The Lumine News

Author: News

  • Sen Sandy Onor Begins Car Gift Empowerment In Central Senatorial District

    By Caterpillar Media

    As part of his empowerment program, the Senator Representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District; Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has gifted his constituent, Mr Ojong Ndifon Bassey (aka Bassey Black) a clean Toyota Camry Car.

    Presenting the car which is the first in the series to the beneficiary on behalf of the Senator, the Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Hon. Chief Joe Obi Bisong recalled with nostalgia and satisfaction, the strategic role Bassey Black played in the emergence of the Distinguished Senator, saying it is a reward for hard work, patience and consistency.

    Receiving the car with so much excitement, the beneficiary said he wasn’t surprised, knowing who Senator Sandy Onor is. He stated that, “Senator Onor is one person you cannot patiently work with and regret doing so. Patience is a strong virtue for everyone who needs to be a very successful politician or follower. God bless Senator Sandy Ojang Onor. If e never reach you, e never pass you”.

    The distinguished Senator Sandy Ojang Onor has a heart for people and this is evident in his representation and outreaches.

  • C’River Police Command Arrests Colleague Who Sells Guns To Criminals In Calabar

    By Admin

    The Cross police command has arrested and paraded its colleague, Inspector Nathaniel Manasseh for allegedly selling guns to criminals within Cross River State and outside of the state.

    The suspect who was paraded on Tuesday, June 22 in Calabar at the Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police Force alongside other criminals, also sells guns to criminals in Imo State.

    Confessing, Inspector Manasseh, whom the Police said has not been able to account for some pieces of hardware including two AK-47s, said he lost some rifles while claiming that he was charmed and dispossessed of some AK-47s, including a vehicle.

    His words “I was charmed, I can’t really explain what happened and how they dispossessed me of the riffles. I am not a gun runner”.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Sikiru  Akande, while parading the suspects disclosed that since the resumption of the new Commander of Anti Kidnapping and Cultism Squad (AKCTS), it has been a harvest of criminals.

    Akande averred that  “Cross River is regaining her lost glory in the area of security and as a matter of fact, we remained the most peaceful state in Nigeria and nothing can break out resolve.

    “For Police to function efficiently in any society, its requires citizens’ participation, partnership and willingness of the community to constantly equip the police with actionable information to forestall unpleasant occurrences.

    “Our achievement today is not unconnected with the cooperation of the public – security is everybody’s business, we must encourage Community Policing in our communities”.

    Akande however revealed that Inspector Manasseh is amongst those who usually give out their rifles on “rent” to notorious criminals and a member of a gun-running syndicate.

    A total of 24 persons were arrested: 3 for murder, 9 for armed robbery, 6 for Cultism, 3 others were arrested for gun-running including Inspector Manasseh as well as one person for car snatching and another for arson.

     

  • Meet Dr George Abang Ekpungu, The New EFCC Secretary

    By Ogar Solomon Ogar

    George Abang Ekpungu is a Nigerian politician and Lawyer. He was appointed the Secretary of the Board of the Economic and Financials Crimes Commission (EFCC) by President Buhari in June 2021.

    George Ekpungu is from Kakwagom in Boki, Cross River State.

    Educational Background
    George Ekpungu attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a degree in Law in 1997. He was called to Nigerian Bar in 1999 after graduating from the Nigerian Law School.

    George Ekpungu obtained a master and doctorate degree in Capital Market Fraud/Commercial Dispute Resolution Strategy from Ahmadu Bello University in 2008 and 2018 respectively.

    Career
    George Ekpungu was a Group Compliance Officer for BGL Plc and principal consultant at George Kennedy Consultant from 2014.

    He is an experienced Enforcement/Compliance Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Regulatory/Anti-Corruption Institutions

    George Ekpungu is skilled in Equities, Capital Markets, Financial Modeling, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Fraud Investigation, Money Laundering, Corruption Risk Assessment, Asset Tracing, Asset Recoveries, Due Diligence Investigation/Intels gathering, Shrewd Negotiator, Great Team Player with Strong legal professional skills.

