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  • Buhari Approves Transfer Of Identity Management Agency To Communications Ministry

    Source: Premium Times

    President Muhammadu Buhari has granted approval for the transfer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

    A statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, sent to PREMIUM TIMES Monday morning, said the decision was to ensure “synergy and effective ministry supervisory mechanism is put in place to coordinate, monitor and track the progress of Federal Government’s digital transformation initiatives.”

    Transferring the identity commission to the ministry, according to the statement, will aid the harmonisation of citizens’ data which will aid planning, the economy and security.

    The commission which is in charge of managing national identity database for Nigerians was hitherto domiciled under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    Mrs Suleiman in her statement said in granting the approval, Mr Buhari considered the role of NIMC in achieving the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS).

    She said the presidential directive for NIMC to be under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is an illustration of Mr President’s vote of confidence on the minister, Isa Ibrahim (Pantami), “based on an unprecedented performance.“

    The statement noted that the minister had “within his first year in office, amongst others, resolved the ICT sector’s decade-long dilemma of Right of Way charges.

    “He was also able to secure Mr President’s approval for the provision of security as well as designation of Telecommunications Infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, regularization of improperly registered SIM cards and deactivation of unregistered ones, the deployment of over 250 digital projects across the country under his policies and supervision as well as built the capacity of over 36,000 Nigerians.”

    It may be recalled that NIMC is mandated to create, manage, maintain and operate the National Identity Database established by the NIMC Act, 2007.

    In an effort to realise this, the commission has so far registered around 41 million eligible enrollees for the National Identity Number (NIN).

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the other hand has details of over 191 million mobile subscribers.

    Furthermore, the National Information Technology Development Agency has recorded huge successes in the development and implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), the country’s first codified data protection regulation. The Agency has also reached an advanced stage on the implementation of the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI). Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) also provides services to Government Agencies – Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service. The need therefore for NIMC, NCC, NITDAand GBB to work closely together under the supervision of one Ministry towards harnessing what has already been achieved cannot be overemphasised.

    The NIN, considered as a social security as well as civil number, is very important for economic planning and social intervention.

    “With Federal Government’s digitalisation initiatives in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, access to services and interventions will require it.

    “We therefore urge all eligible individuals to enroll as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Honourable Minister is assuring Nigerians as well as residents that appropriate measures will be put in place to ensure that opportunities for enrollment are provided to all.”

  • C’River And NEWMAP Strategize to Sustain Land Management And Improve Erosion Control 

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    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Cross River State Government says it will continue to provide access to developmental programmes for youth and women, as well as create opportunities for sustainable growth for the citizens in line with the visions of His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, gave the reassurances during a working visit to the Abuja Headquarters of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

    Asibong said the visit was to cement the already established relationship between the State and NEWMAP to improve livelihood and sustain land management and Erosion Control across the State.

    The Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee for NEWMAP, expressed confidence on the outcome of the meeting as the State is working assiduously towards reducing poverty, unemployment and environmental related hazards.

    Asibong said the Governor Ayade-led administration in has set up several Community Intervention Groups (CIGs) across its 18 local Government Areas with many registered Community Associations by the government coupled with a designed Community Action Plan for funding.

    According to Asibong, “Erosion-prone communities across Cross River State have been identified and strengthened, behavioral change campaign on proper disposal of waste have also been conducted and the key takeaway of the exercise is the resolution of improved community hygiene.

    “This success story in Cross River State has been applauded by the management of NEWMAP which we have promised to improve upon in the years ahead” she added.

     

    The Project Coordinator of NEWMAP in the State, Dr. Fidelis Anukwa, who accompanied the Commissioner on the visit, said NEWMAP interventions such as behavior change campaign, erosion control and gully improvement, waste management and sub-grant administration has seen communities like Atakpa, Edim Otop, Nyagasang, Ikot Ekpo, Ikot Anwatim, Kasuk, Ikot Ishie, Ikot Abasi Obori, Ikot Ansa and Ikot Nkebre in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality benefiting, amongst others.

  • Akamkpa Local Government Chairman meets Traditional Rulers Council, Seek Collaboration To Tackle Security Challenges

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Executive Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. Linus Etim lead his cabinet members and Principal officers of  Council to a meeting with the  Traditional Rulers Council in the Local Government.

    The Executive Chairman expressed gratitude to the entire members of the Council for their support, and noted that one of the important reasons he deemed the meeting necessary was to tackle the issue of insecurity in the Local Government, as well as to proffer solutions to the menace.

