The Lumine News

Category: Metro News

  • Suspend Sir Benedict Ayade KSJI, For Desecrating The Church – First Baba Isa

    Suspend Sir Benedict Ayade KSJI, For Desecrating The Church – First Baba Isa

    By Admin

    An Abuja based right lawyer and a devote Catholic, Mr. First Baba Isa Esq. has called on the leadership of the Catholic Church to suspend Governor Ben Ayade who happens to be a Knight of the Catholic Church for desecrating the church, by sending soldiers to humiliate, torture and embarrass a priest.

    Isa made the call at his verified Facebook account @FirstBabaIsa, urged the church to immediately suspend the knighthood of Governor Ben Ayade among other things.

    Find the call in full:

    “SIR BENEDICT AYADE; THE KNIGHT WHO DESECRATED HIS CHURCH

    “I just read a statement issued by Rev Fr Emma Eroh, the Director of Communications in the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja; and that statement puts the responsibility of the arrest and detention of a Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Titus Armon, squarely on Governor Ayade, who happens to be a Knight of the Catholic Church.

    “Before the Governor and his merchants of propaganda and hellfire-bound liars come out to deny this as I have seen them do in many instances like in the case of Agba Jalingo, Ifere Paul, Joseph Odok, etc., let me say that I’m terribly appalled that I have lived to see a day where a Knight of our Church will humiliate, torture and embarrass a priest like this.

    “The purpose of the Catholic Knighthood is to have men and women who will defend the Church; not in taking up arms but in how they conduct themselves, uphold the doctrines of the Church and revere the sacraments and the clergy.

    “I was an Altar Boy, who even became the President of the entire Altar Boys Association of Ogoja Diocese. All my life I have lived with Reverend Fathers. Heck, I wanted to be one. They are not perfect but they are highly respected because of their learned, calm, peaceful and godly disposition to life generally.

    “Today, we have a Catholic faithful who became a Governor, a Governor who became a Knight of the Catholic Church and that Knight sent soldiers to arrest a Catholic Priest in his church; they dragged him without even allowing him the dignity of wearing his cassock. They lifted him up and threw him inside a waiting van and drove him for over 7 hours to Calabar. They locked him up for over 24 hours without access to his lawyers or anyone.

    “This one is on the church. The Governor is a tyrant, we know that already. He is called “Little Napoleon” in some quarters. We know this already. So, this one is on the church. How will the Church respond to this.

    “Issuing a press statement is a good place to start but that is not enough. The church should not dismiss this as a case of turning the other cheek. The church must take action.

    “Firstly, the church should immediately suspend the knighthood of Governor Benedict Ayade. We don’t want to belong to a church where a Knight will abuse the fundamental rights of a priest and go scot free.

    “Secondly, the governor, the army and the SSS should be taken to court immediately. Nobody is above the law, not even a Catholic Priest. If Fr Titus committed an offence that warrants an arrest, I will be the first to call for his arrest. But in this case he has done nothing wrong.

    “He was arrested in place of his brother who is also a Catholic priest. And for what? Because his phone was used to post, allegedly by his brother, an #EndSARS video? That is not an offence. Both of them did nothing wrong.

    “Knowing the Governor, I can tell you for free that this has nothing to do with #EndSARS. This is how the Governor operates: whenever he wants to arrest and intimidate his critic, he will make it look as if the Federal Government is involved. Soon, he will come out to tell us how he does not control the army or the SSS and how #EndSARS is a Federal Government issue. We all saw this script play out in Agba Jalingo’s case.

    “Let the fundamental human rights of Fr Titus Armon, and even that of Fr Ghesu Armon, be enforced. Let the Governor and all his law enforcement conspirators pay for this. Let the church make them pay.

    “The church should also stop participating actively or passively in the misgovernance going on in Cross River State. You have donated your pulpit several times for this same Governor Ayade to mount on and make promises to the people he never intended to fulfill and of course never fulfilled.

    “The church has allowed priests to serve as the Governor’s SA’s and members of fanciful committees; these committees are high in jargons and low in performance. With these priests present in this administration, the church cannot excuse herself from failure of the administration and the consequent opprobrium.

    “The Church has been quite for too long in the face of tyranny and bad governance. Why? Is it cowardice? Over 2000 years ago, the Founder of our church looked at Herod and the politicians and called them “Foxes!” That’s the same spirit he gave us. Not a spirit of fear or timidity!