    He was a Staff, Facilitators/Project Supervisors at the NOUN Facilitation and Project Supervision Management System.

    George Ekpungu was appointed the commissioner for New Cities Development by the Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in his first term.

    In 2019, George Ekpungu picked nomination form to represent Ikom/ Boki Federal Constitency in the Federal House of Representatives, but resignation was not accepted by the Governor.

    In June 2021, President Buhari appointed George Abang Ekpungu as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for a tenure of five years.

    The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation announced the appointment of Mr. George Ekpungu as the new Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    According to a statement by the Spokesman for the AGF, Umar Gwandu, on Monday titled, ‘Buhari Appoints Ekpungu EFCC Secretary, Names Board Members’, that four others were appointed as board members, the appointment is in line with Section 2 (1) and Section 4 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

    George Ekpungu, a Christian is married with children.

     

  • UNHCR Takes Advocacy To Ogoja Urban To Mark 2021 World Refugees Day

    By Elijah Ugani

    The United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, has taken advocacy to residents of Ogoja Urban as part of its plan of activities to mark the 2021 World Refugees Day WRD.

    The advocacy walk which commenced at 8.00am from the State High Court Ogoja through Zenith bank roundabout, to Mission road, through market road to Ishibori and back to the State High Court on Saturday, 19th June, 2021 had in attendance all implementing partners, representatives of National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, representatives of State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Community Based Organizations, refugees and staff of UNHCR.

    Mr. Sally Osajie who anchored the walk sensitized the public at strategic locations, and maintained that “it is not a crime to be a refugee. We are on the streets of Ogoja to celebrate the refugees, please do not discriminate them. When they come to the market, give them equal opportunity, they are part of us”

    Speaking to The Lumine News, on the importance of the walk, the Head of Sub Office Ogoja, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele maintained that “We are to celebrate and commemorate with the refugees who are here seeking protection from the Nigerian government”.

    Speaking on them of the 2021 world refugees day, ‘Together we can achieve anything’ Mr. Tesfaye maintained that “There is nothing one alon can do, it is to show togetherness of the Nigerian government, the host communities, International communities and UNHCR to stand in solidarity with the refugees, to appreciate them for the courage they have to survive the difficult situation”

    On his part, the UNHCR Deputy Representative (Protection) Abuja, Mr. John Mekissick held that “We are here to celebrate the refugees. Nobody wants to be a refugee. Today and tomorrow, we celebrate their resilience, their ability to work together with the host communities, to learn, to hear and to shine. Together, we can achieve anything”

  • UNFPA Has Been Supportive To C’River Govt, Deputy Governor Affirms

    By Admin

    The Cross River State deputy governor, Professor Ivara Esu has expressed delight at the activities of the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA). He said the UN agency has been a great support to Cross River State.

    He made the remarks while launching the 2021 UNFPA State of the World Population (SWOP) Report held at the State Government’s Exco Chambers in Calabar. He appreciated the UN for their support in different areas of their mandate.

    He particularly said that “UNFPA has been consistent in working towards ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning and ending all forms of Gender Based Violence and harmful practices against women and girls.”

    The deputy governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Tina Agbor Banko opined that Cross River State will not relent in rolling out support for the UN body in achieving her dreams in the state.

    He said: “Today as we launch UNFPA’s flagship report on the State of the World Population (SWOP), it is pertinent to reiterate the State Government’s position and commitment in joining hands with relevant agencies to ensure that Cross River State is free from harmful practices against girls and elimination of sexual violence and other inequalities.

    “From the report, it shows that hundreds of millions of women and girls around the World do not own their bodies and their lives are governed by others. In Cross River, the practice of ‘money marriage’ has been abolished as our girls in the northern part of the state are no more subjected to such a practice. Ours is an inclusive agenda to ensure that the rights of our women and girls are protected hence the involvement/interaction with our traditional institutions to give it the much needed attention it deserves.”

