Author: The Lumine News

  • PDP Primaries: FBI Calls On Jarigbe Agom To Reconcile Aggrieved Members

    PDP Primaries: FBI Calls On Jarigbe Agom To Reconcile Aggrieved Members

    A right lawyer and one of the counsels to Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Mr First Baba Isa Esq has called on the senator to speedily reconcile parties that are aggrieved following the outcome of the just concluded PDP primaries for Ogoja/Yala federal constituency bye-election slated for Feb 26th, 2022.

    Mr Isa made the call on his verified Facebook account:

    “I would have been seriously surprised if Senator Jarigbe Agom is not blamed for one thing or the other in the just concluded PDP primaries to elect its candidate for the upcoming by-election for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.

    ‘My Learned Friend, Barr Offiono lost the primaries, it’s Jarigbe’s fault; if Mike Usibe had lost the elections, it would have been Jarigbe’s fault. Both of them were his key supporters in his battle for the Senate seat. Both of them expected his support and it will be assumed that any one who won was the one who got the support.

    “That’s my constituency too and as one of Jarigbe’s lawyers and supporters, if I had contested that primaries and lost, I and my supporters would have blamed the Senator. It is what it is. If you don’t get it, forget about it. There is nothing the Senator can do about it. That’s the price of being the leader of the party, especially in that constituency.

    “But I really want us to get it, because there is a positive side to blaming the Senator. That people blame him for their loss and assume he supported the winner to win is evidence that they believe in his leadership and capacity to lead and deliver. The conclusion is that he has all it takes to influence the emergence of a winner. The Senator should see this as a positive, get inspired and motivated by it.

    “It’s time for the Senator to lead the charge in reconciling his supporters at that level. That’s a task he must undertake immediately. The Senator or any other person should not just focus on explaining how neutral the Senator was. Those who do not want to believe this, won’t.

    “This challenge is not just for the Senator, it is for his followers too: for Goffio and his supporters who are supporters and aides to the Senator. We are about to see how strong their unity is, in the face of disagreement.

    “I write this because of my projections a few days ago. I had projected that if PDP fields a candidate from Ukelle to run against an APC candidate from Yala, PDP will win the elections, ceterius paribus. However, I must submit that this projection might not be possible with the present rancour in PDP.

    “APC seems more united at the moment; and no one has ever won a battle against unity.

    “By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)”

  • Breaking: Mike Usibe Wins PDP Primaries For Ogoja/Yala Fed Constituency Bye-Election

    Breaking: Mike Usibe Wins PDP Primaries For Ogoja/Yala Fed Constituency Bye-Election

    Hon Mike Ede Usibe has won the PDP Bye-election for Ogoja/Yala federal constituency scheduled to hold on Feb 26th, 2022.

    Usibe pulled a total of 184 votes out of 232 votes cast.

    His closet rival, Mr Godwin Offiono scored a total of 42 votes while Mrs Margaret Odey scored 5 votes with one invalid vote.

  • CRSG Flags Off 2022 National Immunization Days Plus Campaign

    CRSG Flags Off 2022 National Immunization Days Plus Campaign

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government have flagged off the National Immunization Plus Days Exercise with a call to parents and caregivers to maximize the opportunity in getting rid of vaccine preventable diseases in the state.

    The state Deputy Governor , His Excellency, Prof Ivara Esu gave the charge in Calabar during the official flag off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days Exercise at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Governor’s Office Calabar.

    Performing the exercise, Professor Ivara Esu described the exercise as one amongst the most essential civic responsibilities that must be performed by parents in order to raise a guaranteed society rid of common communicable and preventable deaths.

    The Dep Governor assured that the administration of Senator Prof Benedict Ayade will continue to place greater premium to the health needs of the people of the state through funding and regular upgrading of facilities and equipment to move along with the developed world in the 21st century world.

