President Buhari receives Some APC Governors in Sallah Homage in Daura, Katsina State on 22nd July 2021

President Buhari in a group photograph with some Zamfara Political Leaders led by its Governor Bello Matawalle as he receives Some APC Governors in Sallah Homage in Daura, Katsina State on 22nd July 2021

*Dr Linda Ayade flags off Maternal Newborn, Child Health Week & Launch IPV2 in Cross River State*

*Over 900,000 Children and 300,000 Pregnant Women Targeted*

Cross River State is delivering a basket of services to women and children under an integrated package of highly cost-effective MNCH services/interventions.
Over 900,000 Children and about 3,000 pregnant Women are set to benefit from the various forms of Health Interventions which includes Nutritional supplements, Delivery Kits, Vaccination, distribution of long lasting insecticide treated net etc in Cross River State to help reduce if not eradicate completely the increasing rate of Malnutrition, malaria, vaccines preventable diseases amongst other common causes of Maternal and Child Mortality.

The Official Flagg-off Ceremony for the 2021 Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week took place in Bogobri in as part of the Eid Mubarak Celebration alongside the introduction of the Injectable Polio Vaccine 2 by the wife of the Governor Her Excellency Hajia Dr Linda Ayade, the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, the CRSPHCDA Director General Dr Janet Ekpenyong and other dignitaries.

Declaring the commencement of both interventions in Cross River State, Hajia Dr Linda Ayade assured Families of government's commitment towards eradicating every vaccine preventable diseases as well as continued fight against common causes of deaths in Pregnant Women and Children.

In her words; "The choice of the Hausa-Fulani settlement (Bogobri) was strategic as the government is determined towards closing the ranks in Health Facility utilization by creating awareness on requirements from citizens who before now were constrained. She insist that utilization of healthcare facilities for services remains the right thing to do and should be enjoyed by all. A healthy Nation is as a result of healthy Children so its better we prevent this diseases than curing. I want to commend the head of the CRS health sector Dr Betta Edu and the DG for working so hard to keep the State safe reducing major health challenges, this is a clear indication that perfect hands were chosen. Health ministry ranks top in Cross River state!."

Speaking also during the event, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu who described gestation period (pregnancy) as the most demanding period that requires mothers to get uncompromised access to essential nutrients which are fundamental for their lives and those of their babies charged their husbands to accord them the necessary support and care during and after this period.

"I encourage Women to take the responsibility of accessing medical care during pregnancy to help keep them and their babies safe, husbands needs to support their spouse during this period. Our Traditional and Religious leaders needs to also see it as a duty to advise Pregnant Women to always register for antenatal services so they can get medical services like screening for HIV/AIDs, Vaccinations, routine drugs, awareness on Maternal and Child dietary requirements as well as giving birth in the best of facilities under standard professional care. Cross River state has been polio free for over a Decade, let’s give our children the IPV2 to ensure continuous protection against polio.

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

She noted that this year's intervention is focused in the rural areas. The Director General intimated the people on the newly introduced Inactivated Polio vaccine 2 by the Federal Government which she said will further help to prevent the Polio virus.

Health Workers have been deployed to various Communities to create more awareness. Women were encouraged to take their Children to the closest healthcare centres in order to get access to Vitamin A Supplements for Children under age five, deworming tablets and Immunization to guarantee full Immunity against Childhood killer diseases.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke during the event, a four Months old Pregnant Woman Hadiza Chiroma, blessing and Aisha thanked the Government of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, his amiable wife Dr Linda Ayade and the workaholic and assiduous Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and her team for always reaching out to them regularly to sensitize them as well as providing quality Healthcare services in various government owned facilities, she noted that the Muslim Community has never been neglected as they've always gotten fair and equal treatment in all cases in Calabar.

Good will messages were received from the Chairman of Calabar South, Hon Esther Bassey, the Sarki of the Hausa/Fulani Community Abba Lawan, the President of CROWEI Hon Lawrencia Ita, Traditional leaders, Health Implementing partners like the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, WHO, UNICEF, Vitamin International, National Orientation Agency, CAN, etc. With highpoints of the event being the administration of Vitamin A supplements, distribution of delivery kits by the Wife of the State Governor to Children under 5 years and pregnant woman, administration of the IPV was done by the Commissioner got Health and DG, Distribution of food materials donated by wife of Governor to the host Community

Ayade meets IGP Baba, seeks to make Cross River zero crime zone

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State Tuesday met with the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba at Loius Edet House, Police headquarters Abuja.

Ayade said the visit was necessary to further explore modalities towards ensuring a safer Cross River.

The governor who congratulated the IGP over his recent appointment by President Buhari as the substantive head of the Nigeria Police, also observed that Usman Alkali Baba was a sterling cop with commensurate experience and distinctive qualities needed to police today's Nigeria.

He reiterated that Cross River was mostly a peaceful state, adding that "making the state a zero crime zone" was one of the priorities of his administration.

Ayade further said: " Presently, we are doing massive industrialization and building critical infrastructures and for the people and the state to maximize the economic gains of these projects, security is germane. Without a proper and result-oriented security strategy, our state would not be attractive for investments. No investor would want to put their money in an insecure place".

The governor also highlighted the imperative of a marine and homeland security.

He recalled the #endsars saga which witnessed wanton destruction of both public and private properties in the state, submitting that a more proactive policing was required to effectively check crime and criminality in the country.

Speaking, the IGP, Usman Alkali Baba pledged to collaborate with state government to usher in a new dawn of policing in the state.

While appreciating governor Ayade for the onerous efforts at making Cross River safe and peaceful, he emphasized the preparedness of the police to drastically curb crime and maintain peace and order across the country.

YOUR PEOPLE WILL RESPECT YOU MORE FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO JOIN APC, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS CROSS RIVER, ZAMFARA GOVERNORS

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday at State House, Abuja, received the Governors of Cross River and Zamfara States, who recently left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The new APC members, Governors Ben Ayade and Bello Matawalle, were accompanied to the event by the Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, and Governor Muhammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State.

President Buhari handed the flags of the party to the two Governors, raised their hands aloft, and declared:

“This is one of the happiest times for us in this party. For you to have the courage to leave your constituencies speak a lot. I wish Nigerians will reflect about it.

“I congratulate you for leaving your constituencies for our great party. We lost many states at the last election, which is unusual for a ruling party. But we did it to prove that we are a tolerant group. We wanted to demonstrate that we respect individuals.

“We emphasized that we respect our people. That was why we insisted on free and fair elections. Leaders should show honesty and respect for their followers.”

President Buhari added that the coming of the two Governors to APC was very important to the party, adding: “To be principled and identify your objectives is a great quality that should endear us to our people. Your people will respect you more for having the courage to come to APC at your own time. Nobody forced you, but you believe it is the best way to serve your people. I value your decision.”

Governor Mai Mala Buni said the Governors joined APC in appreciation of the good works the President was doing for the country, and also announced that ward, local government and state congresses of the party would start from July 31, 2021.

He said the congresses were shifted for one week, because the initial dates clashed with Sallah festivities.



Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

July 12, 2021

*"CRSG Gives Baby Factories 14 Days Ultimatum To QUIT! If you operate a maternity Home Get License To Operate Or Face The Wrath Of The Law"*

The Cross River State Government in a bid to checkmate child trafficking, unnecessary loss of lives of children and to help reduce the menace of street kids has through the office of the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu called on all Maternity Homes and Orphanages to get registered and acquire an operational License for proper supervision and monitoring; within the next 14days or face arrest and further prosecution. Dr Edu who frowned at the illegal operations of some of this firms by some persons who have turned it into a revenue generating business stated that such practices won't be tolerated in CRS anymore. This follows the charge from the Federal Government through the minister Of Health requesting State ministries of health to checkmate the activities of many so called maternity homes and orphanages.

"Maternity Homes and Orphanages are now seen as an avenue to make money. Most people want to own a Maternity Home and an Orphanage, they've deviated from the true purpose of this and are only interested in making profit at the expense of the lives and comfort of these kids and the vulnerable.

