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  • Governors Forum, World Bank Okays C’River for BEN-CARES Implementation

    Governors Forum, World Bank Okays C’River for BEN-CARES Implementation

     

    The CARES readiness assessment team from the Secretariat of the Nigerian Governors Forum and the World Bank have given the nod for the implementation of the Nigerian COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus packages (CARES), domesticated in Cross River State as BEN-CARES.

    This was disclosed during a 2-day assessment visit to Cross River led by the Executive Director of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, after a tour of facilities with the various implementation units in the state.

    Briefing the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu and members of the State Executive Council during a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor yesterday in Calabar, Dr. Shittu disclosed that Cross River State was fully ready for the implementation of the program.

    “CARES is a 2-year package intended to stimulate the economy of Nigeria, provide food security and enhance livelihoods. From our assessment thus far, Cross River is more than ready to kick-start this programme. We are very impressed with what we have seen so far.

    “In view of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the world and crumbled sources of livelihood, the State Governors devised a means to cushion this effect. Implementation will kick-start by the first week of August this year”.

    Speaking earlier on, Commissioner for International Development Corporation and Chairman of the state Steering Committee of CARES, Inyang Asibong, listed the 3 focal areas of the scheme to include sustainable livelihood, food security and micro small and medium enterprises development.

    Dr Asibong said the program is intended to reverse the local economic downturn caused by the impact of the novel pandemic, enhance agro production and boost MSMEs.

    “This intervention from the World Bank which we have domesticated in Cross River as BEN-CARES will surely advance the humanitarian passion of Governor Ben Ayade to Cross Riverians.

    “The Federal Government and World Bank team have assessed us and found us ready to receive the Intervention. The programme will stimulate the economy and provide food security,” Commissioner Asibong said.

    In his remarks, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu commended the management teams of the Federal Government and World Bank for finding Cross River State worthy to receive the Intervention, which according to him, is in the best interest of Cross Riverians.

    The visit to the Deputy Governor also had in attendance Commissioner for Commerce, Pst. Mrs Rosemary Archibong, Commissioner for Youths Development and Skills Acquisition Hon. (Signor) Omang Idiege, unit heads of the Federal Government/ World Bank delegation, Special Adviser on EDF, Hon Chief Mrs Marjorie Asuquo, SA on CED, Mrs Kate Ajibike, Chairman of the Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Mr. Tony Ikpeme, Executive Directors and other critical stakeholders involved in the implementation.

  • Ekpenyong Commends Hope Waddell Old Boys Association As She Commissions Health Centre Donated To The Institution

    Ekpenyong Commends Hope Waddell Old Boys Association As She Commissions Health Centre Donated To The Institution

    By Simon Ushie

    The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has commissioned a primary health care centre at the premises of the famous Hope Waddell Training institute calabar, the Cross River State Capital.

    The facility which was built and equipped by the Old Boys Association of the school is to provide health intervention and services for staff, students and members of the host Community.

    Speaking during the exercise, the DG described the gesture as befitting and estimable, as she noted that attaining universal Health Coverage has become everybody’s responsibility both in rural and urban areas.

    Dr Ekpenyong further applauded the team as she stated that the gesture is worth emulating by both individuals and groups.

    She encouraged other Alumnus to give back to their Alma mater and health should be prioritize in order to assist government in the Provision of efficient health care services and strengthening of school health program.

    She assured them of 100% support from the state government, and assured that the facility will enjoy all privileges like every other Primary Healthcare Centre in the state.

    “I am very excited to see this building, I commend the Hope Wadell Old Boys Association for this project which has direct effect not just to students alone but for staff and those who stay around this area.

    “As part of the collaboration with the state government, we have already sent two staff to man the facility and I assure you that, whatever is being enjoyed in other facilities, same will be enjoyed here”.

    In their separate remarks, the Principal of the school, Mr Okon Onoyom Ita, as well as the Permanent secretary, ministry of Water Resources, Dr Joseph Bassey, executive and members of the Hope Waddell Old Boys Association thanked the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the state Government for the prompt response in getting the facility to work.

    In attendance were the Director of Local Government Health Authority, Calabar Municipal Mrs Blessing Omachi, Director of Community and family Health services, Mrs Sally Enyim, Ward Focal person for Ikot Effanga, Mrs Christy Iwara as well as staff of the Hope Wadell Training Institute, and some Old Boys.

  • Akwa Ibom State Governor Orders Reinstatement Of Expelled Final Year Who Insulted Him On Facebook

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Orders Reinstatement Of Expelled Final Year Who Insulted Him On Facebook

    By Saviour Imukudo, Premium Times

    The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has directed the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) to reinstate a final year student of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Iniobong Ekpo who was expelled for “insulting” him on Facebook

    The decision on the student’s reinstatement was taken at the State Executive Council meeting in Uyo, on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information in the state, Ini Ememobong said in a statement.

