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  • DG Caterpillar Movement Debunks Sandy Onor – Gershom Bassey As Gubernatorial Candidate And Running Mate

    PRESS RELEASE
    THE REAL ENEMIES OF CROSS RIVER STATE

    The attention of the Caterpillar Movement has been drawn to some spurious Campaign Posters released by a bunch of faceless mischief makers with the intention to undermine the enormous goodwill and more especially, the unity of purpose being enjoyed by the duo of Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor and Distinguished Senator Gershom Bassey.

    The Campaign Posters which potrayed distinguished Senator Sandy Onor and Dist Senator Gershom Bassey as gubernatorial candidate and running mate respectively are baseless, malicious and misleading. This irresponsible act is nothing but a figment of the imagination of some faceless charlatans whose real intention is to smear the integrity of our great Party, the PDP and incite the overwhelming Supporters of Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor and Distinguished Senator Gershom Bassey against one another.

    Aware that this is the second time, these faceless hirelings are coming up with such devious ploy to incite the public against our beloved party and Principal, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor, it has become imperative that we state categorically that Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor is too politically experienced to be derailed by such amateurish political tricks. We hereby disown in its entirety the malicious posters currently flying on different platforms. We admonish the mischief makers and enemies of cross river state to desist from further acts of malice against our Principal, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor even as we remain committed to the progress and welfare of all the people in Cross River State.

    God bless Cross River State!!

    Hon (Chief) Joe-Obi Bisong

    (DG, Caterpillar Movement)

  • UNICAL Law Student On The Run For Raping A Minor, Beware Of Fraudulent Job Adverts – CP

    UNICAL Law Student On The Run For Raping A Minor, Beware Of Fraudulent Job Adverts – CP

    By Archibong Jeremiah – CrossRiverWatch

    The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Sikiru Akande warned that Cross Riverians and dwellers should be aware of fraudulent job advertisement.

    CP Sikiru Akande gave the admonition following the defilement of a minor by a final year Law student of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, who is currently on the run.

    The alleged rapist, Mr. Emmanuel Friday Udofah committed the crime in a hotel he manages, Specs Investment Limited, State Housing Estate, Calabar Municipality.

    He had placed a vacancy notice in front of the hotel and the victim whose name is not mentioned in print unsuspectingly applied. In what was supposed to be an interview, she was pushed into one of the rooms and repeatedly raped.

    Speaking to this reporter, the State Chairperson of Child Protection Network, CPN, Barrister James Ibor disclosed that, “the victim which he knowingly defiled is still in critical condition, we are tracking him and will bring him to justice.”

    Barrister James Ibor who is the Principal Counsel, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, condemned the act and urged all and sundry to support the fight against child abuse.

  • SDGs Partners Obudu LGC, Distributes Teaching And Non Teaching Aid To Schools

    SDGs Partners Obudu LGC, Distributes Teaching And Non Teaching Aid To Schools

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Ministry of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, has partnered Obudu Local Government Council to distribute teaching and non teaching aids to primary schools pupils.

    The Council Chairman, Mr Boniface Eraye Eweh used the occasion to call on teachers and pupils of public primary schools in Obudu to make judicious use of the teaching and non teaching materials that are provided to aide effective teaching and learning.

    The Chairman was represented at the distribution exercise by the Secretary of Council, Chief Austin Akan.

    In his words “As a council, we are glad and must commend the commitment of SDGs for the complete overhauling of some primary schools in Obudu.

    “One of my core areas of interest is the advancement of education especially for the younger generation. If we fail to plan for these ones, we will miss our target. When we retire or are tired, this particular generation will be responsible for the administration of the affairs of the state, and we owe it as a duty to prepare them adequately for the future.

    “SDGs has come to save the situation, our schools were so dilapidated. The ministry have undertaken total overhauling of St Charles, St Patrick’s and St Stephen primary schools in Obudu, no one need to tell you the condition of these schools as they are currently, compared to what they were before now.

    “We will continue to call on the ministry to extend this overhauling to other schools in the Local Government Area”

    On his part, the Executive Secretary, Obudu Education Authority, Mr Peter Abotsi charged teachers and pupils of the schools to take advantage of the materials distributed to them to advance teaching and learning. He stressed that the effect of the materials distributed should be visible as much is expected from both the teachers and the pupils.

    Other dignitaries at the distribution exercise include;
    the Director for Education, Mrs Francisca Ikem, the Supervisor in Council for Education, Mrs Bright Adung.

