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  • Meet West Africa’s Youngest PhD Holder Who Won University Of Bangul’s All-Time Best Award

    Meet West Africa’s Youngest PhD Holder Who Won University Of Bangul’s All-Time Best Award

    By: George Odok

    Dr. Olaoluwa Hallowed Oluwadara had his Ph.D., at the age of 24, in Mathematics, making him the youngest West African with a doctorate degree.

    The Ekiti State indigene, born in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), who graduated from the University of Lagos, Akoka, as the Best Graduating Ph.D. holder in 2013, has two first (First Class) degrees and Master’s degrees, in Mathematics and Physics which were run simultaneously, at the University of Bangui, Central African Republic.

    Olaoluwa Hallowed Oluwadara won the University of Bangui’s All-Time Best Student Award from the Department of Mathematics (B.Sc), Best B.Sc Student Award in Physics, 2007, and Best M.Sc Awards in Physics and Mathematics respectively in 2008.

    He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University and his research has shifted to the more theoretical study of quantum ergodicity in mathematical physics which ultimately applies to optimisation of various systems in computer science, thermodynamics, optics, etc. #HistoryVille

  • IGP, Adamu Orders Immediate Deployment Of Recently Trained SWAT Officers Across The Country

    IGP, Adamu Orders Immediate Deployment Of Recently Trained SWAT Officers Across The Country

    Culled From Vanguard

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate deployment of recently trained officers of the special Weapon and Tactical Team, SWAT.

    Adamu ordered SWAT deployment for routine patrols across the country.

    The IGP’s directive was addressed to the 17 Assistant Inspector Generals of Police in the Force and Commissioners of Police in Nigeria.

    A statement with reference number CH:5350/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.20/340 was tagged “Deployment of Newly Formed Special Weapon and Tactical Team operatives,” Vanguard reports.

    The statement read: “The Inspector General of Police directs that all recently selected and trained Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT) operatives are to be deployed for routine duties across areas of responsibility immediately.”
    The IGP had inaugurated SWAT following the disbandment of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, F-SARS.

    F-SARS was disbanded due to brutality and extortion of Nigerians.

    The brutality perpetrated by the unit had led to a widespread protest tagged End SARS.

  • Margaret Inde Partners IFAD- Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise In The Niger Delta Project

    Margaret Inde Partners IFAD- Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise In The Niger Delta Project

    By: John Akpo

    The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area Evang. Hon. Mrs Margaret Inde last weekend received in her office a team from the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise In The Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.

    Hon. Inde represented by the Secretary of Council, Mr Austin Ikwen and the Supervisor for Agriculture, Mr Monday Ugare welcomed the team and assured them of the readiness of the Obanliku people to embrace any agricultural venture that can add value to their lives taking into consideration our rich and fertile land

    The State Project Coordinator, Mr Ogbin I.M thanked the Chairman for the warm reception accorded them, stating that Obanliku was lucky to be selected for the project and begged that women and youths should take advantage of the opportunity

    Mr Ogbin said the Federal government of Nigeria has received financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) towards the implementation of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta ((LIFE-ND) Project.

    The Project Coordinator explained that the project is aimed at enhancing income, job creation and food security through Agribusiness enterprise development in a sustainable manner in the Niger Delta Region.

    He further briefed that in it’s targeting strategy, the Project is focusing on unemployed and under employed rural youths (aged 18-35) and women heading households with children below 15 years willing to engage in the production, processing and marketing of selected commodities in their communities using the incubator model”.

    Obanliku is selected among the participating local governments, the sampled communities for the pilot face from Obanliku includes; Bayamang, Bukemaya, Begiagba, Bendigie, Bebi- Begbong

    Hon. Inde appreciated the team and reassured the team of adequate security as they engage the villages involved.

     

  • Sen. Sandy Onor Condoles With The Family Of Late Chief Ben Nkpe Otu, Describes Him As A Humble And Peaceful Man

    Sen. Sandy Onor Condoles With The Family Of Late Chief Ben Nkpe Otu, Describes Him As A Humble And Peaceful Man

    By: Caterpillar Media

    The Distinguished Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Ntufam Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor, yesterday, 11th December 2020 condoled with the family of Late Chief Ben Nkpe Otu as they consigned his mortal remains to mother earth. In his moving tribute delivered at the magnificent Saint Mark De Evangelist Parish at Kakwagom in Irruan, Boki LGA, Senator Onor described the late Chief Ben Otu as a peaceful and humble man.