"As government we won't risk or jeopardize the life of any child in the name of business therefore, everyone who's involved in this must within a space of two weeks (14 days) get registered and acquire an operational License or face arrest and prosecution. This is to ensure that such facilities are of good standard to house such establishments and this will also help us regulate certain irregularities like unnecessary child deaths, child trafficking, etc."

The administration of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade has vowed to combat and put to an end to certain ill practices that are detrimental to the healthy and peaceful living of every cross riverian as such, we all must jointly work together for the betterment of our dear State and for the safety of our loved ones Dr. Edu added.

Deputy Governor Gets The Second Dose Of The Covid-19 Vaccine As CRS Leads Nigeria In COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage .

" _With Dr Betta Edu As Commissioner for Health In CRS, Covid-19 Can't Overcome or come Anywhere Near Us: Prof Ivara Esu"_

The Cross River State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu has called for a wider acceptability from citizens on the ongoing Covid-19 Vaccination exercise as a means of preventing deaths due to Covid-19 infections. Prof. Esu made this call in Calabar shortly after completing his second dose of the Oxford Astrazeneca Vaccine signalling a full immunity to the Covid-19 virus.

Prof. Esu said, "With other Countries recording drastic reduction in death rates as a result of strict compliance to vaccination and other Covid-19 prevention protocols, leaders and influencers in the Country should continue to push for a more rapid response in vaccine acceptability. Am feeling well and great after the first and second doses and i decided to take it alongside my Wife to show a good example as a leader and to tell my citizens that it's very safe and as such they shouldn't listen to all the social media propaganda.

"No doubts the vaccine is effective and as such am calling on everyone to take the vaccine because if i wasn't sure of it i won't take it alongside my wife. As a State we are very proud of the efforts and proactive nature of our Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and the DG of the CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpeyong for helping to keep Covid-19 away from our State."

Mrs Omotunde Ivara Esu assured cross riverians of the vaccine's potency and safety after completing the second dose stating her fear at first as she's feeling ok and strong.

On her part, the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu stated that with the Vaccine you're sure to have immunity against COVID-19. As a State we've done so well in vaccinating our population and we're leading the entire Country in terms of the vaccine coverage for the targeted population with over 117% coverage, there is no vaccine hesitancy . I call on cross riverians to out and come get vaccinated and continue to abide on the Covid-19 protocols."

Speaking on the wide level of compliance and acceptability in the state, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said mass mobilization were carried out with supports from strategic leaders who were able to debunk rumors about the vaccine. She encouraged other leaders to support the State in achieving 100% coverage of the eligible population in the stipulated time.

Some of the respondents who spoke with Channels Telivision said, they believe in the Efficacy of the vaccines the surest means of getting themselves protected against Covid-19. Go get vaccinated as its very safe.

Ayade receives report from Senator Ndoma-Egba led committee on warring communities, promises massive infrastructural development


Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade Wednesday received the Report of the Peace, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation Committee on the warring communities of Ebom/ Ebijaghara and Ediba/ Usumutong in Abi local government area of the state with a pledge to bring lasting peace to the war torn communities through massive infrastructural development.

The committee which was inaugurated by the governor in May had former Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ndoma Egba as Chairman.

Receiving the Report at the Conference Hall of the Governor's office, Calabar, Governor Ayade praised the committee for turning in its Report in record time.

"Let it be on record that this is the first time a government inaugurated committee will work within the time limits .

"I never doubted the capacity of Senator Ndoma-Egba. I am very sure that when I set up this committee with him as Chairman I was convinced not just because he is a senator or a Senior Advocate of Nigeria but his personal commitment to every responsibility that he set his hands on" , the governor said.

Ayade announced the extention of the tenure of the committee and saddled it with the new task of fashioning out the method of government intervention in the troubled communities.

"I have listened to you very clearly. I think the fundamental issue being raised here is the issue of infrastructure...We will sit down and look at the provision of land, decide on social housing structure. The commencement of the detailed design of the road network and all of that has to be worked out.

"And because this committee has done so very well and because you have worked within the time limit , I want to also extend the tenure and provide a new terms of reference for this same team . Firstly, to provide me a concept design by hiring the relevant consultant to give me the design. Secondly, to provide for me a social housing master plan for the entire Ebijaghara in the first instance. Thirdly, whether water supply is needed and fourthly to provide us a general detail of the infrastructure under discourse particularly in terms of providing me the physical design that I can on the basis of that document initiate either deploy the construction and fabrication academy of Cross River to commence this project or by way of a sub contract"

Ealier, Senator Ndoma Egba recalled that the governor had stated while inaugurating the committee that " it was in response from the Almighty God because the amount of blood shed has reached an unacceptable limit and level of destruction had become cataclysmic.”

According to him, the governor was right because "the committee visited the scenes of crises and while we did not see signs of blood again arising from the passage of time, we actually saw scenes of devastation and ruins, especially in the areas hitherto occupied by the Ebijaghara community and Usumutong.”

The former Senate leader disclosed that the Committee's recommendations if implemented, will heal wounds and bring lasting peace.

He noted that the warring communities which are under the Bahumuno nation are crises fatigued and now yearn for sustainable peace and have on their own initiated and signed peace accord even becore the committe's intervention.

Highlights of the committee's recommendations include urgent, massive infrastructural intervention in the area, including the construction of about 39-kilometre road linking the warring communities and collection of data of the youths in the area.

The committee also called for government's recognition of the Bahumuno Peace and Development Union and Bahumuno Youth council, describing them as critical stakeholders in peace building in the Bahumuno nation.

The Committee's Report is in two volumes: The recommendations and memoranda received.

My dear, that's APC for you.

FG to give special attention to Bakassi Deep seaport, superhighway in 2022, says Ayade

Two of Cross River State's signature projects, the Bakassi Deep seaport and the 275 kilometres superhighway have received a boost, following firm commitment by the federal government to accord them special attention in 2022 to ensure a full realization of the projects.

News of the federal government's support for the projects was disclosed yesterday by the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, following his one-week visit to Abuja.

He also disclosed that the Bakassi Deep Seaport has been approved as Nigeria’s first agro deep seaport by the federal Government.

Expressing excitement at the outcome of his meeting with key officials of the Presidency, Governor Ayade hinted said he "had a very wonderful session with the presidency and I want to announce with joy that the presidency has shown very strong committment to the Bakassi Deep seaport and the superhighway which is basically the core reason of my being in Abuja for this long."

Ayade who acknowledged the role played by these key presidency officials, also thanked them for their support.

"I want to thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Minister for Transport, His Excellency, Rotimi Amaechi, his colleague in the Aviation Ministry, Seriki Hadi, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed."

Similarly, the governor extended his appreciation to his colleague governors from the North, noting that "they also spoke strongly in support of the projects as well as others I had met in the course of sharing my dreams and thoughts on the Bakassi Deep seaport with an evacuation corridor through the 275km superhighway."

Continuing, the governor added that "the President is committed to seeing that this project is realised and I want to specially thank the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the strong committment of the holistic team of the APC family who are fully committed to the realization of this opportunity. Besides also, it is only natural for the South South and the South Eastern flanks to have a direct maritime connection to Northern Nigeria."

Re-echoing his ambition for the two projects, Ayade said: "Again, I would like to reiterate that my ambition is to take Atlantic Ocean closer to Northern Nigeria to allow them the beneficiation process of taking full advantage of solid minerals deposits that abound in the northern part. Unfortunately, this huge mineral deposits will remain unexploited as far as there is no access to a maritime corridor.

"So the Bakassi deep seaport with an evaluation corridor through the superhighway creates a great opportunity for Northern Nigeria to have a bliss and an opportunity to have a getway into financial freedom."

According to the governor, "Indeed, I believe that the prosperity agenda that will be ushered into Northern Nigeria, occasioned by the existence of this superhighway and the deep seaport will be unbelievable, because as it is today, Nigeria has only one maritime getway in terms of commercial maritime transaction."