    He used the medium to appreciate UNFPA for their support and commitment to the healthcare of Cross Riverians through the provision of medical supplies, upgrading of the School of Midwifery and the Fistula Centre at the General Hospital in Calabar and for establishing and equipping of youth friendly centres in the state which he affirmed to have served as safe spaces for the young people.

    Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the UNFPA Head of Cross River Sub-Office, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin said UNFPA is working towards achieving 3 transformative goals by 2030. He noted that the SWOP report is an annual report published by UNFPA.

    In his words: “The State of the World Population Report is a publication that is launched by UNFPA every year since 1978. In the report, we seek to draw attention to reproductive health, where we highlight issues that concern the health of women and girls. For this year we’re looking at the bodily autonomy of the women because we believe that it’s a fundamental human right for every women and for every girl to own their own body and decide what they want to do with their own body.

    “It also seeks to bring the attention of the World that issues like female genital mutilation and cutting should be avoided because it has not only medical implications, it has physical implications and but it’s is also a violation of the fundamental human rights of the girl”.

    In her goodwill message, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Corporation, Dr Inyang Asibong lauded UNFPA for being a formidable tool in ensuring that issues affecting women in the state are brought to the barest minimum. She added that the ministry will always support the team whenever the need arises.

    The theme for the 2021 SWOP report is, “My body is my own: claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination”. The report shows that Gender-unequal norms and attitudes lead to power imbalances in relationships that restrict women’s decisions, particularly when it comes to saying no to sex.

    It also reveals that patriarchal beliefs often translate into expectations that women defer to their husbands or partners in all aspects of their lives, including their sex lives, adding that these expectations may not only mean that a woman should always
    engage in sex whenever her husband wants it, but also that she should not initiate sex or openly express her desires.

  • DG Caterpillar Movement Debunks Sandy Onor – Gershom Bassey As Gubernatorial Candidate And Running Mate

    PRESS RELEASE
    THE REAL ENEMIES OF CROSS RIVER STATE

    The attention of the Caterpillar Movement has been drawn to some spurious Campaign Posters released by a bunch of faceless mischief makers with the intention to undermine the enormous goodwill and more especially, the unity of purpose being enjoyed by the duo of Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor and Distinguished Senator Gershom Bassey.

    The Campaign Posters which potrayed distinguished Senator Sandy Onor and Dist Senator Gershom Bassey as gubernatorial candidate and running mate respectively are baseless, malicious and misleading. This irresponsible act is nothing but a figment of the imagination of some faceless charlatans whose real intention is to smear the integrity of our great Party, the PDP and incite the overwhelming Supporters of Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor and Distinguished Senator Gershom Bassey against one another.

    Aware that this is the second time, these faceless hirelings are coming up with such devious ploy to incite the public against our beloved party and Principal, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor, it has become imperative that we state categorically that Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor is too politically experienced to be derailed by such amateurish political tricks. We hereby disown in its entirety the malicious posters currently flying on different platforms. We admonish the mischief makers and enemies of cross river state to desist from further acts of malice against our Principal, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor even as we remain committed to the progress and welfare of all the people in Cross River State.

    God bless Cross River State!!

    Hon (Chief) Joe-Obi Bisong

    (DG, Caterpillar Movement)

  • UNICAL Law Student On The Run For Raping A Minor, Beware Of Fraudulent Job Adverts – CP

    By Archibong Jeremiah – CrossRiverWatch

    The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Sikiru Akande warned that Cross Riverians and dwellers should be aware of fraudulent job advertisement.

    CP Sikiru Akande gave the admonition following the defilement of a minor by a final year Law student of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, who is currently on the run.

    The alleged rapist, Mr. Emmanuel Friday Udofah committed the crime in a hotel he manages, Specs Investment Limited, State Housing Estate, Calabar Municipality.