    Football, first aid box, pictorial charts, iron buckets, exercise books among others were some of the items distributed.

    Recall that in September 2015, world leaders had adopted 17 SDGs with a universal call to action to end poverty, safeguard the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.

    The SDGs aims to tackle the root causes of poverty and unite the world to make positive changes for both the people and the planet.

    The distribution of customized SDGs teaching and non teaching aids is to create collaborative efforts to communicate the SDGs to pupils and communities.

    The materials were distributed to the following schools; St Stephen Primary School Obudu, St Patrick Primary School Obudu, St Charles Primary School Obudu, Community Primary School Bebuagbong, St Theresa Primary School, Ipong, St Colman’s Primary School Utugwang and Govt Primary School Ukpirinyi.

    The Chairman stated that distribution to other schools will continue.

  • As C’River LG Chairmen Marks One Year In Office, Dr Josephat Emeka In Review BY TIMOTHY ADIE

    As C’River LG Chairmen Marks One Year In Office, Dr Josephat Emeka In Review BY TIMOTHY ADIE

     

    Today, marks the first year that Hon. Dr. Josephat Emeka was sworn in as the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area. It has been a story of joy, tears, victory, losses and also a tale of guts, trials and glory. In the course of service so far, the Council Boss have experienced loyalty, betrayal and even seen deaths.

    When he took the Oath of Office on the 2nd of June 2020, he stated that he has come with the right vision to turn around things in Bekwarra Council by adopting strategic methods; including public private partnership initiatives to attract investment, generate employment and create wealth in Bekwarra. All he ever wanted for Bekwarra was to see it among the greatest areas in the entire 774 LGAs in the country.

    For effective leadership, dedication to duties and performance, upon resumption of office, the Chairman, immediately undertook an on the spot assessment tour of the ten Wards in Bekwarra. lndeed, these land mark tour did not only depict the essence of the local government administration, but it brought excitement to the heart of the people because of the remarkable effect it had on them.

    The Council Boss repaired to full working condition, abandoned two Council Toyota Hilux to ease the movement of council officials.

    As It is often said that “Health is wealth”, the administration invested in Primary Health Care to cater for health related needs and enhance socio-economic lives of the people. In line with the above, the council has revamped, renovated and Commissioned Two Health Posts at Ibiaragidi-Iye and Beten. The one at Ibiaragidi-Iye has been fully upgraded to a Health Center; providing primary health care services to the people.

    The administration built and commissioned two functional bore-holes to provide clean and portable drinking water to the populace. This was done in collaboration with the Community Service Development Project (CSDP).

    Under his able leadership, there’s massive improvement in healthcare services and Bekwarra is now ranked first in terms of quality primary health care service delivery in Cross River State and an Award presented to the Director of Primary Health Care Bekwarra Local Government Council to that effect.

    The Council Boss also repaired to full working condition the abandoned Primary Health Care Ambulance vehicle and it is now in use.

    In collaboration with his team, The Chairman have been able to get 85% of staff to be punctual and at their various duty post till the close of work. This wasn’t so before my resumption of office were you could find only about 3% of the staff present.

    Through the intervention of the Council Boss and in collaboration with BorderCom, Bekwarra LGA has been captured into the survey plan of the state government for border communities. Considerable success has been recorded as he also supported the communities with funds to enable them benefit from the state government blue print for border communities in the state. This is for the purpose of boundaries and community development, through assessment and intervention.

    The Council Boss successfully hosted a consultative assembly of Bekwarra Traditional Rulers, where topical traditional issues concerning Bekwarra were effectively discussed for the growth and development of the local government.

    The 2020 Bekwarra New Yam Festival and cultural celebration was a milestone as the Council Boss demonstrated unequalled love and care by providing Ten Cows to the ten council wards for the occasion. This was followed with cash donations to enable the Bekwarra people celebrate with ease.

    The Council Gaffer restored normalcy along Bekwarra- katsina -Ala highway. The blockade of the highway by “Illegal Produce Operators” causing untold hardship to commuters and road users plying the highway is now a thing of the past. Road blocks, indiscriminate and unlawful collection of funds by toll collectors also has been called to order.

    Promotion of sports development, unity and cohesion amongst the Bekwarra people. This was evident during the Chairman’s Cup as cash prizes and trophies were presented to participating teams in the competition in the 2020 Chairman’s New Yam football competition across the ten council wards of Bekwarra LGA. The Chairman equally revived Bekwarra United Football Club and sponsored their participation in the 2020 Governor’s Cup.

