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Akpanke Celebrates Obudu New Yam Festival With Different Unions

By Awade Friday

The Member Representing Obanliku, Bekwarra and Obudu Federal Constituency, celebrates the Obudu New Yam festival with members of different union at the park in Obudu, Local Government.

The Representatives of the Different Union from Drivers, Cyclist, Hunters, The Collabo Association, Hair Dressers, Phone Repairers, Technicians, Tailors, Mechanics etc who came out in their Numbers to receive Hon. Peter Akpanke expressed gratitude over his show of Support and interest towards the Celebration of Obudu New Yam.

In his address, Hon Akpanke thanked the different Union for their support during the Elections and reassured them of his Continuous availability and show of interest towards their Growth and Development as his constituents.

Hon Akpanke’s continuous participation in the Obudu New Yam festival over the years, Demonstrates his love and respect for the cultural heritage of his people. His willingness to celebrate with the people and support their cultural activities is a clear indication of his leadership style, which is grounded in empathy, humility, and service to the people.

September 2, 2023
Nigerian Army Dismisses Musa Adamu For Preaching The Gospel Of Jesus While In Service Uniform On Social Media

A soldier identified as Musa Adamu has been dismissed by the Nigerian army authorities for preaching about Jesus Christ while in service uniform on social media.

It would be recalled that in July, 2023, Adamu, a Lance Corporal with service number 13NA/70/6100 and attached to Amphibious Training School Personnel (ATSCalabar) unit in Calabar, Cross River State, was locked up for preaching while in the uniform.

In some videos seen on his page, the soldier with the Facebook name “Aaron Abraham” is heard telling his followers to repent and turn from their evil ways as he prayed for them. It is reported that he was born a Muslim and recently converted to Christianity.

The Benue state-born soldier is said to have been in detention for over 45 days while his salary was stopped over 6 months ago.

However, in a video released by Adamu in August 2023, he revealed he had been dismissed from the army.

September 2, 2023
GFO Orim Foundation Empowers 60 Persons In Northern Senatorial District

By Elijah Ugani

A non governmental organization GFO Orim Foundation in partnership with Industrial Training Fund ITF has empowered 60 persons drawn from the 54 political wards of Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

Presenting the started kits to the beneficiaries, the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Chief Hon Martin Orim, who was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Cross River State, congratulated the beneficiaries for their their patient through out the period of the training.

In his words “Let me congratulate those of you who were painstakingly selected by your leaders for this training. You were taken out of your comfort to go to Calabar for this training where I provided accommodation and feeding for all of you for the period you stayed in Calabar. It was not easy that you left the comfort of your homes, some of you left your spouses just to attend this training.

“This is the second batch of beneficiaries that we are partnering with ITF, the first batch was provided with starter kits here in the local government secretariat and the third batch is currently undergoing training.

“Initially, we used to do our trainings and provide starter kits for the trainees until, a friend mentioned to me that I can partner with ITF that will train and provide starter kits for the trainees on payment of a counterpart fund.

“I was shocked when I heard that some beneficiaries in the first batch sold the items they collected. I’m not doing this because I don’t know what to use the money for. To me, my philosophy about wealth is that you use the money you have to better the lives of those around you and not the amount in your bank account. For me, my wealth is all of you sitting here.

“I want to appeal to all of you to please make good use of these items. We are making efforts to get grants from Bank of Industry for those who are serious about their business.

“When I started this empowerment under the GFO Orim Foundation, many people said I was doing politics, I don’t know if we are still doing campaign. I want to say that I’m qualified to run any election. When I want to contest election, I will call politicians together and declare my intention to contest. You were all aware that I contested the senate primaries under the APC and won the ticket, and after a wider consultation, I withdrew for my boss. Prior to the primaries, I had said that I was not going to the senate to do motorcycle or Keke empowerment.

