The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Cross River State Government Begins Integrated Campaign Against Vaccine Preventable Diseases

    Cross River State Government Begins Integrated Campaign Against Vaccine Preventable Diseases

    By Simon Ushie – Calabar

    The Cross River State Government has urged women especially nursing mothers to keep to the 6 routine immunization appointments for their wards to avoid deaths of infants in the state as a result of vaccine preventable diseases.

    The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong made the call while addressing the public on the importance of strict adherence to immunization exercise and the resultant effects when missed.

    Dr Ekpenyong held that globally one of the highest causes of infants mortality are illnesses which can be vaccinated against while also emphasizing that vaccines are the sourest antidotes for childhood killer diseases.

    The DG admonished parents and care givers to make their wards available for vaccination especially as the state is set to kick start its routine measles and immunization exercise across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

    Her words “We all know that there are other diseases that are killing our people especially children aside Covid19, and so as a state we have chosen to start an integrated campaign against all childhood killer diseases and for a start, the measles campaign. It is worrisome to note that many women are depriving their kids from this privilege and as a state, we can’t afford to manage another pandemic after Covid19.

    “I want to debunk every rumor out there that there are poisonous vaccines being imported and circulated across the country. Emphatically I must say that our vaccines in Cross River State are safe and they are potent in line with the World Health Organization’s standard and best practices. Our central cold store is working, and in our various facilities, we have solar panel refrigerators to store these vaccines.

    “I want to encourage all our mothers and care givers to as a matter of concern to take their children and wards to the nearest Primary Health care Facility around them and get them immunized.

    “Immunization is free and if taken accurately will ensure the development of antibodies of their children”.

    Also speaking, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs Joy Chabo, charged pregnant women to ensure maximum utilization of health facilities around them in order to receive vaccines which will protect them and their unborn children.

    On her part, the state Mobilization officer, Mrs Nsa Ekpenyong noted that  the agency have engaged the services of town criers in the rural areas, reached out to traditional, religious and group leaders to permit health workers to access their communities and facilities to administer vaccines to their kids as well as pregnant women.

    The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has commenced state wide campaign to mobilize women for routine immunization.

    Some of the diseases to be immunized include; Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria,Pneumonia, Measles,Yellow fever, Diarrhea among others.

  • ACROJ Chairman, Edem Darlington Petitioned The Commissioner Of Police, Demands Release Of His Late Father’s Phone.

    ACROJ Chairman, Edem Darlington Petitioned The Commissioner Of Police, Demands Release Of His Late Father’s Phone.

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of the Association of Cross River Online Journalists ACROJ, and Journalist with Premium Times, Comrade Edem Darlington has petitioned the state Commissioner of Police requesting for the release of his late father’s phone that was taken by Insp. Ibe Ihezuo during a criminal invasion of his late father’s residence.

    In the petition sighted by TheLumineNews, Mr. Edem held that “sometimes last month, I got a distress call from my family members that men of the Anti cultism/kidnapping unit of your command has invaded our family house in Bayside community, particularly, No 11 Tete street, Calabar south and went away with my father mobile phone.

    “My late father was a renowned musical icon and highlife maestros who passed on last year.

    “Since the musical copyright society of Nigeria was processing the payment of his royalties, I asked that his Sim card be kept intact in the phone so that we can get bank alert.

    “Owing to the communal clash in Bayside community, the said Insp. Ibe Ihezuo, led a detachment of police officers to the area, in the thick of the night, without any prior notice, invaded my late father house to carry a search, within which he was reported to have taken the phone.

    “When I visited the cultural center station, he agreed picking the phone but asked I bring someone who will identify the phone. While I returned with the young boy who argued with him that night while trying to pick the phone he asked that I get my late father to identify the phone.

    “When I reported the matter to his commander, he said he had returned the phone to zone 6.

    “The commissioner of police must act and ensure bad elements like Insp. Ibe Ihezuo is fished out and punished accordingly to serve as deterrent to other bad elements in the police system”

    Comrade Darlington used the opportunity to call on the Commissioner of police to use his good office to investigate and insure that his late father’s phone is returned to him and if found guilty, the said inspector should be adequately dealt with.