    “EXCO (Executive Council) reviewed the AKSU expulsion case of Iniobong Ekpo and directed the university to immediately recall the said student,” the statement said.

    The student, Mr Ekpo had used a pseudonym, Afrosix Jaara, to make a Facebook post in 2019 in which he accused the governor of reneging on a promise he allegedly made in 2017 to give financial reward to the then graduating students of the university.

    “It’s 2 years and 166 days since he promised, yet none of the graduands received a naira even the first class graduands were unattended to when they went to his office,” Mr Ekpo wrote in the Facebook post, adding that Mr Emmanuel may have “scammed” the students.

    The authorities of the Akwa Ibom State University considered the article as “derogatory and defamatory” to Mr Emmanuel who by virtue of his office is the ‘Visitor’ to the university which is owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

    Mr Ekpo, through his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, challenged his expulsion and demanded N20 million from the university as “general damages and gross breach of his fundamental human rights”.

    The controversy that followed the expulsion, especially on social media, prompted Mr Emmanuel to set up a committee headed by the Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebiet, to review the university’s action.

    The directive for the student’s reinstatement may have been based on the committee’s recommendation, apparently.

    ‘Reinstatement is not enough’

    Mr Ekpo’s lawyer, Mr Effiong said there were other demands the university would have to meet, besides reinstating the student.

    “My position is that we had our demand clear to the university that he should be reinstated immediately, compensated with N20 million for damages and that he should also be given a special concession to write all his courses and tests that he couldn’t write on account of indefinite suspension and expulsion.

    “Those are essentially the main demands that I made in my reaction notice to the university,” Mr Effiong told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday night.

    TEXEM

    Mr Effiong said the university should give a guarantee that his client would not be victimised.

    The lawyer said the student had been “subjected to trauma and mental torture on account of unconstitutional decision by the University Senate”.

    He said he did not rule out going to the court to enforce the other demands.

    PREMIUM TIMES could immediately reach the student for comment as his phone line was switched off as of the time of filing this report.

    When contacted, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom State University, Akaninyene Ibanga, said the university would “act” when the government decision is communicated to it.

  • The Inkless is powerful

    The Inkless is powerful

    The Inkless is powerful

    Shadeless, voiceless, clueless
    The running off of the flow,
    The ceasing of the season,
    The latter of the history,
    Pointless Yet powerful.

    The rising of the giant,
    The building of the brave,
    The mounting of the Hero,
    Right from emptiness,
    It is a thirst for fulfillment.

    The blank phase, though rootless,
    Yet the most Fertile,
    The ones with the blueprint of season,
    With no force, understand the inkless message.
    It’s sure an alignment with Peace.

    “To-to-to”,
    The steady drop of water,
    Initially insignificant but impactful,
    A fool fear not the shadeless message,
    The Inkless is powerful.

    Written by Hannah Olubode (Mercygrace)

  • Build Your Marriage Foundation All Round God And Enjoy The Marriage, Linda Ayade Tells Couple

    Build Your Marriage Foundation All Round God And Enjoy The Marriage, Linda Ayade Tells Couple

    The wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade, has congratulated Mr & Mrs Chisom Victor, whose marriage was solemnized yesterday, 26th June, 2021 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa.

    Speaking at the wedding reception after presenting a car gift on behalf of herself and family to the couple, the Governor’s wife enjoined the couple to build their marriage foundation around God in order to enjoy the marriage.

    The wedding which was attended by the Governor, His Excellency, Sen (Prof.) Ben Ayade, was officiated by Rev. Fr. Cletus Udoh and Rev. Fr. John Awoke.

    Fr. Awoke took his sermon from the Gospel of Mark 10 vs 9, where Jesus said “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” and centred his message on love from the man and respect from the woman.

    In an interview, Dr. Linda advised the couple to always go to God before they take any major decision, even during disagreements.

    She urged them to learn to solve their problems without involving third parties but God. She concluded by saying “I want to tell them that if they build their marriage foundation all around God they’ll enjoy the marriage.”

    Highlights of the event were marital vows, cutting of cake, nuptial dance, entertainment, refreshments, and presentation of gifts, amongst others.

  • Sen Sandy Onor Begins Car Gift Empowerment In Central Senatorial District

    Sen Sandy Onor Begins Car Gift Empowerment In Central Senatorial District

    By Caterpillar Media

    As part of his empowerment program, the Senator Representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District; Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has gifted his constituent, Mr Ojong Ndifon Bassey (aka Bassey Black) a clean Toyota Camry Car.

    Presenting the car which is the first in the series to the beneficiary on behalf of the Senator, the Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Hon. Chief Joe Obi Bisong recalled with nostalgia and satisfaction, the strategic role Bassey Black played in the emergence of the Distinguished Senator, saying it is a reward for hard work, patience and consistency.