    “Ayade touched a prophet. He did a prophet harm… and in the process he broke the law.

    “Let him pay. Make him pay.

    “Firsts Baba Isa (FBI), a Legal Practitioner, writes from Abuja.
    [email protected].”

  • #EndSARS Video Led To Fr. Armon’s Arrest – Eroh

    #EndSARS Video Led To Fr. Armon’s Arrest – Eroh

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Director of Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh has stated that the arrest of Rev. Fr. Titus Armon on the 29th of October, 2020, is connected with the #EndSARS video shared from his phone by his brother.

    Fr. Eroh made this known in a release he personally signed and made available to The Lumine News

    The release reads in parts “A special delegation sent by the Bishop of Ogoja diocese headed by the Vicar General Admin, Rev. Fr. Peter Abue met with officials at the Department of State Security (DSS).

    “After intense deliberation, it was observed that Fr. Armon who was arrested yesterday and released today October 30th, 2020, was connected with an #EndSARS related video allegedly shared from his phone used by his brother who was in possession of his phone and simcard. He was however released unconditionally.

    “We thank other members of the delegation, Frs. Matthew Otuji, Joe Bebia, Victor Owan, the diocesan lawyer, Marc Ename Esq.

    “To God be the glory, my experience today is an indication of how careful we should be in sharing views and stories on social media”

    Recall that the social media has been inundated with disturbing reports initially of the kidnap of the clergyman and later that he was arrested on a mistaken identity.

    Others commentators had fingered the Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade to have masterminded his arrest, alleging that Fr. Titus Armon elder brother is a critic of the Governor.

    This clarification however, settles all accusations and counter accusations as currently brandishing the media space.

  • God Used The Ayades To Make Me Chairman Of Obanliku Local Government Council – Margaret Inde

    God Used The Ayades To Make Me Chairman Of Obanliku Local Government Council – Margaret Inde

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Evangelist Mrs. Margaret Inde, has stated that God used the Ayades to perfect his plans of making her Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council.

    The Chairman disclosed this during the thanksgiving service held in her honor at Message Point Assembly, No. 199 Parliamentary Road, Calabar on Sunday October 11th, 2020.

    In her words “I want to thank God for this day, indeed God is still using his own to perfect his plans. I would not have become Chairman of Obanliku if not for my dear mothers, Dr. Linda Ayade and Mrs. Elizabeth Frank Ayade. I was at this alter praying and asking God to have his way, while here praying, the wife of the Governor was busy calling and asking me if all was OK with me. They ensured that everything went according to God’s plan.

    “Prior to the election, I had a dream that President Umaru Musa Yaradua of blessed memory, visited Calabar, and in that dream, he singled me out and asked me to come to him at the podium and I did, he made me sat beside him. After the function he came for, he flown me to Abuja, gave me a position and showed me a mansion to live in, that was the libration for me.

    “When I woke up and realized it was a dream, at first I wasn’t comfortable, and couldn’t believe myself, but I had to believe God and waited for the appointed time, and that time is now.

    “I see that God has used the Ayades in place of the late Yaradua, the former President of this country. I want to thank God for a dream come true.

    “I’m grateful first to God Almighty for his magnanimity and love towards me for this opportunity to serve my people in spite of my unworthiness, secondly to the Ayade family for the support and believe in me, in fact, I am a foster child of the Ayades. Also, my parents in the Lord, Apostle and Mrs. Bassey Udosen who have always prayed and prophesied for me.

    “I had another dream when God told me that I was going to build a house for him, and I asked myself, how can a civil servant whose salary was just seventy thousand naira build a house for God.

    “I didn’t know that God has something great for me and that he will provide the fulcrum for me to begin this project of building a temple for the Lord, it is on this premise that I want to call on you all who have identified with me today in thanksgiving to the Lord to join me to support the building of this church”

    Earlier, Apostle Bassey Udosen, admonished the congregation to utilize the opportunity they have while still alive for the service of God and mankind.

    He noted that nothing will be important when we breath the last, are the things we did while we were alive. He charged all present to consider living a life of impartation and good deeds.

    The man of God used the opportunity and prayed for Governor Ben Ayade and his Deputy as well as the Chairman of Obanliku, Evangelist Mrs. Margaret Inde, he asked for God’s guidance, and that his favours and grace to directs her affairs as she steers the ship of Obanliku local government council to an enviable height.

