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  • Another Landmark Victory for CRS, PDP and Women of Nigeria – Amb Nkoyo Toyo

    Another Landmark Victory for CRS, PDP and Women of Nigeria – Amb Nkoyo Toyo

     

    Another Landmark Victory for CRS, PDP and Women of Nigeria.

    30 years ago Lady Cecilia Ekpenyong was Deputy Governor to Mr Clement Ebri. It has taken this long for another woman to emerge as Deputy Governor in CRS. I am delighted to witness this moment of history and believe that our party, the PDP stands to gain in many ways from this development.

    I wish to congratulate Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor for his choice of Emana Ambrose-Amawhe and believe that the twin will lead the PDP in CRS to success. The PDP must be extolled for having shown uncommon gender sensitivity in Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Rivers and Adamawa States where outstanding women emerged as running mates.

    Congratulations to you Emana, and best wishes in the months ahead.

    Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo
    Governorship Aspirant (2022)
    4/07/2022

  • Jarigbe arrives Cross River North Amidst Fanfare, Restates Commitment To Good Governance, Inspects Ongoing Mini Stadium And Recreational Centre Projects

    Jarigbe arrives Cross River North Amidst Fanfare, Restates Commitment To Good Governance, Inspects Ongoing Mini Stadium And Recreational Centre Projects

     

    The Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today arrived Cross River North Senatorial District to a resounding carnival-like welcome by party faithfuls, leaders, supporters, and constituents.

    The lawmaker who was visiting the Senatorial District for the first time after the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Primary elections, met a crowd of thousands of supporters from the Senatorial District.

    The lawmaker proceeded to the construction site of the Mini-stadium and Recreational Centre, where he inspected the ongoing projects alongside other candidates of the Party. He also interacted with the site Engineers where he was assured the projects will be completed within 6-week and handed over to the People for use.

    While addressing supporters, Sen. Jarigbe thanked the party faithfuls for the reception and their support so far for the party.

    “I want to thank you all for the continuous support for PDP and the warm welcome”

    “PDP na our own, we will continue to support party members especially those that rejected Food on the table and stood by the Party.

    “The next governorship election in our state will be decided by Cross River North because no party has performed more than PDP in the senatorial district”

    “On my part, I’ll continue to empower you, influence projects, support those in business, I’m not interested in acquisition of wealth meant for everyone”

    Some dignitaries present include; members of PDP State exco, Barr. Godwin offiono (Ogoja/Yala Rep candidate), Barr. Dorncklaimz Enamhe DG Sen. Jarigbe 2023 campaign Organization, Hon(Chief), Rita Ayim(Ogoja state Constituency candidate), Dr Paul Ebiala Esq(Yala 1 state Constituency candidate), Dr. Martin Achadu( Yala 11 state Constituency candidate), Rt.Hon Mom Olom, Emma Odidi (PDP Chapter Chairman Ogoja), Hon. David Obule(PDP Chapter Chairman Bekwarra), Hon. Egar Mgbantul, Pst John Naku, Gospel Agom, and thousands of supporters.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

     

     

  • Human Rights Violation: Court Awards One Million Damages To C’River Magistrate Against Nigerian Air Force

    Human Rights Violation: Court Awards One Million Damages To C’River Magistrate Against Nigerian Air Force

    Culled From barristerng.com

    The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Calabar (Court 2) and presided over by Hon. Justice Rosemary Dugb Oghoghorie has today 1/7/2022 awarded damages of One Million Naira only against the Nigerian Air Force over an alleged case of human rights violation.

    The Applicant in the case, Eno Iyamba Esq. who is a serving Magistrate in the Cross River State Judiciary had dragged the Nigerian Air Force to Court alleging violation of his fundamental rights.

    The case which was filed on Tuesday 17th August, 2021 in Suit No. FHC/CA/FHR/63/2021 named the Nigerian Air Force and the Chief of Air Staff as 1st and 2nd Respondents respectively. Also Airman Mbu and Airman Gala, both from the 305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian Air Force, Calabar were named as the 3rd & 4th Respondents respectively.

    According to the court processes made available to BarristerNG, the case of the Applicant is that on the fateful evening of Friday 19th March, 2021 at about 8.30pm he invited his personal physician to his home at Essien Town, Calabar to help attend to a medical emergency involving his wife. The Applicant’s wife was said to have suffered from diarrhoea leading to dehydration and general bodily weakness. After stabilising the situation, all efforts by the doctor to secure a Bolt Drive (an online transport service) back to his home were unsuccessful. This compelled the Applicant to offer to drop the doctor at his Satellite Town residence.