  • Re: Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji, Obudu State House of Assembly Member dies at UCTH, symptoms suspected to be COVID-19.

    Re: Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji, Obudu State House of Assembly Member dies at UCTH, symptoms suspected to be COVID-19.

    By Admin

    The attention of the family of the late Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji who until his death was the member representing Obudu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, has been drawn to the misdirecting rumor published by no fewer than four online platforms, that the late lawmaker died of suspected symptoms of Covid-19.

    The following are quotes as contained in some of the online platforms that we could assess as at the time of this release.

    Saharareporters.com reported that “He was said to have died at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital from illness suspected to be Corona virus.

    “Reacting to his death in post on Facebook, Diana Mary Nsan said ‘My brother-in-law nursed him for the last two weeks up till yesterday, the government needs to tell us what killed him. He died at the isolation center, I supposed, so we need to know the facts. My in-law is self isolating”

    CrossRiverWatch.com on the other hand reported that “Mr. Akwaji died on Thursday morning after about 10 days of illness suspected to be Covid-19 with medical sources claiming he was been treated at the isolation center at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

    “This reporter also gathered that the medical personnel who attended to him has also gone into self isolation”

    TheCable reported thus “Akwaji, who was said to be diabetic, also exhibited fatigue, fever, cough, breathlessness.

    “A family source told TheCable that the deceased had been treated for malaria and pneumonia with no improvement.

    “The source added that some persons who visited the lawmaker at the hospital are already showing symptoms of Covid-19”

    ParadiseNews.ng reported that “unconfirmed reports have it that the lawmaker died from illness suspected to be corona virus (Covid-19)”

    The story was not different from most social media handles where some persons claimed that the lawmaker died of symptoms suspected to be Covid-19.

    To put the records straight, the late Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji did not at any time showed symptoms suspected or assumed to be related to Covid-19.

    The late lawmaker had waded into the crisis that rocked the disbursement of compensation for land , for the construction of a Cargo Airport, that led to the burning of three traditional rulers houses, including the Clan Head of Igwo community in Obudu local government area of cross river state. He stepped into the matter on the 7th of March, 2020 and spent two months meeting with the affected communities, Igwo, Okambi, Ikwomikwu, Atiekpe at intervals.

    The lawmaker has not traveled out of the state within this year, but rather spent greater part of his time with his constituents. It beats our imagination when he never had any contact with any person suspected to have been infected with the disease, or traveled out, yet been rumored to have died of the dreaded pandemic.

    Hon. Dr. Akwaji attended his Uncle funeral that held on the 5th and 6th of June, 2020 at his family compound at Eshankpe, Ukpada – Utugwang, Obudu local government area, while there he felt some unusual and severe pains which made him left immediately for his hotel room, this took place on Saturday 6th June, 2020.

    The late lawmaker attended the Obudu stakeholders meeting on Monday 8th June, 2020 at Hon. Kenn Alklah’s residence at Bebuagbong to finalize plans for the inauguration of the 6th Obudu legislative council, where he complained of ill health.

    He started feeling unwell on the the 9th of June, so he traveled back to Calabar same day Tuesday, 9th June, 2020 and consulted his physician. He battled with the situation until Wednesday 17th June, 2020, when the situation had become very critical, he then instructed that he should be taken to the hospital.

    At the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, the industrial action by the Association of Resident Doctors ARD, had forced UTCH into being a mirror image of itself. There was practically no doctor to attend to him.
    A development that led to his been moved to the General Hospital, Calabar.

    While at the General Hospital, the only doctor that was on ground claimed that he was already closing and that they should wait for the doctor on the next shift who will take over from him to attend to the lawmaker.

    At this point, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jonas Eteng Williams was contacted and he then put a call across to the Commissioner for Health and Chairman, Covid 19 Task Force Team, Dr. Betta Edu who then insisted that the only place that has doctors that can attend to the lawmaker at that moment was the isolation center. She directed the doctors at the isolation center at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital to attend to the lawmaker, irrespective of the situation.

    That was how the late lawmaker was taken to the isolation center, which led to the insinuations that he died of Covid-19. He was not taken there because of symptoms suspected to be Covid-19, but because of the industrial action of ARD.