    Prof Esu maintained further that the importance of the Immunization exercise cannot be overflogged bearing in mind the devastating effects of such childhood diseases such as measles and polio in particular which affect the limbs of children amongst others.

    He commended the Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency SPHCDA, Dr Janet Ekpenyong for the level of passion and enthusiasm she has put into ensuring that the health agency is one of the flagship and point of pride in the country, stressing that the achievement recorded by the agency and the state health sector in general during the COVID-19 right from 2019 is proudly amazing. He also commended the entire health team led by the Commissioner for health, Dr Betta Edu for their response against Covid-19 and other health matters in the state.

    In her remarks the Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said the NIPDs is one of those high impact interventions initiated by the federal and state government with partners to sustain the gains made in the eradication of the wild polio virus. She said the NIPDs serves as an opportunity to get all children within the ages of 0-5years protected against polio, particularly those who for some reason may have missed out on the routine Immunization. She said the exercise targets over 900,000 children which she promised that the state will achieve 100%.

    She expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation to the state Governor, Senator Prof Benedict Ayade through the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu for his sincere commitment towards the realization of the the lofty ideals set out for the agency and the health sector to achieve.

    According to her, the commitment and support from the state hierarchy including Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade, has actually fast tracked the achievements of the agency and the health sector as shown in previous successes and current strides which today has rated Cross River State among top performing state in the country.

    Dr. Ekpenyong disclosed that it is as the result of this encouragement from their Excellencies that her agency and the health sector is at the forefront of other health care development drive in the country to ensure that the gains of the past are sustained and more strides are achieved for the benefit of the people. She also commended, the Hon Commissioner for health, Dr Betta Edu and other health team members for the great leadership and team spirit which is yielding result.

    On his part, the Chairman House Committee on health, Cross River House of Assembly, Dr. Ekpo-Ekpo Bassey, revealed that the primary purpose of government is to provide security and welfare as lucidly captured in the nation’s constitition.

    He maintained that health care is one of the essential components of the welfare programme on which is placed on the shoulder of government, while pledging on behalf of the CRHA to partner with the PHCDA to ensure that the people enjoy quality and robust health services.

    The Chairman of Akpabuyo LGA, and Chairman of Chairmen Hon Emmanuel Bassey pledged support of all LGA Chairmen to Immunization and other PHC activities.

    The event coincided with the 2022 Maiden Meeting of the state Task Team on Immunization, the Deputy Governor who is also the Chairman of the meeting said that Immunisation is a veritable national and state exercise which is ultimately vital in the life of the citizenry, most importantly for those from zero to 59 months.

    High points of the day was goodwill messages from development partners including WHO, UNICEF, while the Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu administered the vaccine to some babies assisted by the Chairman, House Committee on HEALTH, Dr. Bassey, the Director General of PHCDA, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local government Area and Chairman of Chairmen in the state, Emmanuel Bassey.

  • Stakeholders Seeks Funding As Cross River Marks World Neglected Tropical Disease Day

    Stakeholders Seeks Funding As Cross River Marks World Neglected Tropical Disease Day

    By Simon Ushie

    An estimate of One in every walking Five people globally are said to be suffering from some form of Neglected Tropical Disease with a higher percentage of patients residing in poor income countries of the world.

    Globally, January 30th has been set aside to mark the “World Neglected Tropical Disease Day” with stakeholders uniting to chat a new course towards reduction and possible elimination of these “stigma ” bound diseases which leaves patients socially excluded from other people.

    In Cross River State, the day was marked with deep sense of reflection on the dangers these ailments poses to communities as greater attention was given in alignment to this year’s theme, “Achieving Health Equity To End The Neglect Of Poverty Related Diseases” with various speakers sharing their thoughts.

    Addressing participants and stakeholders the lead to whom greater responsibility rest upon in the sensitization, awareness creation, prevention, detection, care and treatment of these diseases, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,.
    Dr Janet Ekpenyong calls for greater resource mobilization from partners for cohesive and radical fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases.