    At about 10.30pm when the Applicant drove alongside his doctor and got to a military checkpoint at UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, personnel and agents of the Respondents from the 305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian Air Force arrested, detained, tortured, dehumanised and brutalised the Applicant by making him to roll on bare ground, slapped him severally and in the process perforated his ear drums thereby causing him some hearing impairment.

    That the personnel rebuffed all explanations from the doctor to the effect that he was returning from a medical emergency. Again, this is notwithstanding that the Applicant properly identified himself as a serving Magistrate and showed his Identity Card (a situation that further infuriated the personnel) even as he drove on his official government plate number. The personnel alleged that the Applicant was stubborn for driving during purported curfew hours.

    That the Applicant was later admitted as an outdoor patient at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where he received medical examination and treatment for about two weeks at ENT Clinic and the Optalmology Clinic.

    It is also the case of the Applicant that following the unwarranted brutality and dehumanisation of his person by the Respondents and their agents, he consulted his solicitor who promptly wrote to the Respondents on Monday 22nd March, 2021 asking that the personnel involved be disciplined and brought to book. That upon receipt of the complaint, the Respondents reached out to the Applicant via phone call from their Head of Legal Unit (305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian Air Force, Calabar) to the Applicant’s solicitor whereby a meeting was scheduled. That at the said meeting which held on Monday 19th April, 2021 at about 4pm, the Respondents persuaded the Applicant from pressing any charges against them and promised to take necessary disciplinary measures against their identified personnel and communicate same in writing to the Applicant as well as bear the cost of his medical expenses. But that no action whatsoever was taken by the Respondents, instead they became bent on shielding and covering up the said erring personnel.

    The Applicant therefore sought the following reliefs from the Court:

    “1. A DECLARATION that the action of the Respondents in brutalising the Applicant by kicking and slapping him repeatedly/ randomly and making him to roll on bare ground at a military checkpoint along UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, Calabar on 19th March, 2021 is cruel, inhuman, degrading and constitutes gross violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to dignity of the human person as cognisable under Sections 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

    2. A DECLARATION that the action of the Respondents in arresting and detaining the Applicant at a military checkpoint along UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, Calabar and depriving him of his liberty from 10.30pm of 19th March, 2021 to about 1.30am of 20th March, 2021 is unlawful, unjustifiable and constitutes gross violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to personal liberty as guaranteed in Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

    3. A DECLARATION that the action of the Respondents in interfering with the free movement of the Applicant along UNICAL Hotel Road by Victory Way Junction, Calabar from 10.30pm of 19th March, 2021 to about 1.30am of 20th March, 2021 is unlawful, unjustifiable, reckless and constitutes wanton violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to freedom of movement as guaranteed in Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 12(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

    4. AN ORDER compelling the Respondents to tender a written public apology in two national dailies to the Applicant.

    5. The sum of N100, 000, 000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) jointly and severally against the Respondents as general damages for the gross and wanton violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights.

    6. The sum of N100, 000, 000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) jointly and severally against the Respondents as punitive/exemplary damages for the needless, reckless and unwarranted violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights.

    7. The sum of N33, 470.00 (Thirty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Naira) jointly and severally against the Respondents as special damages arising from the gruesome brutalisation of the Applicant/ violation of his fundamental rights.

    The Particulars of special damages were stated to include:
    Medical expenses incurred as contained in the following exhibited payment receipts/invoice:
    i. Invoice No. 14026/ receipt No. SR122623 dated 20/3/2021 (N3,900)

    ii. Invoice No. 178192 dated 20/3/2021 (N1,700)

    iii. Invoice No. ASH1616247703 dated 20/3/2021 (N5,000)

    iv. Invoice No. 10668534 dated 22/3/2021 (N4,250)

    v. Invoice No. 178260 dated 22/3/2021 (N650)

    vi. Invoice No.0100030 dated 22/3/2021 (N510)

    vii. Invoice No. 71878 dated 23/3/2021 (N550)

    viii. Bill Invoice No. 0101 dated 30/3/2021 (N5,250)

    ix. Invoice No. 147233/ receipt N. SR127003 dated 31/3/2021 (N2,600)

    x. Invoice No. 178904 dated 31/3/2021 (N1,400)

    xi. Receipt No. B88080 dated 31/3/2021 (N2,900)

    xii. Bill Invoice No. 0150 dated 8/4/2021 (N4,760)

    AND for such further order(s) as this Honourable Court may in its absolute discretion deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

    Delivering judgment in the case today Friday 1st July, 2022 the Court deprecated the actions of the Respondents and stated that security agencies in Nigeria are enjoined by law to protect and not abuse the rights of the citizens. That the actions of the Respondents which are not denied, are unfortunate and condemnable. The Court proceeded to award general damages of One Million Naira only in favour of the Applicant.