“For me, these empowerment is a legacy for my family, I have told my son that he will take over from me and continue with it in memory of my late father”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Spokesman Agogo stated that the program is all encompassing. The originator of this initiative is a humanity, as he congratulated the beneficiaries and held that the empowerment is qualitative.

On his part, the Area Manager of Industrial Training Fund ITF, Mr Nwigboji Nwafagu, said that ITF is happy to be here. This collaboration started about three years ago. Last year we were here and today we are here are again
We insisted that this must be done even though people fought against it. If you insist on the right thing, God has a way of lifting you.

Nwafagu noted that the beneficiaries were trained in Calabar for three months and are ready to start their businesses.
In his words “Some of these persons were transported from here to Calabar, lodge them in a hotel for three months. They have been trained, they have graduated and they are ready to start business. We are ready to continue this partnership”

He charged the trainees not to sell the starter kits, and to make efforts to train others.

In the same light, Mr Odey Adamade Esq, lauded the efforts of the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim for the initiative and stressed the need for the beneficiaries to make good use of the items.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, Obudu chapter, Mr Linus Abuokwen, thanked the Chairman/Founder of GFO Orim Foundation, Hon Martin Orim, for always thinking about the youths in his intervention. He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired and the items to better their lives.

One of the beneficiaries Miss Vera Abue, from Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked Chief Hon Martin Orim for finding them worthy of the gesture and prayed God to grant his heart desire and continue to bless him to enable him reach out to others.

The event which was held today, September 1st 2023, at Obudu Local Government secretariat had dignitaries at the occasion to include; Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, Mr Edu Peter, Dan Urumulam Esq, Engr Tomas Aruku, Mr Thomas Odama, Mr Alpha Ublibli, Mr Noel Ugbong, Mr Eric Akpo among others.

Highlights of the occasion was presentation of starter kits to beneficiaries and group photographs.

September 1, 2023
Deputy Governor Opens Second Day Of Investment Summit In Calabar

By Fred Abua

The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, took center stage on the second day of the International Cooperation & Investment Summit (ICIS) held at the prestigious Calabar International Conference Centre from August 30th to 31st, 2023. In his address, Rt. Hon. Odey echoed the state’s unwavering commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment by removing obstacles hindering seamless operations for investors in Cross River State.

Drawing inspiration from the opening remarks made by the Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, on the inaugural day, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of investments within the region. He highlighted the tangible demonstration of this commitment through the remarkable presence of high-ranking officials, including the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, all commissioners, and all permanent secretaries, who collectively participated in the summit.

Rt. Hon. Odey stated emphatically that the government’s pledge to safeguard investor interests was unequivocal and extends beyond mere rhetoric. Hon. Odey said: “This is not a political statement. We will ensure that whatever business you bring to Cross River State will have our protection.”

The Deputy Governor further underscored the state’s determination to facilitate investor activities by providing security and land with Certificates of Occupancy for the investors. He proudly shared that Cross River State is the proprietor of 50% of Nigeria’s Carbon Credit reserves, boasting abundant forests, arable lands, valuable mineral resources, and an array of prospects spanning various sectors.

Recalling his instrumental role in the enactment of the Cross River State Enterprise (Privatization) Law during the previous administration, Rt. Hon Peter Odey said this piece of legislation led to the establishment of the Privatization Council which sealed government’s departure from direct involvement in business operations. Odey cited instances of government-owned enterprises that have thrived after privatization, such as Lafarge Africa (formerly CALCEMCO), Flour Mills, and Transcorp Hotels (formerly Metropolitan Hotel). He said these ventures which now generate substantial profits for their owners are contributing taxes to the state, and providing employment opportunities for Cross Riverians, while surpassing their performance under government management.