Speaking on the general outlook for the country in relation to oil, Ayade quipped: "I think that Southern Nigeria must also come to the understanding that oil is gradually becoming a thing of the past. By 2030, there will be no engine, be it diesel or petrol driven that will be manufactured. So with Nigeria consuming about 65million litres of petrol in a day, you will then expect that quantity to drop. The demand for refined products will drop and the demand for solid minerals like coaltar will be on the rise and that, we have in abundance in Northern Nigeria.

"So whether the north or the south, we both need each other and we must come together and share the prosperity that this country has got. That is what I am preaching and I strongly believe it is the way for us to move forward as a country."

*"FHI360 starts new EPIC project in CRS Supports Over 30 Health Facilities With Electronic Centrifuge And Generator Sets"*

Cross River state Government has succeeded in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS form 6.6% to 2% as seen in the latest Nigeria DHS report. In April 2019, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded FHI360 the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project. This five-year global initiative provided a strategic technical assistance and direct service delivery to achieve HIV epidemic control and promote self-reliant management of National HIV programs by improving HIV case finding, prevention, treatment programming and viral load suppression in CRS.

EpiC is led by FHI360 and as the projects begins, the State reliable Partners have supported over 30 Health Care Facilities with electronic Centrifuge and 2 Generator sets.

Receiving the items on behalf of the CRSG, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu thanked the entire Management Staff of FHI360 for their wonderful commitment and support to the State. "I want to on behalf of my principal, the Executive Governor of CRS Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade thank and appreciate FHI360 for their immense support to us as a State, you're live savers and i want to reassure you that these items will be used judiciously and for the purpose which they've been donated.

"I want to also use this medium to solicit for capacity building to help encourage sustainability. We appreciate you and will continue to work with you and give you an enabling environment to continue to carry out your projects in the State targeted at reducing the prevalence of HIV AIDS to zero with emphasis on eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV."

Responding, Dr Frank Eyam appreciated the administration of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade and his Commissioner for Health Dr Edu for the innovation and expertise brought to health system management as well as the tremendous support and enabling environment which has helped them to thrive and work effective. He said there was great need to support this facilities with these items to improve testing treatment and save lives. "This administration has been exceptional and we sincerely appreciate Dr Betta Edu for her efforts and support that has helped us to work effectively, her result driven nature is one of the reasons we're excelling.

"These items are necessary most samples collected always fail due to lack of Centrifuge at facility. with this, we now have a remedy. The donated items will also help safe Blood samples at once provided they're used for the right purpose. With this we can now ascertain the level of Virus in a carriers blood and we'll know if the Viral Load is reducing to an undetected level or not."

Facilities to benefit from the Centrifuge donated includes; PHC Igbo Imabana, PHC Aningeje, PHC Mfamosing, PHC Mma Effa, PHC Ikang, PHC Diamond, Biase Aya Medical Centre, Cottage Hospital Akpet, Comprehensive Health Centre Okundi, Model Primary Health Centre Katchuna, Bakor Medical Centre, PHC Ikot Ekpo, PHC Ikot Enebong, PHC Kasuk, PHC Anatigha, Hiltop Health Care Foundation, University of Calabar Medical Centre, CRUTECH Medical Centre, PHC Akani Esuk, Calabar South Peace Medical Centre, PHC Anderson, PHC Ekpo Abasi, PHC Essierebom, County Specialist Hospital Ikom, Melrose Hospital Ikom, Ekana Medical Centre Obubra, CHC Ikot Offiong Otop Okoyong, General Hospital Ukem, and General Hospital Ugep. While those to benefit from the donated Generator sets includes; CHC Ikot Offiong Otop Okoyong and Hinterland Movement.

27 megawatts Tinapa power plant to boost power supply to greater Calabar, MSMEs -Ayade


As part of effort to boost the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, Cross River governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has promised a quick completion of the 27 megawatts Adiabo power plant at the Tinapa Business Resort.

Ayade who gave the assurance while inspecting the level of work along with Mr. Jitender Sachdeva, President, Skipperseil Group, Nigeria, said "the idea is to ensure that the MSME's have opportunity to have electricity and grow the local economy."

On the trickle down effects to MSMEs, Ayade who spoke on the tarrif structure disclosed that "we have a tariff regime that structures gas supply systems in such a way that there is a discounted price when you are doing gas to power whereby you sell gas at subsided rate to be able to generate electricity so that the cascading effect will be such that the public out there, the SME's will have power at very subsidized price."

According to the governor, "this project is actually a social electricity project intended to give electricity to the poorest of the poor and communities around."

On the installed capacity, the governor said: "We have 27mw here with a potential to install another 27mw which gives us a combined cycle that can bring in a third. When we get to that capacity, we will be in a position to feed the national grid.”

Governor Ayade said his government was considering bringing in a third party investor "who will be the operator of this plant, having been installed by the main contractor skipper. And we are happy to announce to Nigerians that Cross River State is getting another power plant of 27mw , the one in parliamentary is 23mw. The cumulative effect of this is that Cross River State and indeed Calabar in particular will be the first state capital that will run on 24hours electricity without fail."

Expressing excitement at the multiplier effects of the project, Ayade noted that "the project is coming also at a time that we are pushing for our metropolitan fibre optic line to give us power to homes, city wifi and smart wifi and wifi to homes, which means that you can have a wifi connectivity directly from your house at a negligible cost.

"So the catalytic combination of subsidized power alongside with the wifi services will give Calabar the 21st century exposure we dream about and that's where we are.

"We are at 80% installation capacity. We just have few containers we are expecting to arrive shortly. By the close of next week, we should be done with all imports and focus on the 8inch gas pipeline. We already have the modular scrobars installed, so we will just tap into the Savannah energy pipeline and circuit it into the system and properly socket just like we have socketed into the centre. We will socket into the electricity value chain and bring value to Cross Riverians."

On the completion date, "they are looking at April next year. But I am back tracking it to December this year because my people have to have electricity in greater Calabar. But of course once the plant in Odukpani starts running, this one runs and the one in Parliamentary runs, we will be having a combined capacity of almost 600mw generated within Calabar," Ayade hinted, adding that "it therefore means that we have to set up a state transmission line that will share power to the rest of the state all the way to the Northern Senatorial District, particularly the Obudu Cattle Ranch where we are currently doing a three megawatts hydro power plant in combination with the wind system.
"So I am focusing on energy as a way of liberating our people from the horrifying dependence on the very difficult national grid. And I am proud to say that a Cross Riverian is the Minister of State for Power and he is working aggressively, supporting us to see to the realization of all these power projects."

Ayade harps on food fortification at UN Food System Summit

For food system to bring desired value, quality of food is critical, the governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade has said.

The governor stated this at the National Consolidatory Dialogue on the United Nations Food Summit 2021 in Abuja on Tuesday.

He also said for Nigeria to overcome the unpleasant challenge of stunted growth among her citizenry, the objective of the food system should go beyond financing and include nutrient content of food which entails food fortification.

According to Governor Ayade, government must deliberately sponsor researches that would help improve food system in Nigeria like the Chinese did after the second world war having discovered that her people experienced stunted growth due to poor quality of food.

He explained that food fortification was ‘precision technology aimed at improving quality of food, urging the federal government to as a matter of policy, also focus on food fortification while pursuing its food sufficiency agenda.

He added that super abundance of food with low nutrient quality would continue to lead to malnutrition and stunted growth as being experienced in the country.

“Again, there is a direct relationship between hunger and anger. When people became hungry, anger sets in. This anger often finds expression in restiveness and all sorts of crimes. So, food sufficiency is critical but food quality is twice as critical. All tiers of government have the responsibility to ensure that technology is made available to farmers to help improve our food system”, the governor inferred.

