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  • Traditional Rulers Council Assures UNICAL Governing Council Of Cooperation And Support

    Traditional Rulers Council Assures UNICAL Governing Council Of Cooperation And Support

    UNICAL Press Corps

    His Royal Majesty, Etinyin Dr Etim Okon-Edet, Chairman of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council has assured the 13th University of Calabar Governing Council of utmost co-operation and support.

    Dr Okon-Edet, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Local Government Area, gave the assurance when the University Governing Council led by its Chairman, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd) paid a courtesy call on him in his residence on Wednesday in Calabar.

    The paramount ruler said he would foster a strong and symbiotic relationship with the new council that would translate to success in all ramifications.

    “The University of Calabar belongs to us, so we need to assist it grow from strength to strength and mediate where necessary to resolve lingering crisis.

    “I will work with the new governing council to ensure they deliver on their mandate,” he said.

    Okon-Edet commended the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Banku Obi for her uncommon developmental strides within the eight months she assumed office as VC of the institution.

    He also acknowledged the Quality Assurance policy introduced by Obi to improve the teaching and learning standard of the university.

    He charged the council and the university management to always give priority attention to staff welfare.

    The Royal Father urged them to provide a good and enabling environment for the development of the university.

    Earlier, the council chairman said that the visit to the royal father was to seek for his fatherly advice, blessings and utmost cooperation.

    Luther-Agwai said the visit was also to get acquainted with the norms, ethnic values and customs of the land, which according to him would help the council to succeed.

    He appealed to the paramount ruler to use his good office to resolve lingering issues between the university and its host communities in the area of land encroachment.

    “The effect of insecurity and land encroachment is detrimental to the institution and the society at large; we need your help in this regard,” he said.

  • Police To Train UNICAL Security On Mental And Combat Alertness

    Police To Train UNICAL Security On Mental And Combat Alertness

    By UNICAL Press Corps

    The Cross River Police Command has assured the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) of organising security training on combat and mental alertness for the Institution’s security personnel on campus.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aminu Alhassan, gave the assurance in Calabar when the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of UNICAL Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (Rtd) led other Council Members of the University on a courtesy call to the office of the Commissioner.

    Alhassan said that the University and the Police Command enjoys a cordial working relationship that should be sustained through peaceful co-existence.

    He told the team from UNICAL that the command will enhance operational efficiency of the police post on campus with a view to always respond to cases of emergency on time.

    “I want to assure you of the state command’s support and collaboration in maintaining a peaceful environment for both students and staff.

    “We are also going to train some of our personnel with a view to impact the needed security tips and knowledge on campus policing.

    “The University is a place for research and teaching, we will do our best to maintain our presence there always,” he assured.

    Earlier, Luther-Agwai told the CP that he was in his office on a familiarisation visit and to thank the command for their support to the university.

    He charged the Police Commissioner to organise training courses for its personnel on campus for optimal combat and mental alertness.

    “We have come here as a council to seek your continues support and collaboration in maintaining peace and orderliness in UNICAL.

    “We thank the Nigerian Police for all they have done in securing the University of Calabar community. But, we want to ask for more of their presence on campus,” he said.

    Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Obi, thanked the Command for always responding to the management calls whenever there were cases of insecurity on campus.

    She assured the CP that the university would continue to partner with the police on all its activities.

  • C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

    C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

     

    Following the launch of the Spotlight Initiative on July 12th, 2019 by Cross River State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV) mitigated against women and girls
    in the state, the joint mission team of the United Nations (UN) and the federal government embarked on a 3-day monitoring visit to the state from August 16th – 19th, 2021 to meet with the implementing partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSO).

    The delegation assessed level of progress and presented her joint mission report to the state government with many positive impacts. The joint monitoring team’s visit sought to enhance ownership, transparency and to achieve better results backed by evidence-based data for progress monitoring and to provide recommendations to be used in effective delivery.

    According to the Commissioner for International Development Coporation, Dr Inyang Asibong, the Spotlight Initiative is currently being implemented in three pilot LGAs in the state with high prevalence rate of GBV, which are Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Obanliku. The key implementing partners are the government and Civil Society Reference groups with intervention focus on six mutually-reinforcing pillars which include laws and policies, institutions, prevention, services, data, and CSOs/Women’s Movement.

    Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest human rights movement is a multi-year partnership between the European Union and United Nations targeted at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual violence and harmful practices, femicide, woman trafficking and economic exploitation by 2030.

    Spotlight Initiative is administered by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office with support from five core UN mission Agencies which include UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-WOMEN and UNESCO along with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, the state Ministry of International Development Corporation, Ministry of Women Affairs and the UN Regional Coordinator’s Office.

    Some of the sites toured during the 3-day working visit are the Gender Department of the Force Police Headquarters Calabar,
    Ministry of International Development Coporation, Ministry of Women Affairs,
    Ancestral Clan in Uwanse Calabar, Ikpai Community in Big Qua Calabar, Vesicovaginal Fistula Unit of the General Hospital Calabar, FIDA Office Calabar, Ministry of Justice Calabar, Ministry of Humanities and Social Welfare Calabar, Safe Space, WAPI Secondary School Calabar, Girls Power Initiative, Agency for Adults and Non Formal Education among others.

  • Cross River APC Ward Congresses Marred With Irregularities – Odey Oyama In A Petition

    Cross River APC Ward Congresses Marred With Irregularities – Odey Oyama In A Petition

    By Sylvia Felix And Abuh Rachael, In CrossRiverWatch

    The recently concluded APC ward congresses in Cross River State has been said to be “seriously marred with widespread irregularities, malpractices, corruption and blatant disregard for the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Mr. Odey Oyama in a complaint to the APC Ward Congress Appeals Committee said, the outcome of the exercise carried out in the 196 political wards in the State, July 10, 2021 and July 31, 2021 is fake.

    According to him, “To prevent a multiplicity of Court actions provoked by this unwholesome outcome, it has become pertinent to recommend the nullification of the fake results/lists of Ward Executive Committees that were presented to the Governor and the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), in respect of the said events. This conclusion constitute the principal focus of this complaint based on the following principal grounds.”

    See petition where Mr. Oyama said he petitioned because of the blatant abuse of the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the party below.

  • Insecurity: C’River Gov’t To Establish Naval Base At UNICAL

    Insecurity: C’River Gov’t To Establish Naval Base At UNICAL

    1. The Cross River Government has disclosed plans to establish a Naval base in partnership with the Nigerian Navy at the riverine area of the University of Calabar.

    The state governor, Prof Ben Ayade disclosed this on Monday in Calabar when the Chairman and Pro Chancellor of the University of Calabar Governing Council, Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai (rtd), led the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi and other members of the Council on a visit to his office.

    The Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu, who stood in for the Governor informed the Chairman and other Council members that the decision to establish the base was reached during the state security meeting.

    He said that it was important to establish the base so as to curb insecurity around the riverine area of the university and beyond.

    Esu, who is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, said that the state government places premium on the management, welfare and running of the university.

    “I am glad to receive this great team today because we are all partners in the growth and development of UNICAL.

    “On the issue of insecurity, I want to inform you that we have agreed in our last security meeting that we establish a naval base at the riverine area of the university to stem cases of insecurity on campus.

    “Most of the bad boys were using the riverside to strike into the university community. We are passionate about UNICAL; we will do our best to ensure the security of students and staff.

    “For me as a person, I’m very concerned because I was a Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Calabar,” he said.

    He assured the team of the state government‘s support for all their activities that would move the university forward.

    Earlier, the Chairman appealed to the state government to also look into the issue of land encroachment by some individuals and host communities.

    He said that they needed the support of all stakeholders in the state with a view to positioning the university as one of the best in the country and around the globe.

    The Chairman of the University’s Governing Council called on other members to support them in their bid to reposition the university for the benefit of all.

  • FCE Obudu Holds 38th Matriculation Ceremony, Administered Oath To 1,110 Students

    FCE Obudu Holds 38th Matriculation Ceremony, Administered Oath To 1,110 Students

    The Federal College of Education, Obudu held her 38th NCE matriculation ceremony for 1,110 fresh students that took the matriculation oath for the 2020/2021 Academic session.