Distinguished speakers and luminaries from around the globe participated in the event, engaging in enlightening panel discussions, business-focused sessions, and pivotal business agreements with prospective investors on the sidelines. Notable figures present at the event included His Excellency, Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria; His Excellency, Kim Young Chae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria; Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Country Representative of WHO; Dr. Iorwa Apera, Country Director of FHI360; Chief Diana Chen Emba, Vice Chairman of the China-Africa Investment Forum; Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO of Access Holding Plc; Mr. Lamin G. Barrow, Director-General of the African Development Bank, Nigeria Country Department; Dr. O. M. O. Ashimolowo, Vice President of Operations at ECOWAS Bank for Investment & Development; and Mr. Suren Abeywickkrema, Vice President of ARISE Industrial Integrated Platforms, among several other esteemed guests.

The event was brought to a conclusion with an entertaining dinner and award night attended by the Deputy Governor, international investors, members of the State Executive Council and many other people.

September 1, 2023
Witchcraft Is Not Africanized BY AGBA JALINGO

In Old English, “Wicce” means “witch.” The word, “Wicce” further has its roots in the old German word, “Wicken.” While the word, cræft, is equally an Old English word originally meaning “power or physical strength.” Cræft could also be interpreted to signify possession of inexplicable knowledge, wisdom, and resourcefulness. The term is as well derived from the Old High German word, “kraft.”

So “Wicce-Cræft”, or witchcraft is not Africanized. It is not an African word. It did not originate from Africa. Rather, it has generic meaning not just to the Anglo-Germans, but the entire Europe and in fact, all civilizations. It is a cultural phenomena with evidential history cutting across all civilizations and epochs. All civilizations have their pre-religous ethos and practices. Europe has a pre-Christian era. The Arabs have a pre-Islam era. China has a pre-Bhuddist era. India has a pre-Hindu era. Every culture on Earth contains some aspect of symbolic gestures or ritualized behavior performed either by an entire group or by a select few individuals, before adopting their current religions.

In Europe for instance, the practice of witchcraft was the dominant culture until it was overtaken by global consensus on the belief in One God, as well as the burgeoning influence of the Catholic Church, which led to a craze fuelled wave of witch hunting and trials across the continent during the middle ages. For two millennia, European folklore and ritual have been imbued with the belief in witchcraft and till date, witchcraft continues to play a role in European societies and imaginations.

It was the Malleus Maleficarum, (Hammer of Witches), a 1486 treatise written by Austrian priest, Heinrich Kramer and German priest Jakob Sprenger, at the request of Pope Innocent VIII, which reigned as the second-best-selling book in Europe for more than two centuries, that united the Church and the State, in providing a framework for identifying, capturing, prosecuting, and punishing witches.

But since the 1940s, new witchcraft movements have emerged in Europe, seeking to revive and reinterpret the continents’ pre-Christian practices in a search for spiritual authenticity in a rapidly changing world. Wicca, an English neo witchcraft group, pioneered by Gerald Gardner, stands out as one of the most influential of those movements. Stregheria is an Italian sect that celebrates early Italian witchcraft. Its adherents say that their tradition has pre-Christian roots, and refer to it as La Vecchia Religione, the Old Religion.

Religio Romana, is a modern reconstructionist religion based upon the ancient faith of pre-Christian Rome. The Asatru tradition is also a reconstructionist path that focuses on pre-Christian Norse spirituality. The movement began in the 1970s as part of a revival of Germanic witchcraft culture. Many Asatruar say their practices are very similar in its modern form to those that existed hundreds of years before the Christianization of the Norse cultures. Hellenic Polytheism, rooted in the traditions and philosophies of the ancient Greeks, is another path that has begun a resurgence following the Greek pantheon, and often adopting the religious practices of their ancestors.

It is in the light of this global resurgence in the search for cultural authenticity, and its imminence in Africa, that I will like to end by quoting, theologian, Dr. Mary Nyangweso Wangila, a J. Woolard and Helen Peel Distinguished Professor in Religious Studies at East Carolina University, from her book: “Witches” of the Twenty-First Century: Invoking the Relevance and Resilient Character of African Spirituality in Changing Times”, where she argues that, “the resurgence of practitioners of African spirituality in Africa and the African diaspora, commonly known to some as “witches” in the twenty-first century, as demonstrated in practices and lyrics of the millennials such as Beyonce, Banks and Nokia is not only illustrative of the ability of African spirituality to evolve and adapt, it speaks to the centrality of African identity in the African experience.

