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  • 2023: PDP Set To Inaugurate Over 1,000 Member Campaign Council, Promises To Reclaim Cross River

    2023: PDP Set To Inaugurate Over 1,000 Member Campaign Council, Promises To Reclaim Cross River

    Judex Okoro

    The Cross River state Peoples Democrate Party (PDP) has concluded arrangements to inauguerate its campaign counil, promising to reclaim the state in 2023 polls.

    The Campaign Council is made up of 1, 080 members and with 18 sub-committees, is headed by the former Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, as chairman and former Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, as Director-General.

    The campaign structure has Ekpo Ada, Esq, Ntufam Gabe Orji and Hon Mom Olom as Southern, Central and Norther senatorial districts coordinators respectively.

    In a press statement made available to newsmen, the state party chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, said the members would be inaugurated on Friday, November 25, 2022 at the Venetian Mall, Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar at 2:00pm.

    Ikem enjoined the members, who would work in the various directorates of the Campaign organisation, to be prepared to work assiduously towards recaliming the state.

    He said: “I congratulate all members of
    the council for meriting the onerous task of reclaiming Cross River State from the abyss.”

    The state-wide campaign is expected to roll off after the inauguration and would be followed with ward-to-ward campaigns.

  • Mediatrix Development Foundation, Faith Care International Stage Free Medical Outreach

    Mediatrix Development Foundation, Faith Care International Stage Free Medical Outreach

    By Elijah Ugani

    Mediatrix Development Foundation has released the plan for a mega free medical outreach in partnership with Faith Care International.

    A release made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix, Mr Jeffrey Adamade, indicates that the 5-day medical outreach which is to commence on November 26th to November 30th 2022, will be held at Obudu German Specialist Hospital.

    The release further requests members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity to access medical services.
    The services to be rendered during the outreach will include surgery, dental care, laboratory services, consultation.

    Mediatrix Development Foundation has continued to partner with Faith Care International to stage this medical outreach in Cross River State since 2016. Previous outreaches were held in Obudu, Ogoja, Ikom, Ugep, Itigidi, Odukpani and Calabar South.

    Mediatrix Development Foundation is a pet project of the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr Linda Ayade, who sits on the board as President.

  • C’River State Govt Partners UNDP To Control Use Of Small Arms In Border Communities

    C’River State Govt Partners UNDP To Control Use Of Small Arms In Border Communities

     

    The Cross River State government and the United Nations Development Program
    (UNDP) is working on introducing a program that will deal with matters of security in border communities, on controlling the use of small arms in the State.

    This disclosure was made when a delegation of the UNDP paid a working visit to the Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation (MIDC) on Monday in her office in Calabar.

    According to the Comptroller-General for the South-South Center, Maj. Gen Martin
    Obot (rtd), the delegation was in the State to intimate the Commissioner of its entry to the state to liaise and undertake the program.

    Speaking also about the program, the Head, Center for Control of Small Arms and Programme Analyst for the UNDP, Mr. Jonathan Madaki noted that the core mission was to proliferate the use of small arms around border communities of the state as a means of securing the areas.

    Mr Madaki said the delegation was delighted to meet with the leadership of the Ministry as the coordinating MDA in the State. He said the collaboration will make the task much easier and achievable.

    In her remarks, Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong described the mission as a timely intervention considering the possible hike in social vices during this festive season.

    Dr Asibong thanked the delegation over the planned partnership in securing border villages and suburbs in the state, reiterating that Cross River State is relatively peaceful when compared with others and should remain so.

    The Commissioner specially acknowledged efforts of the UNDP on interventionist policies in the state, highlighting the Hydro Power Project at the Obudu Ranch Resort and lots more as case studies.

    She noted that the program is key as regards the hosting of the Carnival Calabar as the state anticipates the influx of visitors to grace the carnival in the days ahead, while pledging Governor Ben Ayade’s unalloyed resolve to the successful implementation of the program in the state.

    The session had critical functionaries among who were the representative of the CSOs Mrs Doris Okzia, UNDP Consultant Josephine Aba, the Chief Programme Officer for Security Intelligence, the Director of Administration of the MIDC and other management staff.