    The the Senator also commendes the motivational and challenging homily delivered by Rev. Fr Patrick Okuta. Sen. Onor stated that the life and deeds of Chief Otu, who showed so much passion and commitment to the advancement and welfare of his people despite the fact that he never got elected at any point, should inspire elected officers to do better.

    The Distinguished Senator said that the heavy news of the passing of Chief Otu hit him very hard, the same way it must have hit many other friends and family members of the deceased.

    Speaking further he stated that “Chief Otu had just retired from the services of the National Assembly. Being a booking senator, a first timer, I was just beginning to learn how to learn from his experience in the National Assembly, when he got retired from service, but was still a very happy man regardless. A couple months after retiring he invited me to one of his projects in Abuja, a hotel project and we were glad to commission it. Chief was looking forward to a life of peaceful retirement, being a very peaceful and humble man. One of the humblest of men that I have met in spite of how profoundly God has blessed him. But I stand here a bit happy because I had the opportunity to relate with members of his family particularly, Barrister Nkpe and I can say it to the hearing of everyone that he was blessed with a great family. I have no doubt at all that his family will do even better than what Chief did in his lifetime.”

    Turning attention to his widow, Sen. Onor spoke with more passion: “Madam, I know that you are very hurt, but you’re a devote Catholic the way Chief was. Chief fought a good fight; he had finished the race; he had left a strong legacy for you and your children. He had left great things and goodwill among the various persons that he dealt with so well. So be rest assured that he has just gone to Heaven to prepare a better place for all of you.”

    On behalf of the very good people of the Central Senatorial District, whose mandate I hold and promise to discharge creditably, I want to wish Chief’s soul safe passage to God’s bosom, Amen.

  • Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor Bags Award Of Recognition From Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor Bags Award Of Recognition From Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    By Caterpillar Media

    The Distinguished Senator representing Cross River State Central Senatorial District, Ntufam Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has been bestowed with an award of Recognition. Coming from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ikom/Etung LGA of Cross River State, the award is in recognition of his immense contribution to the development and wellbeing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in particular and the society at large.

    Making the presentation on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ikom/Etung, the President General, Agwu Prince praised and eulogised the Distinguished Senator for his exceptional support for the organisation and provision of basic social infrastructure/amenities for the betterment of his people and the society at large.

    In his response, Sen. Onor thanked Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the recognition and renewed his commitment to continue to give priority to the welfare and wellbeing of his people.

  • UNDP Installs Gov. Ayade As Goodwill Ambassador, Lauds MIDC And Stakeholders On SDGs integration

    UNDP Installs Gov. Ayade As Goodwill Ambassador, Lauds MIDC And Stakeholders On SDGs integration

     

    The United Nations Development Programs and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammad Buhari has installed the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade, Goodwill Ambassador for creating the Ministry of International Development Cooperation which is at the front line in increasing donor presence in the state, to enhance the capacity of MDAs and Local Governments to initiate and implement relevant developmental projects and for bringing stakeholders to build productive partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The UNDP representative, Mr Femi Ogunlege while installing the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Tina B. Agbor lauded the efforts of Cross River State for building productive partnerships with the UN under the “Delivering as One” modality and formulation of a draft Donor Coordination Policy which many states lack and beginning to learn from the Cross River initiative.

    Also speaking during the installation, the Representative of the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mrs Rose Keffas lauded the efforts of the state Statistician Dr. Josephat Ogar. She stated that Dr. Josephat Ogar has done well in ensuring MDAs in the state have verifiable data unlike other states without data to work with. She said “data is a key resource to monitor the implementation of the SDGs, it helps to facilitate standards, accountability and implement an evidence based practice.”

    At the wrap up of the Advocacy and sensitization of policy and Legislation on the implementation by SDGs at Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Hon. Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong urged Line MDAs to integrate the SDGs into state budget to drive in partners who will set an ambitious path to achieve SDGs 2030.

    Goodwill messages from the Ministry of Water Resources, Health, Environment, Establishment, Information, CRSPHCDA, CRGIA, Accountant General, Budget office among other MDAs reassured the UNDP of their commitment to strengthen their working relationship with MIDC in the mainstream and incorporating of SDGs into the medium and long term development plans of the state.