“Drawing from experiences of Africans in the sub-Saharan region and those in the African diaspora, I argue that the general assumption that relegating African religious beliefs and practices as “savage,” “primitive” and “uncivilized” and therefore destined to decline is disproven by resilient manifestations of African spirituality in modern society.”

She further concludes by acknowledging the, “disadvantage that these religions experience due to their lack of the proselytizing instinct that their monotheistic peer religions like Christianity and Islam possess, their persistence not only speaks to an Afrocentric character that is central to Africans everywhere, it is also an illustration of the basic fact that all social phenomena is bound to evolve and adapt. Resilient vestiges of African spirituality are indicative of how irreplaceable and un-erasable core African values are and how they speak to an identity that cannot be traded for another.”

Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.

September 1, 2023
Ikom-Obudu Highway: Akpanke Calls On Leophina Construction Limited And Other Companies To Return To Site

By Awade Friday

The Member representing Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Chief Hon Peter Akpanke, has drawn the attention of both the federal government and other companies involved to the deplorable state of the Ikom-Obudu highway.

Hon Akpanke made the call during a thanksgiving Ceremony in his honor held at his hometown, Keting, Obanliku Local Government Area, on Sunday, 27th August, 2023.

The member of Parliament stressed the importance of the road being the only link between the central and northern part of the state which connects the Obudu Cattle Ranch, that serves as the most attractive tourist destination of Cross River State.

Akpanke noted that Leophina Construction Limited, a company that belongs to former Gov Ben Ayade, was awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the road and wondered why the company should abandon the road project considering the importance of the road to the economic development of his constituents.

Hon. Akpanke averred that “It has become imperative for Leophina Works Limited and other companies that were awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of the road to return to site and work in compliance with the contracts that were awarded to them.

“The Ikom-Obudu road is a crucial transportation and communication link between the north and south of Nigeria. It plays an important part in the prosperity of commerce, tourism, and social interactions among diverse ethnic and political groups in the Benue-Cross River region of Nigeria”.

Speaking further, the lawmaker noted that the road has become impassable for motorists which makes commuters traveling from Calabar to Obudu and Obanliku to use Ikom-Ogoja-Obudu-Obanliku road.

Akpanke noted that traveling through Ogoja to Obudu and back to Obanliku has had very negative effect on his constituents considering the cost of transportation in view of the subsidy removal.

“Unfortunately, the road has deteriorated to the extent that it has become a death trap to motorists and pedestrians who are constrained by the lack of an alternative route to still use the road. Most often, commuters traveling from Calabar to Obudu and Obanliku, has to use the Ikom-Ogoja-Obudu-Obanliku road which makes them pay almost twice the transport fare they initially were supposed to have paid”. He added.

Hon. Akpanke assured his constituents that he will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the contractors execute the contract to specification. “If this is the only thing I will do to ensure that we get the contractors back to site and fix the road, I wouldn’t mind. We will continue to call government attention to this project and ensure that the contractors return to site and execute the project to specification”.

August 31, 2023
Asu Okang Represents Cross River As Tinubu Constitutes Niger Delta Development Commission Board

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW BOARD AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Board and Management team of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), inclusive of the following Board and Management team members:

Mr. Chiedu Ebie – Chairman – Delta

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku – Managing Director / CEO – Bayelsa

Mr. Boma Iyaye – Executive Director (Finance and Admin) – Rivers

Mr. Victor Antai – Executive Director (Projects) – Akwa-Ibom

Ifedayo Abegunde – Executive Director (Corporate Services) – Ondo

Sen. Dimaro Denyanbofa – State Representative – Bayelsa

Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono – State Representative – Akwa Ibom

Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya – State Representative – Delta

Chief Tony Okocha – State Representative – Rivers

Hon Patrick Aisowieren – State Representative – Edo

Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu – State Representative – Imo

Victor Kolade Akinjo – State Representative – Ondo

Chief Dimgba Eruba – State Representative – Abia

Mr. Asu Oku Okang – State Representative – Cross River

Hon. Nick Wende – Zonal Representative – North Central

Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak – Zonal Representative – North East

Sen. Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir – Zonal Representative – North West

The President expects that the new Board and Management team will ensure a new era of successful administration in the NDDC, in line with his Renewed Hope agenda.

All of the above listed appointments take immediate effect.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 29, 2023

August 29, 2023
Akpanke Set The Pace, Becomes First Reps Member To Commission Projects In 100 Days In Office

By Elijah Ugani

The member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Hon Peter Akpanke becomes the first reps member in the history of Cross River to commission projects for his constituents within his first 100 days in office being his first term in office.

The lawmaker took to his verified Facebook page Peter Akpanke to announce that as part of activities to celebrate his thanksgiving, he commissioned two solar powered boreholes and ultra modern toilets in Obudu and Sankwala markets.

The statement reads in parts “As part of the activities to celebrate my thanksgiving, My wife and I in company of a few friends, chiefs, Family and supporters commissioned two solar powered boreholes and ultra modern toilets in Obudu and Sankwala markets.

“The solar powered boreholes and toilets were part of my campaign promises to our market women and I thank the Almighty God for giving me the enablement to see the projects to completion at such a short time”.

Hon Akpanke commenced the projects at the two locations simultaneously before he was inaugurated.

Recall also that Hon Peter Akpanke was the first lawmaker in the 10th National Assembly to undertake a needs assessment using the focus group discussion approach.

August 29, 2023
Cross River State Governor Attends Executive Leadership Retreat In Kigali

By Fred Abua

The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has participated in a 3-day Executive Leadership Retreat for first- and second-term Nigerian Governors in Kigali, Rwanda, from 24 to 26 August 2023, at the invitation of His Excellency, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda. The retreat was dedicated to fostering dialogue on reimagining leadership and leveraging innovative technology, drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s transformative journey.

The event, tagged “Rethinking Leadership and Leading Systems” was organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The distinguished participants, representing 19 Nigerian States, engaged in sessions that explored Rwanda’s successful investment destination transformation in digital technology, urban planning and socio-economic transformation, ending with a candid private dialogue with President Kagame.

Speaking shortly after his return from Rwanda, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who attended the retreat in the place of the Governor said he had a wonderful discussion with the President of Rwanda, Mr. Paul Kagame whom he described as a refined leader that has transformed the East African nation. Hon. Peter Odey expressed faith that the transformation that has occurred in Rwanda is possible in Nigeria with determination, innovation and honest leadership.

Addressing participants at the event, Matthias Z. Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, in his opening remarks said “Adaptive leaders possess the unique ability to not only acknowledge the challenges that come their way, but to also harness them as opportunities for growth and innovation.”

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a non-partisan organization made up of Governors of all the states in the country has become a major link between government, development partners and private organizations while witnessing increased cooperation between the States and the Federal Government, particularly on collaborative pathways to overcoming commonly shared developmental challenges. It is hoped that the Executive Leadership Retreat will provide the new governors with new strategies to tackle development challenges within their States.

On his return to the state on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey was received at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport by Commissioners and other Government officials.

August 29, 2023
The Travails Of Ben Ayade BY PHYLO MODLIN ODU

The Travails Of Ben Ayade

Upon the release of the ministerial list, many Cross Riverians were ecstatic not so much at who was appointed, but at who was not appointed. The jubilation at the absence of Ben Ayade’s name on the list has not been so subtle. People are happy that Ayade did not make the list. His demagoguery only held sway in Cross River, he couldn’t cry his way to the ministerial list. Reality should have dawned on him, for a man who left office as governor just yesterday to have earned such disdain and ignominy with which he is being held today.