    While welcoming both the students and their parents, guardians that graced the occasion in their numbers, the Acting Provost, Alhaji Ladan Chado noted the delay in the conduct of the exercise for the academic session. He attributed the delay to the long period of lockdown caused by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which led to the shutdown of the College between March and October, 2020.

    Chado noted that this prolonged closure affected the academic programmes of the institution. However, he said the lecturers and Staff showed uncommon resilience and perseverance in the performance of their duties by embarking on what he referred to as “crash” arrangements to successfully navigate the past session and be able to hold this matriculation ceremony in their honour.

    Addressing the new Students, Alhaji Ladan Chado said the 2020/2021 set of students are unique in the sense that it is during their time that the College is gradually restoring back the distorted academic calendar. He therefore demanded that the students must play commensurate role to move the College forward by working hard for their individual successes. He advised them to take up the gauntlet and ensure that they try to overcome those distractions that may prevent them from achieving their goal in the College.

    To achieve their objectives in the College, the Provost further advised the students to focus more on their studies. He equally enumerated a number of unacceptable practises and conducts that the students should not be involved. These include examination malpractices, cultism, stealing, sexual immorality, inability to abide by established approved dress codes among others.

    The Chief executive of the College reiterated on behalf of the Governing Council, the commitment of the Management towards the creation of an enabling and conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. He therefore mentioned a number of projects that has been attracted, completed and handed over to the Management for the use of both staff and students. They are the Technical Education Department Building at the Bebi Campus, Technical Education Workshop also at the Bebi campus, School of Early Childhood Care Education Building, School of Adult, Non-formal and Special Education Building, Science Complex and the College Pavilion.
    He also explained that both the Theatre Arts Auditorium and the 250 capacity lecture Theatre that was abandoned over the years would soon be completed and handed over as well.

    In the same vein, the Acting provost informed the distinguished audience that the ground breaking ceremony for both the School of Languages Building and the New Library Complex at the Bebi Campus had taken place and the projects would soon be compiled. He paid glowing tribute to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for sponsoring these projects through Tetfund.

    Alhaji Ladan Chado explained that the present administration has evolved a workable arrangement that would ensure that certificates are issued to deserving students at the end of their studies. As a matter of fact, he announced that even the certificates for gradaunds up till 2020 are now ready and awaiting collection by the successful students.

    The Acting Provost conveyed the goodwill of the Chairman of the 7th Governing Council of the College, Professor Taoheed Adedoja who expressed great commitment and enthusiasm towards moving the College forward.

  • Twenty And Counting : Celebrating Jedy-Agba’s Two Years Of Excellence As Minister

    Twenty And Counting : Celebrating Jedy-Agba’s Two Years Of Excellence As Minister

    By Inyali Peter

    Addressing Nigeria’s epileptic power supply was one of the cardinal campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, (APC), during the 2015 and 2019 electioneering processes.

    Past administrations had expended so much resources in the power sector but with little results. Despite the county’s existing power plants having the potential to generate up to 12,522 megawatts of electricity, the highest the highest it has attained was the 5,552.8MW announced on the 6th of January, 2021 by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    Besides, the country’s overdependent on thermal and hydro power sources that other countries are walking away from is a major part of the issues facing the power sector. The decision of the Buhari’s administration to invest massively in renewable energy development is not however, unconnected to this.

    During his first tenure, the President merged the Ministry of Power with that of Works and Housing. But in his second term, he decided to unbundle the Ministries, with the Ministry of Power assuming a pivotal role in the process of driving the nation’s economy in line with the administration’s diversification agenda.

    To underscore the importance his administration attached to solving Nigeria’s power problem, the President deployed two Ministers; Engr. Saleh Mamman as Honourable Minister of Power, and Dr. Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, as Honourable Minister of State, Power.

    For effective and efficient service delivery and harmonious working relationship, the President, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha shared responsibilities in the power Ministry between the two Ministers, with each having equal and independent supervisory role over agencies under them.

    While Engr. Mamman was asked to suprivise the activities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), Dr. Agba on the other hand, was saddled with the responsibility of executing his mandatory work as Minister through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN).

    Two years down the line, the two Ministers have left no stone unturned in ensuring improved electricity supply in Nigeria. For instance, the Minister of State alone has supervised the completion of twenty (20) major projects within this period, all geared towards solving the shortage of electricity supply in the country.