    The DG noted that, although much resources is already earmarked towards the cause, improved budgetry provision should be made in order to help incorporate NTDs with other common diseases which are highly sort after in the Primary Healthcare facilities.

    She said, the state is commited towards fighting these disease as it has shown commitment through the appointment of Community Informants, NTD focal persons in all the LGAs which has contributed in improved surveillance and tackling suspected cases especially in Children.

    “I’m proud of the outcome in recent survey as we saw the need to intensify surveillance in our various Communities through the appointment of Community Informants, NTD focal persons who go around enlightening people on the dangers of NTDs and administration of deworming tablets to children.
    These diseases lead to high mortality in our Communities and that is why we are calling on all stakeholders to mobilize resources to fight the diseases, so that they are been tackled at the earliest stages and we will ensure they are integrated into Primary Healthcare services along other diseases”.
    She thanked RTI for all their support in tackling NTDs in the state and their commitment to partner with the state to
    Also speaking, the Chairman house committee on health, Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, assured the participants that the house of assembly will ensure health is prioritized in the state budget and will also work with the ministry of health to include NTDs in the budget.
    The Director of Public health reiterated the health sector commitment in ensuring that NTDs like other diseases will get the necessary attention. He also appreciated RTI for all their support to the state

    Other speakers who spoke commended the Cross River State Government for timely interventions in Riverine Communities through aggressive mobilization of health workers in offering deworming tablets to pregnant women and children who are more prone to these infection.
    They also called on Government to invest more in the health sector, to ensure those with NTDs have equitable access to health care services.
    At the end of the forum, all parties present agreed to
    1)Create sense of ownership and the drive the Neglected Tropical Disease program sustainability agenda In the state .
    2)Advocate for state program counterparts funding and promote local resource mobilization for Neglected Tropical Disease elimination.
    3) Consolidate on the state’s achievements in Creating more awareness and sensitize stakeholders towards complete elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Cross River State.

    These diseases which are most predominate in rural Communities where water supply and sanitation are substandard are either being spread by Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites and can be minimized by observing personal and environmental hygiene.

    Participants were drawn from the Federal and State ministries of Health, the Nigerian Medical Association, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, UCTH Development Partners and other Private Medical Practitioners.

  • Concerned Constituents Writes Governor Ben Ayade, Insists On Level Playing Ground For Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency

    Concerned Constituents Writes Governor Ben Ayade, Insists On Level Playing Ground For Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency

    *OPEN LETTER TO*:

    1. His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade (Leader of APC South South)

    2. Barr. Alphonsus Eba
    (Indefatigable Chairman-elect, Cross River State APC)

    3. APC Leaders and Stakeholders Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

    *BEFORE THIS SHIP SINKS*

    *Preamble*:
    We are foundation members and concerned card carrying members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) drawn from Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. In view of the forthcoming general election and in furtherance of our resolve and commitment to the party towards winning the general election in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, we are constrained to bring to your attention an imminent political danger and a seeming harbinger of doom, should the party continue to steer her ship towards the precipice in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. As Patriotic and Passionate Party Faithfuls, we owe our party a duty to draw her attention to situations capable of jeopardizing the Party’s chances of winning the next election in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency and to forestall an apparent act of anti-party activities amongst party faithfuls.

    *OUR OBSERVATION*
    We find it very worrisome that the leadership of our great party, appears to have ceded the party ticket to Hon. Mike Etaba for a 3rd term in the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency against the interest and wish of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency. As Party members, we understand that Hon. Mike Etaba has shown immense loyalty and support to the leadership of our great party, which has fetched him a 2nd term into the National Assembly, even against the wish of the people. For his show of loyalty, we dare say that 8years in the house of Reps is already a good compensation for him and the people of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency do not intend to extend his stay in the National Assembly with another unfruitful 4years. For the Obubra People, specifically, the 8years spent by Hon. Mike Etaba at the National Assembly appears to be a total waste as there is no commensurate effort or democratic dividend from his part to his people, and we do not intend to continue in this style of retrogressive Politics. For almost 8years in the National Assembly, Hon. Mike Etaba has not contributed meaningfully to any debate on the floor of the National Assembly. He appears to be too elusive on the floor of the National Assembly, and we do not intend to continue in that trajectory, as Obubra/Etung Legislators are known to be quintessential on the floor of the National Assembly.