    At his death, the family had waited patiently for the covid-19 test result to be release to enable this release.

    We are glad to inform his constituents, cross riverians, Nigerians and the world that the late Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji never died of Covid-19, as widely speculated as his sample test returned negative including that of members of his immediate family and those who were with him at the time of his death.

    We got the information of the test result from the pressure we mounted on the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Betta Edu, who never thought it wise to issue a statement regarding the test result of the late lawmaker.

    Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji until his death was a functionary of the cross river state government, who gave his all to serve the state. He had served as the Special Adviser on Revenue and Account Matters to Governor Ben Ayade, between 2015 to 2019, and one wonders why, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu had chosen to treat with levity an issue of this magnitude that portrays the death of the late lawmaker in an unpleasant manner.

    We are also aware that there have been issues of suspected symptoms of Covid-19, when they were taken to the isolation center, their sample collected and sent for testing. Also the woman who died last month at the isolation center, her sample was equally collected and screened with government issuing releases to this effect. The manner at which she has handled the lawmaker’s death associated with Covid-19 leaves much to be desired of her and the government.

    We are consoled that in any situation, God allowed the lawmaker to return to him the creator, but whoever intends to play politics with his death does that at his or her perils, having being convinced that we all going to give account of out stewardship to our creator, when that time comes.

    At this moment of the demise of our pathfinder and breadwinner, we are indeed pained and saddened that his unfortunate death is taking a negative twit as any death within this period can be attributed to the dreaded pandemic, Covid-19.

    The family has no intention whatsoever to join issues with anybody, online platforms or organization over the cause of the late Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji’s death.

    We are however very resolute and decisive to issue this release to dispel the rumors that have been spread as well as create the enabling environment for friends, well wishers and spirited sympathizers to feel free and identify with the family at this moment of grief.

    It is also our intention that all online platforms that published the misleading information publish this rejoinder to put the record straight.

    Even as we mourn his death, we are confident that the sacrifices he had made for humanity while alive will pave waves for him to be with his creator, till we meet to part no more.

    Elijah Ugani
    Media Assistant to
    The late Hon. Dr. Godwin Akwaji

  • Mediatrix Celebrates 2020 World Refugees Day Using Social Media

    Mediatrix Celebrates 2020 World Refugees Day Using Social Media

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    Mediatrix Development Foundation implementing peaceful Coexistence of Cameroonian refugees and hosts communities, took to social to celebrate the 2020 World Refugees Day.

    Speaking to thelumine, the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrx, Mr. Jeffrey Adamade, noted that “the outbreak of Covid-19 has prevented us to have the usual gathering of refugees, partners and UNHCR to celebrate this day, which is usually set aside to celebrate all those who have fled their homes to find safety.

    “For us at Mediatrix, we have decided to use our social media handles to create awareness and sensitization on the importance of this day using key information.

    “The theme of this year’s commemoration is Every Action Counts. This entails that we all need to rise to the challenge of the moment to contribute our quota to better the situation of the refugees even at this pandemic era”

    Some of the links to the publications are provided here;
    https://m.facebook.com/story.php? Story_fbid=551379389079044&id=100026209622358&sfnsn=scwspmo&extd=IEMIJWFLgvl4SRMM


    https://twitter.com/mdfnigeria/status/12742688386818048?s=08


    https://mediatrixfoundation.org/blog/2020/06/world-refugee-day-2020/

    This follows as the Head of Calabar Field Office, Mr. Christopher Muganba had in a press briefing in Calabar on the 19th June 2020, held that not only the number of people who fled their homes to find safety, but the entire world is grappling with the devastation of the global pandemic.

    Muganba held that “In 2020, we mark the World Refugees Day against a backdrop of dramatic social change. Not only the number of people who fled their homes to find safety, but the entire world is grappling the devastation of the global pandemic.

    “The Covid-19 pandemic and the recent anti-racism protests have shown us how desperately we need to fight for a more inclusive and equal world: a world where no one is left behind, including those forced to flee by war and persecution. Everyone, including refugees, can contribute to society and Every Action Counts in the effort to create a more just, inclusive and equal world.

    “UNHCR estimates that 70.8 million people are refugees or have been displaced by violence in their own countries, and 1 out of every 100 people in the world has fled their homes.