    These projects are spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country. There’s no single geopolitical zone in Nigeria today that Jedy-Agba has not completed, commissioned and handed over economically viable electricity projects to benefitting communities and institutions.

    In NAPTIN, for example, he has ensured drastic reformation in the agency which has enhanced its capacity to train more Nigerians in different electricity value chain including generation, transmission, installation and maintenance of electricity infrastructure. More than five thousand (5,000) young Nigerians have been trained, equipped and empowerred since he assumed office.

    Similarly, for NEMSA, the agency responsible for maintaining technical standards in the power sector , he has supervised the completion of its state-of-the-art Meter Testing Station. The ultramodern facility is the first ever building started and completed by the agency since its establishment eight years ago.

    Located in Enugu State to cover the entire Southern Nigeria, the station amongst other things, is handling all metering services in the region as well as testing and certification of energy meters. Plans are on ground to build similar facility in Northern Nigeria to reduce the amount of money expended in rent in some of its rented facilities.

    Nevertheless, where the Minister has shone the most is in the Rural Electrification Agency. To his credit, the agency has completed and commissioned not fewer than nineteen (19) major projects since he assumed office. Several other projects have been completed and awaiting commissioning while some are at different stages of completion.

    These projects include, 100KWP Isolated hybrid mini-grid at Eka-Awoke community in Ikwo local government, Ebonyi State, 8.25MW Solar hybrid mini-grid at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, two 7.5KWP Mini-grid at Nnewi and a 1.12MW Solar mini-grid at Abubakar Tafewa Balewa University, Bauchi.

    Others are, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Adebayo Community, Ovia South local government, Edo State, 1.35MW at Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Obudu Ranch Resort in Obanliku Local government area of Cross River State, 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Okangha-Mpkansi community in Ikom local government area of Cross River State, Grid Extension project in Malumfashi local government, Katsina, and 30KWP solar mini-grid at Bambami also in Katsina.

    The REA under his supervision has also completed Grid Extension Electrification Project in Ifesowapo in Ajilola, Ede South local government, Osun state, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Olooji community in Ijebu East, Ogun State, 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid at Budo-are community, Ifesiwaju local government, Oyo State, provision of 65KWP solar hybrid mini-grid system in 250 bed cottages hospital in Ukpogo community in Okene local government, Kogi State.

    Under his watch, the agency has also completed a 334KWP isolated PV solar hybrid mini-grid in Shimankar Community in Shendam local government area in Plateau State, provided and installed 5.4KPW solar hybrid mini-grid at Adavi-Eba, Adayi local government, Kogi State, 40KW solar mini-grid at Goto Sarki community in Paikoro local government, Niger State, 85KW isolated solar mini-grid at Dakitti community in Akko local government area of Gombe State as well as provision of 30KW solar mini-grid at Mbela Town, Yulde, Gubudo, Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State.

    There are also several other solar power streets lights projects across the country that have been completed under his watch in the past two years that are not included in this list.

    Indeed, when President Buhari assured the United Nations General Assembly during its 74th session held in New York on September 24, 2019 that Nigeria is working to have at least 30 per cent of its total electricity supply from renewable sources by 2030, he knew he had a capable hand in Jedy-Agba to steer the country’s renewable energy revolution.

    Nigeria may not have completely overcome the challenge of inadequate power supply, but with the guts, passion, commitment shown, as evidenced in the achievements of Jedy-Agba as Minister and the overall performance of the Buhari’s government in the power sector, the country is undoubtedly moving stoutly in the right path.