    Furthermore, we wish to warn that should Hon. Mike Etaba or any other lackey be given the ticket of our party, we stand a chance of losing outrightly to the opposition, and we do not pray for such to happen. Presently, the opposition Party, PDP parades formidable aspirants for the position of House of Reps and we make bold to say that, should our party decide to fly Hon. Mike Etaba, we are cocksure that even as a sitting House of Reps member, Hon. Mike Etaba cannot withstand any of the PDP’s Aspirants. It is on record that in 2019, he lost woefully on the field.

    Emphatically, PDP has the following Persons as frontline Aspirants,
    1. Rt. Hon. Fabian Okpa
    2. Mr. Ken Egbas
    3. Barr. Innocent Chima
    4. Rt.Hon. Friday Okpechi.
    It is therefore apparent to say that we need a new face to fly our party ticket. The people are tired of Hon. Mike Etaba.

    *OUR PRAYERS*
    We humbly solicit for a level playing ground for all aspirants; and we make the following submissions.

    1. That the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency leaders be allowed to choose their Candidate.

    2. That Hon. Mike Etaba should not be forced on the people.

    3. That, the inactivity of Hon. Mike Etaba on the floor of the National Assembly has adversely affected our chances on the floor of the National Assembly, and so should not be encouraged by bringing another person who is of the same stock or even worse.

    4. That we need a man with a strong voice on the floor of the National Assembly. Someone with massive goodwill and grassroot support.

    We make this prayers in the best interest of our party in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, believing that if our prayers are granted, this sinking ship will be restored.

    Signed:
    Hon. Ntui Victor Omang
    (For: Etung Local Government)

    Chief Okimba Edim
    (For: Obubra Local Government)

    On behalf of the entire members of Concerned APC faithfuls Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Inspects Road Project in Yala LGA.

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Inspects Road Project in Yala LGA.

     

    The Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today, inspected the ongoing construction/Rehabilitation of 1.3 KM Prince Akwaji Offiono Road.

    The project which is being handled by Executive team managers, was Facilitated by the Senator through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and it’s one of many roads facilitated so far by the lawmaker.

    During the inspection, the lawmaker commended the contractor for the quality of work being done.

    The 1.3KM road is the longest stretch of road ever facilitated by a legislator to Yala LGA.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • Projects Facilitated By Sen Sandy Onor In Central Senatorial District

    Projects Facilitated By Sen Sandy Onor In Central Senatorial District

     

    (1). Construction and Rehabilitation of Okuni/Nsofang Road, Ikom/Etung LGA – Completed

    (2). Rehabilitation of Mile 2 Road, Ikom, Ikom LGA – Completed

    (3). Rehabilitation of Market Lane, Ikom Main Market, Ikom LGA. – Completed

    (4). Rehabilitation of State Housing Lane Ikom, Ikom LGA – completed

    (5). General Maintenance & Rehabilitation of Ogoja-Ikom Road with spur at Okundi – Completed

    (6). General Maintenance & Rehabilitation of section of Ikom – Obudu Road with a spur at Bendeghe, Etung LGA – completed

    (7). Maintenance of Ikom Apiapum Road, Cross River Central – completed

    (8). Supply and Installation of ICT Laboratory Equipments – Completed

    (9). Entrepreneurship Development Training for Youth in Cross River Central from 5th – 9th October 2019.