     

  • UNICROSS Management Assures Students Of Safety Within The University Environment

    UNICROSS Management Assures Students Of Safety Within The University Environment

     

    The Management of Unicross wishes to inform parents , students , stakeholders , Government and all residents of Cross River State that the University acknowledges the sad experiences of some of its female students culminating in the theft of their phones and personal belongings by hoodlums .
    The Management of the University wishes to reiterate its commitment to the complete eradication of these criminal elements inimical to the peaceful coexistence of the university .

    The University Management has already contacted relevant security agencies to fish out these hoodlums who have decided to constitute themselves as a nuisance to the institution .

    It assures all staff, students, parents and stakeholders that the hoodlums would be caught and made to face the wrath of the law within a very short time .

    It also wishes to state that there were no cases of rape as mischievously peddled by some bloggers and news sites. Management frowns at the despicable act of publishing information without towing the noble path of verifying information for facts .

    The University wishes to appreciate the maturity of the students who though affected by the untoward situation, have gone back to their classrooms to continue with their normal activities and admonishes those who may want to destabilize the system using this sad occurrence to desist forthwith, as the institution would not hesitate to invoke all disciplinary measures as deemed necessary.

    Unicross Media Team

  • Jarigbe Commences The Rehabilitation Of 27 KM Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikade-Wanihem Road

    Jarigbe Commences The Rehabilitation Of 27 KM Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikade-Wanihem Road

    By Judex Okoro, Sunnewsonline

    Committed to improving the living standard of the people of Cross River north senatorial district, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has commenced rehabilitation work on the 27 kilometres Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikade-Wanihem road in Yala local government area of the state.

    The road is one of the major projects that Governor Ben Ayade had in 2016 promised to complete before leaving office.

    Jarigbe, who was represented by the Constituency Officer during the inauguration exercise, Mr Egar Mgbantul, said he decided to take up the road project to ameliorate the sufferings of his people, explaining that he is the National Assembly to protect the interest and welfare of his people.

    According to him, when completed the road would enhance community integration, boost inter- community trade and give the constituents access to other economic opportunities that abound within the senatorial zone.

    He commended the people of Yahe and Ukelle for their tremendous support so far, promising to attract more democratic dividends.

     

    He enjoined the contractor to try and deliver quality work and on time to ease rural transportation.

    Dignatories present at the short ceremony before commencement of construction work include
    Mr Julius Elah, Manus Ugboji, Hon. Martins Achadu, Mr Isaac Okpoko, Stephen Okpako, Mr Igbologidi, Chief Emmanuel Egwu and party leaders and stakeholders from the four wards of Ukelle and Yahe as well as supporters.

     

  • Rima, Magna Decks And Diana Ogar Memorial Foundation Takes Diabetes Campaign To Rural Communities

    Rima, Magna Decks And Diana Ogar Memorial Foundation Takes Diabetes Campaign To Rural Communities

    By Admin

    As part of the activities to commemorate the 2020 World Diabetes Day 2022, Rima and Magna Decks of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) in collaboration with Beatrice Diana Ogar Memorial Foundation (BEDODMEF) has taken public enlightenment campaign on diabetes, free counselling and distribution of testing kits to rural communities of Kakum, Bebuagbong, Bebuabie and Bebuatsuan in Ipong Ward of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

    The campaign which held on Saturday 19th November 2022 at the Kagbong Primary Health Care Centre, aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of diabetes mellitus, signs and prevention as well unraveled the importance of regular testing for diabetes.

    Speaking during the exercise, Dr Nicholas Akan (Capoon, Rima Deck) maintained that “World diabetes day was created by IDF and World health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

    “World diabetes day became an official United Nations day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Fredrick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922”

    A 4 Blood Glucose Monitoring System for self testing were donated one each to the 4 health Centres of Kakum, Bebuagbong, Bebuabie and Bebuatsuan.

    The enlightenment campaign seek to:

    Create public awareness about the dangers of diabetes in these rural communities.
    Educate the target population on preventive measures against diabetes.
    Enable the chosen population know their diabetes status.
    Support those diagnosed of diabetes with some form of medical interventions.
    Encourage regular exercises/walk out aimed at reducing excessive body weight.
    Create a data base of diabetic cases to inform policy formulation.

    With the 2022 World Diabetes Day theme, “education to protect tomorrow,” the International Diabetes Federation has launched a global survey to explore the levels of access that healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes have to diabetes education.