Ayade who chaired the event on behalf of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, maintained that the 21st century agriculture was driven by technology with focus on knowledge engineering, arguing that small-holders farming as presently practiced in the country was old-fashioned.

“In Thailand for instance, it is the responsibility of the government to provide irrigation, inputs, extension services and off takers. The responsibility of the farmer is to nurse his crops. We still practice 20th century agriculture system in Nigeria. We must entrench technology driven agriculture with focus on knowledge engineering”, Ayade said.

The governor who identified financing as a major setback to agriculture in the country submitted that it was very difficult for sub nationals to focus on agriculture considering the meagre allocation from the federation account accruing to many states who struggle to pay salaries.

His words; “It’s always very challenging for sub nationals whose federal allocation is not even enough to pay salaries to begin to focus on agriculture. If I was to speak at any forum, I would speak on food security, food system, theory and practice. In practice, most of the advice and suggestions given during the dialogue session are underpinned by financing. When there is no finance, there is very little you can do. The problems are known, the solutions are well articulated but the reality is that there is inadequate financing to drive the process to expected ends.

“The federal government has a responsibility beyond budgetary provision, to take an extra step in collaboration with the United Nations in order to fully achieve the objectives of her agriculture revolution. It is sad that Nigeria is number 2 in the statistics of stunted growth in the world. We must be very committed to addressing issues at sub national level. One of my key focus is agriculture. I have set up agro-based industries in every senatorial districts of the state. Our investment in agriculture is massive. We are the largest producers of cassava in Nigeria. In Obubra, we have set up a cassava processing plant, that will produce commercial starch. We are fortifying our variety to produce quality cassava flour as alternative to wheat flour. You have to have a combination of knowledge and funding to be able to bring value otherwise we will continue to remain at the academic level”.

At the event was the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who had earlier declared the summit open before delegating Governor Ayade to chair proceedings on his behalf.

Other dignitaries at the event include Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, Ms. Amina Mohammed, Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono; Health, Dr Osagie Ehinare; Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, and the convener of the Dialogue, Mrs Olusola Idowu.

Also at the event was Prof. Kola Amigo from the Ahmadu Bello University, who presented findings from the various UN Food System dialogues held in the country, as well as Nigeria's development partners, and other dignitaries from the academia, private and public sectors.

*"School Of Nursing And Midwifery Calabar Receives Health sector Magic Touch"*

*_Before Meets After!*_

The CRS School of Nursing and Midwifery located at Moore Road is today wearing a new look many years after courtesy of our Digital and Health pro Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the workaholic Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu and our reliable development partner UNFPA. The School which produces outstanding Nurses and Midwives that are of immense service and support to the health sector needed a total over haul, even more following the recent rain storm in Calabar which further worsen the already bad state.

Today that has been successfully accomplished. During the opening/commissioning ceremony, the State Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu reiterated the commitment of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade to bring about a revolution in the health sector, beginning from the Health facilities to our Health institutions, giving our health Students a comfortable learning environment.

The Honorable Commissioner in her speech emphasized on the importance of Improving the qualityof learning for health workers which is the foundation for quality performance in practice, this will address the fundamental needs towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. "Let me use this opportunity to thank His Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for always putting the Health Sector first as this has given cross riverians the required confidence to utilize the health system to meet their Health needs. The revolution in the health sector is on with daily breakthroughs.

"Let me specially thank the UNCHR for their support so far to CRS and to the School, the entire Ministry of Health. I want to also charge the Students to work hard so this investment can be reflected in their next result! “let your studies be your priority as the best student for this school calendar year will go home with a 50,000 price."

Dr Edu ended by encouraging the Teachers to invest on the Students for they are the future of Cross River State health sector and the World at large.
She thanked everyone who made the work possible and commended them for the speed at which the work was delivered.

Dr Janet Ekpeyong commended the work done at the school of Midwifery noting that she is glad to be part of the revolution in the health sector, she advised the students to take advantage of the new rebranded school and study properly. She promised to absorb the health workers as soon as they are out.

On her part, the Principal of the School thanked His Excellency the Governor for Appointing a very pragmatic Health Commissioner Who is so dedicated/committed as well as result oriented. She thanked the Commissioner for all her efforts towards promoting Nursing and Midwifery Education as they've been a massive turn around in the School ever since she was appointed. The School now has a Demonstration Room, with state of art equipment, General renovations and upgrades in Classrooms, Learning Resources, Books, digital lectures, etc.

Dr Comfort Ekanem and the Representative of the Director of Nursing Mr. Emmanuel Egwu also thanked the Honorable Commissioner for all her support to the Nursing Community.

High point of the event was the official commissioning of the School demonstration room, library books and other areas unveiled. SA on Health Dr David Ushie, DR.MINA, Directors of the CRSMOH and other dignitaries were with the Commissioner during the event.

As usual two aspirants emerges PDP Gubernatorial candidate in Anambra State. One from Atiku's Camp and one from Wike's Camp. This is the party that wants to win 2023 Presidential Elections��������

*"Ministry of Health Clamps Down On Fake Drinks, Fake Zobo Producers in Calabar"*

The recent determination of Governor Ben Ayade’s administration to end quackery in Medical Practice, health sector and Food safety area across the state have been heightened following the timely intervention of Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu and here health team who have stopped and bursted illegal manufacturing of food and drink items as well as fake drugs in Cross River State.

The ministry is much interested in the wellbeing of cross riverians starting from what they consume as food to what they consume as drugs. This has been further proven as she led the Food Safety Taskforce round the State in search of quack/fake producers of major consumable items.

Today, luck ran out of one Mr Bassey Gideon Attah a resident of No.5 Akekong Lane Off Douglas Bassey, State Housing Estate who owns a Zobo production firm that is way below standard and doesn't meet any of the criteria of food safety regulations. Mr Attah who has been producing fake and unhygienic Zobo for public consumption for a couple of years now was apprehended and the firm shut down by the State's Ministry of Health.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr Betta Edu frowned at the level of wickedness that could be exhibited by some persons to their fellow man. "It's so unfortunate that people could be this wicked and mean to their own fellow man, you can imagine the environment where the said Zobo is being prepared for public consumption. The so called fermented ginger which he claims adds spice to the Zobo drink is always left open with flies perching on it, the containers are unwashed and most times picked up at very dirty drainages and trashes, the environment itself is an eyesore yet people work here in the name of producing Zobo.

"Tell me why they won't be outbreak of diseases like typhoid, dysentery, cholera etc. As a government we'll not allow this to happen as such whoever is caught will be made to face the full weight of the law just like this man here today."

Reacting, Mr Gideon Attah pleaded that he never knew they was a certain standard setup for the production of Zobo as he promised that he'll never embark on such an illegal activity and pleaded that he be given an opportunity to come to the State's Ministry of Health and get more knowledge on how he can run such a firm correctly.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Dr David Ushie on his part called on cross riverians not to keep quiet when they come in contact with such illegal activities that could cause severe disease outbreak to the general public but should immediately call the attention of the State Commissioner for Health, himself, the Director of Public Health, Food Safety Department of the CRSMOH or even the Police so legal actions can be taken on such a person.

Cross riverians are therefore advised to always know the source of whatever they consume as there has become a very high rate of fake and expired products in circulation especially those that are not properly recycled as a so call Zobo could have been produced a couple of weeks ago but because there's no expiration date, Dr Iwara added.

*"Charity They Say Begins At Home; As Dr Betta Edu renovates, upgrade and equip PHC Adadama … commissions it for use"*

Cross Riverians deserve the very best… Governor Ayade is committed to achieving this! - Dr Betta Edu


It was a dream come true for the good people of Adadama Ward and the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu as she completed the renovation, upgrade and equipping of a standard Primary Health Care facility in Adadama. like its always being said 'Charity begins at home', Dr Betta Edu has today proven that, as she unveils one of the best equipped primary health facilities in the State during her visit to Adadama Ward.

