£4.2m Ibori Loot: Return Deltans’ Monies, Or Else…- Deltans Warn FG
By Efa Sunday

‘It is unfair, unjust and an act capable of disintegrating the Nigeria nation, for the Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari to lay claims to the monies belonging to the good people of Delta State.


‘‘Monies from the North belong to the Northerners, but monies made from the South belong to everybody. No more shall this be allowed, return Delta State monies or be ready to face insurrection.’’


Wednesday 24th of March, 2021, saw a cluster of aggrieved youth under the aegis of No Sidon Look, as they trooped in solidarity, bearing their grievances to the site of the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat, in Asaba, obstructing the free flow of traffic.


Recall that recently, the British government agreed to return to the Nigerian government a whooping sum of £4.2million, as part of former Governor James Ibori’s looted funds. However, Nigerian government has begun laying claims to the money, proposing that the said sum ‘‘ would be used for the construction of the second Niger bridge, Abuja-Kano road and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.’’


However, this supposed ‘national interest’ proposal does not seem to go down well on many, if not all Deltans, as they protested in disagreement, complaining of undue marginalization, and categorically stating that ‘‘the money belongs to deltans and should be returned to deltans in full.’’


Although, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa refused to speak to the crowd, seeing he was in company of his counterparts from Zamfara and Sokoto states; Governors Bello Matawalle and Aminu Tambuwal, during the commissioning of Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat in Asaba.


However, Governor Okowa while speaking during a live interview session with Seun Okinbaloye of ‘Politics Today,’ on Channels TV same day stated that the ‘‘protest is in order,’’ adding that ‘‘the State Government is equally planning a mega protest to the Federal Government, if they (FG) refuse to tow the path of peace.

Meanwhile, speaking earlier at the protest ground, the Director General of No Sidon Look Movement and leader of the group Mr. Portrait Peterson, stated; ‘‘we (deltans) would not allow federal government to use delta state money to initiate or complete any project that has no link with Delta State.

Accusing Governor Okowa of conniving with the Federal Government, Mr. Peterson said, "this may not be far from the truth, as the body language and slow pace of the governor on this matter seem as one who has already signed an MoU with the FG.''

Continuing he said, ‘‘Similar cases of repatriated funds from foreign governments have been returned by federal governments to Bayelsa and Plateau states in the past, the case of Delta State would not be different.

‘‘We deltans choose the path of peace, not because we are weak or timid but because we have not fully recovered from the inter-ethnic crisis of few years back, that ensued between the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people.

‘‘Let it be known to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) that their plan to use monies belonging to Delta states to develop other regions or states is a mission dead before arrival, as we would not keep quiet and watch that happen.’’

Meanwhile, Mr. Peterson called on deltans not to relent in their pursuit of the state’s wealth, adding that the organization (No Sidon Look) would do everything within its power to ensure that the matter is followed until the end and the state’s wealth is returned home to the masses.

C’River cultivating special grass to end farmers, herders clashes in Nigeria, says Ayade

Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade says massive production of a rare regenerative organic grass called king grass, is all Nigeria needs to end the intractable farmers- herders clashes.

According to him, the grass is a special pasture "that grows more than two meters within 45 days of planting and once it is cut, it regenerates even faster. So, within a small landmass you can keep your cattle and grow this special grass and feed them.”

The governor who spoke during a demonstration planting of the grass at the industrial park, Calabar, disclosed that Cross River was pioneering the production of the grass in collaboration with technical partners from Cambodia in furtherance of his administration's multi-faceted Agro- Industrialisation drive.

"Herders have a right to the source of their livelihood, so they move from place to place in search of pasture for their cattle, thus pitting them against farmers who also have the right to protect their crops.

“To put an end to this intractable conflict between these two groups, I have sought partnership with a team of experts from Cambodia and they are here with a special grass specie called king grass.”

The governor bemoaned a situation whereby herders stress their cattle by walking them through long distance whereas they can keep them in a location and feed them with king grass "which grows lusciously and luxuriously and contains high level of nutrients for the cow. This nutrients make cow healthy for consumption.”

The unique nature of the king grass, he said, lies in the fact that it has the capacity to grow under any climatic condition, having been successfully demonstrated in the three Senatorial zones of the state which have different climatic conditions.

With the Obudu cattle ranch in Northern Cross River as a pilot study, the state governor disclosed the government was working to create a feeding lot where king grass will be grown and fed to the cattle in the ranch.

"My ambition is national security and oneness of this country. I am therefore, announcing to Nigeria that Cross River has got a permanent solution to the herders- farmers conflict", Ayade declared.

Nigeria taking note of Ayade’s innovative leadership style- Gov. Bala Mohammed


The agricultural and industrialisation policy of the Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has resonated in far away Bauchi State, with the visit of governor Bala Mohammed to copy his counterpart's template.

Addressing members of the state executive council as well as Speaker and members of the Cross River House of Assembly, at the state executive council chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar, Bala said his visit was prompted by Governor Ayade's programmes on agriculture.

"Your programme on agriculture, which is the main stay of Bauchi State, has given us cause to come here, because we are so interested in the concept and framework which is hinged on value addition, creating some value chain around some crops and then at the end of the day giving improvement within the value chain, in manufacturing and in agriculture," he said.

Disclosing that Bauchi State was not ashamed to copy from Ayade's aggressive industrialisation policy, Bala said "the industries you have established have put Cross River on the map. We have also come to copy what you have been able to achieve in the area of massive industrialization, even with nothing when compared to your peers, in terms of federal allocation. And in case you don't know, we are putting you on notice that the nation is watching you."

Describing Ayade as his senior colleague, the Bauchi State governor said neither skyscrapers nor flyover can impact on the lives of the ordinary citizens like agro-industrialization, which is the focus of the Ayade-led administration.
Bala told his opposite number that "you are bringing a revolution into governance, it is not just about building roads and bridges, but bringing initiatives that will have direct impact on the common man."

The Bauchi State Governor, who later went round some of the industries in Calabar told Ayade that "the industries you have established have put Cross River on the map.

"We have built our own factories and we have found it compatible with what you are doing, and I believe it is not a shame for us to say we are here to borrow your concept. We are here to copy good initiative. We don't have to reinvent the way, you have done it and you're a good example for the rest of us to follow as governors.

"I want to say that by the time I get back, what I'm getting from here in terms of value cannot be quantify in naira and kobo."


Governor Ayade, in response, thanked his Bauchi State counterpart for his visit and his large heartedness in acknowledging what others in his position would find rather difficult to appreciate.


He said it could only take a governor like Bala to demonstrate the humility to want to learn from Cross River State, noting that " With your humility coming to learn agriculture, I have no option also than to come and learn the solid mineral road map from you.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F25DKkt9ZX0

*Massive crowd turn out for Ayade Care Health Insurance Scheme enrollment in Cross River State Northern Senetorial district!*

The less Privileged, the underserved , the unreached now have guarantee that the can get quality health service without having money in their pockets. It was a thing of Joy to see our people turn out enmass to get registered even into late hours of the night.

The Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu have applauded the Local Government council Chairmen and traditional rulers who have played critical roles in the actualization of this health revolution. She encouraged members of the public to key in and get enrolled as soon as possible.

The Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, the DG State Health Insurance Dr Iyala and Dr Ushie have continued to engage more communities to turn out for enrollment. “ as we go through communities we see people with several illnesses from Hypertension, to Diabetes, to malnutrition, diarrhea, renal failure etc. they do not go to hospital because the cannot afford care. Even when the visit the hospitals, they are unable to buy the drugs to protect their health. With Ayade Care all of this will change. We will put our resources in a common purse, share the risk and the benefit. The stronger will support the weaker, the younger who is productively engaged will support the older who is not working. Ayade Care Health insurance will ensure equity in health care services.” It is heart breaking to see a mother allow the child die of severe malnutrition just because the cant afford the cost of hospital care. Last week we rescued several children from NKO. Ayade care will take care of all these.

Please Enroll today!

Asari Dokubo Descends on Wike, Describes him as the New Nebuchadnezzar of our time

Any Ikwere man who sees the madness of Wike and supports him, he will be blamed when Wike stones people and the people are retaliating and the stone goes and hit them. If Wike is not mad, how can he be building five flyovers on one road? No economic value, No employment for rivers youths . How many of us can buy a car now?

“Julius Berger from Germany will collect our money and repatriate it back to their country. This is neocolonialism. People do not know the implications of the wickedness of Wike.

“We’re matching on this battle. Nobody in Ikwerre that is not eating Wike’s money is living as comfortable as I am living. Outside, Obio/Akpor, no other place is developed in Ikwerre land. This sick man is deceiving people.