    Receiving the test kits on behalf of Ipong ward for delivery to the various health centres, the ward Focal Person, Mrs Elizabeth Ugi, commended the organizers of the programme and assured of proper usage.

    Rima Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has its headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State. Its jurisdiction stretches from Obanliku and Obudu in Cross River State, to Benue and Nasarrawa States.

    Magna Carta Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) covers Shire areas which includes, West Midlands, East Midlands and some parts of London all in England.

    Beatrice Diana Ogar Diabetes Memorial Foundation (BEDODMEF), was established with the mission to prevent diabetes and improve the health conditions of people living with diabetes, while the vision is to reduce the number of diabetics.

  • Never Judge A Book By The Cover, Happy Wedding Anniversary To Us BY BIANCA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU

    Never Judge A Book By The Cover, Happy Wedding Anniversary To Us BY BIANCA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU

    NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY THE COVER…
    Each time I see this picture, the rather funny but sad story of this wedding cake on the left comes to mind.
    I was told by a good friend, during my wedding preparations that there was a lady based at Enugu that makes great wedding cakes. Infact my friend, though not familiar with the lady, offered to take me to hers.

    Dressed rather casually, I decided to park my own Mercedes and I joined my friend in her own car which was a cute looking but modest Volkswagen (known as Beetle in those days) and she drove us to the cake maker’s place.

    Upon our arrival, The popular cake maker, (whose name I withhold for obvious reasons) totally oblivious of my identity, took one derisive look at the car we arrived in, and was not impressed. I told her I needed her to make my wedding cake, and she started coming up with all manner of excuses.

    First, she told me her cakes were very expensive and I definitely would not be able to afford it ( at 25,000 naira in those days), and offered to direct me to a cheaper cake place, stressing that she only makes cakes for important personalities ( even going ahead to drop names..such as one Union bank manager, one boutique owner, etc who in her estimation were ‘dignitaries’) but I told her that I could manage to afford it.

    She then asked where the wedding was taking place and I told her it was at Abuja. She said I would have to pay for her transportation to Abuja to mount the cake and that since she only travels by air, not road, this added cost would be difficult for me to carry, to which I replied that I would pay.

    She raised the issue of hotel accommodation, which I assured her, would be taken care of.
    My friend kept nudging me and whispering in my ear, ‘ Tell this woman who you are so she can put a stop to these nonsense questions’, to which I replied no. I was secretly amused, albeit perplexed at that moment about human nature and social climbers, which by her attitude, this lady clearly was .

    What I found surprising was that the lady herself was definitely not well off, her own car was an old Corolla, her surroundings not plush, and she was merely one of those ‘I must belong by all means’ type of people, yet she had the temerity to look down on others she considered not ‘rich’.

    To cut a long story short, still not convinced that I could afford her services ( judging by my casual dressing and the modest ride, which was not even mine, meaning I probably had no vehicle of my own), she briskly discharged us both, telling me to drop my number, and that she would call me.

    I dropped my number with her under my Igbo name Odinaka, and we left. I never heard from her again.

    I simply took up a generous offer from the Canadian chef at the Nicon Hilton Abuja then, who was a master baker, and my gigantic multi tiered wedding cake was made at no cost at all, simply as PR to market and advertise the Hotel’s services.

    The Enugu based cake maker, one day, just a week to the wedding, saw the television broadcasts of our impending wedding which was a big event at the time, and realised it was me who had come to her place for a wedding cake.

    She flew into a panic and quickly managed to find her way to my house, and started begging, with all kinds of bland explanations, asking why I didn’t introduce myself ‘appropriately’ ( by which she meant as a ‘VIP’), and even offering to make the cake free of charge, but it was too late.

    On this day, a beautiful breezy day in November 1994, it was a memorable wedding ceremony at the Nicon Noga Hilton ( Today’s Transcorp Hilton), Abuja, the first wedding event ever hosted there. And it was grand…

    This life size multi step cake seen in this picture, much bigger and more lavish than any conceivable one the Enugu cake maker could ever have offered, was donated by the management of the Hilton.

    The Enugu based Cake maker lost a great opportunity to showcase her skills and her product since the event was telecast across the country..TV, radio, Newspapers, Magazines and every conceivable news medium with the Hilton Master Baker taking the cake credits.