    The Deputy of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, joined the Chairman of Obanliku local government council in thanksgiving and made a donation for the church building project.

    Also, the wife of the Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade was visibly filled with with joy to be in the Lord’s presence and used the opportunity to pray God Almighty to grant the Chairman whose emergence is a manifestation of his plan, the grace to complete the work he (God) has started in the life of his dear daughter, Evangelist Mrs. Margaret Inde. She further joined the Deputy Governor and made a contribution to the church building project.

    The thanksgiving was graced by numerous friends, fans, supporters, PDP party faithfuls, Council Chairmen of the 17 local government areas, well wishers of the Chairman too numerous to mention who made their donations to support the church building project.

  • We Are Assembling Machinery, Equipment And Materials As We Plan Towards A Mega Empowerment Programme – Sandy Onor

    We Are Assembling Machinery, Equipment And Materials As We Plan Towards A Mega Empowerment Programme – Sandy Onor

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has stated that he is working towards assembling machinery and other materials that will bless the fortunes of his constituents through a mega empowerment programme planned for 2021.

    The lawmaker disclosed this to The Lumine News when contacted to comment on the just concluded five days Entrepreneurship Development programme for Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria he facilitated, held at his Constituency Office, No. 1, Okim Osabor Street, 4 Corners – Ikom Local government Area of Cross River State.

    In his words “We are poised to provide the twenty first century representation through effective legislation on issues that bother on the wellbeing of Central Senatorial District, Cross River State and the country at large, which is the primary function of a lawmaker.

    “We are assembling machinery, equipment and materials as we plan towards a mega empowerment programme next year. We will capture all of them that have been trained according to their skills”

    The Senator maintained that “I decided on purpose to facilitate the five days Entrepreneurship Development training because of my desire which is born through genuine intention to empower my constituents, through the mega empowerment, come next year.

    “For any intervention or empowerment to be sustainable and result oriented, you must design a framework that guarantees effective implementation. This motivated me to facilitate the five days Entrepreneurship Development training, preparatory to the mega empowerment.

    “The mega empowerment we envisage will sure guarantee sustainable development and create wealth for my constituents.

    “I’m very delighted to see participants come out in their numbers to attend the five days Entrepreneurship Development Training. With the report I got from the field, I can assure you that we are at the right trajectory to realizing our dream of the mega empowerment come next year”

    The training is intended to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria to reduce the pressure of unemployment in the society.

    Some of the beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the programme and expressed their gratitude to Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor, who they described as God sent who understands the needs of his people in every season, as they pledged to apply their new techniques acquired during the training in their already existing businesses.

  • C’River Aggrieved Civil Servants Deactivated From Payroll Suspends Protest As Governor Calls For Negotiation

    C’River Aggrieved Civil Servants Deactivated From Payroll Suspends Protest As Governor Calls For Negotiation

    By Elijah Ugani

    Aggrieved  civil servants in cross river state who have taken to the streets of Calabar to protest the unjust deactivation of their names from the state payroll since August 2019, had yesterday, 24th September, 2020 suspended it 4 days protest following the call for a negotiation by the state Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade.

    In a release sighted by The Lumine News and jointly signed by Comrades Paul Ajie, Cross River State Coordinator of Niger Delta Activist Forum and Francis Agbor, Coordinator of the Aggrieved Civil Servants, indicates that the protesters will resume indefinite protest should government fail to resolve the issues within the two weeks.

    The release reads in full “PRESS RELEASE BY THE AGGRIEVED CIVIL SERVANTS WHOSE NAMES WERE DEACTIVATED FROM THE CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNMENT PAYROLL AND THOSE WHO WERE EMPLOYED AND HAVE WORKED FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY MONTHS WITHOUT SALARIES.

    “Good evening great comrades,gentle men of the press.
    Let me very specially thank you all for your display of commitment,solidarity and love within this four days of mass unrest over the deactivation of our names from the CRS Government payroll.

    “Recalled that on the 14th of September 2020 we had issued a press statement giving the government a seven day ultimatum to activate our names on the state payroll or face mass protest.
    The government’s inability to respond to our demands within the period saw us embarked on a mass protest that has lasted for four days between Monday 21st September 2020 and 24th September 2020 on the streets of calabar the Cross River State Capital.