His administration was a catastrophic disaster, characterized by dubious incompetence and greed that will take several years of deliberate governance to recover from. It is not that people hate Ayade but if they do, he earned it like a medal in Olympics. For 8 years, he abused the sensibilities of the people. Given an opportunity to be governor virtually on a platter, he blew it in a frenzy of high grammar, ridiculous budget nomenclature, bogus and dubious projects that were never completed. They were not aligned with the immediate priorities of the people, even if completed.

He must be a sad man if he has a sense of introspection. He didn’t know that all through the 8 years he held sway and surrounded himself with cheerers and aiders of ineptitude, the real people saw through his sophistry. I hope he gets to now see clearly the condition of the State’s capital, the Ranch, Tinapa, the State’s library, the charade of an Airport in Obudu of which he snatched farm lands, demolished houses and rendered hapless villagers homeless without any means of livelihood and ended up doing nothing. He should introspect on these and all others that he brought to ruin in 8 years and see for himself that, he doesn’t deserve to get any position of service in the name of the State.

Ayade only realized on the morning of his handing over that, his two wasteful terms as Governor had ended. It triggered a vibrating laughter when during his speech, he asked the sworn governor to escort him for commissioning of projects the next day, what he never did in 8 years. Completely hilarious!. Ayade displayed reluctance in the handing over process to Prince Otu; he seemed to have been hustled out of office in the end. If Prince Otu wasn’t pauciloquent, he would have said plenty by now. Even at that, there is little or nothing to be said about Ayade’s prima-donna government that the people of Cross River State do not already know.

To Ayade’s ardent supporters who may want to contest the extent of his decadence, let me help you. Ayade himself set the yardstick or indices for the evaluation of his administration when, in his first inaugural speech, he announced the Super Highway and Deep Sea Port as his signature projects which his administration wants to be remembered for; the flagship achievement. Eight years and several billions of naira after, the Super Highway remained a fictitious project used for jokes, and the Deep Seaport swallowed all the billions allegedly poured into the Bakassi swamps without a sign of any difference from the swamp it has always been. It became tempting to commend his food on the table initiative but barely 3 months after his government and with Prince Otu’s resolve to stem the tide of adorning just anyone, the title of government official, an entitled army of people accustomed to receiving salaries for no work done have started grumbling.

Prince Otu is taking too much time to kickstart a people-centered administration and time is of the essence considering that, it is a misfortune for anyone to have taken over from Ayade. Otu needs to show some enthusiasm in these early days. It is expected that he expeditiously sweetens the State with the common services the people have missed these past years.
1) Waterboard should have been effectively restored and already supplying portable water to residents even if it’s within a stipulated timeframe.
2) People should no longer have to grumble about Waste evacuation. Calabar should return to the days where it is a way of life for residents to awake to a neat environment.
3) House of Assembly should have been sent proposals for road Reconstruction/Rehabilitation in Calabar metropolis so that this raining season can be used to evaluate and consider the proposals and by the short dry season period of Calabar, work can commence.

If Otu prioritizes these key areas for now, the State will be bubbling with the euphoria of a new government and Cross Riverians will support the administration, not the 5 billion naira loan for the renovation of government house I heard he has submitted to House of Assembly for approval.

I am sharing my thoughts not to castigate Ayade as I have done many times while he was still Governor; it’s not necessary, the harm’s already done. But to draw the attention of those in power now; as governor or National Assembly members to learn from Ayade’s present travails so that they understand that, four or eight years is not enough time for incompetence, this opportunity they have should not be abused. The lesson is to act now, intentionally and consistently to the end, in the interest of the people so that at a time you have an interest, the people will stand by you too.

PHYLO MODLIN ODU, is a Cross River journalist. She also sells all kinds of foodstuffs.

August 29, 2023