aircraft.

"It takes six months for the licence to come and if we have to wait for the licence, we will be losing money, so that is why we had to start early, using aero contractors with over 56years of flying without any accident. So on the basis of safety, we made a choice of aero contractors and against that background, we will continue with them until Cally Air has its full management team and a full AOC. So after the AOC, we can now commence a full direct independent airline. For those who imagine that aero has a hand in the procurement of this aircraft, it is absolutely false. No one, except Cross River citizens own this aircraft."