“People are begging that Wike should give us governorship. Even if he gives us governorship, we will not accept it. We will take it from him by force. We will meet him man to man when the day comes. I will be alive to see the fall of Nebuchadnezzar”.

```Asari Dokubo```

*More Families get major support as Health Commissioner rescues several children suffering from severe malnutrition in NKO Yakurr LGA*

AyadeCare Health insurance will address the issue of severe malnutrition and other diseases in our rural areas. Get registered! - Dr Betta Edu

The Government of Sen Ben Ayade is strongly committed to the provision of quality health care services at the grass Roots, this will provide succor for the poor and underserved as well as rescue more children from dying of Malnutrition in rural areas. Massive work is going on in several rural areas where a network of community volunteers and frontline health workers have been trained to identify severely malnourished children in communities and report same for immediate support and possible transfer to the nearest General Hospital or Comprehensive health center where they are supported to survive through intensive pediatric care.

The Commissioner For Health Dr Betta Edu who has special passion for rescuing the Down trodden recently visited NKO community in Yakurr LGA, she visited the Obol (clan Head) and also engaged with the chiefs and community Leaders on the need to work with the health sector to overcome disease like diarrhea which we recently had an outbreak in Yakurr , malnutrition, malaria and other health challenges
As the state takes the bold step to bring a revolution in the health sector through the full implementation of the state Health insurance scheme, Dr Betta Edu has assured the people of NKO in Yakurr Local Government that most of their health issues will be addressed.

The network of volunteers led by Mr Paul Ifere supported the Cross River Ministry of Health to Identify several malnourished children in NKO. Mrs Stella Sunday who has a 5 year old son that is severely malnourished wasted, unable to walk talk or sit and weighs about 5 kg thanked the Commissioner for Health Dr Edu
for coming to her rescue. She recounted the pain of a mother watching the child gradually die because she couldn’t afford food, she has no job and her husband also has no job. She said the situation has become so bad that even the other children in the house are equally very malnourished but are not as bad as the index child. “ I am so happy and grateful, It feels like God came himself to visit me today. Honorable Commissioner We really needed help” other families Like Ukah’s the Benjamin’s also have children 3 years old of age who can’t walk cant talk some can’t sit and appear wasted.

over 30 families have been reached during the commissioners visit, some relief materials distributed to members of the community while the health workers around the LGA have been encouraged to do more community monitoring for child growth. While providing support to families and working on disease prevention in Yakurr.

Political Leaders and key stakeholders are encouraged to support their constituents to register for Ayade Care!

Together Let us build the health system of our dreams!

Ayade inspects 12,000 litre-per hour vegetable oil processing factory in Bekwarra, happy with progress of work



Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade has expressed happiness with the progress of work at the groundnut oil processing factory in Nyanya, Bekwarra Local Government Area. 

The 12,000 litres per hour groundnut oil processing mill is part of Ayade's one industry per local government policy.

Speaking shortly after inspecting ongoing work at the factory, the governor disclosed his reason for the siting of the mill, hinting that "this local government is known to be the largest producer of groundnuts and indeed the best quality in Nigeria.

"A lot of people from Northern Nigeria call me and ask me to send Bekwarra groundnut, so I started wondering what was so special about Bekwarra ground nut."

In fulfillment of his promise of an industry to the people of Bekwarra, Ayade said: "So as part of my industrialization policy of one industry to a local government, we take advantage of the raw material in Bekwarra.

"So being the largest producer of groundnut in the whole of Nigeria, I decided to set up a vegetable oil plant."

On the installed capacity of the factory, the govermor hinted that "the vegetable oil plant is projected to mill 12,000 litres per hour on completion,  producing natural vegetable oil from groundnut. So we have a system where the groundnut comes fresh from the farm, goes through a drying and deshelling process and further down to a granulation and frying from where it goes through a pressing session to a refinery and finally it goes through the bottling line."

Offering insight on the robotic support component of the factory, the governor disclosed that "there is a robotic component that does a systematic check on quality. The quality control session is designed with a support laboratory. 

"The factory which has already engaged over a hundred people working at the site, upon completion is expectedto employ over 500 of Bekwarra sons and daughters. 

"Indeed, this is just one factory and the project engineer said on the immediacy he has already employed 115 people on the site.

"So ultimately, by the time the factory begins production with all the automation that we have put in place for precision in terms of quality, every other thing is semi mechanical to allow the input of human beings."

Ayade, while voicing his satisfaction with the progress of work, beamed: "I am far more than impressed, especially with the fact that the handlers of the project are all young Cross Riverians. We have here a young architect from Cross River and I am happy and I do not mind sending him to anywhere in the world to be trained and become an expert in this field of mechanical construction." 

Governor Ayade said the groundnut oil processing factory will significantly alter the economic landscape of Bekwarra, noting that "Bekwarra people are very industrous and they are great farmers, very hard-working and talented. So bringing this back to their door step, I am sure they will take pride in it."

**CRSG set to Launch United Nations REDD+ Investment PLAN*
.. *.as State signs MoU with USAID on care and protection of orphans and vulnerable children**

The Cross River State Government will officially launch UN REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)investment plan that will put the State on course to fully implement strategies and activities to reduce deforestation and forest degradation.

This was made known when the team from CRS REDD+ Program led by Mr Patrick Coco-Bassey had a technical session with the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation,(MIDC) *Dr Inyang Asibong* and with the Senior Staff of the MIDC in attendance for the preparedness of the official launch of the Program as the Coordinating Ministry.

Addressing the team, Dr Asibong charged the team that “As the investment plans set to launch, the program should complement the State Government mandate of embarking on aggressive tree planting exercise since 5 millions trees are to be planted annually”, she added that the investment plan should address the on going level of deforestation in the state and should embrace sustainable forestry initiatives which is a universal benchmark “.

The MIDC Commissioner assured the Technical Committee of the state Government's continuous support and that with the industrial revolution of the state especially in agro forestry which CRS has great comparative advantage and being listed as one of the 25 biodiversity hot spot globally .

The Coordinator, CRS REDD+ Program, *Mr Patrick Coco-Bassey* presented a robust strategy document that has been developed when the Readiness phase with funding from UNDP commenced in 2012.

Mr Coco-Bassey added that “ CRS still holds 50% of the last remaining Tropical Rainforest in Nigeria and he thank the Governors climate and Forest Task force(GCFTF) on investment plan for funding the investment plan by a team of consultants.

In the same vein, the CRSG has signed an MoU with the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research, A USAID funded organisation, on the care and protection of Orphans and Vulnerable Children.

*"Dr Betta Edu Officially Commissions University Of Calabar Holding Bay/Isolation Center, promise more support to the center"*

" _Uncial Vice Chancellor Prof Florence Banku Obi Is My COVID-19 Hero" - Dr Betta Edu._

In a special way to mark her 100 days in office, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar Prof Florence Banku Obi has successfully completed the setting up of an Ultra Modern Holding Bay/Isolation Center for the Institution. The ground breaking ceremony which took place about 3 weeks ago by the dynamic Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu has yielded results as the structural edifice of the Male and Female Holding Bay built by the University of Calabar is completed.

Speaking before the commissioning of the center, the Vice Chancellor Prof Florence Obi has reinstated her commitment to protecting the lives of the students under her care. With the global Pandemic and the return of student to the campus there is need to put in place all precautionary measures to protect them. this is why the school has invested massively in providing hand washing facilities, infra Red thermometers and now the holding bay/ isolation center.

The VC applauded the support of Sen Prof Ben Ayade through his Health Commissioner who did not only support with COVId-19 preventive items but came on inspection of the COVID preparedness ahead of full resumption weeks back. "Let me at this juncture extend my appreciation, that of the entire Senate, Management and Students of this prestigious University to His Excellency Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his tremendous support, Dr Betta Edu i must say is indeed a round peg in a round hole and i thank Sen Ben Ayade again for always going for merit and result oriented persons to head certain parastatals as Dr Edu is one of such perfect appointees who have in many ways proven beyond every reasonable doubt that the lives and safety of every cross riverian remains her priority.

"from when the COVID-19 taskforce team was formed and a courtesy visit paid to Dr Edu, we've continually felt that Ayade's magic touch through her, CRSG have been of immense support to us. This Holding Bay will be used judiciously for the purpose which it was built for and we'll continue to partner with the CRSG through the Ministry of Health.

Before proceeding to officially open the Holding Bay, Dr Edu on her part commended the Vice Chancellor Prof Florence Obi for breaking the glass ceiling and doing exceedingly well since her inception as VC. "The Month of March is for Women and Prof Florence is one of those outstanding women achieving so much within a short period of time, i must say am very proud of her and every other woman out there, her appointment as VC is indeed timely. This Isolation center has helped Cross River state increase its isolation Bed space by 20 where quality care can be offered by the case management team for COVID-19 .

The government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade will continue to support this Isolation Center. We will be delivering more PPEs, Surgical Gowns, Oxygen Cylinder and oxygen concentrators Cupboards, washing sinks, manpower from case management, capacity building, and other things that will be needed to run this place.

I am sure that parents and Guardians will be rest assured that their wards are in safe hands judging from this vision and the commitment by Prof Florence the to ensure that all the COVID-19 protocols are strictly observed here. Let me end by thanking Dr Akiba and his team for this wonderful effort and achievement. I call on other Institutions to emulate University of Calabar in doing the right thing."