    He had placed a vacancy notice in front of the hotel and the victim whose name is not mentioned in print unsuspectingly applied. In what was supposed to be an interview, she was pushed into one of the rooms and repeatedly raped.

    Speaking to this reporter, the State Chairperson of Child Protection Network, CPN, Barrister James Ibor disclosed that, “the victim which he knowingly defiled is still in critical condition, we are tracking him and will bring him to justice.”

    Barrister James Ibor who is the Principal Counsel, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, condemned the act and urged all and sundry to support the fight against child abuse.

  • SDGs Partners Obudu LGC, Distributes Teaching And Non Teaching Aid To Schools

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Ministry of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, has partnered Obudu Local Government Council to distribute teaching and non teaching aids to primary schools pupils.

    The Council Chairman, Mr Boniface Eraye Eweh used the occasion to call on teachers and pupils of public primary schools in Obudu to make judicious use of the teaching and non teaching materials that are provided to aide effective teaching and learning.

    The Chairman was represented at the distribution exercise by the Secretary of Council, Chief Austin Akan.

    In his words “As a council, we are glad and must commend the commitment of SDGs for the complete overhauling of some primary schools in Obudu.

    “One of my core areas of interest is the advancement of education especially for the younger generation. If we fail to plan for these ones, we will miss our target. When we retire or are tired, this particular generation will be responsible for the administration of the affairs of the state, and we owe it as a duty to prepare them adequately for the future.

    “SDGs has come to save the situation, our schools were so dilapidated. The ministry have undertaken total overhauling of St Charles, St Patrick’s and St Stephen primary schools in Obudu, no one need to tell you the condition of these schools as they are currently, compared to what they were before now.

    “We will continue to call on the ministry to extend this overhauling to other schools in the Local Government Area”

    On his part, the Executive Secretary, Obudu Education Authority, Mr Peter Abotsi charged teachers and pupils of the schools to take advantage of the materials distributed to them to advance teaching and learning. He stressed that the effect of the materials distributed should be visible as much is expected from both the teachers and the pupils.

    Other dignitaries at the distribution exercise include;
    the Director for Education, Mrs Francisca Ikem, the Supervisor in Council for Education, Mrs Bright Adung.

    Football, first aid box, pictorial charts, iron buckets, exercise books among others were some of the items distributed.

    Recall that in September 2015, world leaders had adopted 17 SDGs with a universal call to action to end poverty, safeguard the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.

    The SDGs aims to tackle the root causes of poverty and unite the world to make positive changes for both the people and the planet.

    The distribution of customized SDGs teaching and non teaching aids is to create collaborative efforts to communicate the SDGs to pupils and communities.

    The materials were distributed to the following schools; St Stephen Primary School Obudu, St Patrick Primary School Obudu, St Charles Primary School Obudu, Community Primary School Bebuagbong, St Theresa Primary School, Ipong, St Colman’s Primary School Utugwang and Govt Primary School Ukpirinyi.

    The Chairman stated that distribution to other schools will continue.

  • As C’River LG Chairmen Marks One Year In Office, Dr Josephat Emeka In Review BY TIMOTHY ADIE

     

    Today, marks the first year that Hon. Dr. Josephat Emeka was sworn in as the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area. It has been a story of joy, tears, victory, losses and also a tale of guts, trials and glory. In the course of service so far, the Council Boss have experienced loyalty, betrayal and even seen deaths.

    When he took the Oath of Office on the 2nd of June 2020, he stated that he has come with the right vision to turn around things in Bekwarra Council by adopting strategic methods; including public private partnership initiatives to attract investment, generate employment and create wealth in Bekwarra. All he ever wanted for Bekwarra was to see it among the greatest areas in the entire 774 LGAs in the country.