    Receiving the car with so much excitement, the beneficiary said he wasn’t surprised, knowing who Senator Sandy Onor is. He stated that, “Senator Onor is one person you cannot patiently work with and regret doing so. Patience is a strong virtue for everyone who needs to be a very successful politician or follower. God bless Senator Sandy Ojang Onor. If e never reach you, e never pass you”.

    The distinguished Senator Sandy Ojang Onor has a heart for people and this is evident in his representation and outreaches.

  • C’River Police Command Arrests Colleague Who Sells Guns To Criminals In Calabar

    C’River Police Command Arrests Colleague Who Sells Guns To Criminals In Calabar

    By Admin

    The Cross police command has arrested and paraded its colleague, Inspector Nathaniel Manasseh for allegedly selling guns to criminals within Cross River State and outside of the state.

    The suspect who was paraded on Tuesday, June 22 in Calabar at the Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police Force alongside other criminals, also sells guns to criminals in Imo State.

    Confessing, Inspector Manasseh, whom the Police said has not been able to account for some pieces of hardware including two AK-47s, said he lost some rifles while claiming that he was charmed and dispossessed of some AK-47s, including a vehicle.

    His words “I was charmed, I can’t really explain what happened and how they dispossessed me of the riffles. I am not a gun runner”.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Sikiru  Akande, while parading the suspects disclosed that since the resumption of the new Commander of Anti Kidnapping and Cultism Squad (AKCTS), it has been a harvest of criminals.

    Akande averred that  “Cross River is regaining her lost glory in the area of security and as a matter of fact, we remained the most peaceful state in Nigeria and nothing can break out resolve.

    “For Police to function efficiently in any society, its requires citizens’ participation, partnership and willingness of the community to constantly equip the police with actionable information to forestall unpleasant occurrences.

    “Our achievement today is not unconnected with the cooperation of the public – security is everybody’s business, we must encourage Community Policing in our communities”.

    Akande however revealed that Inspector Manasseh is amongst those who usually give out their rifles on “rent” to notorious criminals and a member of a gun-running syndicate.

    A total of 24 persons were arrested: 3 for murder, 9 for armed robbery, 6 for Cultism, 3 others were arrested for gun-running including Inspector Manasseh as well as one person for car snatching and another for arson.

     

  • Meet Dr George Abang Ekpungu, The New EFCC Secretary

    Meet Dr George Abang Ekpungu, The New EFCC Secretary

    By Ogar Solomon Ogar

    George Abang Ekpungu is a Nigerian politician and Lawyer. He was appointed the Secretary of the Board of the Economic and Financials Crimes Commission (EFCC) by President Buhari in June 2021.

    George Ekpungu is from Kakwagom in Boki, Cross River State.

    Educational Background
    George Ekpungu attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a degree in Law in 1997. He was called to Nigerian Bar in 1999 after graduating from the Nigerian Law School.

    George Ekpungu obtained a master and doctorate degree in Capital Market Fraud/Commercial Dispute Resolution Strategy from Ahmadu Bello University in 2008 and 2018 respectively.

    Career
    George Ekpungu was a Group Compliance Officer for BGL Plc and principal consultant at George Kennedy Consultant from 2014.

    He is an experienced Enforcement/Compliance Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Regulatory/Anti-Corruption Institutions

    George Ekpungu is skilled in Equities, Capital Markets, Financial Modeling, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Fraud Investigation, Money Laundering, Corruption Risk Assessment, Asset Tracing, Asset Recoveries, Due Diligence Investigation/Intels gathering, Shrewd Negotiator, Great Team Player with Strong legal professional skills.

    He was a Staff, Facilitators/Project Supervisors at the NOUN Facilitation and Project Supervision Management System.

    George Ekpungu was appointed the commissioner for New Cities Development by the Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in his first term.

    In 2019, George Ekpungu picked nomination form to represent Ikom/ Boki Federal Constitency in the Federal House of Representatives, but resignation was not accepted by the Governor.

    In June 2021, President Buhari appointed George Abang Ekpungu as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for a tenure of five years.

    The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation announced the appointment of Mr. George Ekpungu as the new Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    According to a statement by the Spokesman for the AGF, Umar Gwandu, on Monday titled, ‘Buhari Appoints Ekpungu EFCC Secretary, Names Board Members’, that four others were appointed as board members, the appointment is in line with Section 2 (1) and Section 4 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

    George Ekpungu, a Christian is married with children.

     

  • UNHCR Takes Advocacy To Ogoja Urban To Mark 2021 World Refugees Day

    UNHCR Takes Advocacy To Ogoja Urban To Mark 2021 World Refugees Day

    By Elijah Ugani

    The United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, has taken advocacy to residents of Ogoja Urban as part of its plan of activities to mark the 2021 World Refugees Day WRD.