  • Goddy Jedy-Agba At 63: The Man, The Technocrat And The Performing Minister/Politician

    Goddy Jedy-Agba At 63: The Man, The Technocrat And The Performing Minister/Politician

    By Kinsley Agim

    For a lot of young people, Goddy Jeddy-Agba was the man with a nice set of dentition and son of, arguably, the longest-serving monarch in Africa, who abandoned his sterling career and glorious office in 2013 at the rank of Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division of the NNPC to pursue a gubernatorial ambition, whenever his name seemed to be mentioned in public. However, there is more to Goddy Jeddy-Agba as a person – a lot more than meets the eye. For his sixty-third birthday, we take a brief look at his life through a few lenses that apply to him.
    The Man
    Goddy, the first child was born into a royal family in Obudu on 20th August, 1958 by Uti J.D. Agba, the paramount ruler of Obudu, Cross River State. After scaling through primary and secondary education, he bagged his first degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State in 1983. His burning desire for scholarship led him to University of Lagos, Akoka for his master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy in 1989.
    His massive contributions to nationhood and nation building prompted the then President Goodluck Jonathan on September 2012 to honour him as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). His autobiography, “Stepping Forward with Uti J.D. Agba,” in November 2017, reflected on the influence of his father on his life from childhood.
    The Technocrat
    Goddy Jedy-Agba’s humble beginnings started at the Federal civil service in September 1984 as an Assistant Secretary II. He was posted as a senior assistant secretary to the Federal Development Authority (FDA) in Lagos on October 1985. In the same office, he was promoted to the post of Deputy Liaison officer in 1987. He became the Personal Assistant to the Minister of Special Duties under the presidency, state house-Lagos. Through dint of hard work and commitment to duty, in 1989, Jedy-Agba was selected as personal assistant to the minister of Special Duties under the Presidency; he was moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Personal Assistant to the Minister of State on Foreign Affairs in December 1990. He was on this position till 1993 when he became the Personal Assistant to the Secretary of the State till 1995 when he joined Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). At NNPC, he rose to become the Head Market Research, Crude Oil Marketing Department and later became the Head Gas/Gas Liquids/Condensate Sales, Crude Oil Marketing Department in 2014, a position he held until he left NNPC to join politics in his state.
    The Performing Minister
    Undaunted by the his unsuccessful quest for the governorship seat in 2015, being a man who lives out my life as Providence decrees, he was nominated for ministerial position by President Muhammadu Buhari in July, and later assigned the portfolio of Minister of State, Power on 21 August 2019. And not forgetting the thundering ovation that greeted his performance during the nominees’ screening in the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian senate.
    Immediately after his inauguration, Jedy-Agba hit the strides with the exuberance of a youthful teenager. He got to work. And barely two years on the saddle as Minister of State for Power, through giant strides and eloquence testimonies, the Utugwuan-born politician has endeared himself to the politically-conscious Nigerians as a darling of the nation, having orchestrated the successful completion of impactful projects in all geo-political zones of Nigeria.
    To buttress my above point, may I outline some of Jedy-Agba’s achievements according to geo-political zones:

    NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
    Installation of 8.25MW Solar Hybrid Project at Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State; 80KWp Solar Mini grid at Upake Village, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State; Supply and installation of 1,135 Units of 40W Solar Hybrid Station in Mbaka-ange Village, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State; Supply and Installation of 1000 Units of 15W Solar hybrid station in Alu-Mamagi and Nuku villages in Abaji Local Government Area in FCT Abuja; and Installation of 157KW Capacity Solar Hybrid Mini-grid Power Plant in Rokoto village in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

    NORTH WEST ZONE
    Installation of 90KWp Solar Mini grid at _Kare and Dadin Kowa Villages in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State; and Installation of 30KWp Solar Hybrid at Bambami Village in Batagorawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    NORTH EAST ZONE
    Installation of 85KWp solar mini-grid at Dakito Community in Paikoro Local Government Area in Gombe State.