    “Refugees are volunteering through sewing masks, creating awareness on Covid-19 prevention, SGBV/Child protection, and conducting environmental sanitation campaigns in the settlements. In the time of Civic-19, we have witnessed how everyone can make a difference and how every action count.

    “In emergencies, UNHCR and its partners are on ground, helping to provide shelter, food, clean water, and domestic care – yet it is the people in local communities who give so much, sometimes over the years. This solidarity/hospitality is essential, it inspires and moves us to believe that people can thrive together.

    “UNHCR is not responding to the refugee situation in Nigeria in isolation. Permit me to thank the State Emergency Management Agency, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons NCFRMI, Government Agencies, our partners that help implement interventions and the protection of refugees. Caritas, CUSO, FHI360, FJDP, Mediatrix, MSF, Rhema Care, Save the Children, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP and most of all our donors who make it possible for us to be here and to provide some assistance to refugees.

    “As parts of our efforts to integrate and encourage people coexistence of refugees into the host communities in the state, UNHCR is currently undertaking 28 projects in all the communities hosting the refugees, ranging from education, health and WASH”

    On the new influx of refugees into the state through tracks other than the borders and what measures to contend with the influx, Mubanga stated that “protection is the responsibility of government. Government is responsible for those walking into the country. UNHCR is only complementing government efforts. The state Task Force has put in place preparedness action plan in border and entry points. UNHCR has been supporting health screening before being taken to the settlement.

    “We are worried that settlements are congested and we are very worried. We are working very seriously to prevent outbreak, it will be devastating if we have any outbreak. Facilities have been provided to isolate and quarantine new arrivals. We are also building an isolation center at the General Hospital Ogoja”

    The Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Mr. Princewill Ayim, averred that this year’s world refugees day is marked in a different world.

    His words “We are marking this World Refugees Day in a different world, not like last year. First and foremost, let’s remind ourselves that in every minute, 20 persons leave everything behind just to escape war, persecution and terror.

    “On behalf of our amiable governor, His Excellency, Sen. Ben Ayade, we are here to stand in solidarity with over 70 million refugees and IDPs across the world who have been vulnerable, traumatized in their protracted situations.

    “We are also here to raise the awareness that no one in the world should be left behind. We need a world that everyone can make a difference including the refugees and IDPs.

    “In keeping the aspirations of the GRC and its comprehensive refugees response framework, we as government of cross river state will be focusing on promoting long term solutions by enhancing self reliance amongst the refugees in the state and host communities, while ensuring strong links with our local and international partners. God bless you all as we stand together as a global family”

    Responding to how long the Cameroonian refugees will stay in the state, Ayim noted that Nigerians are also refugees in other countries. He gave statistics to include;

  • Lessons From My Grandmother: If You Have One And You Call Her A Witch Because Of The Blessing Of Old Age, Please Note That Witches Are Treasures – Jalingo

    Lessons From My Grandmother: If You Have One And You Call Her A Witch Because Of The Blessing Of Old Age, Please Note That Witches Are Treasures – Jalingo

     

    By Admin

    Agba Jalingon shares two very heart touching lessons he learnt from his grandmother and wants everyone to reevaluate our thoughts.

    Jalingo took to his official Facebook account @Agba Jalingo to share his lessons, hear him.

    “Lessons From My Grandmother

    “I still have a 119year old grandmother. There is practically no one even 20 years younger than her that is still alive, that she knows. They are all dead.

    “Like all vehicles that have spent so much time on the roads, her human vehicle which has carried her soul about for more than a century is old, frail and rickety. Her muscles have atrophied. Her vision blurred and you sometimes have to talk on top of your voice for her to recognize it is you but she still walks around assisted only by her walking stick.

    “But I still enjoy massaging her muscles. With coconut oil specially prepared at home by my wife, each time I want to receive her blessings and prayers, hear tales, proverbs and learn some lessons, I go to her and massage her weak muscles. Her shoulders. Her feet to her thighs. When she feels really good and relaxed after that, she always has something to tell.

    “In her old but still very sharp voice, she will call out: “My son, how is your wife, she did not come with you?

    ‘No mama! She will come next week.