    In a chat with the Applicant who was personally present in Court, he stated that he was satisfied that justice has been served in the case. “The main essence was to get justice and correct the rascality of the Respondents which is now becoming a common occurrence. I am however disappointed at the paltry sum awarded by the Honourable Court. I came to Court this morning in high spirit hoping to get a befitting birthday present from the Court. But I’m disappointed because I doubt if the paltry sum could ever deter a further occurrence. I intend to meet with my lawyers to review this outcome,” he stated.

    Also, speaking with counsel for the Applicant, James Ibor Esq, he lamented the failure of the Hon. Judge to pronounce on other reliefs sought by the Applicant including special damages (medical expenses incurred) as well as the claim for written public apology as provided by law, and noted that these are grave errors that may necessitate an appeal against the judgment

  • Ayade Calls For Effective Data Management For Optimized Service Delivery In The Health Sector

    Ayade Calls For Effective Data Management For Optimized Service Delivery In The Health Sector

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has called for improved data management system in the health sector for optimized service delivery across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state and the country.

    Senator Ayade was speaking during the flag off ceremony of the Community Health Management Information System in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital aimed at strengthing synergy between the State and Federal Government.

    The Governor who was represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong said, quality and precised data remains the bedrock of effective policy planning and implementation.

    She said, the government of Cross River State have over the years leveraged on optimized data collection and synchronization using home grown principles which are relative to various Communities with best standard practices being upheld.

    According to Dr Ekpenyong ” if we must have a working and formidable program and policies, we must ensure we generate quality and reliable data by taking advantage of programs like the Community Health Intervention Program (CHIPs), Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) which are designed to bridge health services delivery gaps and approaches at the grassroot, by creating demand for available health services at the health centers.
    The CHIPS program is designed to ensure follow-up of pregnant women and children to access ANC services and immunization services respectively and other available services in the nearest facilities”.

    The New comprehensive community health management information system (CHMIS) tool will help generate quality, timely and reliable data that will reveal gaps and where the state is doing well that will further inform decision and needed intervention.

    She further maintained that quality data collated from communities will help address various challenges in the health sector while also appreciating the state governor for his selfless disposition towards the implementation of health policies and the improvement of healthcare delivery in the state. She also thanked the federal government for acknowledging that there are gaps in the current HMIS tools and for providing solution to tackle the gaps. She also appreciated them for picking Cross River State as one of the states to pilot the tool.
    She encouraged those to be trained on the new tools to pay attention and be very involved as they will cascade all information and knowledge acquired to those in their LGAs.

    In his response, the Honourable Minister of Health represented by Mrs Osindeinde Ademilayo, intimated that accurate data will bring to awareness various challenges faced by states and specific programs thereby helping in managing problems.
    She reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the health system of the country by applying a bottom up approach.

    In his remark, a consultant in the Federal Ministry of Health on Community Health Management Information System, Dr Nathaniel Afolabi disclosed that, the Ministry will partner with the state government in training Facilitators on quality data collection and implementation processes for basic programs in the state.

    He said, with collaborations with UNICEF , the Ministry will undergo preliminary training in three selected Local Government Areas namely, Boki, Odukpani and Obudu on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for field exercise for selected diseases and outbreaks.

    “The aims and roles of CHMIS is to provide data for informed Community decision making, as well as promote community ownership of health intervention and help monitor progress. It is aimed at encouraging pregnant women on the importance of Antenatal care to eradicate maternal mortality and other common diseases around us”.

    He further added that the Scheme will help incorporate data in Communities and bring them up among Community workers which are more reliable, with tendency towards improving efficiency for effective decision making.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Cross River State, Dr Iwara Iwara, stated that tools are to be used at the community level noting that Participants are to be trained because without adequate data from the source, there will be no accurate data at the State level; therefore urging everyone to maintain attentiveness so as to arrive at appropriate and accurate data and to cascade the knowledge gain to the community.

    A Representative of UNICEF, Dr Olusoji Akinleye emphasized the importance of quality data as a tool for advocacy and decision making, encouraging the participants to prioritize the training as it will help the state achieve reliable data.