    “It’s therefore imperative to state here that,while on a routine peaceful match on the Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar at about 1200hrs,the Governor’s convoy having sighted the protesters,pulled over and the Governor His Excellency Prof Ben Ayade alighted from his Ranch Rover Auto Biography,walked to the protesters and addressed them and promised to solve their issues by next week having not been aware of their agitations and challenges.
    Consequent upon that,a text message was received by the leadership of the aggrieved civil servants and the leadership of the Niger Delta Activists Forum requesting them to attend a meeting with a team government officials comprising of representatives from the Head of Service, Payroll office, Ministry of Finance, Labour,State Security Advisers South and Central and the Nigerian Police Force.

    “The meeting held at the instance of the permanent secretary in charge of Security and special duties Governors Office Amb.Dr Alfred Mboto.

    “After an exhaustive deliberation that lasted for about six hours,the following resolutions were reached:

    “(1)That the protest be suspended to allow for further negotiations between the aggrieved civil servants and government.

    “(2)That the government negotiating team and the leadership of the aggrieved civil servants meet within one week from the date of this meeting to work out a possible date for a verification exercise of the affected staff subject to the approval of His Excellency.

    “(3)That aggrieved civil servants who would be successful at the end of the exercise would have their names activated in the state payroll with immediate effect.

    “(4)That all interests and concerns raised in the protest as it concern those whose names were deactivated from the payroll as well as those who had not been payroll after employment for a period of twenty months and above would be properly addressed.

    “Sequel to the above agreements,the aggrieved civil servants here by suspend it civil unrest for two weeks to give room for the government to come out with a favourable date and template for the verification in other to end this impasse once and for all.

    “The aggrieved workers further stated that if at the end of the two weeks window and nothing is done by the government, the mass protest shall resume on the 12th of October 2020 and it will be indefinite.

    “Gentle men of the press, permit me to use this medium to that God for seeing us through this very challenging moment of our agitation, to cross riverians and indeed Nigerians who stood by us through prayers and moral support my appreciation will not be incomplete if I fail to say a resounding thank you to all media houses for their untiring commitment in ensuring that our activities were given maximum media coverage.

    “Finally, I wish to appreciate the Security Agencies who exhibited a high level professionalism in the discharge of their duties while the protest lasted.
    Thank you and God bless you all.

    “ALUTA CONTINUA
    VICTORIA ACERTA

    ” For the aggrieved civil servants:

    “Comrade Paul Ajie
    08082268017
    State chairman Niger Delta Activists Forum

    “Comrade Francis Agbor
    07037712508
    Coordinator of the Aggrieved Civil Servants.”

  • NLC Vows To Proceed On Nationwide Strike Over Increase In Petrol Pump Price And Electricity Tariff

     

    The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC has said that come Monday, September 28, it will be embarking on a nationwide protest over the increment in fuel and electricity prices.

    The organised labour on September 16 gave the Federal government two weeks ultimatum to reverse the increase on both commodities or face a nationwide protest from September 28. Read here.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said the protest action was inevitable since the federal government has refused to reverse the increase in electricity and fuel prices.

    According to Wabba, the privatization of the electricity sub-sector, seven years down the line, have not yielded any positive report.

    “Whereas the entire privatisation process, the entire sector was sold at about N400 billion. We are also surprised that government, within the last four years, injected N1.5 trillion over and above the amount that was used to sell these very important assets.

    And therefore NEC came to the conclusion that the entire privatisation process has failed and the electricity hike is actually a process of continued exploitation of Nigerians.”

    On the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, Wabba said the move will only make life harder for the average Nigerian.

    “On the issue of the refineries and also the increase in the pump price of PMS, these have further eroded the gains of N30,000 minimum wage,” he said.

    In the light of all of these, NEC decided to endorse the two-week ultimatum given to the federal government to try to reverse those obnoxious decisions. And also pronounce that the action proposed by the Central Working Committee is hereby endorsed by the NEC that 28 of September will be a date that those actions will be challenged by Nigerian workers, our civil society allies and also other labour centres.” he added.

  • C’River Govt Supports The Association Of Deaf And Dumb To Send Representatives To Attend Their Convention in Kano

    C’River Govt Supports The Association Of Deaf And Dumb To Send Representatives To Attend Their Convention in Kano

    By Admin

    The Cross River state Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare has donated the sum of Two hundred thousand naira (200,000) to enable the Deaf and Dumb association send their seven man representative to their Convention in Kano.