    He facilitated Covid-19 sensitization and awareness campaign across the LGA and distribution of nose masks and hand sanitizers to residents of the LGA.

    Currently, the Council Boss has initiated a deal with the Bank of Industries (BOI) for loans for Bekwarra Sons and Daughters who have one skill or the other. The idea according to him is also aimed at human capital development, self empowerment, growth and economic sustainability.

    The Council Boss empowered 10 Bekwarra women with capital to start and improve on any business of their choice.

    Planting and beautification of the council was undertaken by the Council Boss. Construction of a drainage system and trees blocking the main entrance of the political block at the council Secretariat has been uprooted to pave way for easy access to the Block

    Construction of entrance gate for the council at the Administrative and Political block which is now giving the coucil a more deserving look.

    Renovation of dilapidated office toilets and construction of new ones within the Council Secretariat that were left in shambles.

    Revalidation of authorized council number plates which has been in the possession of unauthorized persons has also been enforced at the instance of the Council Boss.

    The administration’s efforts have also yielded fruit as efforts geared towards the establishment of Bekwarra Innovative and Technology Academy (BITA). It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with ongoing discussion with NBTE. When fully operational, the Academy will produce time tested graduates in Information and Communications Technology for the emerging market.

    The Chairman have also embarked on the renovation and replacement of office doors and windows in both the Legislative and Political block, acquisition of more office tables and chairs to enbale staff discharge their duties efficiently.

    The Chairman sponsored the construction of two boreholes at the Administrative and Political block respectively. This is to provide water for staff members and the council community

    He facilitated partnership with the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) for a robust and all involving health awareness campaign and sensitization of communities on HIV/AIDs and other communicable diseases.

    In collaboration with the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) Bekwarra Chapter, the Chairman has ensured relative improvement in the Christian lives and ethics of staff through periodic solemn assembly and the formation of a standard fellowship for all staff, holding every Wednesday from 8-9am.

    The Chairman within the year under review ensured equitable distribution of palliatives to Bekwarra people, including the Hausa/Fulani and Igbo communities. This according to him was aimed at cushioning and alleviating the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the people.

    The Chairman also donated a brand new power generating set to Abuochiche community to enable them access portable and regular water supply.

    The Chairman also during his one year in office, embarked on a routine visitation to Primary Schools across the 10 wards in Bekwarra where he gave scholarships to some pupils, distributed writing materials (books, pen and pencils), sandals, chairs etc. St. Christopher’s Primary School Abuochiche, St. Edward Primary School Nyanya Ulim, Community Primary School Otukpuru Afaa, St. Sylvester’s Primary School Ububa Iye, St. David’s Primary School Ochagbe and St. Ignatius Primary School Afrike Okpeche are amongs schools visited so far.

    In a quest to identify the plights of the people and alleviate them by bringing succor to those who needs it most. The Chairman, through the Firstlady, distributed gifts items such as rice, salts, clothing materials amongst several others to women across the ten political wards in Bekwarra and the Igbo community as well.

    The Chairman through the Firstlady, successfully organized a maiden and premier edition of Christmas party for Children, orphans, less privileged and special people in Bekwarra.

    During the 2020 yuletide season, the Council Boss embarked on a visit to Orphanage homes and Hospitals, and provided welfare for the less privileged, paid hospital bills in part and in full for some recovered patients who could not afford to pall their bills within the local government and beyond.

    Celebrates 2021 Armed Forces Remeberance Day Celebration on January 15, in Bekwarra where he used the opportunity to commend all the ex-service men in Bekwarra of their high sense of discipline in their various communities despite the monumental challenges facing them.

    Granting scholarships to some Bekwarra students in various tertiary institutions across the Country.

    Donation of wheelchairs and sewing machines to some vunerable and special people within the local government.

    Recipient of the Youth Leadership Forum Exemplary Family Award which was in recognition of his Outstanding Performance and Contribution towards Youth Development and Capacity Building in Cross River State

    Sponsoring the celebration of the 2021 International Day of People with Disabilities. A gesture that is unprecedented in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Construction of a new Notice Board at the political block there by pitting an end to the defacing of the block with notices and press releases.