    Speaking further, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to build and improve the state of infrastructures in the council.

    Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, His Royal Highness Etchi Atui Ntufam Clement Emayip spoke on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council, expressed  confidence in the Executive Chairman’s administration, stating that such has emanated from the good and quality projects the Chairman has embarked on within the short period of time.

    The Paramount Ruler described the Chairman as “the savior we have been waiting for.”

    HRM assured the council boss of his unflinching support and that of other Traditional Rulers across the Local Government to see to the success of the administration.

  • Presidency Warn Against Rush In Reopening Of Schools.

    By Admin

    The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has warned states against rush in reopening of schools saying such action have escalated COVID-19 management situation in some other countries.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, who spoke on Monday August 31 in Abuja during briefing said it would be in the best interest of Nigeria to stick to it’s slow phased of easing the lockdown rules because it was effective. “It is in the above context that the PTF appreciates the on-going calls for re-opening of the education sector and indeed some sub-nationals are already making preparations for such”  Said Boss Mustapha.

    “Whilst the PTF does not discourage making such preparations, we need to be guided by experiences from countries such as Germany, France, the United States and the UK where opening of schools in some cities led to an increase in confirmed cases and fatalities.”

    Mustapha maintained that some sectors of the economy may soon be reopened, and that the PTF would present its recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari this week, which will determine the next phase in the national response.

    According to Boss, the last three weeks had shown a downward report in the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in the country, as in the last four months of testing, the lowest daily figure of confirmed cases (138) was reported on Sunday August 30th, 2020.

  • Etung LGA applauds Ayade, Border communities development Agency For A Proposed Ultramodern Skills Acquisition Centre And An International Border Market

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Spirit of Enterprise is gaining ground in Etung Local Government Area as Government is set to construct an ultramodern Skills Acquisition Centre (for Women and Youths) and an International Border Market in Etung.

    The two projects to be undertaken by Border Communities Development Agency, is intended to reposition Etung Local Government as a prime revenue generating Local government Area in Cross River State.

    Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Director General, State Border Communities Development Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong thank the people of Ajassor Clan for making available portions of land for the two projects.

    The DG disclosed that the Governor, Sir Ben Ayade is in touch with the Presidency to ensure that Etung gets full due as an International Border Local Government.

    Ugbong maintained that “on completion, the two projects shall add adequate value to Etung Land with increased skills and commercial activities, the youths shall be meaningfully engaged and as such have no time for social vices”

    Reacting on behalf of the Chairman of Etung LGA, the Secretary of Council, Mr. Kenneth Isong pledged Council support to the projects and thank the Presidency as well as the State Government for the deliberate efforts geared towards the industrialisation of Etung LGA, which hitherto is an agrarian LGA.

    On his part, the Clanhead of Ajassor, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Etta 11, commended the efforts made by Government to conceive such gigantic projects to be sited at Ajasor and pledged the assurances of the clan in supporting Government in all developmental strides.

    The Clan Head maintained that as the last community to the Republic of Cameroon, it should be expedient to have more Government presence, and that they have a surveyed layout purposely designed for such noble purposes.

  • C’River Ministry Of Finance Secures $10M Grant As World Bank Verifies Eligibility

    By Admin

    Independent Verification Agents (IVA) from the World Bank are undertaking a verification exercise as part of the validating criteria of the World Bank State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for results. It is a programme supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Ministry Finance and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation aimed at improving transparency and accountability in governance for sustainable growth and development.

    Speaking at the meeting held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance, leader of the World Bank IVA Team to Cross River, Mrs Isioma Bola-Audu said the team is in Cross River to assess the state’s achievement of the Disbursement-Linked Results (DLRs) in accordance with the Annual Performance Assessment (APA) guidelines and Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) verification protocols.

    Bola-Audu noted that the programme has nine DLIs that attracts grants for State’s that are able to meet the DLIs as an incentive for running a transparent, accountable and sustainable governance policy.

    Stating further that Cross River State is one of a handful of the 36 states that has met eligibility of the programme by submitting and publishing online her Annual Budget and Audited Financial Statements in a timely and decent manner, thereby qualifying for the World Bank grant. Further to the State’s qualification, the IVA team will verify the state’s performance in 9 different categories of best governance practices.