Highlight of the event was the official opening/commissioning of the Male and Female Holding Bay/Isolation Center, Inspection of the facilities, donation of COVID-19 items, COVID-19 prevention drugs, as well as cash donation by the honorable commissioner to support the center. In a vote of thanks, Dr Robert Omang the COVID-19 taskforce Secretary commended the health commissioner for always being efficient and supportive when it comes to health issues. With her during the event was the DVC Admin Prof Mike Okom, Permanent Secretary CRSMOH Barr Takon Asu Takon, Director Public Health Dr Iwara Iwara, Director Medical Services Dr Itam Abang, SA on health Dr David Ushie and a host of other dignitaries.

*"We will ensure equity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution - Dr Betta Edu*

Cross River State Begins COVID-19 Vaccine Registration And Administration For Front line Health Workers

With the State's Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and the Speaker of the CRSHOA Hon. Eteng Jones receiving the COVID-19 Vaccines for the State earlier yesterday, The State has immediately commence the registration and administration of the Astrazeneca Vaccines to her front line health workers in line with the PTF directives.

Speaking to news men during the exercise, the honorable commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu who admitted the recipient of over 58,840 doses of Astrazeneca Vaccines yesterday stated that in line with the PTF directives, the first phase of the vaccine administration will be for front line health workers who are always in the front line.

today we've commenced the registration and administration of the vaccines to our front line health workers The second phase will cover the old, vulnerable and those above 50, while the third phase will be for the general public in cross River state. We are starting with Laboratory health workers who are exposed to the virus as the take samples and analyze those samples.

"The vaccines are free and safe. The very first person/woman who has gotten vaccinated is the Director of Medical Laboratory Services Mrs Magdalene Nkang l, she is above 50 years and has done well. She was followed by the first male who is the Lab head Mr Sunny Obeten. The first medical Doctor to receive this vaccine is Dr Itam Essien they are all health workers who knows the importance of getting vaccinated and they are all doing great. We'll move to health facilities in continuation of the exercise as DSNO names and contacts are captured on the vaccine cards for a proper follow up in case of any adverse effect following immunization as our health workers all over the State have been well trained on this."

Also speaking, the DG CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong assured cross riverians of the safety of the vaccine while assuring them that the vaccine will be distributed across the entire PHCs in the State as cool stores in various PHCs are ready to house the vaccine with trained health workers set to begin the administration of the vacvine which is still in it's right temperature and potency.

Mrs Magdalene Nkang, the first person/woman to be vaccinated spoke to news men that the exercise is safe even though she had this panic at the first instance, she called on cross riverians to kill theirs fear and come get vaccinated so did the second and third recipient Mr Obeten the head of IDH and Dr Itam Essien Head of Medical Service .

Ayade urges FAO to extend agric value chain beyond cocoa, palm oil


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade wants the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to assist the state with financial intermediation and technical advisors for its agricultural value Chain.

Ayade made the plea at the State Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar while playing host to FAO's representative in Nigeria, Mr. Fred Kateero.

Kateero said he was in Cross River "to interface with the state to know its priority on agric value chain and what FAO can do to help.”

Kateero pledged FAO's readiness to assist the state in its agricultural revolution.

He announced Cross River as one of the states to get $65 million to promote FAO's core agric value chain which is cocoa and oil palm.

According to Ayade, his administration's agricultural value chain policy has resulted in the establishment of various agro- based industries in local governments of the state where raw materials for such industries are in abundance.

The governor said that his administration has for example taken the advantage of the abundance of groundnut in Bekwarra local government of the state to set up a groundnut vegetable oil processing plant there.

Emphasising the need for Cross River to work closely with FAO to realise its agricultural objectives, Ayade said: "Our core value chain focuses on agricultural transformation of the state. The need to work with the FAO therefore, becomes very imperative. We will want the FAO to provide us with financial intermediation and technical advisor"

Alluding to the $65 million intervention, he called on the FAO " to allows us introduce agricultural value chain beyond cocoa and oil palm.”

The Cross River state governor appealed to Keteero to ensure that the $65 million "has practical value on Cross River rather than being spent on workshops, seminars and trainings.”

*"We will ensure equity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution - Dr Betta Edu*

Cross River State Begins COVID-19 Vaccine Registration And Administration For Front line Health Workers

With the State's Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu and the Speaker of the CRSHOA Hon. Eteng Jones receiving the COVID-19 Vaccines for the State earlier yesterday, The State has immediately commence the registration and administration of the Astrazeneca Vaccines to her front line health workers in line with the PTF directives.

Speaking to news men during the exercise, the honorable commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu who admitted the recipient of over 58,840 doses of Astrazeneca Vaccines yesterday stated that in line with the PTF directives, the first phase of the vaccine administration will be for front line health workers who are always in the front line.

today we've commenced the registration and administration of the vaccines to our front line health workers The second phase will cover the old, vulnerable and those above 50, while the third phase will be for the general public in cross River state. We are starting with Laboratory health workers who are exposed to the virus as the take samples and analyze those samples.

"The vaccines are free and safe. The very first person/woman who has gotten vaccinated is the Director of Medical Laboratory Services Mrs Magdalene Nkang l, she is above 50 years and has done well. She was followed by the first male who is the Lab head Mr Sunny Obeten. The first medical Doctor to receive this vaccine is Dr Itam Essien they are all health workers who knows the importance of getting vaccinated and they are all doing great. We'll move to health facilities in continuation of the exercise as DSNO names and contacts are captured on the vaccine cards for a proper follow up in case of any adverse effect following immunization as our health workers all over the State have been well trained on this."

Also speaking, the DG CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong assured cross riverians of the safety of the vaccine while assuring them that the vaccine will be distributed across the entire PHCs in the State as cool stores in various PHCs are ready to house the vaccine with trained health workers set to begin the administration of the vacvine which is still in it's right temperature and potency.

Mrs Magdalene Nkang, the first person/woman to be vaccinated spoke to news men that the exercise is safe even though she had this panic at the first instance, she called on cross riverians to kill theirs fear and come get vaccinated so did the second and third recipient Mr Obeten the head of IDH and Dr Itam Essien Head of Medical Service .

The link for the registration is thus; https://www.nphcdaict.com.ng/publicreg/

Ayade flags off health Insurance scheme in Cross River, promises affordable universal healthcare


Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade Ayade Tuesday reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring that all Cross Riverians enjoy quality and affordable healthcare.

He therefore, charged the Cross River state Health Insurance Agency, CRSHIA, "to cater to the vulnerables particularly in terms of their healthcare because you must be people centred.”

The governor spoke at the U.J Esune stadium, Calabar, venue of the formal flag off of enrollment into the Cross River state Healthcare Insurance Scheme, christened, "Ayadecare".

He urged the citizenry and corporate organisations to key into the scheme, saying the goal of his administration was to take healthcare to all parts of the state, including the hard to reach areas where drones would be used to distribute drugs.

"As a government, I am conscious of the fact that we have 196 wards. I have a challenge of providing 196 vehicles that will be responsible for the management, movement of men and materials across each ward to ensure that anybody who is sick will have access to the primary health care centre.

"I therefore call on all public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to please come to the aid of Cross River, to use Cross River as a model where even the poor, those who have zero income have insurance", Ayade said

The Cross River state governor stressed that with enrollment into the health Insurance scheme with just N1000, the people of the state can now acces quality health care.

"This insurance programmes are geared towards those who have no income. So for you to be zero income earner and still have medical attention that can attract the cost of 5 million or 10 million or above, shows the commitment, the will, and the might of kindness of our administration.


"I call on every single resident in Cross River to enrol into the scheme. Go to our primary health care agency or to our main ministry and register,“ he said.

Director-General of CRSHIA, Sir Godwin Iyala in his remarks commended the governor for his foresight and health friendly policies describing the commencement of the enrollment as "yet another historic milestone in His Excellency's quest for good health for our people.”

Iyala assured that CRSHIA's would be embarking on an aggressive enrollment drive to see that all Cross Riverians are captured in the scheme.

Earlier in his speech the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Professor Muhammed Nasir Sambo commended the Cross River state government for keying into the NHIS scheme saying the state could now benefit from the grant available to states that have commenced the enrollment.

"We are pleased to report that the scheme has commenced implementation of this statutory assignment with the disbursement of #6.5billion naira to 15 states and the FCT, which fulfilled the requirements for inclusion. I am happy to note that Cross River State, having successfully met the conditions, is today flagging off the commencement of enrollment, which opens a window of succour and new possibilities for the people of this great state", the NHIS boss said.

Governor Ayade has earlier commissioned a new office for the Cross River Health Insurance Scheme located in State Housing, Calabar

Ayade: PIB must address delisting of Cross River as oil producing state

As the Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) tours the country for stakeholders' inputs, Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has tasked the National Assembly to handle related issues to the bill with circumspection to avoid contentions that are likely to trail its ultimate passage into law.

Addressing the committee members led by its Chairman, Senator Sabo Muhammed Nakuda, during a courtesy call at the Governor's Lodge, Calabar, Ayade said owing to its delicate and controversial nature, "the details of the PIB remains a subject for further analytical dissection."

Governor Ayade added that "inspite of the haste with which we want to drive the PIB, we must exercise ecclesiastical caution to ensure that the PIB bill does not throw up other developments that will bring about other contentions and continuous struggle."