    Empowered Youths and Special People on Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programs. The Council Boss while inaugurating the 2nd Batch of beneficiaries reiterated that the best thing that can happen to anyone in need of jobs and source of livelihood is to acquire skills that will bring succor and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income.

    As Napoleon will have it that: “Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation” The administration did not leave the women behind as both the International Women’s Day and Easter were celebrated with them and women included in all policies, programs and interventions of the administration.

    Also the administration within the year in review, resucitated the Women Development and Skills Acquisition Centre in the local government that has been shutdown and abandoned for ages back to full functionality.

    In collaboration with relevant authorities, the Council Boss ensured the reopening of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrollment office in the Secretariat. This was to ease the plight of the Bekwarra people that have been encountering several challenges in accessing enrollment centres with the neighboring Council Areas

    Recepient of the prestigious and meritorious Rootswatch National Award as one of the best performing Chairmen on the Distinguished Local Government Chairmen & Nigerian Democratic Pill which was in recognition of his sterling and quality performance on human capacity building, manpower efficiency and infrastructural development, accountability, welfare of the aged and women, health services, youth empowerment, education and for been able to steadily turnaround the fortunes of Bekwarra Local Government Council and beyond.

    The Council Boss was also honoured with an Award of Excellence from the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), University of Abuja Chapter in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards the growth of students in Bekwarra Local Government Area.

    Inspite of limited resources, the Council Boss went extra mile to ensure Bekwarra Youths celebrates the 2021 Children’s Day. Writing materials, bags, and water bottles were distributed to schools accross the repectives wards in the local government.

    The Council Boss sponsored the celebration of the 28th World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the first of its kind. The day is set aside as an advocacy platform aimed at breaking the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms and stigma around Menstrual Health and Hygiene. As part of the event, sanitary materials and souvenirs were distributed across selected Secondary Schools on Bekwarra.

    However, although some may have their reservation, huge successes have been recorded in all ramifications in just one year, the promise remained sure. Bekwarra is now peaceful and open for business albeit we are still in a continous battle of sustaining peace and order.

    The Chairman on his part, have proven that he will not falter or stand down but continue on the progressive path to liberate the people of Bekwarra (both indigenes and residents) from the shackles of illiteracy, backwardness and poverty.

    We shall continually operate an open and transparent administration accountable to the people we serve.

    Bekwarra shall be great again and we shall succeed.

    Happy One Year Anniversary!

    Timothy Adie

     

  • Dr Ekpenyong Charges Students To Shun Drug Usage As We Mark World No Tobacco Day

    Dr Ekpenyong Charges Students To Shun Drug Usage As We Mark World No Tobacco Day

    By Simon Ushie

    For over 30 years, the world Health Organization and it’s member states have seek ways to curb the growing incidences of tobacco usage across the globe, employing best practices like sensitization on the dangers of its usage among the young and old.

    In an event to mark the “World no Tobacco” day celebration in calabar, the Cross River State Capital, teenagers and school children were the target, as the goal was to teach them early the devastation that awaits tobacco consumers.

    Speaking at Army Day Secondary School, Ikot Ansa Calabar, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency reminded the students that “You all have no business experimenting with drugs of any kind, be it tobacco, cannabis or hard drugs”.

    She said, drug is a killer of dreams, shortener of life and pathway to self destruction as she urged them to shun every wrong company that seek to introduce them to the use of tobacco.

    “I have never seen anyone who goes into drug and end up being something meaningful in life, the best you can do for yourself is to focus on your studies and be of good conduct in order to become productive in the future.

    The state Governor , Senator Ben Ayade has ensured that students get the best of healthcare as well as education, this should at least serve as a reminder that you all have a society that cares about you.

    She further enumerated various effects of tobacco consumption including cardiovascular disease, cancer as well as mental illnesses to them as she thanked the Calabar Cancer registry for collaborating with the Agency to raise awareness.

    Director of the Calabar Cancer Registry, Professor Ima-Obong Ekanem said the growing concern on tobacco use can be attributed to indiscriminate use of these products by perceived “role models” who have continually influenced young people negatively.

    She urged those who have already begun smoking to quite noting that “quitters are winners” as that will enhance their heart beat, immunity and brain cell formation as well as degeneration of cancer cells.

    Principal of the School, Mrs Emem Etim applauded the efforts of the organizers as she noted that the gesture will remain fresh in the minds of the students and assist them in making right choices as it concerns their health and social life.

    She promised to continually make ready opportunities for students where they will will learn more extra-curricular activities but essential for their growth and development.