    “We have seen remotely that Cross River State has done well in achieving the eligible criteria and we are here to verify the Disbursement Linked Indicators in accordance with the verification protocols” She stated.

    Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr in his remarks thanked the World Bank team to the state and assured that the administration will never deviate from running a transparent, accountable and sustainable government in line with the State’s Public Finance Management Laws and the State’s Fiscal Responsibility Law as passed and assented to.

    The Commissioner stressed that Cross River State has been able to show that governance can be run in a transparent, accountable & sustainable manner which is why the state succeeded in qualifying for the World Bank’s grants.

    The Cross River State’s SFTAS Steering Committee is Chaired by the Ministry of Finance, comprising the Internal Revenue Service, Office of the Accountant General, Bureau of Due Process & Procurement, Budget Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service and Debt Management Department.

  • Breaking: National Working Committee OF PDP Sets Aside Appeal Panel Report, Clears Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe For September 5th Primaries

    By Admin

    The  National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party PDP has set aside the controversial Appeal panel report that disqualified Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe from contesting the September 5th primaries for CRNorth by-election.

    Hon. Agom a two time House of Reps member for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency was disqualified by the Appeal Panel on grounds of a frivolous petition bothering on Hon. Jarigbe  and claimed that he took the party to court.

    In the report submitted to the NWC of the party, the panel alleged also that when Hon. Jarigbe Agom was invited to defend the allegation, he was rude to the panel and asked the panel to meet him at Abuja, instead of Calabar where the Appeal Panel sat.

    This however sparked controversies with many pointing accusing fingers to the government of cross river state as being the architect of the disqualification.

    In view of the disqualification, the Rt. Hon.Jarigbe had written to the NWC of the party demanding that the Appeal Panel apologize to him and retract his character defamation.

    Arising from the NWC meeting today, 31st August, 2020, to review the report and having considered all issues pending in the circumstance, the NWC cleared Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to participate in the September 5th 2020 party primaries for the Cross River Northern Senatorial district ticket.

    As the time of filling this report, it was unclear whether the NWC granted the prayers of the lawmaker as efforts to reach the lawmaker proved abortive as calls to his phone number were not connected.

     

  • No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite – Team Zana

    PRESS RELEASE

    No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite

    Greetings to all members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the good people of Cross River Northern Senatorial District and very special new yam felicitation to the good people of Yala and Obanliku.

    It has become very pertinent that we issue this statement to address some information making the rounds in the social media about the forthcoming APC primary scheduled for September 3rd, 2020.

    On Thursday August 26th, 2020, Prof. Zana Akpagu along with other aspirants vying for the Cross River North APC Senatorial ticket attended screening exercises at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Although the panel is yet to formally speak on the outcome of the exercise, his (Prof. Akpagu) impressive performance during the screening clearly point to the fact that his name would be the first on the list.

    As a grassroot mobilizer, after the screening exercise, he set his mind on returning home to meet with his people in his usual tradition of not staying too far from them and was actually on his way when he received a call to return to Abuja for Cross River North APC stakeholders meeting. As a man who is so passionate about building a strong political party to challenge PDP dominance in the state, he didn’t hesitate to honour the call.

    The meeting held yesterday, August 30th at Bela Nova Hotel, Abuja. From what transpired, it was clear that the single agenda of the meeting was to coerce stakeholders to take decisions that would only return the party to the ugly path it’s trying to come out from. But thank God, men of conscience who attended showed that they love the party more than the selfish interest of a minority few who feel that the only time they can be relevant is when there’s crisis in the party.

    It is important to state emphatically that majority of the aspirants have unanimously agreed to test their popularity in the poll in a free, credible fair and friendly primary as such, any attempt by anybody or group of people to foist a candidate on the party would be seriously resisted.

    The party constitution is clear on how to elect a candidate in any election. It recommends direct/indirect primary or consensus. In the case of consensus, the party is clear that it can only be adopted when all parties involved elect to use it but in this case, majority of the aspirants and stakeholders are saying that they wants primary.

    Thus, any attempt to subvert the wishes of the people would push the party back to the ugly days of unending crisis. All lovers of APC should avoid this in order not to portray the state chapter of the party as undermining the directives of the leader of the party and our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari to end all the crisis rocking the party at all levels.