Specifically, Ayade flayed the focus of the bill which he noted, centered more on oil bearing communities, with scant regard to communities that suffer direct impact of exploration activities.

"While we make haste, we must show caution as the people of Cross River State have a very strong feeling that the PIB bill must address their unique concern," the governor charged, decrying that "the PIB bill focuses so much on producing communities without emphasizing on the adversely impacted communities.

"We are the most impacted, because all the oils within the "Akpami" fields find their way into Cross River State.

“Right here where you sit, directly behind my house here, is the Calabar River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean directly into the Akpami wells. One of those wells is just 36 kilometers from here. When there is a spill, where does it go to? It comes here."

Ayade who lamented the plight of some of his coastal subjects whose main occupation is fishing, said "our people depend on fishing, our state has been completely dislocated from the oil producing states."

On the state’s non oil producing status, Ayade queried : "I do not understand how on earth Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom States, as well as Cameroon will have oil and only Cross River will be non-oil producing state.
As a professor of science, and one who had worked in the oil industry before coming into politics, there is no science, no spiritualism, no magic that can explain this except politics."

According to the governor, "the PIB must address that. You cannot even in law and even biblically, take from a brother who has so much to give to a brother who has little. But to take from a brother who has nothing to give to a brother who has more, is a political issue that the National Assembly and indeed the PIB must cure.

"A good example is how Cross River State gets less than two billion naira allocation in a month while a sister state will be dealing with twelve, thirteen billion. Such an unequal distribution of wealth exacts pains and anguish. It is unnatural and that is the essence the National Assembly.

"For an egalitarian distribution of resources, this nation can only become one when there is fairness, equity and justice. That's all we seek and that's all we crave as a state.”

Reeling out more of the litany of woes wrought on the state, occasioned by a series of injustices by the federal government, Ayade wept: "As a state we feel pained. I have been in the same downstream Committee. I asked what is the petroleum consumption of Cross River State? It is near nothing because they have kept us in abject poverty. We have been reduced to want in body, spirit and in soul."

Seeking remedy from the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on PIB, Governor Ayade entreated: "This is a great opportunity for us as a people to say if you are making a new law, please whatever is the revenue, whatever are the taxes ensure that the price regulation you give to the oil industry should also be commiserate to what the state consumes. If I don't consume as much diesel and you are giving a waiver or discount, let that discount, it's applicability to Cross River be relative to the consumption.

"It's unfair for Cross River to suffer losses in oil wells, a loss which was meant to be temporary, because the political solution that engineered that was intended to last for ten years and subject to review. That review had not been done."

Ayade disclosed that in spite of the delisting of Cross River from the oil bearing states, the state still boasts of huge hydrocarbon deposits, "so as PIB comes before me and I know that in Biase and Odukpani Local Government Areas of Cross River State, we have huge inland deposits of crude.

"I have done this analysis and have sent the report since 2016 to the President and asked for a discretionary right for the exploration and exploitation of our hydrocarbon deposits. I have not received a correspondent to date."

Other finds, according to the governor, "is a huge deposit of gas in Ogoja axis sharing boundary with Ebonyi. This, I have also reported with a geo locations and issued as a report.

"How does PIB address this? So why not review the marginal fields allocation process to fast track the process of extracting the hydro carbon reserves, to take advantage of it and diversify the economy before it becomes old fashion.

"So I agree with the need for us to show some speed in passing the PIB, but I feel that the people of Cross River State have treated unfairly. Where is the moral conscience of this country, a state with a population of 4.2 million people gets a little over a billion naira while another state with about the same demography gets 14 to 16 billion naira monthly?"

Ayade: PIB must address delisting of Cross River as oil producing state

As the Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) tours the country for stakeholders' inputs, Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has tasked the National Assembly to handle related issues to the bill with circumspection to avoid contentions that are likely to trail its ultimate passage into law.

Addressing the committee members led by its Chairman, Senator Sabo Muhammed Nakuda, during a courtesy call at the Governor's Lodge, Calabar, Ayade said owing to its delicate and controversial nature, "the details of the PIB remains a subject for further analytical dissection."

Governor Ayade added that "inspite of the haste with which we want to drive the PIB, we must exercise ecclesiastical caution to ensure that the PIB bill does not throw up other developments that will bring about other contentions and continuous struggle."

Specifically, Ayade flayed the focus of the bill which he noted, centered more on oil bearing communities, with scant regard to communities that suffer direct impact of exploration activities.

"While we make haste, we must show caution as the people of Cross River State have a very strong feeling that the PIB bill must address their unique concern," the governor charged, decrying that "the PIB bill focuses so much on producing communities without emphasizing on the adversely impacted communities.

"We are the most impacted, because all the oils within the "Akpami" fields find their way into Cross River State.

“Right here where you sit, directly behind my house here, is the Calabar River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean directly into the Akpami wells. One of those wells is just 36 kilometers from here. When there is a spill, where does it go to? It comes here."

Ayade who lamented the plight of some of his coastal subjects whose main occupation is fishing, said "our people depend on fishing, our state has been completely dislocated from the oil producing states."

On the state’s non oil producing status, Ayade queried : "I do not understand how on earth Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom States, as well as Cameroon will have oil and only Cross River will be non-oil producing state.
As a professor of science, and one who had worked in the oil industry before coming into politics, there is no science, no spiritualism, no magic that can explain this except politics."

According to the governor, "the PIB must address that. You cannot even in law and even biblically, take from a brother who has so much to give to a brother who has little. But to take from a brother who has nothing to give to a brother who has more, is a political issue that the National Assembly and indeed the PIB must cure.

"A good example is how Cross River State gets less than two billion naira allocation in a month while a sister state will be dealing with twelve, thirteen billion. Such an unequal distribution of wealth exacts pains and anguish. It is unnatural and that is the essence the National Assembly.

"For an egalitarian distribution of resources, this nation can only become one when there is fairness, equity and justice. That's all we seek and that's all we crave as a state.”

Reeling out more of the litany of woes wrought on the state, occasioned by a series of injustices by the federal government, Ayade wept: "As a state we feel pained. I have been in the same downstream Committee. I asked what is the petroleum consumption of Cross River State? It is near nothing because they have kept us in abject poverty. We have been reduced to want in body, spirit and in soul."

Seeking remedy from the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on PIB, Governor Ayade entreated: "This is a great opportunity for us as a people to say if you are making a new law, please whatever is the revenue, whatever are the taxes ensure that the price regulation you give to the oil industry should also be commiserate to what the state consumes. If I don't consume as much diesel and you are giving a waiver or discount, let that discount, it's applicability to Cross River be relative to the consumption.

"It's unfair for Cross River to suffer losses in oil wells, a loss which was meant to be temporary, because the political solution that engineered that was intended to last for ten years and subject to review. That review had not been done."

Ayade disclosed that in spite of the delisting of Cross River from the oil bearing states, the state still boasts of huge hydrocarbon deposits, "so as PIB comes before me and I know that in Biase and Odukpani Local Government Areas of Cross River State, we have huge inland deposits of crude.

"I have done this analysis and have sent the report since 2016 to the President and asked for a discretionary right for the exploration and exploitation of our hydrocarbon deposits. I have not received a correspondent to date."

Other finds, according to the governor, "is a huge deposit of gas in Ogoja axis sharing boundary with Ebonyi. This, I have also reported with a geo locations and issued as a report.

"How does PIB address this? So why not review the marginal fields allocation process to fast track the process of extracting the hydro carbon reserves, to take advantage of it and diversify the economy before it becomes old fashion.

"So I agree with the need for us to show some speed in passing the PIB, but I feel that the people of Cross River State have treated unfairly. Where is the moral conscience of this country, a state with a population of 4.2 million people gets a little over a billion naira while another state with about the same demography gets 14 to 16 billion naira monthly?"

Ayade: PIB must address delisting of Cross River as oil producing state

As the Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) tours the country for stakeholders' inputs, Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has tasked the National Assembly to handle related issues to the bill with circumspection to avoid contentions that are likely to trail its ultimate passage into law.

Addressing the committee members led by its Chairman, Senator Sabo Muhammed Nakuda, during a courtesy call at the Governor's Lodge, Calabar, Ayade said owing to its delicate and controversial nature, "the details of the PIB remains a subject for further analytical dissection."

Governor Ayade added that "inspite of the haste with which we want to drive the PIB, we must exercise ecclesiastical caution to ensure that the PIB bill does not throw up other developments that will bring about other contentions and continuous struggle."

Specifically, Ayade flayed the focus of the bill which he noted, centered more on oil bearing communities, with scant regard to communities that suffer direct impact of exploration activities.

"While we make haste, we must show caution as the people of Cross River State have a very strong feeling that the PIB bill must address their unique concern," the governor charged, decrying that "the PIB bill focuses so much on producing communities without emphasizing on the adversely impacted communities.

"We are the most impacted, because all the oils within the "Akpami" fields find their way into Cross River State.

“Right here where you sit, directly behind my house here, is the Calabar River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean directly into the Akpami wells. One of those wells is just 36 kilometers from here. When there is a spill, where does it go to? It comes here."