    (10). Supply and installation of ICT Laboratory equipment to Holy Child Sec Sch Ikom, Ikom LGA- Completed

    (11). Completion of Community Civic Centre, Abijang, Etung LGA – Completed

    (12). Installation of solar street lights @ Abia, Etung LGA – Completed.

    (13). Installation of Solar Street Lights @ Ajassor, Etung LGA – Completed

    (14). IInstallation of solar Street lights @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Completed

    (15). Renovation of Obol Lopon palace @ Ugep, Yakurr LGA- Complete

    (16). Bulldozing /Grading of 6 km Farm Road @ Ekori, Yakurr LGA – Complete

    (17). Renovation of Pavilion @ Primary School Mkpani, Yakurr LGA – Complete

    (18) Construction of Schools Desks for Community Secondary School Idomi, Yakurr LGA.

    (19). Construction of Schools Desks for Bahumono Secondary Grammar School Ebom, Abi LGA – Complete

    (20). Construction of two (2) solar powered Boreholes @ Ikom Main Market, Ikom LGA – Complete

    (21). Construction of Solar Powered Boreholes @ Bendeghe Afi, Ikom – Complete

    (22). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Onyadama in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (23). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Ofodua in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (24). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Ovonum, Obubra LGA – Complete

    (25). Provision of Solar Street lights @ Ochon in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (26). Construction of Pavilion at Paramount Ruler Palace @ Olom, Boki LGA – Complete

    (27). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Bumaji in Boki LGA – Complete

    (28). Provision of Solar Power Borehole @ Bunyia Irruan in Boki LGA – Complete

    (29) Completion of Community Town Hall @ Biakwam in Boki LGA – Complete

    (30). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Wula, Boki LGA – Complete

    (31). Renovation of Primary School Block @ Bafin-Etintim, Boki LGA – Complete

    (32). Bulldozing and Grading of Kakwagom – Ndok Road in Boki LGA – Complete

    (33). Provision of Solar Street Lights @ Bansan Osokom in Boki LGA – Complete

    (34). Completion of Corpers Lodge @ Imabana, Abi LGA – Complete

    (35). Grading of Obubra – Ogada Main Town in Obubra – Complete

    (36). Grading of Iyamaoyong to Ikom-Calabar Road- CRBDA – Complete

    (37). Construction of Bridge @ Osopong in Obubra LGA – Complete

    (38). Construction of Community Civic Centre @ Mkpot, Etung LGA – Complete

    (39). Construction of Community Civic Centre @ Itaka, Etung LGA – Done

    (40). Manual Borehole construction @ Itigidi, Abi LGA – Done

    (41). Construction/Furnishing of (1) Block of Four (4) Classrooms @ Itigidi, Abi LGA. – Done

    (42). Items donated to Holy Child Secondary School, Ikom ICT Centre; 40 desktop computers, 2 laptops, 1 scanner, 1 HP Laserjet Printer, 1 Electronic Board, 1 Projector, 2 Solar Inverters, 8 Solar Batteries, 1 Fire Estinguisher, 1 Storage Rack, 1 Cabinet.

    (43). Distribution of Motorcycles to Youths across the Central Senatorial District for easy transportation.

    (44). ICT Equipment supplied to the following Schools:

    – Community Sec Sch Etomi, Etung LGA

    – Community Sec Sch Nsofang, Etung LGA

    – Community Sec School Ugep, Yakurr LGA

    – Community Sec Sch Ekunekune Asiga Yakurr LGA

    – Regina Pacis Secondary School Ofombongha, Obubra LGA

    – Community Secondary School Bawop, Boki

    EMPOWERMENT ITEMS DISTRIBUTED TO CONSTITUENTS IN 2020 FISCAL YEAR

    – 40 Motorcycles
    -220 Deep Freezers
    – 250 Vulcanizing Machines
    – 200 Sewing Machines
    – 100 Water Pumping Machines
    – 250 Grinding Machines
    – 5 Tricycles
    – 2 Toyota Camry Salon Cars.