Speaking during the commissioning exercise which witnessed political leaders, thousands of Adadama Youths, Health Workers, Mothers and Traditional Rulers, Dr Edu expressed her satisfaction as she can now sleep well. "The renovation of this facility is a dream come true for me as a couple of years back when i visited the village, i visited this health center for treatment and i was ashamed and embarrassed with the state of things, there was no light, no water, no consumables and indeed no life in it at all.

"I took a vow within myself that in my next visit whether as DG or not, whether in government or not I'll make sure this facility becomes one of the best and am proud of what has been done here. I thank God Almighty for using me as a tool to rebirth this facility that will benefit my people and to Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for giving me all the needed support and platform."

The facility has indeed undergone a rebirth through the magic touch of Dr Edu as they now have a running water, the Ayadecare tricycle ambulance, alumaco windows, standard flash doors, new electronic beds, well equipped facilities, rest rooms, solar system, offices etc. she has also assured them of a one year free anti malaria drugs while promising them a free registration of 1,000 people from Adadama Ward under the Ayade Care Health Insurance Scheme enrollment as this will subsequently spread to other Wards.

Expressing her joy especially as this giant achievement is been recorded during her reign as the DG of the CRSPHCDA, Dr Janet Ekpenyong thanked the Honorable Commissioner for always putting her people into consideration amidst the very numerous pressure and challenges that comes with her position/office.

"Adadama community will always rejoice because a particular righteous Betta is leading them, the show of love and support from this community to Dr Betta have been massive and indeed laudable. I'll charge you all to watch out for Betta and Better things in Adadama. Evidently, the health sector is the most successful and fast growing sector in CRS today all because of her leadership and support from our father the health pro Governor Sen Ben Ayade."

Dr Ekpenyong charged them to endeavor to always access care there and ensure that they guide and protect the facility as if anything goes bad they'll be the ones to suffer it. High point of the commissioning was the financial support from the commissioner and her team to a family that was delivered of a triplet in the health facility showing an excellent performance from the health workers that were also commended.

TEACHERS CONTINUOUS TRAINING COLLEGE, BIASE CROSS RIVER STATE.

VACANCY FOR THE POST OF COLLEGE REGISTRAR
Advanced Teachers Continuous Education Training College, Biase was established by the Government of Cross River State in 2020 via Law No… of 2020. It is located in Biase, about 80 kilometers north of the State Capital, Calabar. It is a hybrid state-of-the-art teachers’ continuous professional training College; the first of its kind in Anglophone West Africa. Its focus is to deepen knowledge and skills in the sector across levels by providing niche, practice-based short and medium term specialist resource to teachers in the region. The College is to be headed by a Director General / Chief Executive who shall in-turn be supported by a management team comprising the institution’s principal officers.
Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of College Registrar. The job location is Biase, Cross River State.
DUTIES
The Registrar is the Chief Administrative Officer of the College and shall be responsible to the Director General/ Chief Executive of the College for the day to day administration of the college.
The welfare and discipline of both Academic and Non-Academic staff relies largely on the capability and quality leadership of the Registrar, acting under the directives of the Director General/ Chief Executive of the College.
The Registrar is by virtue of the office, Secretary to Governing Council, Academic Board, Congregation and Convocation of the College.
REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must meet the following:
• A Bachelor Degree in any of the Social Sciences, Arts and Liberal Studies with a minimum of Second Class Upper Division from a recognized University;
• A Master Degree from a recognized institution of higher learning with at least 15 years post-graduation experience in administration in a comparable tertiary institution of learning;
• Must have been a Deputy Registrar in a comparable institution with responsibility for a combination or any of the following: establishment matters; examination & records; student affairs & admissions; and general administration etc. for an unbroken period of not less than five years during the last seven years;
• Proficiency in relevant Information and Communication Technology packages including evidence of at least four local and international continuous mandatory professional development during the last three years; and,
• Must be a valid financial member of any recognized professional body in the relevant field.
TERMS OF APPONTMENT
• The Registrar shall hold office for a period of 5 years and may be renewable subject to satisfactory performance for another term of 5 years;
• Candidates appointed will be entitled to all official approved benefits attached to the Office of the Registrar, as will be communicated by the College;
• Remuneration and other condition of service shall be as communicated by the College;
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applicants are required to submit 15 copies of the application and detailed curriculum vitae highlighting amongst others, the following:
• Full Names
• Post Applied for
• Place and Date of Birth
• Nationality
• State and Local Government of Origin
• Permanent Home Address
• Current postal address (if any) including GSM and e-mail contacts
• Marital Status
• Number of Children
• Institutions attended with dates
• Academic/professional qualification obtained with dates (attach copies of credentials)
• Work experience with dates
• Names and addresses of Three (3) Referees (from Employer, Educational and Personal), who are to forward Confidential Reports directly to the Acting Secretary of the College Governing Council. Such Referees should be able to attest to the candidate’s claim to high academic and managerial capabilities as well as to the candidate’s integrity.
Applicants would be required to:
• Produce originals of their certificates and other relevant credentials for sighting if invited for interview (photocopies will not be accepted)
• Present certificate of physical and health/mental wellbeing from a Government Tertiary Hospital and;
• Support every claim on the CV with documentary evidence, where applicable.
Applications are to be submitted in a sealed envelope and marked “Application for the Post of REGISTRAR” at the top left-hand corner and addressed to -
The Ag. Secretary,
College Governing Council,
c/o Office of the Permanent Secretary (Room Bleep)
Ministry of Education.
Calabar
*Please note:
(a) Receipts would be issued as evidence of submission of application at the submission desk.

(b) Electronic applications including submissions after the indicated deadline (July 25, 2021) shall not be accepted.

(c) Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Signed.
Hon. Dr. E.G. Amanke
Commissioner for Education.

APC Stalwarts Storms Eniong, Received By Thousands of Supporters

June 13 2021 will go down in history as one day where the people of Eniong Ward in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State made strong affirmation to what political party they seek to affiliate themselves with .

Men, women and youths from all clans and villages assembled at the Atan Onoyom village square to welcome their political leaders who have come from far and wide to make statements which would positively affect their generations and those yet unborn.

They have come with a progressive message, an assurance for their well-being, the future of their children and the need to remain relevant in the political space of Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.

The All Progressive Congress is the product, they have come to market it, with evidence to purposeful leadership and with all sense of credibility and honesty, they said, it was time " we socket to the centre", following the footsteps of the Digital Governor, Senator Ben Ayade.

Leading a team of state government appointees and elected office holders, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong thanked the people for the grand reception and honour done in them as he said, it's a sign of welcome and acceptance.

Mr Ekpenyong said, the All Progressive Congress remains the only relevant and functional political party in the state, saying the governor's exit from the People's Democratic Party signalled the collapse of the party which was before now dominant in the state.

He said politics of APC is focused on attracting development to the state and with the projection in the new few months, the All Progressive Congress will have a smooth ride in the next General elections.

Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Cross River State Chapter, Senator Matthew Mbu assured the decampees that their interests are all protected as the party remain all embracing and United for a common goal.

Senator Mbu who was represented by the Technical Assistant to the Vice President, Mr Philip Obin stated that, there's no preferential treatment to anyone either new or old, insisting that once anyone rightly registers as a member of the party, they are qualified to vote and be voted for to any position of their choice.


In her remarks, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong praised the Governor for the foresight in engaging youths especially women in contributing their own quota to stage and Nation's Development.

According to Dr Ekpenyong, more women are now involved in decision making process in the state which she said has contributed to the huge success recorded by the present administration.

She promised her total commitment and loyalty to Governor Ben Ayade and the All Progressive Congress, a party which she said represent progressiveness and development.


Other respondents and speakers include, Mr Ekanem Ekpenyong, Commissioner I, Cross River State Sports Commission, Member representing Odukpani in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Francis Asuquo, Leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, The Cross River State Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nfom Bassey, The Chairman of Calabar Municipality Hon. Eke Effiong, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on New Media and Logistics, Mr Offiong Onoyom among others.