  • C/River Gov’t Optimistic On Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, Says Dr. Asibong

    C/River Gov’t Optimistic On Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, Says Dr. Asibong

    By George Odok Jnr

    The Cross River Government has expressed its readiness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 in the state.

    Dr Inyang Asibong, Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, gave the assurance during a sensitisation workshop organised by her ministry for Policy Heads and Legislators on the implementation of the SDGs.

    The workshop, which was held at the Obudu Ranch Resort, was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on SDGs.

    Asibong said that her ministry was the coordinating ministry for the achievement and implementation of the SDGs which is divided into environmental, economic and social.

    According to her, the year 2020 was marked for Sustainable Development Goals, hence the state needed to achieve the goals.

    “As a state, we need to achieve this goals. SDGs are everything we can think of and in Cross Ricer, we are already on the move, coordinating and working with other implementing Ministries, Departments and Afencies.

    “We have a wide range of MDAs here with us and our focus is to brainstorm and see how we can achieve this goals.

    “After this, we are going to set up a steering committee on SDGs. The committee will be known at the state, national and international level with a view to propel the state towards attainment of SDGs,” she said.

    Speaking, Dr Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, said that they were in Cross River to support the state in their effort to mainstream and integrate the relevant SGDs into their medium and long term development plans.

    Yunusa said that following the expiration of the development goals in 2015, world leaders met, including Nigeria, to adopt the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

    He explained that the agenda envision the present and future that is economically sustainable, socially inclusive and environmentally resilient.

    He said that the 2030 agenda is expressed through the premium of 17 Sstainable Development Goals, 169 targets and 230 key performance indicators.

    “These are universal goals adopted by world leaders by way of holding themselves accountable for their commitment towards international development.

    “We are in Cross River to also see the mechanism put in place to help strengthen the state to be able to do medium and long term development plan that is SDG based.

    “That means a plan and aspiration based on the development priorities of Cross River, but embedded within the SDG framework so that all the resources of the state will then be channelled towards the implementation of the relevant SDG that the state will choose to intergrate,” he said.

    In his remarks, Gov. Ben Ayade of the state, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Tina Agbor, said that the decision of the state to create a ministry for International Development cooperation in 2019 was well conceived.

    He explained that his administration has given utmost priority to industrialisation and agricultural revolution in the state.

    Mr Edward Ajang, a member of the Cross River House of Assembly and Chairman House Committee on International Development and SGDs, said that the state had witnessed massive development through the SDGs.

    Ajang said that under the SDGs, Cross River has witnessed improvement in primary healthcare, access to basic education, reduction in infant and maternal mortality, improved sanitation among others.

  • Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba Buries Wife Amidst Tears, Says He Should Be Bury Beside His Wife If He Dies

    Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba Buries Wife Amidst Tears, Says He Should Be Bury Beside His Wife If He Dies

    By Admin

    The leader of the 7th senate, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, after losing his mother, mother in-law, aide, and house to hoodlums this year, buried his late wife on Saturday, and said he should be buried next to his wife if he dies.

    Ndoma-Egba who lost his wife, Amaka to accident in November, made this kniwn on Saturday in Akparabong, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State during the interment service of his wife.

    “Whenever I die, bury me beside my wife”, Ndoma-Egba told the officiating minister and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Rev. Fr. Dr. Donatus Akpan.

    Ndoma-Egba was former Senate Leader and Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District.

    He averred that  “my wife was devoted to service of humanity and she did not only established public infrastructure such as schools and the Catholic parish where she was buried. She developed many individuals. No one comes to our house as a none graduate and leaves without being a graduate”.

    The former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission also noted that many sorrowful things have happened to him this year and people have asked God why. “I can’t question God because He has blessed me many times in a year and he never questioned why the many blessings. I am grateful for that Amaka, though she lived a short life but it was a fulfilled life”.

    Delivering his sermon, Bishop Akpan said: “No one can escape death. Some would say why wouldn’t she had live longer than died”. He described late Amaka as a peaceful individual who treated people with honour and showed no disdain to people who go close to her.

    Condolence messages also came from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Nigerian Senate President, Armed Lawan, Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade, Sen. Sandy Onor,  senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and several others.