    Why na?

    Is she pregnant with my grandchildren?

    Grandma you never tire with grandchildren?

    “Nooo, I cant be tired o.

    “Why na?

    “You remember I married for 12 years and I was childless. Everyone was calling me cock cock cock. When my husband buys wrapper for his other wives and I request for mine, he will tell me other women use their wrappers to tie their children on their backs, what does a barren cock like me need a wrapper for? I will cry and enter my hurt.

    “I know that story grandma. You have told me before.

    “Ok. I forgot that I have told you before my son. But see me today. That barren cock has seen her 4th generation. My roots have extended up to the 4th generation and I am still alive while those who called me barren, have all gone. So in life, learn that what is barren today, can still blossom even over generations.

    “Ok grandma.

    “Lesson Two:

    “Grandma will never take money from me again and I asked why she doesn’t want my money again like before.

    “Sit down my son….

    “Ok grandma.

    “See, I don’t need money again. I neither buy nor sell again and at this my age, what do I need any money for? I have never bought anything for many many years now. What I need now, is company and you people are now always in a hurry to leave me when you come. You want to run and see your friends, peers and families and I am always hold up in my small corner here very lonely. So my son, give the money to those who still need it. I don’t need the money. Just tarry with me a little while for that is the best thing I need now and not money.

    “Ok grandma.

    “And it then dawns on me that, if God spare me too, a time is coming when I will not need money again. When all I will desire will just be people being around me and keeping me company and my problem will no longer be money, whether I was ever rich or poor.

    “So if you don’t have a grandma to learn from, you are missing.

    “And if you have one you are calling her a witch because of the blessing of old age, please know that witches are treasures and don’t ask me how….

    “Take your coconut oil now and go to massage her and make her bless you and talk to you in hush tunes.

    “Good morning and God bless you now now”

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

  • Breaking News: Oshiomhole Remains Suspended, Oshawo Insists

    Breaking News: Oshiomhole Remains Suspended, Oshawo Insists

    By Admin

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Etsako Ward 10, Edo State, Mr Oshawo Stephen, has dismissed claims that the suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as a member of the party had been lifted, insisting that the ward executives stand by their suspension of the erstwhile National Chairman of the APC.

    In a statement, Stephen said the ward executives, who were elected into office in 2018, remain intact and had not been displaced by anybody, describing the claims of the lifting of the suspension as a charade.

    He said, “The suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by the ward executives remains valid. The statements to the contrary in the media are false and should be disregarded. We stand by our decision and have no reservation on the action as it is in the best interest of the party.

    “The ward executives as well as our counterparts at the Etsako West Local Government level stand by the suspension of Comrade Oshiomhole for his divisive role in the crisis rocking the APC in Edo State.”

    Chairman of the APC in Etsako West LGA, Ezolomhe Rabiat, also affirmed that the local council executives were still members of the party in the state and stand by the suspension of Oshiomhole.

    Recall that some other group addressed a press conference a couple of hours ago that the suspension of Adams Oshiomole has been lifted. Mr. Emuakemeh Sule who addressed the press at the party National Secretariat Abuja said 17 out of 26 Executive Commttee members signed the resolution that lifted the suspension of Adams Oshiomole.

    With this latest development,Adams Oshiomole still has a lot of battles ahead to fight as the crisis within the party in Edo State get deeper by the day.

  • NCDC Replies C’River Says No Plans To Transport Samples From One State To Another

    NCDC Replies C’River Says No Plans To Transport Samples From One State To Another

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Nigerian Center for Disease Control NCDC has responded to the allegations by the Cross River State Commissioners of Information and Health that the commission intends to transport samples from other states suspected to be negative to test run the GeneXpert machine at the Nigerian Naval Referral Hospital, Calabar in a press briefing held on Friday 18th June, 2020.

    In a release by NCDC and sighted by TheLumineNews, indicates that the statements by the Cross River State Commissioners of Information and Health are misrepresentation of the Federal Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 testing strategy and efforts to protect Nigerians from this disease.