    Also present were members from Federal Ministry of Health, Cross River State Ministry of Health,, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Dr Fatima of UNICEF who immensely contributed their quota for the success of the programme.
    High point of the event was the official Flag-off of the training by His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade ably represented by the Director General, Dr Janet Ekpenyong.

    Globally, Data is said to be the focal agent of change, planning, development in every field of endeavor comprising of selective methods including processes of Data Collected, Data reporting, data analysis and implementation. The pilot will be in three LGAs as plans are in the way for scale up to other LGAS in the state.

  • Nko – Oyadama Crisis: Nko Elders calls On International Organizations, Human Right Activists, NGOs, The Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA And SEMA To Come To Their Aid

    Nko – Oyadama Crisis: Nko Elders calls On International Organizations, Human Right Activists, NGOs, The Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA And SEMA To Come To Their Aid

    Gentlemen of the press

    We, as citizens of Nko community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State in Nigeria deem it necessary to call for this press conference to inform you of the happenings and havoc perpetrated by the Nigerian Army on our people.

    While we appreciate the early intervention of the State Government and Security Agencies, particularly the Nigeria Army on the conflict between our community (Nko) and Onyedama community, we disagree with the way the crisis is being managed by the Army. Their approach is unethical and unprofessional.

    While we support every responsible and meaningful effort towards maintaining lasting peace in the area, we call on the State Government and the military authority to stop the raid in Nko community.

    We welcome the decision of the State Government to take over the parcel of land in question, Government should take adequate possession of the said land by using the land effectively so that further crisis may not arise.

    As a community, we cannot and will never organize any form of conflict against anyone or group of persons.

    We won’t even contemplate any attack on the military. It is however, regrettable that this military action in the community has largely rendered the entire indigenes of Nko homeless, beginning from Saturday, June 24, 2022 to this moment.

    Carnage has been exercised in arson, rape and shooting at sight of persons. Beyond these, our women have been thoroughly brutalized in very dehumanizing forms.

    The security situation in Nko community has remained tensed and fragile. For more than five days running, many people have been killed through shooting at sight and a lot more wounded, properties that cannot be quantified at the moment have been destroyed.

    The military personnel have wrecked havoc on the local populace, killing helpless persons, arresting some and introduced a reign of terror in the area.

    Women and children have abdicated their
    homes to take refuge in unknown locations, suffering the harsh effects of the associated weather with the rainy season.

    While we are not challenging the authority of government, it is our candid opinion that the soldiers be stationed at the said boundary between the two communities. Our community is under siege.

    The four secondary schools in Nko community are involved in ongoing NECO examination nationwide, the students as we are talking cannot go to school nor write the exams. This is appalling and would definitely have effect on our growing youths.

    Our children generally, by this action have been denied their right to education as they cannot continue their learning in an unsafe environment.

    There are some elderly and aged men and women, pregnant and sick people that have been abandoned in their homes devoid of care, because their care givers have fled from the community for their safety.

    The elders are languishing and dying of hunger because there is no food, no water to drink and no body to take care of them for the past five days.

    At this point, we the people of Nio remain very grateful to all the communities and individuals that have come to assist our suffering people.

    We appreciate their benevolence and sense of love.
    The Nigeria public is hereby requested to show empathy in form of providing welfare for the displaced homeless people.

    We are therefore calling on International Organizations, Human Right Activists, NGOs the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, SEMA and other bodies to come to our aid. We are crying aloud.

    While we thank His Excellency, our amiable governor, Prof Ben Avade for his quick intervention and the action taken So far, we as a community are appealing and pleading that the military high command should please remove the prey personnel from Nko Community, the continuous stay of the military in the community will not help to bring peace to the area.

    Thank you and remain blessed.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Facilitates The Completion Of Aladim Road To Ekwaro Junction

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Facilitates The Completion Of Aladim Road To Ekwaro Junction

    The senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has facilitated the completion the Aladim – Ekwaro road.

    The road which links Aladim in Nkum Clan to Ekwaro in Ekajuk, leads to Mfom I along Abakiliki high way.

    This project will add the list of numerous projects facilitated by Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, whose joy to give effective representation to his people through constitituency development projects.

    This follows the offloading of cement for the construction of the road.