    The Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara, disclosed this  as she received representatives of the Deaf and Dumb community in the state on a courtesy visit to her .

    Hon. Egbara explained that the purpose  of  the establishment of the Ministry by His Excellency, the governor was to enable his administration reach out to Cross Riverians especially people of their category, and expressed joy for having them in her office.

    The Commissioner stated , “when I got your letter about your visit, I was very pleased and looked forward to welcoming you guys, I must say I am very delighted to welcome you today, I have listened to all you have said and it’s with great Joy that His Excellency reaches out to you, the Governor has you at heart and will always support you”

    Hon. Egbara siad that she looks forward to working closely with the deaf and dumb community and called on the Chairman to get statistics of deaf and dumb in other parts of the state especially the rural areas, so they could get comprehensive data of Cross Riverians of this category, adding that she wished them well in their Convention and requested that from time to time the association should keep her up to date with their activities.

    The Commissioner explained that her Ministry may not be able to handle all of the association’ s challenges, but that she will do her best to those challenges she could.

    Speaking earlier, the 7-man representative from the deaf and dumb association of Cross River state led  by it Chairman, Ekeng Ekpeyong Henshaw, and an interpreter, revealed that the purpose of their visit was to Solicit for support towards their upcoming conference in Kano and also  to air out their challenges to the governor through the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare.

    The Chairman stated “we the Deaf association are here today on behalf of our members to pay a courtesy visit to you, and also solicit for your support towards our forth coming conference in Kano and also to use this opportunity to discuss the challenges we the deaf community are facing”

    Mr. Henshaw Thanked the Commissioner for her Kind gesture and Governor Ben Ayade for his soft spot towards helping this in need and the physically challenged in the society.

  • C’River Govt Delivers Relief Materials, Cash To Inmates Of Afokang Correctional Centre In Calabar

    C’River Govt Delivers Relief Materials, Cash To Inmates Of Afokang Correctional Centre In Calabar

    By Admin

    As part of the policy direction of the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Sen Prof Ben Ayade to reach out to all citizens, relief materials have been delivered to inmates of the Afokang Correctional Centre, Calabar.

    Making the presentation on behalf of the Govermor Ayade at Afokang on Monday, the state Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara said that the gesture was part of the effort of the administration of Ayade to show love and kindness to the inmates, and that it is on this basis that he has directed her to reach out to them.

    The Commissioner commended Professor Ben Ayade for being a selfless leader who reaches out to his People, irrespective of their circumstances, social status or offence that has been committed.

    Hon. Egbara revealed that the purpose of the visit was to let the inmates know that they may have broken the law, but doesn’t mean government has turn its back on them.

    “We are very happy to be here today to hand over relief materials to the inmates, we all know how the country is during this period, we are here to let them know that being here doesn’t make them less humans in the society. They are law offenders, and being here is to correct them and make them better citizens of the society, we have come to support the Correctional authority in Afokang in whatever they are doing for their welfare”

    Besides handing over food items, hand sanitizers, and nose mask to the inmates, the Hon Commissioner also make a Cash Donation of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (250,000) on behalf of the G. F. O Foundation, instituted by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon.. Martin Orim.

    “The chief of staff to the governor also partners with the Ministry through the G. F. O Foundation from time to time to help us take care of the less privileged in the society and for this visit, he has given us 250,000 to assist with the welfare of the inmates”

    Reacting to the Visit, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in the state, Mr Nickolas Obinna, thanked the state Governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his kind heart at remembering the inmates, while also welcoming the Commissioner and her team to the Correction Center, stressing further that the visit is very timely and very thoughtful of the State Government to remember the inmates in a time like this.

    “I am overwhelmed with Joy, because they came at the right time, on behalf of the Controller, I want to thank God and also thank You for your visit because this will go a long way to reduce the sufferings of the inmates, honestly this shows that the Government has us at heart, I also want to appreciate His Excellency for reaching out to his people through this ministry I would love this synergy to go on,” Oninna maintained.

    The Deputy Controller also use the medium to appeal to the governor, Professor Ayade to come to their aid as the roof and buildings of some offices in the correctional centers needs fixing.