    For effective leadership, dedication to duties and performance, upon resumption of office, the Chairman, immediately undertook an on the spot assessment tour of the ten Wards in Bekwarra. lndeed, these land mark tour did not only depict the essence of the local government administration, but it brought excitement to the heart of the people because of the remarkable effect it had on them.

    The Council Boss repaired to full working condition, abandoned two Council Toyota Hilux to ease the movement of council officials.

    As It is often said that “Health is wealth”, the administration invested in Primary Health Care to cater for health related needs and enhance socio-economic lives of the people. In line with the above, the council has revamped, renovated and Commissioned Two Health Posts at Ibiaragidi-Iye and Beten. The one at Ibiaragidi-Iye has been fully upgraded to a Health Center; providing primary health care services to the people.

    The administration built and commissioned two functional bore-holes to provide clean and portable drinking water to the populace. This was done in collaboration with the Community Service Development Project (CSDP).

    Under his able leadership, there’s massive improvement in healthcare services and Bekwarra is now ranked first in terms of quality primary health care service delivery in Cross River State and an Award presented to the Director of Primary Health Care Bekwarra Local Government Council to that effect.

    The Council Boss also repaired to full working condition the abandoned Primary Health Care Ambulance vehicle and it is now in use.

    In collaboration with his team, The Chairman have been able to get 85% of staff to be punctual and at their various duty post till the close of work. This wasn’t so before my resumption of office were you could find only about 3% of the staff present.

    Through the intervention of the Council Boss and in collaboration with BorderCom, Bekwarra LGA has been captured into the survey plan of the state government for border communities. Considerable success has been recorded as he also supported the communities with funds to enable them benefit from the state government blue print for border communities in the state. This is for the purpose of boundaries and community development, through assessment and intervention.

    The Council Boss successfully hosted a consultative assembly of Bekwarra Traditional Rulers, where topical traditional issues concerning Bekwarra were effectively discussed for the growth and development of the local government.

    The 2020 Bekwarra New Yam Festival and cultural celebration was a milestone as the Council Boss demonstrated unequalled love and care by providing Ten Cows to the ten council wards for the occasion. This was followed with cash donations to enable the Bekwarra people celebrate with ease.

    The Council Gaffer restored normalcy along Bekwarra- katsina -Ala highway. The blockade of the highway by “Illegal Produce Operators” causing untold hardship to commuters and road users plying the highway is now a thing of the past. Road blocks, indiscriminate and unlawful collection of funds by toll collectors also has been called to order.

    Promotion of sports development, unity and cohesion amongst the Bekwarra people. This was evident during the Chairman’s Cup as cash prizes and trophies were presented to participating teams in the competition in the 2020 Chairman’s New Yam football competition across the ten council wards of Bekwarra LGA. The Chairman equally revived Bekwarra United Football Club and sponsored their participation in the 2020 Governor’s Cup.

    He facilitated Covid-19 sensitization and awareness campaign across the LGA and distribution of nose masks and hand sanitizers to residents of the LGA.

    Currently, the Council Boss has initiated a deal with the Bank of Industries (BOI) for loans for Bekwarra Sons and Daughters who have one skill or the other. The idea according to him is also aimed at human capital development, self empowerment, growth and economic sustainability.

    The Council Boss empowered 10 Bekwarra women with capital to start and improve on any business of their choice.

    Planting and beautification of the council was undertaken by the Council Boss. Construction of a drainage system and trees blocking the main entrance of the political block at the council Secretariat has been uprooted to pave way for easy access to the Block

    Construction of entrance gate for the council at the Administrative and Political block which is now giving the coucil a more deserving look.

    Renovation of dilapidated office toilets and construction of new ones within the Council Secretariat that were left in shambles.

    Revalidation of authorized council number plates which has been in the possession of unauthorized persons has also been enforced at the instance of the Council Boss.

    The administration’s efforts have also yielded fruit as efforts geared towards the establishment of Bekwarra Innovative and Technology Academy (BITA). It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with ongoing discussion with NBTE. When fully operational, the Academy will produce time tested graduates in Information and Communications Technology for the emerging market.