  • Nko-Oyadama Crisis: Sandy Onor Regrets The Effect On Nko People, Calls On All Parties Involved In The Unfortunate Development To Cease Fire Immediately And Allow The Rule Of Law To Prevail

    Nko-Oyadama Crisis: Sandy Onor Regrets The Effect On Nko People, Calls On All Parties Involved In The Unfortunate Development To Cease Fire Immediately And Allow The Rule Of Law To Prevail

    Press Statement

    It is disheartening and highly regrettable that the persistent and unmitigated crisis between the Nko people of Yakurr Local Government Area and their Onyadama neighbours in Obubra Local Government Area has snowballed into the destruction of lives and property.

    This ugly situation which has recently, so badly affected the people of Nko and their means of livelihood is to say the least, extremely sad. I call on all parties involved in the unfortunate development: the military, Nko and Onyadama people to cease fire immediately and allow the rule of law to prevail.

    At this time when we are facing the most difficult economic situation in our nation’s history; when issues of development and improved livelihood are at the core of governance, people should not be seen engaging in this sort of inhumanity.

    I strongly request that all legal processes that will lead to a resolution and reconciliation of the issues at stake should be put in place immediately, so that all involved would return to their normal lives and continue their businesses without any threat and harassment.

    I also urge all relevant stakeholders to make themselves available to all processes geared toward bringing a lasting solution to the crisis, as we pledge to do all within our means to provide a secure and free society for our people.

    Thank you.

    Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor
    Senator Rep. Central Senatorial District
    Cross River State.

  • Minister Hails Staff For Bagging ‘Best Performing Civil Servants’ Of The Year Awards

    Minister Hails Staff For Bagging ‘Best Performing Civil Servants’ Of The Year Awards

     

    The Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR has hailed
    Mrs. Nwachukwu Faustina and Mr. Sunday Itime, both civil servants attached to his office for bagging the Ministry’s Senior and Junior Staff Best Performing Staff awards.

    The awards were presented to them by the permanent Secretary, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Power in a ceremony held at the Ministry’s conference hall few days ago to mark this year’s Civil Service week.

    While Nkwachukwu received the Best Performing Senior Senior Staff of the year award, Itime was awarded as the Ministry’s overall best performing junior staff.

    The Minister, in a brief ceremony held in his office to receive the awardees, commended them for being good ambassadors of his office and showing good example to others.

    Jedy-Agba said that he wasn’t surprised that they were singled out for the recognition as he has been very impressed with their commitment and dedication to work since he assumed office.

    According to him, “I want to congratulate you for the awards. As I always admonish all of you, a lot of people out there are watching you. I’ve been watching you as well and I can say that the awards are very deserving. I thank you for being good ambassadors of this office”.

    He encouraged them that “every opportunity you get to serve, serve with all your heart. Be very committed. Don’t say it’s government work, you can do anyhow. There’s dignity in service and serving deligently pays, I’m a living testimony”.

    Reflecting on the award, Nwachukwu who spoke for herself and Itime, said that they were a reflection of what the Minister represents and promised to continue to remain dedicated to service.

    She said that “we dedicate the awards to the Honourable Minister because we were able to achieve the honour because of what we’re learning from him. The truth is that, staff are always a reflection of their principals so, if our Boss was someone that shows nonchalant attitude to work, it would have reflect on us.

    In the past three years, we’ve learned a lot from him. The Minister is always the first to come to work and the last to leave. Even when he’s down in health, he’ll still struggle to come to work. We’ve had the privilege to work with many Ministers but the experience with him is different. We’re grateful to him and the management of the ministry this huge recognition”.

  • USAID Commends CRSG As Health Partners Seeks Approaches Towards Equitable Distribution Of Vaccines Across The State

    USAID Commends CRSG As Health Partners Seeks Approaches Towards Equitable Distribution Of Vaccines Across The State

    By Simon Ushie

    As part of approaches aimed at ensuring effective and efficient health service delivery in the State, Health Care Partners are seeking collaborations with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for equitable vaccines distributions.

    United States Agency for International Development (USAID) teamlead, Dr Abujo Kalajuo made the disclosure in Calabar, during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong noting that, such intervention will put an end to vaccine hesitancy and stock out in the state.

    He said, building an effective supply and distribution chain in Local Government Areas will promote prompt and timely access to various vaccines and present them to Cross Riverians in their most active states.

    He further maintained that, all Health care Partners ought to collaborate with willing government agencies and States to ensure that a deliberate mechanism in implemented for all facilities to be covered as he commended His Excellency, Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his investment in the health sector and ensuring vaccine equity in the state . He also applauded the state for being flexible and adjusting to partner’s demand for the benefit of the state.

    In her response, the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, felicitated with the group for their visit noting that the state is always willing and ready to partner with groups for the overall interest of the state and nation.