    2021 PROJECTS OF SEN SANDY ONOR

    (1). Grading of Yala (Nkum) Road, Ikom LGA – Done

    (2). Grading of Ochon – Isabang Road, Obubra LGA – Done

    (3). Grading of Ugep – Usumutong Road, Abi LGA – Ongoing

    (4). Grading of Effraya – Etomi – Bendeghe Road, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (5). Grading of Abo/Ugba Ntan to Abo Nkpamg in Boki LGA – Ongoing

    (6). Construction of Guest House @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (7). Construction of Guest House, Nsofang, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (8). Construction of Town Hall @ Okuni, Ikom LGA – Ongoing

    (9). Renovation of Bokomo Town Hall, Ikom LGA – Ongoing

    (10) Construction of Borehole with Overhead tank, generator @ Bankpor Irruan, Boki LGA – Ongoing

    (11). Construction of Borehole @ Etomi, Etung LGA – Ongoing

    (12). Donation of 27Kva Generator to Steady Flow University(SFU), Ikom LGA – Done

    (13). Solar lighting in Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Ugep – Done

    (14). Solar Lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Abi – Done

    (15). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Boki – Done

    (16). Solar Lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler of Etung – Done

    (17). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler, Ikom – Done

    (18). Solar lighting of the Palace of Paramount Ruler, Obubra – Done

    (19). Solar Lighting @ Ikom Main Market and Motor Park – Done

    (20). Solar lighting of Kakwagom/Bawop Ward – Done

    (21). Solar lighting in Ajassor – Done

    (22). Solar lighting in State Housing Ikom -/Done

    (23). Training of 100 Constituents on Agriculture Value Chain for Rural Farmers, Cross River Central – Done

    (24). Training of Cocoa Farmers, Cross River Central – Done

    (25). Skill acquisition training for youth, women and artisans in Cross River Central – Done

    (26). Facillitated Covid-19 intervention fund to 600 households in Cross River Central – Done

  • Mr Peter Akpanke And His Mission To Annihilate The Sufferings Of The Masses

    Mr Peter Akpanke And His Mission To Annihilate The Sufferings Of The Masses

    By Linus Ushie

    Poverty is unarguably one of the many setbacks of man. It affects not only a man’s social network, but his ability to access and utilize opportunities.

    Mr Peter Akpanke (DE SOLID ROCK) who is the Chairman of the Non profitable organization; The Akpanke Foundation, has never relented in his quest to alleviate the sufferings of people in his constituency, state and country at large. His enormous strides towards human and infrastructural development, women support initiatives , youth empowerment and Education has impacted positively on the society and engineered a refined political narrative.

    In these trying times of our country’s degenerating economy, DE ROCK through his Foundation has constantly sustained it show of Love to the vulnerable. These acts of kindness has restored hope to the hopeless, provided succor to the less privileged and salvaged many families from the whips of starvation.

    As the people continue to yearn for effective representation and leadership, the choice of Mr Peter Akpanke (DE SOLID ROCK) for Federal House of Representatives, for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal constituency in the 2023 general elections will be most beneficial.

    His drilled, trusted and proven ability to deliver on democratic dividends has positioned him worthy of our support.

    De Rock Is Solid!!!

  • Minister Assures NAPTIN Of Improved Funding, Support For 105-Bed Hostel Project

    Minister Assures NAPTIN Of Improved Funding, Support For 105-Bed Hostel Project

     

    The Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has assured the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) of his commitment towards ensuring improved funding of the institute.

    Jedy-Agba who stated this on Friday during a working visit to the Institute Corporate Headquarters located along Idu Industrial area, Mbora District, Abuja also assured the institute of his support towards the speedy commencement and completion of the proposed 105-bed hostel project to be embarked upon by the institute.