    This advertisement masterstroke greatly boosted the Hilton Events hosting business and facilitated countless more weddings at the same Congress Hall at Hilton. Last I heard, the Cakemaker’s business has since folded after she faced some difficulties in her business several years ago.

    Moral of this true life experience is, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY IT’S COVER. We are all human beings,created equally before God, if not before man, regardless of our status in life.

    The tragedy of our times is that so many go through this sort of scenario on a daily basis but sadly with a different outcome.

    I could shrug this Cakemaker’s attitude off , being myself, a person of means relating incognito, knowing that she could not even scratch the surface of my net worth, and that I was possibly doing her a favour by opting for her services because of the significant publicity it would bring her , but what of my friend in whose car we drove there, who was a modest earner living within her means, and who it became clear, goes through this disdain on a regular basis from these types of social climbing crabs ? When did it become an offence to own or drive a beetle?

    The truth is that so many folks are this way inclined, and it is downright despicable.

    We must never relate to others based solely on who or what they are, what they have, what car they ride or how expensively or poorly they are dressed…Everyday people lose opportunities to forge valuable ties and long lasting friendships because of their snobbish outlook.

    ……and best of all, when one door closes, another greater one will open by Divine mercies. I lost a molehill but gained a mountain.

    HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO ME AND OGA M, DIM CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU !

  • Reconciliation In PDP Must Be Based On Equity, Fairness And Justice – Wike

    Reconciliation In PDP Must Be Based On Equity, Fairness And Justice – Wike

     

    Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G-5 governors will only be disposed to reconciliation based on equity, fairness and justice.

    The Rivers State governor made the assertion at the inauguration of the Rumuepirikom Flyover, the 8th so far constructed and completed by his administration. The project inauguration was performed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State, on Wednesday.

    Governor Wike pointed to how, prior to the crisis rocking the PDP, some members of the party were singing praises of him and colleagues that make up the G-5 governors. But he noted that the same people have turned around to call them names because they are clamouring for equity, fairness and justice.

    “ I’m sure, those of them in my party, before, they cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now, because I said let the right thing be done, let agreement be agreement. Because I have said that, I have now become an enemy. These were people who were praising me morning, night, any day.

    “But because we said, look, we had an agreement, do this, do that, and some people believe that they will not and we said it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G-5 Governors will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation, but reconciliation must be based on equity, fairness and justice.”

    Governor Wike said politics is about interest and Rivers people must be sure of what they stand to benefit for any support they will have to give ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    “Politics now is about interest. You must tell me what is the interest of Rivers State. You must tell me what is the interest of my community. I will not join anybody who does not want my State to benefit. I will not support anybody who does not like my State.”

    Governor Wike drew attention to the place of integrity in leadership across strata and why leaders must be bonded by what they say and do.

    “When once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer again. And that is the problem we are having in this country where politicians will stand up and make a statement.

    “And then, people are watching you to fulfil that statement, promise you have made and when you don’t, Nigerians will now say that is how politicians behave. I don’t agree to that.

    “Individuals can behave that way, I will not behave that way. If I say something today, I will do it. If there is any reason I won’t do it, I have to come back to you and let you know this is the reason why. And that is what they call integrity.”

    He called on leaders across strata and divide to promote unity among Nigerians. According to him, the expected unity should be devoid of ethnicity, religion and party considerations but based on the fact that one is a Nigerian.

    “We need a Nigeria that all of us can be proud of. And so, for us, all we are looking for is how Nigeria will progress. How people will have food on their table. It is not a about ethnicity, it is not about religion. It is not about party but how Nigeria will progress. That is where we stand.”

    Governor Wike decried situations most people are made to experience, which often make them to question their nationality as Nigerians. He said, it is unfair for some Nigerians to lord it over others on an unequal stance, a feeling that negate unity and progress.

    The governor also seized the opportunity to offer public apology to Comrade Oshiomhole over some political comments made against him and the governorship candidate that he supported in the last Edo State gubernatorial election.

    “You know I came to Edo State to make sure your candidate didn’t win election. I was virtually in charge, everyday coming out on television to take you on, and I said you will not win, and you didn’t win.

    “Well that assignment has been done, we now know who is who. I want to tell my people, I sincerely apologise to you and you know, each time you (we) learn.”

    Commenting on the project, governor Wike noted how the people had cried over the inconveniences they had suffered while the construction work lasted. But with the Rumuepirikom flyover now completed and inaugurated, governor Wike observed that people are happier that their sacrifice was worth it.