    SOUTH-EAST ZONE
    100KW Mini grid Solar Energy in Eka-Awoke Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE
    Installation of 60KVA solar hybrid Mini-grid Power Plant in Okangha-Mpkansi Village in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State; Installation of 2x60MVA 132/33KV Transformer Substation Located at Ekori-Ugep Village in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State; 100KWP Solar Hybrid Mini-grid at Akpabom Community in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State; Installation of Solar Street Lights from Ukpiringi-Nkerira, Ukwuta, Ngbenege Communities in Obudu LGA of Cross River State; Installation of 60KVA solar mini grid power plant in Obudu Ranch Resort Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State; Groundbreaking of 100KVA Solar Power Plant in Bottom Hill in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State; Installation of 1000KWp Solar Hybrid Mini grid in _Adebayo Community Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State; Installation of 132KV Bay extension in _Calabar, Calabar Municipal Local Government Area of Cross River State; and Supply and Installation of 2000 units of 20W solar hybrid station in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. Not to mention the far-flung and hard-to-reach communities in the entire nation.
    A fortnight ago during his two years anniversary celebration as Minister of State for Power, the media was awashed with glowing plaudits to Jedy-Agba from across the nation, much to my admiration and pride as a fellow Cross Riverian. And without an iota of consternation, prejudice or disquietude, Goddy Jedy-Agba would go down history as one of the best performing political appointee from Cross River State, nay Nigeria.
    To a proud Cross River State son, bureaucrat, politician, farmer, author philanthropist, former Group general manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Company and now Minister of State for Power, I wish him more eventful years full of good health, longevity, sagacity and service to humanity. Happy birthday, our dear Goddy Jedy-Agba.

  • UNICAL Alumni Lagos Chapter Presents Award Of Outstanding Leadership To Prof Florence Obi

    UNICAL Alumni Lagos Chapter Presents Award Of Outstanding Leadership To Prof Florence Obi

    UNICAL Press Corps

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has been presented with an Outstanding Leadership award from UNICAL Alumni, Lagos Chapter.

    The colourful event was held at the Echoes of Calabar, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The award night and dinner was held after a 7.8km road walk and dance, which was earlier flagged off by the Vice Chancellor and supported by MTN-Nigeria.

    The walk started at St. Saviour’s School Ikoyi, to Falomo and back.

    A brand new 2.5KVA generator was also won by one of the Alumni at the end of the walk.

    During the award night and dinner, Alumni of UNICAL who spoke at various capacities, commended the VC for honouring them with her presence and giving the walk a colourful face alongside her friend and a distinguished Nigerian, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa.

  • GFO Orim Foundation Partners ITF, Set To Empower 40 Youth In Obudu

    GFO Orim Foundation Partners ITF, Set To Empower 40 Youth In Obudu

    By Elijah Ugani

    The management of GFO Orim Foundation has unveiled its plan to train and empower 40 youths drawn from the 10 political wards of Obudu Local Government Council.

    Addressing the trainees at the skill acquisition centre Obudu, the Coordinator of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Peter Okaba, hinted that “this program is part of our numerous interventions to improve the livelihood of our people. At GFO Orim Foundation, we are poised to ensure that we better the lives of our people. You were nominated from your various wards by your leaders, and we want to restate our commitment to providing the needed services to the society”

    Hon. Peter Okaba maintained that “We have decided to partner with the Industrial Trust Fund, to give credibility to the training. GFO Orim Foundation will ensure that at the end of this training, you will have a good start to do you business”

    On her part, the Area Manager of ITF, Mrs Evelyn Irabor, who was represented by the Training Development Officer, Mr Illo Chukuemeka Fredrick, stated that “this is no longer an era of giving fish, it is the era of teaching people how to fish. I urge you to open your hearts to welcome this program.

    “As ITF, we have committed to the delivery of our mandate. We are trying to rewrite our stories”

    In another development, the Chief Audio Visual Assistant, Mr Innocent Animpuye, averred that “GFO Orim is offering you a rare privilege, after this training, comes the empowerment. We will pay you a monthly stipends of #5,000.00 for your transport. I want to urge you to take this project very seriously. Misconduct will meet equal disciplinary sanction.

    “I want to thank GFO Orim Foundation for this initiative. We must ensure that you have 80 percent attendance before you will be qualified to be provided with start up pack. This is a certified program, a federal government project. When we come for supervision and found out that you miss the program consecutively, for two weeks, you will be replace. The best and only way we will go is to forgo the links and connections that nominated you this program, so that you will acquire the needed skill for self reliance”

    Animpuye cited the Obi Cubana philosophy of lifting others and likened it the magnanimity of the Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation, who is the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State. He urged the participants to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure that the program has a positive effect on you.

    The program that is designed for three months will take place in the Calabar office of the Industrial Trust Fund for participants who are resident in Calabar. The skills to be learned in Calabar include; poultry, fisheries and crop farming while residents in Obudu will undergo training on plumbing, catering and event management.