    The Chairman have also embarked on the renovation and replacement of office doors and windows in both the Legislative and Political block, acquisition of more office tables and chairs to enbale staff discharge their duties efficiently.

    The Chairman sponsored the construction of two boreholes at the Administrative and Political block respectively. This is to provide water for staff members and the council community

    He facilitated partnership with the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) for a robust and all involving health awareness campaign and sensitization of communities on HIV/AIDs and other communicable diseases.

    In collaboration with the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) Bekwarra Chapter, the Chairman has ensured relative improvement in the Christian lives and ethics of staff through periodic solemn assembly and the formation of a standard fellowship for all staff, holding every Wednesday from 8-9am.

    The Chairman within the year under review ensured equitable distribution of palliatives to Bekwarra people, including the Hausa/Fulani and Igbo communities. This according to him was aimed at cushioning and alleviating the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the people.

    The Chairman also donated a brand new power generating set to Abuochiche community to enable them access portable and regular water supply.

    The Chairman also during his one year in office, embarked on a routine visitation to Primary Schools across the 10 wards in Bekwarra where he gave scholarships to some pupils, distributed writing materials (books, pen and pencils), sandals, chairs etc. St. Christopher’s Primary School Abuochiche, St. Edward Primary School Nyanya Ulim, Community Primary School Otukpuru Afaa, St. Sylvester’s Primary School Ububa Iye, St. David’s Primary School Ochagbe and St. Ignatius Primary School Afrike Okpeche are amongs schools visited so far.

    In a quest to identify the plights of the people and alleviate them by bringing succor to those who needs it most. The Chairman, through the Firstlady, distributed gifts items such as rice, salts, clothing materials amongst several others to women across the ten political wards in Bekwarra and the Igbo community as well.

    The Chairman through the Firstlady, successfully organized a maiden and premier edition of Christmas party for Children, orphans, less privileged and special people in Bekwarra.

    During the 2020 yuletide season, the Council Boss embarked on a visit to Orphanage homes and Hospitals, and provided welfare for the less privileged, paid hospital bills in part and in full for some recovered patients who could not afford to pall their bills within the local government and beyond.

    Celebrates 2021 Armed Forces Remeberance Day Celebration on January 15, in Bekwarra where he used the opportunity to commend all the ex-service men in Bekwarra of their high sense of discipline in their various communities despite the monumental challenges facing them.

    Granting scholarships to some Bekwarra students in various tertiary institutions across the Country.

    Donation of wheelchairs and sewing machines to some vunerable and special people within the local government.

    Recipient of the Youth Leadership Forum Exemplary Family Award which was in recognition of his Outstanding Performance and Contribution towards Youth Development and Capacity Building in Cross River State

    Sponsoring the celebration of the 2021 International Day of People with Disabilities. A gesture that is unprecedented in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Construction of a new Notice Board at the political block there by pitting an end to the defacing of the block with notices and press releases.

    Empowered Youths and Special People on Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programs. The Council Boss while inaugurating the 2nd Batch of beneficiaries reiterated that the best thing that can happen to anyone in need of jobs and source of livelihood is to acquire skills that will bring succor and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income.

    As Napoleon will have it that: “Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation” The administration did not leave the women behind as both the International Women’s Day and Easter were celebrated with them and women included in all policies, programs and interventions of the administration.

    Also the administration within the year in review, resucitated the Women Development and Skills Acquisition Centre in the local government that has been shutdown and abandoned for ages back to full functionality.