Ayade who lamented the plight of some of his coastal subjects whose main occupation is fishing, said "our people depend on fishing, our state has been completely dislocated from the oil producing states."

On the state’s non oil producing status, Ayade queried : "I do not understand how on earth Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom States, as well as Cameroon will have oil and only Cross River will be non-oil producing state.
As a professor of science, and one who had worked in the oil industry before coming into politics, there is no science, no spiritualism, no magic that can explain this except politics."

According to the governor, "the PIB must address that. You cannot even in law and even biblically, take from a brother who has so much to give to a brother who has little. But to take from a brother who has nothing to give to a brother who has more, is a political issue that the National Assembly and indeed the PIB must cure.

"A good example is how Cross River State gets less than two billion naira allocation in a month while a sister state will be dealing with twelve, thirteen billion. Such an unequal distribution of wealth exacts pains and anguish. It is unnatural and that is the essence the National Assembly.

"For an egalitarian distribution of resources, this nation can only become one when there is fairness, equity and justice. That's all we seek and that's all we crave as a state.”

Reeling out more of the litany of woes wrought on the state, occasioned by a series of injustices by the federal government, Ayade wept: "As a state we feel pained. I have been in the same downstream Committee. I asked what is the petroleum consumption of Cross River State? It is near nothing because they have kept us in abject poverty. We have been reduced to want in body, spirit and in soul."

Seeking remedy from the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on PIB, Governor Ayade entreated: "This is a great opportunity for us as a people to say if you are making a new law, please whatever is the revenue, whatever are the taxes ensure that the price regulation you give to the oil industry should also be commiserate to what the state consumes. If I don't consume as much diesel and you are giving a waiver or discount, let that discount, it's applicability to Cross River be relative to the consumption.

"It's unfair for Cross River to suffer losses in oil wells, a loss which was meant to be temporary, because the political solution that engineered that was intended to last for ten years and subject to review. That review had not been done."

Ayade disclosed that in spite of the delisting of Cross River from the oil bearing states, the state still boasts of huge hydrocarbon deposits, "so as PIB comes before me and I know that in Biase and Odukpani Local Government Areas of Cross River State, we have huge inland deposits of crude.

"I have done this analysis and have sent the report since 2016 to the President and asked for a discretionary right for the exploration and exploitation of our hydrocarbon deposits. I have not received a correspondent to date."

Other finds, according to the governor, "is a huge deposit of gas in Ogoja axis sharing boundary with Ebonyi. This, I have also reported with a geo locations and issued as a report.

"How does PIB address this? So why not review the marginal fields allocation process to fast track the process of extracting the hydro carbon reserves, to take advantage of it and diversify the economy before it becomes old fashion.

"So I agree with the need for us to show some speed in passing the PIB, but I feel that the people of Cross River State have treated unfairly. Where is the moral conscience of this country, a state with a population of 4.2 million people gets a little over a billion naira while another state with about the same demography gets 14 to 16 billion naira monthly?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV0yyjikP8E

kufman123:
imagine award for failure. this man's name will for ever remain in our memories as the most failed and useless Governor of all time.he should be rewarded for that

If I ask you to explain this your statement now, you won't. But it's understandable we move

Billyonaire666:
I am sure he is being mocked.

Cross River under Ayade is abysmally decimal.

Clearly your opinion bro

Ayade bags NIPR award of excellence for industrialization


The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Thursday extolled Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade's sterling achievements in the area of aggressive industrialisation of the state despite paucity of fund.

Members of the Institute are in Calabar for a 3-day workshop with the theme "Lobbying and Social Change in Nigeria"

Speaking at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, venue of the workshop, while conferring the governor with Distinguished Leadership Industrialisation Award, national president of the Institute, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo said: "This award is in recognition of your Industrialisation feats. It takes a combination of education, intellect, dedication, foresight, visionary leadership and commitment to achieve what you have achieved so far in the area of Industrialisation.

"Under your watch, Cross River has joined the global Industrialisation map and this is despite paucity of funds.”

Responding, the Cross River state governor thanked the NIPR for finding him worthy of an award, saying it came to him as a surprise and pledged his administration's continued accelerated socio- economic development of the state.

On the theme of the workshop, Ayade called on the NIPR to drive a process for a structural overhaul of lobbying as catalyst for social change in Nigeria, saying unless this was done, "from the Nigerian context, lobbying will continue to be equated with bribery and corruption.”

The governor also made a case for the inclusion of lobbying as a distinct course of study in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed represented by the General Manager NTA, Calabar, Samuel Olalude, described lobbying as a veritable tool for packaging communications and advocacy for social issues.

According to the Minister, through lobbying, Public relations experts can play an important role in ensuring that messages are communicated accurately.

Ayade bags NIPR award of excellence for industrialization


The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Thursday extolled Cross River state governor, Professor Ben Ayade's sterling achievements in the area of aggressive industrialisation of the state despite paucity of fund.

Members of the Institute are in Calabar for a 3-day workshop with the theme "Lobbying and Social Change in Nigeria"

Speaking at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, venue of the workshop, while conferring the governor with Distinguished Leadership Industrialisation Award, national president of the Institute, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo said: "This award is in recognition of your Industrialisation feats. It takes a combination of education, intellect, dedication, foresight, visionary leadership and commitment to achieve what you have achieved so far in the area of Industrialisation.

"Under your watch, Cross River has joined the global Industrialisation map and this is despite paucity of funds.”

Responding, the Cross River state governor thanked the NIPR for finding him worthy of an award, saying it came to him as a surprise and pledged his administration's continued accelerated socio- economic development of the state.

On the theme of the workshop, Ayade called on the NIPR to drive a process for a structural overhaul of lobbying as catalyst for social change in Nigeria, saying unless this was done, "from the Nigerian context, lobbying will continue to be equated with bribery and corruption.”

The governor also made a case for the inclusion of lobbying as a distinct course of study in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed represented by the General Manager NTA, Calabar, Samuel Olalude, described lobbying as a veritable tool for packaging communications and advocacy for social issues.

According to the Minister, through lobbying, Public relations experts can play an important role in ensuring that messages are communicated accurately.

Ayade commissions Construction and Fabrication Academy for skilled manpower training


Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade Tuesday said that the new West African Construction and Fabrication Academy, Calabar, will address the dearth of middle level skilled manpower in the state.

He spoke in Calabar while commissioning the Academy built by his administration.

His administration, he disclosed, has brought in seasoned experts from across the world on various skills to impart knowledge on the trainees and prepare them for the future "for skill is key, the future has moved from intellectualism to action, so let your hand work feed you.”

The governor decried a situation where by virtually all artisanal works in Cross River are undertaken by persons from outside the state, saying the situation portends danger to the economy of the state.

He charged Cross River youths to utilise the opportunity offered by the Academy to earn a living "because this construction and fabrication academy is for you. Even if you are a graduate, even if you hold a PhD, you need to have a skill; if your certificate cannot give you job, let your hands give you job, for any man who depends on salary remains a slave".

He announced the release of N400 million takeoff grant for the Academy, saying he was changing the Cross River story.

"I have released the sum of N400 million as takeoff grant to make sure the young people who come to this program will have full value. We are gathered here today to create a new story, before now it was quite difficult to find a young Cross Riverian laying claim to any skill.

"I went to Odukpani junction where we are building a spaghetti flyover and of all the engineers, nobody is from Cross River State, I turn to the iron benders, nobody is from Cross River State. When you go to the garment factory and I remember the construction phase, no tiler was from Cross River State, you go to our poultry farm at Pamol where work is going on, I turn back and ask where are you from? I don't find any Cross Riverian. For how long can we continue to depend on certificates?”

Earlier in his address, the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Skill Acquisition, Hon. Signor Omang Idiege commended the governor for setting up the Academy.

He expressed optimism that with the youths occupied with various skills, youth restiveness will be reduced to the barest minimum.

The academy, which took off with an initial 500 trainees, offers training in wielding and fabrication technology, masonry works, carpentry, modern roofing, upholstery and furniture works.

Others are plumbing, electrical (auto, conduit wiring works and installation), refrigerator, air conditioning repair and installation, screeding and painting, aluminum glazing, computer (ICT) literacy and repair and fashion designing and training.

Ayade @53: Celebrating a Philosopher King


By Chidi Onyemaizu 


At 53, (Senator) Professor Ben Ayade aptly typifies Robert Goddard's timeless postulation: "It is difficult to say what is impossible for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and reality of tomorrow"

Graduating with first class at 22, bagging a PhD at 26, becoming a Senator at 43 and governor at 47, impossibility does not exist in the Ayade lexicon.

And this is why as governor in the last six years, the door which the Ayade key opens leads to great visions and dreams for Cross River, an exhilarating departure from the Cross River of yesterday to Cross River of the future.This can be gleaned from the people- centred policies and programmes of his government.


In 53 years of his existence, Ayade has risen, like a Phoenix almost from ground zero, from his humble beginning in Takum, Obudu, his home town, to surmounted all the roadblocks of life, to become the poster boy of savoury attainments, leaving on his trail, impactful and salutary examples.

His life journey, the philosophies he espouses and the whole gamut of his intellect are case studies in humanism, welfarism and scientific exposé.