    Governor Wike instructed Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to return to the Rumuepirikom community and make sure all roads are reconstructed in the area.

    Performing the inauguration, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole noted with pleasure the belief by governor Wike that in a democracy, though political parties are needed to win elections, promises made to the people must be kept and projects delivered as proof of governance.

    “I think, Rivers people should be proud because, our people often say that prophets are not appreciated at home. Governor Wike has truly transformed this city.

    “So, sir, the truth is that, I have heard anyone who is able to say with some measure of confidence that governor Wike, his own na just talk. You talk, you walk the talk.

    “In politics, I can’t come to this place when we want the votes and begin to celebrate you. If I celebrate you like our President Buhari has celebrated you now, and you’re using the certificate to make the most potent campaign against my own party what can we say?”

    Comrade Oshiomhole, who was also a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, commended governor Wike for using his time in office as governor of Rivers State to make a difference.

    “Facts are very stubborn. So, I agree that even your worse critics will admit that governor Wike has made a difference. You made a difference not only in terms of projects but even your statement this afternoon, I join you in saying, because I had course to say that in Benin when I was governor of Edo State that how can a country be governed by people who cannot be trusted.

    “When politicians make statements, make promises or even make agreements or even enact laws and the laws are not to be obeyed by themselves but to be obeyed by others and when they default in their promise or standing, they say that is politics for you.

    Providing the description of the project, Rivers State commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo said the Rumuepirikom flyover is 820 meters long, has a width of 26.8 meters, two approach rams of 110 meters each, and 600 millimetres walkway on either sides and 600 millimetres median.

    He stated that the flyover is designed to last, will reduce time spent in traffic, improve the socioeconomics dynamics within the benefitting communities in addition to the enhanced value of property in the area.

     

  • UNHCR Hands Over Completed Health Facilities To Cross River State Government

    UNHCR Hands Over Completed Health Facilities To Cross River State Government

     

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, has handed over two constructed and fully equipped Health Centres to the Cross River State government for use by the refugees and host communities in Ogoja Local Government Area.

    The UNHCR Country Representative, Chansa Kapaya, while commissioning the health centres, commended the cooperation of all stakeholders and thanked the federal government in general and Cross River State in particular for hosting the Cameroonian Refugees.

    She maintained that the statistics of 85,000 refugees in Nigeria is the official registered refugees by UNHCR and National Commission for Refugees, and stated that Cross River State government alone hosts 50,000 refugees and Ogoja Local Government Area host about 15,000 refugees.

    The Country Rep held that “Just recently, we distributed 200 vaccine carriers boxes and fully equipped ambulance, security pick up van to ensure security for locals and refugees in Ogoja”

    She used the opportunity to call on the Cross River State government to increase the number of health workers in the facilities so that health care services will reach the vulnerable population and expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for providing the enabling environment for the refugees.

    The Head of Ogoja Field Office of UNHCR, Mr Tesfaye Beleke, thanked the UNHCR Country Rep for finding time to hand over the constructed health facilities to the Cross River State government.

    “Apart from these health facilities, very many schools were renovated and some were constructed across the state.

    “Today’s occasion is a very unique one that we don’t have very often. The Country Rep is here to handover these facilities to the government” he added.

    The Director General, State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, reiterated government’s commitment to providing the needed support to enhance effective intervention.

    On his part, the Zonal Coordinator, National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Mr Innocent Efoghe thanked UNHCR for providing and equipping the health centres.

    Receiving the Health facilities on behalf of the Cross River State government, the Director General of the Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, thanked UNHCR for the interventions to better the lives of the Cameroonian refugees and host communities.

    She used the opportunity to extend the felicitations of the Wife of the governor, Dr Linda Ayade and pledged the commitment of the state to support refugees through the livelihood intervention as implemented by Mediatrix Development Foundation.

    Dr Ekpenyong pledged commitment to full utilization of the facilities as she announced that the Adagom Health facility will be enlisted as one of the facilities for the implementation of the Cross River State Insurance Scheme. She further announced that more Health Workers will be sent to the facilities to enhance maximum health service delivery.