    “The statements by the Cross River State Commissioners of Information and Orientation and Health are a misinterpretation of the Federal Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 testing strategy and efforts to protect the health of Nigerians from this disease”

    In the release, NCDC explained that, “There are 400 sites in Nigeria with GeneXpert equipment for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, we have prioritised the rol-out of GeneXpert in States where there is a high level of community transmission and states with limited or no laboratory capacity for the diagnosis of COVID-19 at the moment.

    “These are Abia, Adamawa, Berue, Borno, Cross River, Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Benue, and the FCT. Already, we have worked with NTBLCP and our partners to activated two GeneXpert laboratories in Kaduna and Nasarawa States. Eventually, we plar to roll out the GeneXpert testing sites for COVID-19 in every state in Nigeria.”

     

    As at the time of filing this report, the COVID-19 pandemic update as provided by NCDC is as seen below.

  • Ayade Attach Great Premium To The Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment Undertaken By BORDERCOM – Ugbong

    Ayade Attach Great Premium To The Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment Undertaken By BORDERCOM – Ugbong

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The  Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM) Mr. Noel Ugbong,  revealed that Governor Ben Ayade attached great premium to the Baseline Survey/ Needs  Assessment being undertaken by BORDERCOM in border communities of the state as fulcrum upon which the  development of those Communities now and in the future hinges.

    Mr. Ugbong stated this on Thursday 18 June, 2020 when he led a team of senior personnel of the commission to visit the Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, Mrs. Esther Bassey.

    In attendance were the Vice Chairman of council, Leader and other members of the Legislative Council, as well as other top officials of the Council.

    Ugbong said that the governor  is resolved to bring development to the people of the Local Government.

    He disclosed that the exercise as ordered by governor Ayade is targeted at bringing out a 5-year development plan for all border communities in Cross River, which will serve as a guide for the preparation of budgets for the years ahead that will adequately incorporate the interests of the state’s border communities.

    The DG further explained that “the exercise will provide the Federal Border Development Agency, National Boundary Commission and other Development Partners accurate information and data  for intervention in our border communities. This exercise will  help to stem the tide of misplacement and duplication of projects.

    “The exercise will help government to verify the workability of previous projects executed by the Commission and Partners, guide other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies with accurate information requisite to the situation of projects as well as help to attract development to our border communities”

    The head of Planning, Research and Statistics BORDERCOM, Mr Nnimmong Ibita highlighted the projects that the commission had carried out in Calabar South to include; Six Classroom Block and a borehole in Idang community, Health Center and a Staff Quarters, a Borehole and supply of medical equipments in Idimita Community, among others.

    Earlier, the chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon. Esther Bassey welcomed the DG and staff of BORDERCOM and commended Governor Ben Ayade for paying close attention and interest for the development of the LGA

    Mrs. Bassey used the opportunity to thank the governor and the people of Calabar South local government area for the confidence reposed on her and promised to do her best to attract development to Calabar south as she posited that “this is coming at the time we need it most. I will support your team to ensure that the communities involved gets projects of their priority interest”

    The Council boss expressed sadness that Calabar South is bedevilled by activities ranging from cultism to kidnapping and further expressed hope  that the  visit by BORDERCOM team will bring enormous  benefits to  the people of the area.

    The BORDERCOM Team rounded up the visit by carrying out on the spot findings and visiting all the border communities in Calabar South.

  • 2020 World Sickle Cell Day: Linda Ayade Calls on Warriors To Look On The Grand Side Of Life, Supports Them With Palliatives

    2020 World Sickle Cell Day: Linda Ayade Calls on Warriors To Look On The Grand Side Of Life, Supports Them With Palliatives

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State Dr Linda Ayade has called on Sickle Cell warriors to always look on the grand side of life, see themselves as Angels sent down from heaven to proffer solutions to mankind.

    Ayade was represented by the State Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu, made the call while declaring open the 2020 World sickel Cell day at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital UCTH, further to call on the legislative arm of Government to pass laws that will protect the rights of people living with sickle cells.

    Ayade further called all stakeholders across the Country and the World to support people living with sickle cells disease as burden of care is usually heavy for most families .

    “At a trying time like this where the entire World is going through unimaginable challenges and the difficulties of being confined due to COVID-19, the Economy is dwindling, Health Sector worse hit by pandemic and rate of Job loss rising, one can only but imagine what families with sickle carriers and the carriers themselves are going through. I feel your pain and will support in my own little way to see smiles on your faces”.