APC Stalwarts Storms Eniong, Received By Thousands of Supporters

June 13 2021 will go down in history as one day where the people of Eniong Ward in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State made strong affirmation to what political party they seek to affiliate themselves with .

Men, women and youths from all clans and villages assembled at the Atan Onoyom village square to welcome their political leaders who have come from far and wide to make statements which would positively affect their generations and those yet unborn.

They have come with a progressive message, an assurance for their well-being, the future of their children and the need to remain relevant in the political space of Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.

The All Progressive Congress is the product, they have come to market it, with evidence to purposeful leadership and with all sense of credibility and honesty, they said, it was time " we socket to the centre", following the footsteps of the Digital Governor, Senator Ben Ayade.

Leading a team of state government appointees and elected office holders, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong thanked the people for the grand reception and honour done in them as he said, it's a sign of welcome and acceptance.

Mr Ekpenyong said, the All Progressive Congress remains the only relevant and functional political party in the state, saying the governor's exit from the People's Democratic Party signalled the collapse of the party which was before now dominant in the state.

He said politics of APC is focused on attracting development to the state and with the projection in the new few months, the All Progressive Congress will have a smooth ride in the next General elections.

Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Cross River State Chapter, Senator Matthew Mbu assured the decampees that their interests are all protected as the party remain all embracing and United for a common goal.

Senator Mbu who was represented by the Technical Assistant to the Vice President, Mr Philip Obin stated that, there's no preferential treatment to anyone either new or old, insisting that once anyone rightly registers as a member of the party, they are qualified to vote and be voted for to any position of their choice.


In her remarks, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong praised the Governor for the foresight in engaging youths especially women in contributing their own quota to stage and Nation's Development.

According to Dr Ekpenyong, more women are now involved in decision making process in the state which she said has contributed to the huge success recorded by the present administration.

She promised her total commitment and loyalty to Governor Ben Ayade and the All Progressive Congress, a party which she said represent progressiveness and development.


Other respondents and speakers include, Mr Ekanem Ekpenyong, Commissioner I, Cross River State Sports Commission, Member representing Odukpani in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Francis Asuquo, Leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, The Cross River State Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nfom Bassey, The Chairman of Calabar Municipality Hon. Eke Effiong, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on New Media and Logistics, Mr Offiong Onoyom among others.

*5 years on; Dr Betta Edu continues to pay Fees for children in Adadama ward. Expands to register students in central senetorial district for JAMB.*


*It’s an Investment To Equip The Next Generation - Dr Betta Edu*

As it has become the norm every term for the last 5 years, Dr Betta Edu has religiously paid school fees for all the Children in Adadama Ward. The Children numbering about 803 from the register submitted by the head teachers of various Schools have received their fees for the last term in the 2020/2021 session.

While handing over their fees to the various Head Teachers and principal she cautioned that no monies should be collected from their parents or the children for the same purpose. She equally distributed exercise books to pupils to reduce the burden on their parents.

“I want to build the next generation of leaders that will take over from us! This year we are not only paying fees for children from Adadama Ward but we have expanded the scope to cover Jamb registration for students from Central senatorial District. We will also provide little Scholarships for those in Tertiary Schools soon. Let me echo the words of My Boss Sen Ben Ayade “We don’t give because we have enough we give because we care enough”

This exercise was done just before the rally on Saturday in Adadama and the children were excused from the venue to prevent their being trampled upon by the mammoth crowd that came in solidarity to support Dr Betta EDU as she defected from PDP to APC!!!

In appreciation, parents of the benefited children thanked Dr Betta Edu and Governor Ben Ayade for raising foot soldiers with same vision and ability to always raise and Build up youths. "We'll forever remain grateful to this our daughter for making this burden lighter for us, for 5yrs this has been going on and i can't remember the last time i paid fees for my three children. Why on earth will we not continue to follow and support her. We all have moved to APC with her without any reason to stay back. God bless Sen. Ben Ayade, God bless Dr Betta Edu our own very loved and adored daughter." One of the ladies said.

LET’S GARLAND BEN AYADE

By FEMI ADESINA
I felt like embracing Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, a couple of weeks back when he left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Was that because I work with a President elected on the platform of the APC? Not necessarily so. Yes, I’ve never really liked the PDP because I felt there was too much of buccaneering in the party, but I’d always been honest enough to give some governors in the fold of the party who were doing well their dues. I always mentioned Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State (he was still in PDP then), Danjuma Goje of Gombe State, and some others. They stood out for the good works in their states.

When the APC came, and made Muhammadu Buhari its presidential candidate in 2014, I gladly threw in my lot with the party, not as a registered member though. Whither Buhari goest, I go.

Ayade’s crossing over to APC was very good for the party. The more governors, the merrier, and the brighter your chances of retaining power at the centre. We will come back to that, but first, my reason for being happy with Ayade, to the point of considering a warm embrace.

Hear the Governor when he gave reasons for crossing the carpet: “Having seen and known the President and his commitment to this country, his nationalistic disposition and all the efforts he has made to bring Nigeria to where we are today, it is obvious that at this point, we needed to join hands with him to build a Nigeria that we can be proud of.

“We need all governors to recognize that it is not the party that matters, it is character, honour, commitment to the vision of this great nation.”

This resonates deeply with me. For if there is one thing lacking in our country, it is love for nation. Some Nigerians actually rejoice when negative things happen to their own country. They rejoice at iniquity, at evil, and they think somebody is being done in, not knowing that the land is the ultimate loser. They swallow poison, and think it would kill their neighbors. Pity!

Also lacking in our blessed but blighted country are virtues like character, honour, commitment, selflessness, transparency, which President Buhari has a-plenty, and which Gov Ayade has seen, and which brought him into the APC. That is the reason for the intended embrace. Cross River State has always been PDP, and may still be largely so, but Ayade did not mind. He was actuated by enough love for country to know that his former party was not the way to go any longer, not minding the personal consequences.

Now, listen to this one that bowled me over completely. The Governor came to see the President, and spoke to journalists covering State House. He told them: “What do I stand to gain? If police stations are attacked, policemen are killed, soldiers are killed, there is kidnapping everywhere, it makes the ruling party unpopular, and that is good for me. My party is likely to win. But that is what I want to depart from. The cumulative impact of that is you are celebrating while your country is undergoing a bloodbath. And the cascading effect is that your country is becoming ungovernable over a period of time.

“So, why don’t we join hands with a party that says we are open, rather than being at war with each other?”

That is the crux of my admiration for Ayade. His decamping is not strictly about himself, but about our country. Love for fatherland. That is food for thought. Something we need to ponder about, and check ourselves in the mirror. Michael Jackson sang about the man in the mirror. “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways.”

Yes, Nigerians are the men in the mirror. We must change our ways. You rejoice when Boko Haram kills our troops. You are the man in the mirror. You exult when bandits carry away students into captivity. You are the man in the mirror. You dance when bombs and explosives go off, killing innocent souls. You are the man in the mirror. When economic indices are released, and things are looking down, you trumpet it from the rooftops. But when the economy makes gains, you pretend not to know. You are the man in the mirror. It’s time to learn from Ayade . It’s time to change your ways, and think Nigeria first. That is the lesson of the decampment, even when it is at great personal cost.

But if we can do some political permutations (which is allowed) Gov Ayade has given APC a shot in the arm, the very same thing Gov Dave Umahi of Ebonyi did some months back. APC started this dispensation with about 24 governors, while PDP had 12. All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had one, which it still does today. Due to schisms and internal wranglings, APC dwindled to 19 governors. They were lost to PDP, which began to make strong showings. And then, Umahi came. Ayade came. Before you knew it, APC was back to 21 governors. The winner takes it all, the loser standing small.

By the nature of our politics, the more states you control, the easier it is for you to win the Presidency. APC has 21, and still counting. Some things are sure to happen in the months ahead. APC’s gain will be PDP’s loss.

What APC lost in the South-South by being ousted in Edo and Bayelsa states, it has now got by having Cross River in the kitty. Things are looking up. Politics is still a game of numbers.