His odyssey is a compendium of inspiring firsts and feats.The icing on the cake came on May 29, 2015 when he was sworn-in as the fourth democratically elected governor of Cross River state and the first person from Northern Cross River to attain that exalted position.

And because Ayade's firt term performance touched lives positively and remade Cross River in the image of greatness,  Cross Riverians had no qualms overwhelmingly re-electing him for a second term on March 9, 2019.

His rustic but humble beginning shaped his approach to life and relationship with fellow citizens. Born without any spoon-whether golden, silver, bronze or even wooden-by sheer doggedness, hard work and abiding faith in God, Ayade stubbornly overcame vagaries, obsufucations and vicissitudes of life.He refused to succumb to dream abbreviators hence the crystallization of many of his lofty dreams.

Born in Takum, Obudu in the then Eastern Region, on March 2, 1968 , amid the ferocity and horrors of the Nigerian civil war, Ayade realised early in life that the only passport he needed to frog-jump from lack to abundance was education and so, with the unwavering support of his dutiful parents and a grit- determination on his part to conquer, he aggressively pursued education and got it and at a young age too. He was a star boy and paragon of academic wizardry in all stages of his educational pursuit.

Ayade earned his B.Sc. (Honours) from the University of Ibadan. He then proceeded to obtain his M.sc in Microbiology and subsequently his Ph.D in Environmental Microbiology from the same University of Ibadan in 1994, winning the Best Doctoral Dissertation Award in Environmental Microbiology.

The thirst for broader and crossbreed knowledge made Ayade to later venture outside the Sciences for academic laurels.Thus in 2002 he earned Masters in Business Administration, MBA from the Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Edo State.

Ayade is also a lawyer with a LLB Law Degree  from Delta State University Abraka.He is currently pursuing a Masters degree programme in thesame discipline in the University of Calabar.

Of course, golden fish has no hiding place.His Excellency is one.Exiting the employ of the University of Ibadan, it wasn't difficult for the Delta state University, Abraka,to spot him out and quickly hire him as a lecturer.

He was subsequently appointed Professor by the University. A scientist and inventor of repute, from his work in groundwater remediation in Nigeria, Ayade invented a sewage treatment plant powered by solar energy. This Ayade-made technology is currently being used off-shore by oil companies in Nigeria.

His philanthropic bend has its locale in his humble beginning. He is a giver who asks for nothing in return. His greatest passion is serving God and humanity. His favourite quote better mirrors his predisposition to philanthropy: " I give not because I have a enough but because I care enough"

A devout Catholic, it was in recognition of his humanist and welfarist orientation that the church in 2019 invested him with St.John International Knighthood.

Ayade is a  humanist with welfarist leaning who believes that one’s life story should be written not with pen but with actions-impactful actions. According to an American philosopher, “the true measure of a person is in his height of ideas, the breadth of his sympathy, the depth of his convictions and the length of his patience.” .Ayade encapsulate all these.

He hardly sacks appointees even in the face of obvious transgressions by such an appointee. Rather than sack, Ayade exhibits qualities of a leader with overflowing milk of human kindness, only reprimanding and giving necessary corrections to such erring aide.

To take burden off many families- nuclear and extended- he has broaden the size of his government, expanding the frontier. Not that he actually needs such burgeoning number of aides but Ayade is a modulator between two classical economic theorists; Adam Smith and John Keyness.

He believes that expanding the frontiers of government is a way of helping to put food on the table for families. Like Keyness, the governor believes that when an economy shrinks, it is the duty of government to spend in order to reflate the economy by engaging more people and encouraging them to spend; and by so doing the economy makes a rebound.

He does not play to the gallery. His pro-people orientation is ingrained in his character trait. For example as a Senator of the 7th Senate, Ayade set up a “Food Bank” where indigent members of his constituency, that is, Cross River North, came to eat three square meals every day.

An erudite scholar himself, hundreds of students across the state are on Professor Ayade’s personal scholarship. His rise to the governorship of Cross River in 2015 has brought about magical re-invention of the state with the erection of solid signature projects, including industrialization drive –establishing about  34 majorly agro-industries- some already operational and others awaiting commissioning and the rest at advanced stages of completion-in just six years out of his eight year mandate- 

an uncommon achievement that has firmly established the state as an industry hub.

Expectedly, Ayade is the recipient of many awards on account of his sterling performance in office. He was Vanguard Governor of the Year, Tell Magazine Governor of the Year, Daily Independent Newspaper Governor of the year Award, Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, Champion Newspaper Governor of the Year Award among the litany of other Awards.

Here is man who has power and wealth but refuses to be magisterial.Rather than do so, he chooses to be unassuming. He has no airs around him and is accessible. Even as governor, Ayade holds his phones; has refused to change his SIM cards and personally answers his calls and replies text messages.

His simplicity and sterling performance in office have cooperated to greatly endear Ayade to the people so much so that wherever he goes the chant of "Digital",his popular moniker. 

This  Professor of Environmental Microbiology, perfectly fits into the kind of personage the Igbo would describe as “Ochinanwata” (he who achieves leadership or greatness at a young age).

Though a young scholar, Ayade carries with him the wisdom of a 90 year old. Every session with him is like going back to the classroom. His fecundity of ideas, academic and scientific prowesses are intimidating.

Of course, on top of Ayade's neck is a head that thinks out of the box and Cross River is better for it.

"I like the dream of the future better than the history of the past", so says  Thomas  Jefferson and according to Isaac Newton, "If I have seen farther than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants."

The above immortal lines capture the Ayade mystique as a leader ahead of his time.

Yes, the Cross River state governor is blessed with fecuidity of ideas and stands on the shoulders of superior thinking to see father than others just as the dreams of the future nourish his zeal to unleash innovations as opposed to romanticizing histories of the past.

No, doubt, this icon- this scientist, this lawyer, this business Administrator, this Senator, this governor, this knight of the Catholic church, this inventor, this award winning governor deserves 53 beautiful garlands and a defeaning happy birthday chorus!

Happy birthday,Your Excellency.


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

*"Universal Health Coverage; Gov. Ayade To Flag Off BHCPF And Enrollment For The SHIS On March 9"*

The push for CRS to attain Universal Health Coverage reaches zenith as all efforts to achieve this giant stride has now been put in place by the cross river state government through the Health Ministry and the State Health Insurance Agency. This is to ensure that everyone who resides in CRS irrespective of tribe, gender, age, financial status, religion, etc gets equitable access to free and quality health care services.

Speaking in this regards, the State Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu during a final planning meeting with the Director General of the CRSHIA, DG primary Health Care and team has assured cross riverians that come March 9th, the long awaited scheme which was signed into Law in 2016 will be flagged off by the Executive Governor of CRS Sen Prof Ben Ayade alongside the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

In her words; "again I thank Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his support and fatherly role in bringing a health revolution in our dear State, he's been proactive and very supportive. This exercise was scheduled to take place last year but was interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, the bill was signed in 2016 and since then all efforts to get started has been hindered by one challenge or another but am glad that we have overcome and we are ready to fly. Come 9th of March, the Governor's vision which is to achieve Universal Health Coverage where everyone be it the old, young, poor, vulnerable, etc will have access to quality health care services without any form of out of pocket payment will be achieved.

"The idea behind this drive according to His Excellency is to ensure that a stronger brother offers his shoulder for his weaker brother to lean on. We will all put our income/resources together and access quality medical care well deserving of us. Access to this medical services comes 3months after the State enrollment while LGA enrollment will commence immediately after the State enrollment exercise."

The Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency Chief Goddy Iyala on his part thanked Sen Prof Ben Ayade for this vision and support while commending the Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu for her commitment and push to ensure this is achieved in her time, he charged every one involved in this exercise to give out their all as a threshold of history is about to be made by Sen Ben Ayade and everyone else involved in this will be remembered for it. "This is a vision of Sen Ben Ayade and we won't let it die, we all must join our hands together and make history so we'll be remembered for this giant achievement. I can't thank less the honorable commissioner for health and her team for this great support and achievement as she has proven again that she's never an associate of failure."

While the first 1,000 persons to get to the stadium for the event on Tuesday the 9th day of March, 2021 will get one free T-shirt and a face cap, they'll also be enrolled for the exercise by paying a thousand naira per Month as Elites/political leaders can as well register their own people. The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) alongside the State Health Insurance Scheme flag off exercise will be done by the Executive Governor of CRS Sen Prof Ben Ayade on the 9th day of March, 2021 at the U.J Esuene Stadium by 9am prompt.

How Yaya Bello better than him? Na the English d vex you? Just wish him happy birthday and run along una too get bad belle

Ayade: Celebrating a leader with the midas touch @ 53

By Linus Obogo
 
Exactly two thousand, one hundred and four days today (May 29, 2015 to March 2, 2021), he burst forth with a messianic zest, full of gusto and bravura of a leader who knew the way, ready to go the way in order to show the way.
Assuming office literally as an undertaker then, with the state in near economic comatose, Ayade set sail with fidelity in God, courage in his heart, belief in his mission and with an assured victory in his soul to confront the odds stacked against him as then fledgling governor.
For a state that was on a razor edge between renewal and collapse, between life and despair, Ayade would, rather than inter it, begin the process of oxygenating and resuscitating the anemic state with a view to ultimately getting it out of the ‘intensive care unit’ (ICU).
With an unfaltering determination, the governor knew that to dream lofty dreams, dare mighty things, win glorious triumphs, he must not ensconce himself in complacency and self-pity but be creative and adopt strategies to address the challenges that confronted the state. 
It was for this reason that his ascension into the governance architecture of the state was welcomed by many with such messianic hallelujah. Instructively, six years  down the line, Ayade has neither veered off the tracks nor cut short the expectations of many who hold him in such redemptive awe.