    The interment service was attended by many dignitaries including the former governor of the state, Donald Duke and his wife Onari, the deputy governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, and many members of the state executive council among many others.

    Amaka, born 54 years ago was betrothed to Ndoma-Egba when he was a commissioner in the state.

     

  • Cross River Police Command Nabs Robbery Suspects In Calabar

    Cross River Police Command Nabs Robbery Suspects In Calabar

    Culled from the Nation

    The Police Command in Cross River State has arrested four suspects who were allegedly involved in a reported robbery case on Sunday in Calabar where a victim was shot and later confirmed dead in the hospital.

    The robbery incident occurred at #6 Asang Eniong Street, Calabar South LGA in the early morning hours when the robbers attacked the compound and eventually shot by the mouth, one of the victims whose name was given as Ekanem Ekanem- male, 48 years. He was later confirmed dead in the Navy Hospital Calabar.

    Commissioner of Police Abdulkadir Jimoh who paraded the suspects before newsmen disclosed that the acted upon intelligence and was directed to Goldie market close to Unical Goldie- gate where they suspects were arrested.

    He named the suspects as Theophilus Nwosu M’ aged 25years; Godwin Ekwen M’ aged 27 years; Adigor Emmanuel M’ aged 20 years and Benjare Clement Arikpo m’ aged 30 years. The items recovered from them are as follows; Two locally made Pistols; One live cartridge; One expended cartridge; Two android Techno Phones; One small Itel phone and One Fantom Phone.

    CP Jimoh noted that investigation is still on and warned hoodlums who don’t want to turn a new leaf and they off crime to be rest assured that the State Command of the Nigerian Police will fish them out to face the law.

    Recall that the Police command in the state, last week secured the reprimand of 8 suspects at the Afokang Correctional Service centre, Calabar on charges of kidnapping, terrorism and possession of illegal firearms.

    A Federal High sitting in Calabar gave the order in Charge numbers FHC / CA / 94c / 2020 and three others on a two count charge of charges number: FHC /CA/95c / 2020 for three others.

    The Presiding Judge ,Justice S.M Shaibu ordered that the 8 defendants be remanded at Calabar Correctional facility on a three count charge and two count charge respectively levelled against them by the police.

    He ordered that the 8 of them be remanded till 25 of February 2021 at the centre pending their trial at the Federal High Court 1 ,Calabar.

    Recall that the 8 of them were arrested by Operation Delta Safe,OPDS and handed over to the police before they were charged to a Federal High Court by the Federal Government ( Nigeria Police Force).

    The Nation learnt that Ita Ndiyo 28, KENNETH ATU IV’ 32 ,Idiang Idisng 33,BASSEY OKON 27 ,Ndifon Ajom ‘ 23 YEARS were arrested with 2 Pump action guns, (2) 1 Locally made pistol gun, (3) 10 Live cartridges, (4) Six 9mm live ammunitions as they dispossessed a Cameroonian and other victims of cash in the tune of 3 .8 million naira as well as CFA270,000.00 in Cameroon CFA and were arrested on the act.

    Others include Moses Edem 18 Godwin Nyong 24 and 19 years Bassey Etim who were also arrested by OPDS after they picked and held their victim, Mrs. Theresa Francis Nyong and held her hostage for some days and demanded ransom of Thirty Million NairaN30.000,000.00).

    All 8 of them pleaded not guilty to all the charges leveled against them by police as the matter was adjourned to February 25, 2021 and March 3 and 4 while other would be on March 15 to 17 respectively.

  • Nigerian Artist Omah Lay Charged To Court In Uganda For Allegedly Defying Covid19 Orders

    Nigerian Artist Omah Lay Charged To Court In Uganda For Allegedly Defying Covid19 Orders

    By Inakefe Denis

    Nigeria Artist is said to be arrested and charged to court in Uganda for violating Covid-19 protocols.

    Omah Lay said all effort by Nigerian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs seeking his release have been rejected.

    Few months ago,Funke Akindele aka Jennifer was arrested here in Nigeria for violating covid19 guidelines and Nigerians condemned the government action. Here were are having Uganda Government arresting and charging to court a Nigerian for covid19 violation.

    Omah Lay is one of the best and sensational Nigerian artist.