    The advocacy walk which commenced at 8.00am from the State High Court Ogoja through Zenith bank roundabout, to Mission road, through market road to Ishibori and back to the State High Court on Saturday, 19th June, 2021 had in attendance all implementing partners, representatives of National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, representatives of State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Community Based Organizations, refugees and staff of UNHCR.

    Mr. Sally Osajie who anchored the walk sensitized the public at strategic locations, and maintained that “it is not a crime to be a refugee. We are on the streets of Ogoja to celebrate the refugees, please do not discriminate them. When they come to the market, give them equal opportunity, they are part of us”

    Speaking to The Lumine News, on the importance of the walk, the Head of Sub Office Ogoja, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele maintained that “We are to celebrate and commemorate with the refugees who are here seeking protection from the Nigerian government”.

    Speaking on them of the 2021 world refugees day, ‘Together we can achieve anything’ Mr. Tesfaye maintained that “There is nothing one alon can do, it is to show togetherness of the Nigerian government, the host communities, International communities and UNHCR to stand in solidarity with the refugees, to appreciate them for the courage they have to survive the difficult situation”

    On his part, the UNHCR Deputy Representative (Protection) Abuja, Mr. John Mekissick held that “We are here to celebrate the refugees. Nobody wants to be a refugee. Today and tomorrow, we celebrate their resilience, their ability to work together with the host communities, to learn, to hear and to shine. Together, we can achieve anything”

  • UNFPA Has Been Supportive To C’River Govt, Deputy Governor Affirms

    UNFPA Has Been Supportive To C’River Govt, Deputy Governor Affirms

    By Admin

    The Cross River State deputy governor, Professor Ivara Esu has expressed delight at the activities of the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA). He said the UN agency has been a great support to Cross River State.

    He made the remarks while launching the 2021 UNFPA State of the World Population (SWOP) Report held at the State Government’s Exco Chambers in Calabar. He appreciated the UN for their support in different areas of their mandate.

    He particularly said that “UNFPA has been consistent in working towards ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning and ending all forms of Gender Based Violence and harmful practices against women and girls.”

    The deputy governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Tina Agbor Banko opined that Cross River State will not relent in rolling out support for the UN body in achieving her dreams in the state.

    He said: “Today as we launch UNFPA’s flagship report on the State of the World Population (SWOP), it is pertinent to reiterate the State Government’s position and commitment in joining hands with relevant agencies to ensure that Cross River State is free from harmful practices against girls and elimination of sexual violence and other inequalities.

    “From the report, it shows that hundreds of millions of women and girls around the World do not own their bodies and their lives are governed by others. In Cross River, the practice of ‘money marriage’ has been abolished as our girls in the northern part of the state are no more subjected to such a practice. Ours is an inclusive agenda to ensure that the rights of our women and girls are protected hence the involvement/interaction with our traditional institutions to give it the much needed attention it deserves.”

    He used the medium to appreciate UNFPA for their support and commitment to the healthcare of Cross Riverians through the provision of medical supplies, upgrading of the School of Midwifery and the Fistula Centre at the General Hospital in Calabar and for establishing and equipping of youth friendly centres in the state which he affirmed to have served as safe spaces for the young people.

    Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the UNFPA Head of Cross River Sub-Office, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin said UNFPA is working towards achieving 3 transformative goals by 2030. He noted that the SWOP report is an annual report published by UNFPA.

    In his words: “The State of the World Population Report is a publication that is launched by UNFPA every year since 1978. In the report, we seek to draw attention to reproductive health, where we highlight issues that concern the health of women and girls. For this year we’re looking at the bodily autonomy of the women because we believe that it’s a fundamental human right for every women and for every girl to own their own body and decide what they want to do with their own body.

    “It also seeks to bring the attention of the World that issues like female genital mutilation and cutting should be avoided because it has not only medical implications, it has physical implications and but it’s is also a violation of the fundamental human rights of the girl”.

    In her goodwill message, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Corporation, Dr Inyang Asibong lauded UNFPA for being a formidable tool in ensuring that issues affecting women in the state are brought to the barest minimum. She added that the ministry will always support the team whenever the need arises.

    The theme for the 2021 SWOP report is, “My body is my own: claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination”. The report shows that Gender-unequal norms and attitudes lead to power imbalances in relationships that restrict women’s decisions, particularly when it comes to saying no to sex.

    It also reveals that patriarchal beliefs often translate into expectations that women defer to their husbands or partners in all aspects of their lives, including their sex lives, adding that these expectations may not only mean that a woman should always
    engage in sex whenever her husband wants it, but also that she should not initiate sex or openly express her desires.