As a solution architect, the governor sees every challenge, every stricture and obstacle in his way as an opportunity to adroitly prove his resourcefulness and ingenuity in tackling the many socioeconomic miasmas he inherited.
A leader with I-can-do spirit, just when you doubt Ayade’s capacity, he springs forth and astounds you, leaving you captive and speechless.
Like the biblical Joseph, Ayade saw a vision and dreamed dreams. He dreamed of a state that was decoupled from the begging bowl of the federation account. And like Nostradamus, he had long seen our tomorrow while we slumbered and snored.  He envisioned our tomorrow with a determination to create a prosperity agenda. 
The fight to claw back the state from its economic doldrums seemed daunting. But for the governor, it was not about the dog in the fight but rather the fight in the dog. And before long, he would show his brains and brawn aplenty in the days and years to come.
With a near zero allocations from the federal purse and a lean internally generated revenue, many in his position would have baulked or thrown in the towel and screamed in helplessness, but the governor has continued to keep his eyes on the ball while he focuses on his lofty dreams to hew a pathway to the state’s economic Eldorado in a bid to put the future in our hands and wealth in our pockets.  
With a headstrong approach and a passion to achieve, Governor Ayade would set out punching above his weight and beyond the carrying capacity of the state with a view to recalibrating what was then a tottering economy.  
From a bold and daring move, characterized by a leap of faith and audacity of hope, would sprout images of triumphs and successes wrapped in exhilarating chapters of an engrossing industrialization story.
A leader on a mission to transform, Ayade wended his charted way from the well-worn and pervasive transactional leadership style already native to his peers in the country to that of a transformational one. For him, service to others is the rent he must pay and which he has been paying. 
Typically embodying the mantra: 'people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care', the teacher-turned Senator-cum governor and Knight of Saint John (KSJ) International, would soon astound with a panoply of multibillion naira projects across the state, which sources of funding were somewhat of a mystery to Cross Riverians, but not so to Ayade, the self-styled inventor of “Intellectual Money” and proponent of “Other People’s Money (OPM).
The monthly federal allocation to Cross River hovers between N1.8billion to N2billion, this is even before deductions for the indebtedness the state is exposed to and with a lid on borrowing tightly sealed. 
Ranging from the Calabar Garment Factory, the Rice Seedling and seeds multiplication Centre, Calabar Pharmaceutical Company (Calapharm), the 56 megawatts power plant, noodles manufacturing factory, chicken processing plant with capacity to process 600,000 birds per day,  the feeds mill factory, already completed and located in Calabar, Southern Senatorial Zone, the 30, 000 metric tons of Cocoa processing factory, in Ikom, a toothpick factory in Ekori, Yakurr, the automated and vitaminzed rice mill in Ogoja, among others, Ayade has left no one in doubt about the clarity and acuity of his vision. 
On road infrastructure, the state has been a beehive of construction activities with construction projects ongoing at across the state. 
With more than half of the 147 kilometre-road already asphalted at the Mfom-Yala-Ogoja-Bekwarra-Obudu ranch road; the dualization of the 20 kilometres Tinapa/Odukpani federal highway; the East/West Boki road as well as the 275 kilometre super highway from Bakassi to Katsina-Ala, there cannot be any greater commitment to infrastructural development than the governor has demonstrated in the nearly six years of his administration. 
Also ongoing is the construction of 5.7kilometers of international cargo and passenger airport in Obudu Local Government Area of the state. On completion, the airport is expected to haul a large export of Irish potatoes and ornamental flowers which are currently being cultivated. This is also in addition to ramping up footfalls into the famous Obudu Ranch Resort. 
While not neglecting other sectors, Ayade has placed premium on the health of the citizenry by ensuring that a specialist hospital is established in each of the three senatorial zones. The governor has breathed life into the education sector  with the construction of the first of it's kind, the West African Teachers Continuing Training College in Biase Council Area of the state. This is aimed at improving the quality of teachers in the state.
Also nearing completion is the British/Canadian International school. 
In Ayade, to whom less is given, so much more has been offered and this can only be owed principally to his financial wizardry as a propelling force in the realization of these economically uplifting projects.
For almost six years, it has been a new age, a new dawn; a time to ride without let, where every step has morphed into a stride and where every stride has been a conquest over the tides. In truth, Ayade has no doubt defied the odds.
As a strong voice for state and country, there is so much that has been learned from his fortitude and strength of conviction and so much more that could still, indeed be learnt by same hypocritical society he has laboured upon to improve.
Call him a gadfly and you wouldn't be wrong after all. Ayade has come across as that rare breed which God has fastened upon an unwashed clime to point the way. 
For instance, when the entire world was quaking and quivering during the outbreak of the global pandemic, with countries and states locking down and imposing restrictions, Governor Ayade laughed off the knee-jerk measure, describing it as infantile and uncommonsensical. He, instead, locked out his state, Cross River and allowed economic activities to flourish. 
When other states were counting their dead, occasioned by COVID-19, Ayade was instead feasting with his subjects who had been kept alive by a simple but well thought out scientific solution such as wearing a mask.
Like a prophet without honour in his own country, he was jeered and sneered at and chided by many of his colleagues in the academy of science for "misleading" his countrymen. Even the  all powerful and all knowing global health institution, WHO,  which initially pooh poohed his advocay for the wearing of nose masks did a 360-degree and humbly acknowledged and embraced Ayade's inscrutable policy on mask wearing as the first prophylactic step pivotal to halting the spread of the global pandemic. 
At 53, just a little above half a century of his life, there is so much to learn from Ayade’s narrative. A driving force  behind the state's prosperity agenda, he has continued to hold strong to his beliefs, refusing to give up on his dreams and vision for Cross River State.  
Happy birthday Your Excellency.
 
Linus Obogo is Deputy Chief Press Secretary/Speech Writer to Governor Ayade

Cross River ascertained to be the most economically diversified State in the Federation

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission on Monday visited Cross River State as part of the efforts of the Federal Government to encourage Sub-National Governments to diversify their economy.

The 14 Man team led by Federal Commissioner representing Kwara, Shuaibu Abdullahi Yaman was on an assessment tour to the State to observe the extent of economic diversification by the Cross River State Government.

Shuaibu who poured encomiums on the State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade for his industrialization drive said he was impressed by the level of diversification in the State. He called on other States to emulate Cross River State while assuring of Federal Government support to the projects.

He noted that the Federal Government has specified some areas for diversification which include Agriculture, Agro-Processing and Solid Minerals Processing

Speaking earlier, the Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong led the Federal Government team on a project inspection that spanned several local governments: from the Industrial Park in Calabar Municipal, to the Cocoa processing Mill in Ikom, to the Rice Mill Ogoja, to the Cargo Airport, Obudu etc.

The team had earlier met with His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade on Monday 22nd February before they were taken on tour of all State government sponsored projects spreading from Calabar to Obudu over the course of Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th February.
The official communique signed by the team from RMAFC concluded by stating that Cross River has been ascertained to be the most economically diversified state in the Federation.

French ambassador tours Ayade's projects, pledges collaboration


French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome Pasqùier, has assured of his country's readiness to collaborate with Cross River State government in developing its economy and other critical infrastructure in the state.

Giving the assurance shortly after an inspection of some key projects of the Ayade-led administration across the state, Pasquier expressed excitement at the level of industrialization so far undertaken by the governor, Sir Ben Ayade.

The Ambassador who said his two-day visit to the state was the outcome of several interactions on phone and in person in Abuja, disclosed that "we have already had several meetings on phone and in person in Abuja, but of course it is not compared to being here in the state and seeing things for myself."

He expressed his pleasure at being state “with my economic councilor because I think we have quite a lot of economic issues to discuss because we want to strengthen the French economic relationship with Nigeria and I believe that Cross River is one of the states that has big projects to bring this relationship to life."

Promising to get French companies on board in the development of the state following presentations by the various MDAs at the conference centre of the Obudu Ranch Resort, Pasquier said: "We are confident we can get French companies involved in the development of Cross River State.

"We have already discussed that with the governor and we will provide him with names of companies that are interested in coming here because there is plenty of work to be done that can be beneficial to both parties as well as the locals because ultimately this partnership will create jobs for the people."

Promising to return to the state very soon, following the inspection of ongoing construction work at the international Cargo airport, British/Canadian and the specialist hospital all located in Obudu Council Area, Ambassador Pasquier disclosed that "We have discussed a lot of issues and from my understanding, there are many more projects which present an opportunity for me to come back very soon. But in the past two days, we have seen so many viable projects.

"We have taken record of all these projects and we will provide you contact with French companies with the idea to develop and create business opportunities in Cross River. And I hope we will deliver on this and very soon we will come back to commission projects in Cross River."

Expressing happiness with the visit of the French Ambassador, Governor Ayade quipped: "I feel very happy. Ambassador Pasquier is a man of high character and honour and integrity and we have been talking about this visit for quite sometime but due to bad weather, it had not been possible."

On the economic spinoff from the visit of the Ambassador, Ayade voiced his optimism, noting that "I am sure that the economic benefits of this visit and the collaboration we intend to put together will be successful . We look forward to a very wonderful two-day session with the French Ambassador."

The governor also disclosed that "we have a very special relationship with the French Ambassador. We know he is very proactive and committed. we also know the French government has a strong understanding that they have focused so much on the francophone countries and they needed to diversify into the anglophone countries.