    Dr Ekpenyong disclosed that, the state boast of a standard and centralized Cold Chain facility in Calabar Metropolis where we ensure vaccines are stored in their most potent form.

    She noted that there are Zonal Cold chain facilities in Ikom to carter for those in the Central Senatorial District and Ogoja Store for those in the Northern District with Mini Cold Chain facilities in all 18 Local Government Areas of the state, which are well managed and maintained.

    She therefore requested the group support towards vaccines carriers and refrigerators for baking ice packs to
    maintain vaccine potency all the way to the last mile adding that, with the epileptic power supply in the country, the state is faced with seeking more expensive alternatives to ensure viability of vaccines all year round.

    “As a state we are committed to vaccine safety, efficacy and equitable distribution, as we have our Cold chain well functional here in Calabar, and other zonal Cold chain stores for easy access by local government areas, we need the refrigerators to make sure our vaccines remain potent. She also informed the team on the plans of the state to integrate services and seeked their support to leverage on available community volunteers to serve as CHIPS Agents. She used the opportunity to intimate them on the recently launched the CHIPS program and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund programme. The CHIPS Agents will help us ensure we provide integrated services including OBR, OPV, HIV, Covid-19, etc and ensure there’s demand creation for facility utilization, especially for women during pregnancy and delivery.
    Some of our major challenges are issues of data collection after vaccination, we
    seek assistance in the areas of data reconciliation, health workers and volunteers training, ultra cold chain equipment installation to manage the quantity and quality of vaccines”.
    She also requested for USAID to support the state with HiV testing kits as alot of pregnant women are not tested when they visit facilities for ANC. She said the state has made progress in the fight against HIV/AIDs and it will be important to sustain the gains.

    Another respondent from the USAID team, Mr. Obianeri Victor (PMS – L & SC), acknowledged the Agency which has always been the first point of calls for health care service delivery and emergencies sequel to any diseases outbreak, as such, PHCs must be well equipped and vaccines put in place and stored properly properly.

    Also speaking, a Deputy Director oftheAgency and HIV/AIDs focal person Mrs. Ekaette Ekpenyong, on her part also seek for support in providing HIV testing kits and help pushing of vaccines to all LGAs especially in hard to reach areas.

    Mrs. Utiung, Nutrition focal person also added that nutritional supplement should be made available in all PHCs as it concerns orphan and vulnerable children and pregnant women as good nutrition leads to good health and growth.

    Also, in attendance were Director, Community and Family Health SPHCDA,Mrs Sally Enyim, programme officers and Implementing Partners like Heartland Alliance, FHI 360, Breakthrough Action, CCRN, and others who in their contributions added a plus to the way forward of the State Health sector.

  • Oyadama-Nko Crisis: Former Presidential Aide, Obono-Obla Calls For The Suspension of Obubra And Yakurr Council Chairmen

    Oyadama-Nko Crisis: Former Presidential Aide, Obono-Obla Calls For The Suspension of Obubra And Yakurr Council Chairmen

    The former Presidential Aide to Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Obono-Obla has called on Governor Ben Ayade to invoke the power vested on him by the Cross River State Local Government Law to direct the suspension from of office the Chairmen of Obubra and Yakurr local government councils following the renewed communual crisis between Oyadama in Obubra local government, and Nko in Yakurr local government area.

    Obono-Obla took to his verified Facebook page to make the call “I call on the Governor of Cross River State to immediately invoke the power vested in him by the Cross River State Local government Law to direct the suspension from office of the Chairmen of Obubra and Yakurr local government councils.

    This call has become imperative following the breakdown of law and order arising from the inter-communal violence that has wreaked part of Obubra and Yakurr local government areas of Cross River State.

    The violence in these two communities has led to deaths and wanton destruction of property.
    Nko has been under unrelenting attacks from soldiers posted there to maintain the peace.
    Indeed Nko has been completely deserted and turned into a ghost town, and the population is internally displaced.

    I urge the Governor of the Cross River State Law to invoke section 11 of the Cross River State Local government Law and direct the suspension of these chairmen.
    The law empowers the Governor to direct the suspensions of the Chairman of a local government council that suffers a breakdown of law and order.

    Indeed there has been such a breakdown of law and order in Onyedama (Obubra local government area ) and Nko(Yakurr local government area )for the past week.

    “The suspension will send a clear and firm signal to the Chairmen of local government councils in the State to sit down and work and stem inter-communal violence that is a recurring decimal in some parts of the State.”