Beyond politics, however, I think we should garland Governor Ayade. He has made a move in which he was not thinking of just himself, but of the good of the country. He deserves our praises, and our emulation. If only we think of the good of our country first, we would then change our ways.

I’m closing with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

Defection: Cross River monarchs blast former governors, declare support for Ayade


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has continued to garner state-wide support following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The latest of such support is coming from the state's council of traditional rulers.

Led by their chairman and Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, His Royal Highness Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, who spoke on their behalf Wednesday at the State Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's Office Calabar during a courtesy visit to the governor, the monarchs told Ayade that there was a spiritual dimension to his defection.

"We are here today to meet with you and to discuss with you and to tell you our mind, that for the past three weeks or so, a lot has has happened in the state which we describe as spiritual development beyond human and political comprehension. Only those with third eyes will see it.

"It is our believe that God wants to do something out of this for two reasons: old things must pass away and old things must become new", Edet said.

According to him, their support for Ayade's defection was because "past Governors of this state have always admonished us to follow the leader and in this state, the leader is the Governor. So nobody should tell us otherwise now that it is Ayade’s turn.

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

"Your Excellency you told us that this state cannot afford to be in opposition and we know of a truth that we cannot afford to be in opposition."

The monarchs commended Ayade for opening up Cross River's political landscape by bringing young people into government and urged the people of the state, including past governors, to join hands with him "to bring good things to Cross River.”

Responding, Ayade thanked the monarchs for the unflinching support he has always enjoyed from them.

He reiterated his reason for defecting to the ruling party which was to sucket Cross River to the centre for the overall economic and infrastructural benefit of the state.

"I want to thank you for coming. I took a leap, a leap of faith and I am happy you are here with me, leaping with me. I did so because I know the person I am working with in the APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, a man of honour and a man of integrity and so to that extent I took a leap", he told the monarchs.

Describing the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the Super Highway projects- two legacy projects of his administration- as Northern Nigeria's shortest route to the Atlantic Ocean, the governor appealed to the President for federal support to ensure their realisation.

Ayade is material for national politics- Garba Shehu



More accolades continue to come the way of Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade following his movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Expressing excitement at Governor Ayade's movement, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Cross River stands to reap the fruits of the Governor’s movement to the APC in the long run.

Beaming with joy, while speaking on the sidelines of the award of the Governor of the Year on Agro-Industrialization on Ayade by the Blueprint newspapers at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, last week, Garba Shehu said: "I will just say we are excited about his coming to the APC."

The Presisential spokesman who said the governor has a lot to bring to the table, noted that "Ayade is a man of huge intellectual capacity and I think in terms of governance, he is the best.”

According to him, "the President has been to Cross River a couple of times. We went with the President and we saw the very innovative things he is doing with agriculture and all of that. So it is a big plus for APC and we are quite pleased that he has joined us."

On the Governor of the Year awarded to Ayade, Garba Shehu said Ayade merited it, hinting that "all the awards are merited. So I congratulate him. I will tell him that he is material for national politics beyond Cross River."

One year of superlative performance by Calabar south Chairman Honorable Esther Edet Bassey.

The Hallmark of a true leader is that willingness to stick with a bold course of action , leaders instill in their people a call for success and a believe in themselves.

Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals. This explains the person in Honorable Mrs Esther Bassey a leader that executes her qualities in administration with passion .

In her first 100 days in office, Honorable Esther Bassey as proven herself to be a pace setter of Chairmen in the state .

Immediately after her swearing-in on the second of June 2020 by His Excellency the Governor of Cross River State, Honorable Esther immediately hit the ground running by providing hope to her people through her giant strides.

So far, she has already achieved a lot of set goals within her first one year. This includes, restoration of power supply to the council , renovation and furnishing of the legislative block of the council , renovation of the renowned Hawkins cemetary, construction of two mini round abouts at palace road in Anantigha, renovation and furnishing of the chairman's office.

Attracted community and social development projects to the local government, which includes, the renovation of 5 class room blocks and construction of solar powered bore holes to provide portable water , and replacement of 500 kva transformer.

The health sector was not left out as the Honorable Chairman took the sensitization of Covid 19 to the nooks and crannies of the LGA , as well as sharing christmas package to babies in all the health centres in Calabar South. Hosted and advocated for polio immunization in calabar south. Partnered with the brotherhood of the cross and star to share Covid 19 materials to over 30 primary schools in the council. Hosted the flag-off campaign of maternal new born and child health wellness. Hosted world malaria day 2021 , and joined in the door to door distribution of mosquito nets in calabar south.

Staff of the council have benefitted from E- business sensitization and subsequent empowerment for small businesses.

Flag-off of skill acquisition and empowerment program to youths and women in all 12 wards of the LGA .

Facilitated and ensured Calabar south women benefitted from the federal government cash grant scheme.

Despite the devastating loss suffered by the council during the Endsars protest, this has not derailed Honorable Esther Bassey's vision to completely turn around the fortunes of the council.

On security, the council chair has the full cooperation of the security outfit Operation Akpakwu and local vigilantes to ensure peace in the LGA .

Over 100 new lock up shops have been constructed at the popular watt market to boost revenue for the council , she embarked on a tree planting campaign in collaboration with the rotary club to boost the Eco system.


In Education,School Children are not left out as she has donated educational materials to all the school children in the council as well as renovation of schools around the local government. Registration of all calabar south youths free of charge for the 2021 jamb registration.

Hosted the Hausa Fulani community during Sallah celebration for a better synergy .

Payment of stipends to physically challenged persons in the local government.

Awards.

In her short stay in office, Honorable Esther Bassey has won several awards which includes; The Quint Essential Woman award by the federal ministry of women affairs , award of honor by Nacriss world wide Cross River State Chapter , Calabar heritage award as most friendly personality , award of honor by house 2007 in recognition of her service to humanity , award of honor for her outstanding contribution towards the growth of PGSG and Nigerian students at large by the post graduate students of government senate PGSGS, decorated as member institute of tourism professionals of Nigeria .

In what was a challenging year for everyone due to Covid 19 and the Endsars protests, Honorable Esther Bassey did not allow any of this to be a distraction and managed to achieve all this in one year. Indeed the next two years will witness a bumber harvest for calabar south under the stewardship of Honorable Esther Edet Bassey. No wonder her constituents have nicknamed her the "Queen of the South"

*Nursing & Midwifery Council Of Nigeria Calabar Zonal Office Commissioned By Secretary General /Registrar Of Council Alh. Farouk Umar*

With a strong desire to ensure that CRS continue to stand tall in the health sector of Nigeria, amongst other numerous records breaking achievements of the Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade's administration through his workaholic and dynamic Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, the State now has a Zonal Office which will bring core Nursing administration to the State for the first time in history.

Receiving the Registrar/Secretary General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Alh. Farouk Umar and his team on behalf of the State Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the CRS Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu thanked and commended him for his visionary and tireless efforts in bringing more innovations to the Nursing profession in Nigeria. "Let me also use this medium to thank and commend you for your resilient and hardworking nature that has brought innovation and massive changes in the Nursing Council which contributed immensely to building the health sector of Nigeria.

"Your ability to raise and keep standard without playing politics with accreditation of nursing institutions is commendable. For a Country that wishes to achieve Universal Health Coverage with little Health workforce, we must do everything possible to strengthen the Councils to produce more of all the cadres of health workers. As a State, we also admire and appreciate your support that has so far given full accreditation to all our Schools of nursing with increased student entries. Cross River is set to have the first College of nursing sciences in South South Nigeria which remains a massive breakthrough for us as a State. Finally, bringing your Zonal Office to Cross River has made us the envy of the Country. We therefore thank you and your entire team for this huge honor, we are assuring you that the purpose for which this Office was created will be achieved.