    Some students who spoke thanked the school management and organizers of the event for the knowledge impacted upon them as they promised to remain good and law abiding citizens.

    Also in attendance was Special Adviser to the Governor on health, Dr David Ushie, representative of the Commissioner for Education , members of the military Community, staff and students of the Army Day Secondary School Ikot Ansa, Calabar Cancer Registry among others.

  • Insecurity: President Buhari Breaks Silence, Vows Action Against Criminals

    Insecurity: President Buhari Breaks Silence, Vows Action Against Criminals

     

    The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal with criminals stating that whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives.

    In release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari indicates that those behind security threat wants the administration to fail.

    The release reads in full “I receive daily security reports on the attacks on critical national infrastructure, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail. Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We’ve given them enough time.

    “I received a briefing today from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on the series of attacks on their facilities nationwide. These attacks are totally unacceptable, and we will not allow those behind them to achieve their evil objectives.

    “I have assured INEC that we will make available to them everything they need to operate efficiently, so that no one will say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We will meet all of INEC’s demands.

    “In the area of security, we have changed the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General, and we are demanding that they rise fully to the challenges confronting us. There must be zero tolerance for all those those bent on destroying our country by promoting crime and insurrection!

    “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”.

     

  • CRSG To Embark On Staff Audit, Set To Weed Ghost Workers

    CRSG To Embark On Staff Audit, Set To Weed Ghost Workers

    The Cross River State government is set to commence staff audit across the state to weed ghost worker.

    The Office of the Head of Service (H.O.S),  has released a schedule for the 2021 Staff Audit of State-owned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    In a release sighted by TheLumineNews and signed by the Head Of Service, Mrs Geraldine Akpet- Ekanem indicates that the exercise is aimed at “removing ghost workers” from the payroll.

    Attached is the timetable for the audit.

  • NGO Sends SOS To 100 Boki Stakeholders, Call For Quick Action To Save Their Forest

    NGO Sends SOS To 100 Boki Stakeholders, Call For Quick Action To Save Their Forest

    By Patrick Obia – CrossRiverWatch

    Rainforest Resource and Development Centre, RRDC, has sent SOS to 100 Boki Local Government Council (Cross River State) sons and daughters well placed in the society to rescue their God-given resources.

    The group in a letter signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Odey Oyama and addressed to the Boki stakeholders revealed that it had carried out a study (Reconnaissance Surveys) in the Local Government Council which is in the Central Senatorial District of the State and discovered that, the region’s natural resources are raped on round-the-clock without remorse.

    Letter reads in full: “Reconnaissance Surveys conducted by the Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), has confirmed the existence of widespread destruction and degradation of the rich natural, pristine tropical high forest in the entire Boki Community. It is evident that the people of Boki have not benefited collectively from the colossal loss of their God-given resources. The implication of this unfortunate development will be the total loss of the rich natural heritage of the people of Boki and their unborn generations.

    “We are therefore by this clarion call, asking the under listed prominent sons and daughters of Boki communities, to please crystalize an action group. The proposed Action Group should incorporate and mobilize all the Royal Fathers and other respected Elders and Opinion Leaders, to take urgent action to stem the tide of destruction that is ongoing in their rich natural heritage.

    “It is our considered opinion that if properly preserved, the forest of Boki, including the Afi Wildlife Sanctuary, the Drill Ranch (Pandrillus) program as well as the Cross River National Park program at Bushi Okwangwo, could be presented to UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This would certainly bring greater honour and financial rewards to the landlord communities.

    “Urgent action is needed to stop the forest bandits from destroying the remaining forest resources of Boki Nation. If such collective action is taken promptly, the sons and daughters of the present day Boki will certainly be exonerated from blame, when future generations of Boki sons and daughters will demand for explanations of the whereabouts of their vast natural inheritances placed under your care. We therefore implore the following personalities to please institute URGENT ACTION to save the only remaining forest resources in Boki.

    The list of 100 Boki stakeholders the SOS was sent to by the NGO.

    “Honorable Chairman, Sir, we thank you and the above listed personalities for the time and the resources that this project will certainly demand from you. We wish to assure you that, future generations of Boki sons and daughters in particular; and of Cross River State in general, will remember you and your genuine efforts with gratitude and high honor. Please kindly act now before it is too late; for the World is watching your reaction. THE TIME IS NOW.”