    Her Excellency also promised that “the Cross River state Government will be putting up a Bill to the House of Assembly to ensure that you all have equal rights, opportunities and privileges just like every other person out there”

    Dr Linda advocated that “all Sickle Cell patients be made automatic beneficiaries of the State Health Insurance Scheme also known as “Ayadecare” without charges and has gone further to donate a truck load of assorted palliatives in commemoration of this day.”

    Dr Edu reiterated the willingness of the CRSG to always support persons living with sickle cells disease in all ramifications stating the dynamic and humane nature of Sen Prof Ben Ayade who doesn’t derive pleasure in seeing anyone suffer. She charged scientist to go into further research on ways to improve the living condition of Sickle Cell carriers, and pleaded with health workers to continue care on carriers as some symptoms of sickle cell disease could be easily mistaken for COVID 19.

    Sickle Cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that makes the red blood cells assume a sickle shape thereby leading to blocking of blood flow, destruction of blood cells and inability to get oxygen to all parts of the body leading to pains, anaemia, that is shortage of blood blood and infections among others.

    Apart from medical challenges affecting the patients, they are also faced with socioeconomic concerns in areas like schooling, employment opportunities, relationships/marriages as well as high level of stigmatization.

    The theme for this years commemoration is ‘Keeping Hope Alive in Civic-19 Outbreak’.

    The United Nations declared June 19th every year to mark Sickle Cell day.

    Present at the event were Prof Merimeku; chairman of event, Prof Ikpeme, CMD UCTH represented by Prof Ngim, Dr Enyiama, Dr Ihenacho HOD Hematology UCTH and others.

  • Governor Ayade Pledged To Bring Development To Bakassi And Other Border Communities In Cross River – Ugbong

    Governor Ayade Pledged To Bring Development To Bakassi And Other Border Communities In Cross River – Ugbong

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Cross River State Government under the leadership of Sen. Prof Ben Ayade, has expressed it’s determination to bring development, peace and succour to the people of Bakassi and all border communities in the state.

    This was disclosed by the Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM), Mr. Noel Ugbong, when he led a team of BORDERCOM Executive Directors, Principal and Technical Staff to visit the Chairman of Bakassi, Hon. Iyadim Amnoni Iyadim while in the Local Government Area on  Baseline  Survey of border communities on Wednesday 16th June, 2020.

    Mr. Ugbong disclosed that Governor Ayade has directed that his commission to commence the exercise beginning from Bakassi due to the special love and soft spot he has for the people of Bakassi as well as his desire to create meaningful life for border communities in Cross River State especially for the people of Bakassi considering the devastating experience they have been exposed to following the ceding of their ancestral homes to Cameroon by the International Court of Justice.

    The DG further averred that Bakassi being among the border communities in the State is key to the Ayade’s administration, and reiterated the Governor’s  position as well as maintained that “if the Federal Government and indeed the International Community decides to  neglect the people of Bakassi, his administration will not neglect you”

    Speaking on importance of the Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment, Mr. Ugbong held that “the Governor has clearly charged my Commission to undertake visit to all the Border Communities in Cross River with the aim to diligently extract information on each community’s core needs in the areas of Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Security and Economic Empowerment.

    “The extraction of information/data from the various border communities in the core areas mentioned above is vital for the distribution of projects, to avoid duplication and misplacement, which will form a fulcrum for the development of a 5-year strategic Development Plan for the state”

    Responding, the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, thanked the Governor for having the interest of his people at heart and for starting the survey from Bakassi.

    “I want to thank his Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for this mandate I have to serve my people as Chairman of council. I want to thank him also for choosing Bakassi as a pivot for this baseline survey/assessment.

    “We don’t need any body to tell us that the governor mean well for us. Just recently, he commissioned the housing estate for us, today your commission is here to commence the baseline survey/assessment. We are indeed grateful to the governor.

    “As a person I want to pledge my total commitment and support to your team to ensure a successful assessment that will guarantee the development of our local government area”

    Hon. Iyadim therefore wished the team success in their assignment not just in Bakassi but while visiting the other border Communities in the state.