    At every point, the leaders of the party should understand that APC would be running the election as an opposition in the state therefore instead of engaging in activities that will polarize the party or sow seed of discord among the contestants, there should be a level playing ground for a candidate to emerge so that people can still work together to deliver the election for the party after the primary. At the end of the day, whoever emerges candidate would need the support of others to win the main election hence, the need for the coup planners to desist from any action that would undermine others.

    To all the overwhelming supporters of Prof. Zana Akapgu, remain calm and resolute, there’s no course for alarm. Prof. Zana is still the leading and the most popular candidate (aspirant) going into the primary. He will not only win the primary landslide, he’ll deliver the entire Senatorial district to the APC in the main election.

    Baring any last minute change by the National Caretaker Committee to the time table, for now, the primary is still holding on the 3rd of September. And Prof. Akpagu is going into the race as favourites in both the primary and main election.

    All his supporters are advised to continue their mobilization and go on with their normal activities as law abiding members of the party.

    Thank you and God bless.

    Inyali Peter
    For Team Zana

  • Why I’m investing in Cross River – Arthur Eze

    By Admin

    Billionaire business man and oil magnate Prince Arthur Eze has revealed that his decision to explore investment opportunities in Cross River state was influenced by governor Ben Ayade’s giant strides in the areas of Industrialisation.

    Commending the Governor for his innovative leadership, Prince Eze stated that his investment in the state would complement what Ayade has done so far.

    The Ukpo, Anambra state born business mogul was speaking during a tour of Industrial facilities built by the Ayade administration. He expressed delight at the Governor’s foresight to transform the economic fortunes of Cross River.

    Said he: “I have travelled far and wide all over the world and I never thought we could have this kind of things in Africa talk more of Nigeria. I am amazed at what I have seen here today and I must commend Governor Ayade for a fantastic job ”

    Continuing, Prince Eze said: “For those of us in business, we can smell a good business opportunity from miles away and when I saw on TV what the Governor is doing, I decided to come and see for myself and I must say it is of much joy to me that this is happening in Nigeria, therefore, this man must be supported so that this Investments do not go to waste “.

    On Specific areas of interest, the Atlas Oranto Petruleum boss added: “Whatever Ayade does, I am interested in it, infact, anyway he needs me, I will follow him because he is a young man with so much wisdom and energy. For us, the older generation, we will be leaving the scene, so these Investments we will be making in Cross River is basically for you the youths who are leaders of tomorrow.”

    He commended Ayade for interpreting president Buhari’s policy of a Nigeria without oil road map

    “President Buhari has put in place various programs to chart a new course for Nigeria without oil, and by all I have seen here today, Ayade is a leading example to others in that regard because he has interpreted perfectly the policy of the Mr President that encourages everyone to go back to agriculture”

    Ealier, governor Ayade expressed excitement at Prince Eze’s visit, saying states need more local Investors like him to kick start and recalibrate their economies.

    “As a state we have invested in 33 industries, those industries cannot be run and operated by government.”

  • Gratitude Post, I stand With My Husband – Agba Jalingo’s Wife

    By Admin

    May God continue to fall the hand of those that want to see us in pain. Amen.

    This is a gratitude post.

    Gratitude to God my maker who has continued to preserve us, Thank you sweet holy spirit. Haaa, Jehovah Ebubedike I praise you🙌🙌🙌 and to you yes you my friends, relatives and great Nigerians who stood by me and joined me in singing #FreeAgbaJalingo my husband everyday from August 22 2019 till February 18 2020 when he was granted bail after 6 months in prison for exposing corruption in Cross River state by the government of gov Ben Ayade.

    This time last year I was thrown into confusion, emotional pain and traumatised still traumatised and apprehensive.

    I should have made this post since August 22 but sincerely it was like there was a replay of the whole governor Ben Ayade plot I was very apprehensive that day so I held back. I refused to go out or let my husband out of my sight I had to reschedule activities programmed for that day.

    August 5, 2019 two of his team members Jonathan Abang Ugbal and Jeremiah Achibong were arrested charged to court for wicked reasons, the matter worry me but glory to my Jehovah Ebubedike as they were discharged and acquitted August 2020 a year after.

    I stand with my husband👫

    God bless Nigeria
    God bless the nation’s paradise

    Thank you Jehovah Overdo🙌🙌🙌🙏

    Thank you friends and my fellow Nigeria people👍👍👍 God bless you.

    Still we rise.

    Mrs. Violet Apeal Agba.

    This is strictly the opinion of Mrs. Violet Apeal Agba and does not represent the views of TheLumineNews.