    Speaking on behalf of Adagom and Ukende communities, Chief mankom Stephen and His Royal Highness, Ajiji Pius Ipole, Clan Head of Ogboja, separately welcomed UNHCR and held that “this has been a dream come true that access to comprehensive health care is now very close to the PoCs and the locals”

    They used the opportunity to request UNHCR to reconsider the policy of making the locals pay for healthcare services as the it is telling very negatively on them.

    The Chairman of Adagom 1 settlement, Mr Ngale Samuel, commended the Adagom community for the magnanimity in hosting the refugees. He applauded UNHCR for the enormous concerned to assist refugees accessed health Services and maintained that “we are proud of this UNHCR intervention and refered the health facility to a wonderful intervention”

    He requested for more health personale and doctors to assuage the doctor to patient ratio.

    The Chairman of Ogoja local government council, Hon Emmanuel Ishabor thanked UNHCR for recognizing the support given to the refugees and thanked particularly the leadership of Adagom community for the provision of land other support for the refugees and appealed that their concerns and challenges be channeled appropriately.

    The health facilities handed over were, Primary Health Centres Adagom 1 and Ukende.

    The occasion featured presentation of gift items to the Country Rep by Adagom 1 and Ukende host communities

  • C’River Flags off Training Workshop On Integrated Service Delivery, As State Benefit From Global Fund RSSH Project

    C’River Flags off Training Workshop On Integrated Service Delivery, As State Benefit From Global Fund RSSH Project

    By Simon Ushie

    Enabling Resource allocation matched with competent manpower is said to guarantee efficiency and productivity especially in the health sector, an analogy that calls for effective partnership between states, the Federal Government and well endowed partners as Nigeria seek to attain Universal Health Coverage status in the nearest future.

    Among these decisive moves is the collaboration between the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to train health workers in the advance management of Reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child , adolescent, elderly Health and nutrition program across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

    Flagging off the training exercise in Calabar on behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Professor Ben Ayade, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong encouraged the participants to remain committed and focused to the course of learning in order to be abreast with the new development.

    She said the essence of the training was to build capacity of health workers to ensure quality service delivery. She said as Federal Government and state government work hand in hand to bridge the gap of limited human resource through the basic health care programme and employment into service respectively, it is pertinent that health workers are trained and retrained to ensure optimal service delivery which will encourage patronage in their facilities to complement efforts of the Community health influencers and Promoters (CHIPS) agents who will be engaged in influencing and mobilizing people to patronize facilities.

    She highlighted some of the challenges faced in the primary health sector which requires urgent attention to include the high rate of maternal and child mortality, inadequate human resources and adoption of modern Health techniques which she said the training is set to address.

    She appreciated Global fund and NPHCDA for choosing Cross River State among the first 3 states in the federation for the pilot phase of the high impact Resilient Sustainable System for health(RSSH) project which will help tackle lapses in the Primary Healthcare facilities especially in the rural areas.

    Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara lauded Global fund for the support and for choosing Cross River State to ne one of the beneficiaries while also charging the participants to take the training serious and help support the state to mitigate the high rate of maternal and infant mortality by ensuring to disseminate appropriate information to health workers at the various facilities and reiterated Cross River State Government’s commitment to ensure only qualified health personnel will be absorbed into the service.

    The Integrated service delivery focal person from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Musa said the NPHCDA is one of the subrecipient of the global fund project and one of the major benefits of the project is to train health workers to provide quality integrated health services to clients to ensure we reduce cases of low patronage of health facilities as well as mortality of mother and child.

    The Program which is sponsored by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency through the support of the Global Funds Resilient Sustainable System for health will facilitate the high impact advance knowledge, train and produce at least 40 state level trainers on integrated sercice delivery to serve the state

    It will further build the capacity of at least 150 PHC service providers on the ward minimum Healthcare package using the integrated training documents developed to suit Cross River’s work pattern, program management, sensitization and mobilization for high impact program scheme.

    The training was facilitated by well knowledgeable instructors who have designed different frame works for the advancement of Primary Healthcare activities in the country and participants are to disseminate same knowledge at ward, Community and facility level.

    Also present at the event were, Mr Julius Idoko of NPHCDA, Comrade Bassey, Chairman community health workers union, representative of the chairman of National Association of Nurses and Midwives, the Director Community and family health, Mrs Sally Enyim, the state social mobilization Officer, Mrs Nsa Ekpenyong amongst others.