    In collaboration with relevant authorities, the Council Boss ensured the reopening of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrollment office in the Secretariat. This was to ease the plight of the Bekwarra people that have been encountering several challenges in accessing enrollment centres with the neighboring Council Areas

    Recepient of the prestigious and meritorious Rootswatch National Award as one of the best performing Chairmen on the Distinguished Local Government Chairmen & Nigerian Democratic Pill which was in recognition of his sterling and quality performance on human capacity building, manpower efficiency and infrastructural development, accountability, welfare of the aged and women, health services, youth empowerment, education and for been able to steadily turnaround the fortunes of Bekwarra Local Government Council and beyond.

    The Council Boss was also honoured with an Award of Excellence from the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), University of Abuja Chapter in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards the growth of students in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Inspite of limited resources, the Council Boss went extra mile to ensure Bekwarra Youths celebrates the 2021 Children’s Day. Writing materials, bags, and water bottles were distributed to schools accross the repectives wards in the local government.

    The Council Boss sponsored the celebration of the 28th World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the first of its kind. The day is set aside as an advocacy platform aimed at breaking the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms and stigma around Menstrual Health and Hygiene. As part of the event, sanitary materials and souvenirs were distributed across selected Secondary Schools on Bekwarra.

    However, although some may have their reservation, huge successes have been recorded in all ramifications in just one year, the promise remained sure. Bekwarra is now peaceful and open for business albeit we are still in a continous battle of sustaining peace and order.

    The Chairman on his part, have proven that he will not falter or stand down but continue on the progressive path to liberate the people of Bekwarra (both indigenes and residents) from the shackles of illiteracy, backwardness and poverty.

    We shall continually operate an open and transparent administration accountable to the people we serve.

    Bekwarra shall be great again and we shall succeed.

    Happy One Year Anniversary!

    Timothy Adie

     

  • Dr Ekpenyong Charges Students To Shun Drug Usage As We Mark World No Tobacco Day

    By Simon Ushie

    For over 30 years, the world Health Organization and it’s member states have seek ways to curb the growing incidences of tobacco usage across the globe, employing best practices like sensitization on the dangers of its usage among the young and old.

    In an event to mark the “World no Tobacco” day celebration in calabar, the Cross River State Capital, teenagers and school children were the target, as the goal was to teach them early the devastation that awaits tobacco consumers.

    Speaking at Army Day Secondary School, Ikot Ansa Calabar, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency reminded the students that “You all have no business experimenting with drugs of any kind, be it tobacco, cannabis or hard drugs”.

    She said, drug is a killer of dreams, shortener of life and pathway to self destruction as she urged them to shun every wrong company that seek to introduce them to the use of tobacco.

    “I have never seen anyone who goes into drug and end up being something meaningful in life, the best you can do for yourself is to focus on your studies and be of good conduct in order to become productive in the future.

    The state Governor , Senator Ben Ayade has ensured that students get the best of healthcare as well as education, this should at least serve as a reminder that you all have a society that cares about you.

    She further enumerated various effects of tobacco consumption including cardiovascular disease, cancer as well as mental illnesses to them as she thanked the Calabar Cancer registry for collaborating with the Agency to raise awareness.

    Director of the Calabar Cancer Registry, Professor Ima-Obong Ekanem said the growing concern on tobacco use can be attributed to indiscriminate use of these products by perceived “role models” who have continually influenced young people negatively.

    She urged those who have already begun smoking to quite noting that “quitters are winners” as that will enhance their heart beat, immunity and brain cell formation as well as degeneration of cancer cells.

    Principal of the School, Mrs Emem Etim applauded the efforts of the organizers as she noted that the gesture will remain fresh in the minds of the students and assist them in making right choices as it concerns their health and social life.

    She promised to continually make ready opportunities for students where they will will learn more extra-curricular activities but essential for their growth and development.

    Some students who spoke thanked the school management and organizers of the event for the knowledge impacted upon them as they promised to remain good and law abiding citizens.

    Also in attendance was Special Adviser to the Governor on health, Dr David Ushie, representative of the Commissioner for Education , members of the military Community, staff and students of the Army Day Secondary School Ikot Ansa, Calabar Cancer Registry among others.