"So we are cashing in on that to create an opportunity for us a sub-national to relate directly with the Ambassador and I believe that it will be fruitful at the end of the day."

Insecurity: Adopt Ayade’s crime bursting blueprint, APC chieftain urges other governors


A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Mr Goddy Akpama has applauded Governor Ben Ayade’s handling of security issues in the state.

He said in a statement he released in Calabar that Cross River is now one of the safest states in the country where people sleep with their eyes closed.

Akpama therefore, wants other state governors to copy Ayade’s methods in tackling insecurity in their states.

According to him, “news of insecurity across Nigeria has gained currency in recent times with terrorism, banditry, armed robberies, kidnapping, rape, ritual killings etc, topping the headlines.

“These societal vices seemed to have spiralled out of control in most parts of the country after the #Endsars protest that almost brought the country to its knees.

“Surprisingly, Cross River State which was one of the worst hit by the #Endsars protest and accompanying crime wave is at the moment one of the safest places to be in Nigeria.

“Now , across the state, people can sleep with their doors open and their eyes closed, as they are more assured of their security now than any other time.”

He attributed this in part to the setting up of a crime bursting outfit, Operation Akpakwu, by the governor, which has given criminals, especially kidnappers and armed robbers a bloody nose in recent months.

“The effectiveness of the security outfit directly under the watch of Governor Ayade who is the Chief Security Officer of the state has led to the busting of the dens of some of these criminals who have been arrested and prosecuted, if not gunned down during shootouts with a few of them that had violently resisted arrest.

“Added to these measures, is the confiscation and demolition of houses and business premises and other tangible properties owned or directly linked to anyone arrested for kidnapping and armed robbery in particular.

“The frequency which suspected rapists have been tried and convicted when found guilty is a testimony that Governor Ayade, whose wife is a champion of the protection and empowerment of the girl child and women, has zero tolerance for such illicit act of uncontrolled and stray libidos.”

Continuing, he said “despite harboring the largest rainforest in Nigeria and harbouring international boundaries with Cameroun from the maritime areas in south to montane vegetation stretching hundreds of kilometres, the issue of invasion by insurgents, be they local or foreign herdsmen and militants, is completely nonexistent.

“The Ayade administration had long used ingenious methods to handle the situation whenever there were indications of such possibilities.”

*"Lions Club International Partners With CRSG; start Building of Diabetic Care Center In General Hospital Ogoja & Primary Health center in Calabar south"*

*District Governor of Lions Clubs International (LCI), Lion Eloma; Commends Governor Ben Ayade and Dr Betta Edu Health Commissioner for an exceptional sterling performance*

Lions Club International an International
Nonpolitical service organization with a membership of over 1.4 million around the World is aimed at promoting the principles of good government and good citizenship by taking an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community to encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, while encouraging efficiency and promoting high ethical standards.

In a courtesy visit to the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu, the Club's District Governor of District 404 A2 Nigeria, Lion Elder Soni Eloma has commended the State Governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade and the Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu for the massive revamping of the health sector with giants and conspicuous achievements spread all over for all to see. He also commended the state COVID-19 response which has kept the cases in Cross River state under control. He went on to state the Club's target intervention which is to setup a Diabetic Center in the Northern Senatorial District of CRS. He also mentioned the ongoing PHC that is being built in Calabar south amongst others.

"As a Club, we're not ignorant of the giants achievements that this administration has recorded as this is a clear indication that the Government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade has got her citizens as topmost priority. Lions Club International has a desire to support the health sector by setting up a Diabetic Center in Ogoja LGA to ease the stress of cross riverians coming all the way to Calabar to access specialized Diabetic care. We therefore solicit for a plot of land to be allocated to us by the CRSG within the General Hospital Ogoja so we can build this center. We also will be running a Diabetes Sensitization and Treatment Exercise from 2021 through 2022 in eight Primary Health Care Facilities across the State, one of our district club headed by Lion Ijeoma Aniekan-Atai is building a primary health center in calabar south And lastly, we intend to build an Emergency Accident Unit in Odukpani LGA to provide health succour and services to our people in partnership with state Government."

The Health Commissioner Dr Edu while responding welcomed and appreciated the Club and her leadership for their philanthropic nature, huge people oriented project achievements spread all over the State and for leaving positive footprints everywhere with an attitude of always raising the bar/standard as their legacies are all over in Schools, Hospitals, Libraries, etc with an idea to bring relief to the people/society.

"I sincerely appreciate Lions Club International for all your support especially in the health sector as you have numerous legacies spread all over the state. The health sector in CRS/Nigeria won't be complete without your Club's support/achievements and as such we thank you on behalf of our amiable Governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade for all you've been doing in CRS. Am a lion myself!

"As we already know, over 420,000 people die of diabetes annually as it has today become a common disease amongst our people even in rural areas with many persons ignorant of having diabetes. Your innovations to build a Diabetic Center in Ogoja as well as carrying out a One year sensitization and treatment exercise across eight PHCs in the State is Profound timely and will reduce the huge burden from our people as they'll not have to come down to the State Capital to access care. This is a sustainable lasting legacy as all Three Senatorial District will now have a place to access Diabetic care . As a State we'll support you in all areas and I have granted the needed approval for a space at General Hospital Ogoja for commencement of process."

In a Vote of thanks, the Club appreciated the Commissioner for her prompt audience and hospitality while reassuring her of that continuous support and synergy to ensure that cross riverians get major health care services as the said project will add value to the lives of the people. With the Club's Governor during the visit was Lion Michael Udosen, LEO Program Chairperson District 404 A2, Lion Miriam Egere, Club President Calabar Paradise, Lion Anthony Doherty, Region Chairperson, and Lion Evalsam Ekpe COS/SA to the District Governor.

Work is already ongoing for both project as at time of this report Big thanks to Lions Club!

*"C'River State Health Commissioner Dr Betta Edu Performs Ground Breaking Of UNICAL ultra-modern Isolation / Holding Center"*

*Prof Florence Obi blazing the trail in Tertiary institution response to COVID-19 in Nigeria!*

Cross River State COVID-19 Response will have greater isolation capacity following the ground breaking ceremony for the ultra-modern Holding bay/ Isolation center at the University of Calabar. This is a huge advancement in the state COVID-19 response as the new Holding bay will increase the Isolation capacity of the state and provide care for student that are suspected cases of COVID-19.

The Honorable Commissioner For Health Dr Betta Edu in the company of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi, laid the foundation stone for the construction of an ultra Modern Holding bay and Isolation center in the presence of the DG PHCDA Dr Ekpeyong, SA Health Dr Ushie , Perm Sec State Ministry of Health Bar Takon, members of EOC and the Chairman of UNICAL COVID-19 Taskforce Dr Akiba.

With over 45,000 students back on campus at the University of Calabar, there is an urgent need for heightened preparation and monitoring to prevent COVId-19 out break in the school.

Dr Betta Edu and The entire state COVId-19 taskforce EOC was led round the University by The vice chancellor Prof Florence Obi to assess the level of work done and the gaps that might exist which the state can collaborate with the university to fill such gaps.

Speaking during a tour by the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu expressed her satisfaction with the level of work and preparedness the VC and her management team has put in place so far to prevent the outbreak of this pandemic in the University.

"I want to wholeheartedly commend the Vice Chancellor and her COVID-19 taskforce team for the efforts they've put to ensure the safety of all their returning students, i decided to take this tour to enable me see for myself the level of preparedness put in place by the COVID-19 taskforce team and i must say that am very satisfied with what I've seen so far and am assuring parents/guidance that their Wards under Prof Florence Obi are in safe hands. The school has put in place an Auto sanitizing disinfectant tunnel at all the points of entry, including the various offices, hand washing stations, proper transportation monitoring system, infra red screening, disinfecting tunnels, and a standard ultra modern building that will serve as a Holding Bay for both Male and Female student under construction.Dr Edu assured her of massive support and a continuous synergy with Government. Our team will be on ground to help with monitoring.

The Vice Chancellor Prof Florence Obi on her part commended the Commissioner for the massive support from State Government to the Institution thus far, she re-stated her commitment to partner with the CRSG to minimize the number of COVID-19 cases recorded in the State. She thanked the Commissioner for making out time to come inspect the level of compliance, the COVID-19 prevention work done so far and to advise or further guide on necessary gaps that needs to be covered.

"When you have a Health Commissioner like Dr Betta Edu you'll be rest assured that your problems are solved. The government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade has been of immense support to UNICAL and that i can't stop commending. We've received massive support from this government through Dr Betta Edu as even today more COVID-19 preventive items have been donated to us again We appreciate her on behalf of the entire Senate, Management and Students of this University for this kind gestures as we've setup modalities that will keep our students safe. parents and guidance should be rest assured that their Wards are in safe hands and in a safe environment."

The University of Calabar has so far put in place hand washing stations across the entire Campus, over 100 hand held infrared thermometers, 20 standing non-contact infrared thermometers, a holding bay, under construction to serve both Male and Female students, stringent transportation system ensuring social distancing, disinfecting tunnels, compulsory use of facemasks, hand sanitizers at strategic places and offices, as well a student volunteering team to ensure compliance

the COVID-19 taskforce chairman of the School Dr Kingsley Akaba on behalf of his team applauded the Commissioner for her proactive nature when it comes to health issues as well as the support as he pledged a continuous collaboration with the State.

Highlight of the event was the official ground breaking/blocks laying foundation of the ongoing building by the health boss Dr Betta Edu.