  • Social Safety Net: Cross River Flags Off World Bank State-wide Rapid Response Register

    Social Safety Net: Cross River Flags Off World Bank State-wide Rapid Response Register

    By Admin

    Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR), that will enable the low-income earners benefit from stipends as part of measures to ease the state economy from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

    The state Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong while performing the flag off in Calabar Municipality Area of Cross River, said the target beneficiaries are “self-employed”, “wage employed” and “urban poor.”

    Asibong said Cross River State Government is collaborating with the World Bank , using “cutting-edge” technology, to undertake a pilot scheme for the programme.

    The commissioner explained that with the flag off, vulnerable people will be captured in the National Social Register (NSR) to enable them benefit from the National Social Safety net programme.

    “Governor Ben Ayade made this new opportunity possible , leveraging on the support of the Federal Government to enable this category of people, who were not previously captured in the social register, to rapidly identify, register and provide them with succour.

    “The RRR is designed to focus mainly on the urban poor wards selected using scientifically validated methods of satellite remote sensing technology, machine learning algorithm and big data analysis.

    “We are keying into the social protection method with the first strategy to be developed and tested across the 18 local government areas ,starting with 6 LGAs with poverty index in Cross River State.

    “Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR) Scheme aimed at reducing poverty among the poor and vulnerable citizens across the State”she added.

    Those in attendance at the flag off were Mr. Chris Anake, State Coordinator NASSCO; Mrs. Mbong Ausaji, Director of Administration MIDC; Mr. Mike Mgbekem, Director of Programs, MIDC; Mr. Otu Edem, Director PRS as well as the management and staff of State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU).

  • Margaret Inde Hosts Interactive Session For Cross River Urban To Rural Women Mentorship Programme In Obanliku

    Margaret Inde Hosts Interactive Session For Cross River Urban To Rural Women Mentorship Programme In Obanliku

    By John Akpo

    The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Evang. Hon Mrs. Margaret Inde today played host to Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade as she held interactive session with Obanliku maidens, women, widows and others at the Council Secretariat in Sankwala.

    Dr. Linda Ayade who was represented by the Special Adviser, Cross River State Water Board LTD and Coordinator, Cross River Urban to Rural Women Mentorship Program, Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) and Mr Fred Abua, the Press Secretary to her Excellency said this meeting was the first major interface with the 200 beneficiaries of the mentorship and empowerment program designed for young women.

    Receiving the team on behalf of Hon Margaret Inde, the First Lady and the Obanliku CROWEI Ambassador, Mrs Victoria Ugbe, along with the CROWEI Coordinator, Obanliku Chapter, Mrs Ulam thanked Dr (Mrs) Linda Ayade for matching her words with action.

    She expressed her sincere appreciation and happiness for Her Excellency choosing to commence the pilot phase of this laudable initiative in Obanliku.

    The Ambassador assured that Obanliku will ensure a smooth implimentation and sustainability of the program.

    Recall that on the 7th May, 2021, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade Inaugurated the State Exco for her new programme, CROWEI Urban To Rural Women Support Initiative Programme (CRU2RWI) with Hon. Agnes Atsu (JP) as State Coordinator with a charge to commence the pilot phase at Obanliku Local Government Area immediately.

    Today, Obanliku maidens, widows and others gathered at the Council Secretariat Sankwala from their various wards for an interactive session with the State Coordinator and her team.

    Speaking during the interactive session, the State Coordinator, Hon Agnes Atsu (JP) appreciated all participants and encouraged all to take advantage of the opportunity to better their life thereby fullfiling destiny

    Hon Atsu stressed that unlike other empowerment programs that has no good follow up, the organizers of this one will ensure proper monitoring and evaluation, hence plans are already on ground.

    In her words “Her Excellency is committed to ensure an implimentation of sustainable empowerment where beneficiaries can leverage on and create fortunes for themselves and their families”

    “We are aware, that many are here to get this empowerment, sell whatever would be given and return to their normal life, I assure you, we will drive you through a training process after which you will now be empowered”

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Press Secretary to her Execellency, Mr Fred Abua who also doubles as the Committee Secretary briefed the participants on the need for all to show seriousness and follow every step of the training.

    He also noted that “empowering women is very vital in every society especially like ours, if the society must experience rapid development, hence the idea of Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade”

    At the meeting, Hon Agnes Atsu informed the participants that very soon a team of trainers shall come and will take the participants on various entrepreneurial skills, trade and lots more.