     

  • 2020 World Patients Day: The Akpanke Foundation Pays Patients’ Hospital Bills

    2020 World Patients Day: The Akpanke Foundation Pays Patients’ Hospital Bills

    By Elijah Ugani

    As part of the efforts to commemorate the 2020 world patient’s day, The Akpanke Foundation paid hospital bill worth 3M for indigent and vulnerable patients who could not afford their bills as well as donated over 150 crutches, 3000 alcohol based sanitizer and 5000 facemasks during this Covid-19 pandemic.

    In a statement made available to The Lumine News, and signed by the President/Founder of The Akpanke Foundation, Mr. Peter Akpanke, indicates that thousand of patients across the world suffer avoidable harm especially during this Covid-19 era or are put at risk of injury, while receiving healthcare every day.

    The release reads “The 72nd World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA 72.6 ‘Global action on patient safety’ on 25 May 2019. The resolution recognizes patient safety as a global health priority and endorses the establishment of this day 17th September, to be observed annually as the World Patient Safety Day.

    “World Patient Safety Day calls for global solidarity and concerted action by all countries and international partners to improve patient safety. Furthermore, the Day brings together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, health care leaders and policy-makers to show their commitment to patient safety.
    No one should be harmed in health care. Yet thousands of patients across the world suffer avoidable harm especially in this Covid-19 era, or are put at risk of injury, while receiving health care every single day.

    “The Akpanke Foundation in the virtue of prioritizing patients health and safety has donated over 3000 hand sanitizers, 150 crutches, 5000 face masks and paid hospital bills of patients under clinical care.

    “We shall continue to lend our supportive hands to the lees privileged and the needy”

  • CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government has flagged off the training exercise for enumerators, who will go into the field for health facilities assessment, as the state gets ready to access the Basic Health Care Provision Funds BHCPF, aimed at capturing and enrolling 700,000 vulnerable persons across the 18 Local Government Areas, to access free quality health care services in the state.

    Flagging off the training exercise in Calabar the Cross River State Capital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu urged participants to pay attention to the rules and guidelines surrounding enumerations, mapping and facility assessment.

    Dr. Edu said among other benefits, the scheme will help cushion the hardship faced by households when accessing Healthcare services.
    She further charged enumerators to be guided and perform their task with all sense of sincerity and a high level of integrity and said if proper information are not generated and laid down task accomplished, it could expose all Cross Riverians, irrespective of their social and political class to poor and ineffective healthcare supply.

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong applauded the facilitators of the exercise, as she encouraged the participants to tap from their wealth of experience and technical expertise to ensure that Cross River State achieve maximum results in its quest to achieving Universal Health Coverage Status.

    Dr Ekpenyong further applauded the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade for his huge investment in the health sector which she said has helped in reducing maternal and infant mortality and strengthening the believe system among Community members to seek supports for their health challenges in Government owned facilities.

    On his part, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, Chief Goddy Iyala said his Agency is poised to support all Agencies of Government both within the state and outside the state to ensure that success is achieved.

    He further called on transparency in obtaining data from relevant bodies which will aid planning and implementation as he said the Cross River State Health Insurance is one of the pioneer Agencies in the country to start enrollment and as such a reliable gateway to obtaining results.

    Facilitators from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme applauded the State Government for prioritizing healthcare for it’s citizens as well as setting the template for other states to follow.

    Participants include Monitoring and Evaluation Officers drawn from the state Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Agency and the State Health Insurance Scheme are expected to be taught various methods of Facility rating using the Open Data Kit (ODK) to ascertain the quality of services being offered in each facility both in terms of client’s convenience, number of staff as well as a step down training for ward and Community leaders.

    The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund was borne out of the 2015 National Health Council meeting which stipulates that 1% of the Nation’s consolidated revenue should be earmarked to boost Healthcare services in states across the country.

    The program is aimed at providing succor to the Vulnerable including the Aged, Pregnant Women and children under the age of 5, poor Households and low income earners with the sole target of all states contributing to Nigeria attaining the universal Health Coverage Status.

    With the Government of Senator Ben Ayade meeting all the criteria for accessing the said funds, through the payment of counterpart funds and building standard health facilities, the training of enumerators and capacity building could just be the icing on the cake for the state to join other states in benefiting from the reserved funds which will not only help remodel some of our health facilities but as well help in drugs stocking and the hiring of health workers to meet the growing population.