On his part, the Registrar/Secretary General during his reaction thanked the government of Sen. Prof Ben Ayade who through his Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu has been able to achieve outstanding results especially in the health sector for the State. "I want to on behalf of my team thank the Health Commissioner for the warm reception so far. I owe every success to the Governor and his Health Commissioner as her hard work and resilience is why the State has achieved all of this. A couple of Months ago we were here for the accreditation exercise and again her hard work and effort gave Cross River schools full accreditation status. We are back this time to commission the State's Zonal Office. I've never seen a woman being so committed and active as always I keep wishing she was from my State as in her tenure the State has achieved so much in the health sector.

"While I charge the State to use the Office judiciously, I want to also assure the CRSMOH of our regular support/synergy, thanking everyone especially the government of CRS and his Health Commissioner, her entire team and the CRS and Akwa Ibom State NANNM, our Nursing student for being so pragmatic, committed and dedicated to making this process a reality. For every other dignitary here present, we salute you and also thank you for being a part of this success. Am so proud of this State and her leadership."

In a vote of thanks, the Director of Nursing Services Dr Pauline Obute thanked His Excellency Sen. Prof Ben Ayade, Commissioner and her team, the Registrar and Secretary General Alh. Farouk Umar, CRS will forever be indebted to you and your entire team for all your tremendous efforts and support as we reassure you that this Zonal Office will be used as a means of bringing Nursing services closer to our people amongst other purposes it's built for. The stress of traveling to Zonal Offices in other States has finally come to an end."

Highlights of the event was the official commissioning of the State's Zonal Office by Alh. Farouk Umar who was in the company of the CRS Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu, the Chief Medical Director of UCTH Prof Ikpeme A. lkpeme ably represented by the CMAC Dr Michael Eyong, Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Dr Bassey Edet, DG CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Permanent Secretary CRSMOH Barr. Takon Asu Takon, Provost of Colleges, NANNM CRS and Akwa Ibom Chairmen and their representatives, Directors of the CRSMOH and CRSPHCDA, and a host of other very important dignitaries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfaqgHsTX7Y

*Social Safety Net: Cross River Flags Off World Bank State-wide Rapid Response Register*

Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR), that will enable the low-income earners benefit from stipends for as part of measures to ease the state economy from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

The state Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, *Dr Inyang Asibong* while performing the flag off in Calabar Municipality Area of Cross River, said the target beneficiaries are “self-employed”, “wage employed” and “urban poor.”

*Asibong* said Cross River State Government is collaborating with the World Bank , using “cutting-edge” technology, to undertake a pilot scheme for the programme.

The commissioner explained that with the flag off, vulnerable people will be captured in the National Social Register (NSR) to enable them benefit from the National Social Safety net programme.

*"Governor Ben Ayade* made this new opportunity possible , leveraging on the support of the Federal Government to enable this category of people, who were not previously captured in the social register, to rapidly identify, register and provide them with succour.

“The RRR is designed to focus mainly on the urban poor wards selected using scientifically validated methods of satellite remote sensing technology, machine learning algorithm and big data analysis.

“We are keying into the social protection method with the first strategy to be developed and tested across the 18 local government areas ,starting with 6 LGAs with poverty index in Cross River State.

"Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR) Scheme aimed at reducing poverty among the poor and vulnerable citizens across the State"she added.

Those in attendance at the flag off were *Mr. Chris Anake, State Coordinator NASSCO; Mrs. Mbong Ausaji, Director of Administration MIDC; Mr. Mike Mgbekem, Director of Programs, MIDC; Mr. Otu Edem, Director PRS* as well as the management and staff of State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU).

Ayade reconciles Cross River APC chieftains, urges end to disunity


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade has called for an end to factionalization in the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Ayade spoke Sunday at an integration dinner with APC stakeholders held at Dorschester Hall, Spar Mall, Calabar.

The governor at the occasion reconciled feuding members of the party who publicly embraced one another.

The event witnessed a gathering of several APC bigwigs from the state including the party's candidate in the 2019 gubernatorial election, Senator Owan Enoh, former Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, former Senator Majority leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, APC state Chairman, Dr.Mathew Tawo Mbu.

Others included two former Senators that represented Cross River South in the Senate, Senators Florence Ita Giwa and Prince Bassey Otu, Member representing Abi/ Yakurr in the House of Representatives, Alex Egbona, immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Zana Akpagu, Chief Ekpo Okon among others.

Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, some members of the Cross River state Executive Council and House of Assembly Members, including Speaker Eteng Williams Jones, were also in attendance.

According to the Governor, "the only way the APC in Cross River State can prosper is if we put the past behind us and create a new focus, a new opportunity that will gurantee everyone of us to sit on the same table.”

He assured that he will not play politics of former or current APC"

The Governor then pleaded: "Let's therefore, put an end to the factions in APC. I want to see senator Owan Eno, I want to see pastor Usani cooperate, I want to see Alex Egbona, I want to many more people embrace one another. I want to see Ita Giwa, I want to see Senator Bassey Otu, I want to see Senator Ndoma Egba and Dr. Mathew Mbu embrace themselves. Let us put an end to the fracas.”

He noted that by his defection and judging from the array of APC chieftains present at the event, his former party, the PDP was death and buried in Cross River because "anyone who is not here is nowhere".

Several party stalwarts at the integration dinner hailed the governor's movement to the ruling party, describing it as strategic, timely and in the interest of the state.

For Dr.Mbu, "this is a great victory for all of us and it's only the beginning. What I see that lies ahead of us is far greater than what we are seeing here now. We are sure that our leader and Governor will take Cross River State to a different level"

On his part, Senator Ndoma-Egba lauded the governor's decidion to leave the PDP, describing his former party as "someone's personal estate".

“Your Excellency, welcome to a political party. You just left somebody's personal estate to a political Party. As a state, we are too weak and too vulnerable to be in opposition", he said.

While congratulating Ayade on his defection, Pastor Usani urged him, as a leader of the party in the state and the entire south-south, not to be hasty in taking decisions concerning the APC.

In his remark, Senator Eno appealed for a closing of ranks in the party, saying whatever differences that had existed in the Cross River APC were over.

He told the governor that his name will be written in the sands of time for positive reasons.

Am hearing somebody have japa with the 5m they gave for transport. ��

APC: Mammoth crowd rally for Ayade In Calabar


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade Thursday explained that his decision to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC was in the best interest of the state as it will unlock its economic potentials.

Addressing thousands of members of Coalition of APC Support Groups drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state at a solidarity rally held at the open field overlooking the Governor's Office, Calabar, Ayade who last week dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the APC stated that his defection stemmed from the urgent need to connect the state to the centre, arguing that " a state like Cross River with the lowest federal allocation and heavily indebted cannot continue to be in the opposition to fight rather than sit together in a larger forum and negotiate together to bring value and economic benefits to our dear people.”

Among those with the governor to receive the rallying youths were the state deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu and the APC governorship candidate in the 2019 elections, Senator John Owan-Eno.

According to the governor, Cross River has immense but untapped mineral deposits in Bakassi, Biase, Ikom, Yala, Boki, Odukpani among other parts of the state, noting that " we need to sucket to the centre to bring value, to explore these natural mineral deposits...A party is a vehicle and the appropriate vehicle to usher in prosperity to Cross River is the APC.”

Describing President Muhammadu Buhari as a president with a listening ear, the Cross River state governor disclosed that before defecting to the ruling party there was extensive negotiations including issues bordering on the 76 oil wells which the state lost to Akwa Ibom state.

"Part of the commitment is that there will be federal government focus on Cross River state", he said.

Several speakers at the rally commended the governor for bringing Cross River to the epicentre of Nigerian politics.

Dr.Job Napoleon Agbor, a member of APC Special Group and Adviser of Joint National Association of Persons with Disability likened Ayade's movement to the APC to "connecting Cross River to the national grid".

Earlier, the coordinator of the support groups, Prince Mike Abuo assured the governor of total support of Cross River youths.

He lauded Ayade's youth-friendly policies which have seen many young people occupying strategic positions in his government.

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