    According to him, “this place is adding to the overall value of the power sector in Nigeria. One of the key challenges affecting the power sector in Nigeria is poor infrastructure and to ensure we address that, we need to develop the man power to build and maintain our power infrastructures. This is why the institute is very strategic.

    I’m happy with what I’ve seen here. I commend the efforts of the DG and all the management staff. I want to assure you that in anyway I can, I’ll work to ensure the issue of funding which the DG has discussed with me is addressed”.

    While charging the staff to corporate with management and be committed to duty, he said that “I encourage you all to corporate with the DG so that by the time I return here, the transformation I’ve seen here today will be better”.

    Earlier, in his remarks, the Director General of the institute, Ahmed Bello Nagode lauded the Minister for his support and guidance in ensuring that NAPTIN becomes a global force in power training.

    Nagode said that “The Minister has been very supportive to the course of NAPTIN. I have two Directors who he graciously approved their promotion recently. It’s a huge achievement.

    Also, when we had issues with our internal road network, we ran to the Minister and he responded swiftly and today, we’ve a smooth access road to the corporate headquarters. Funding too has been a major issue but through the Minister’s intervention, there’s improvement in the 2022 budget.

    The DG however appealed to the Minister to also intervene in the institute’s effort to fence the headquarters to not only protect the staff but to preserve the land which he said was suffering encroachment already.

    He added that, “We’re set to embark on a 105-bed hostel and workshop/training Centre projects which is an outcome of the France/Nigeria agreement signed by President Muhammadu Buhari with the France government recently. We’ve all the designs ready and will invite you for the groundbreaking ceremony in the coming days. We’re targeting two years to complete this project but we want it to be on record that you started it”.

  • Sandy Onor Unveils Blue Print For Good Governance, Accountability And Sustainability

    Sandy Onor Unveils Blue Print For Good Governance, Accountability And Sustainability

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT

    PROJECT CROSS RIVER STATE 2023!

    OUR BLUEPRINT FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN OUR STATE.

    As a follow up to our decision to lay to rest the infertile issue of zoning. The Caterpillar movement hereby release to cross riverians and indeed members of the public details of our vision(blue print) come 2023.

    PREAMBLE:
    With the advent of democratic rule in 1999, Cross River State was blessed with visionary and dynamic leadership that facilitated steady development of the state in all sectors. Our dear state was moved from the fringes and placed firmly in the development map of Nigeria. The state became a leading destination for tourism, investment and international donor funding.
    The public sector was vibrant and efficient with the formulation of virile policies and the establishment of strong institutions.
    Cross River state was viewed nationwide as a model for development planning.
    The private flourished as government provided the enabling environment, particularly through the establishment of a virile security architecture with accompanying infrastructure outlay.

    Regrettably, we have in the last six years undoubtedly derailed from the trajectory by running a system that is hudely rich in theory but lacking in practice.

    Accordingly, we shall move forward ,vigorously evaluate the financial status of the state and build our plans upon the reality that we find ourselves.
    We shall carry our people along with transparency,
    respect and inclusiveness.
    We shall together set realistic targets and pursue the actualization of these goals with all the intellect, vision, contacts, that we will collectively harness.
    Our policies shall be people oriented..
    Our vision is to restore our state to a path of progressive growth. To this end, we propose to implement a RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM through which we intend to achieve our vision.

    OUR RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    Our restoration and development program shall be hinged on the development of the following thematic areas in the socio-economic and political environment of our state
    1. Security
    2.The Economy
    3. Human development
    4. Infrastructure development
    5. The civil service and local government
    6. Tourism
    The security and safety of the people shall be the primary purpose of our administration. We shall put in place dogged security measures aimed at protecting lives and properties of our people with a view to ensuring that all citizens, residents and investors carry out their legitimate businesses in a crime free environment.
    We shall in subsequent editions bring you detailed measures at implementing our policy iniatives
    May God help cross river state.

    Joe Obi Bisong
    Director General.