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  • Linda Ayade Restates Mediatrix Commitment To Providing Humanitarian Services To Cameroonian Refugees

    Linda Ayade Restates Mediatrix Commitment To Providing Humanitarian Services To Cameroonian Refugees

    By Elijah Ugani

    The wife of the Cross River State Governor and the Founder of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Dr. Linda Ayade has restated her commitment to providing humanitarian services to Cameroonian Refugees in the state through her pet project.

    She made the commitment today, October 20th 2022 when she visited the Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele.

    In her words “As part of Mediatrix mandate to provide succor to vulnerable people in the society, and having partnered with other sister UN agencies to implement other projects, we are particularly very pleased for this partnership because we are serving humanity by providing livelihood support for the refugee. Putting smiles on the faces of the refugees gives us joy and we are committed more than ever as we move into the next phase of the implementation”

    She commended the coordination of UNHCR in providing support for the Refugees in the state, and used the opportunity to present the Kisime Noodles to the Head of Sub Office, Ogoja.

    On her part, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong acknowledged the partnership that had existed between UNHCR and the Cross River State Government, and noted that, government will continue to provide the necessary support needed for the smooth and peaceful coexistence between the Refugees and the host community members.

    Asibong stated that Cross River State hosts about 70 percent of the total refugees in Nigeria, and having Mediatrix in the forefront providing series of interventions for the vulnerable before the Cameroonian Refugees situation.

    She reiterated government position to give Mediatrix and the UNHCR the needed support to ensure delivery of its mandate in the livelihood intervention

    The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Princewill Ayim, commended the collaboration between the state government and UNHCR.

    Responding, the UNHCR Head of Ogoja Sub Office Mr. Tesfaye Bekele, thanked the wife of the Governor for finding time out of her crowded schedules to visit him.

    He commended the support of the state government to UNHCR by providing the land for Cameroonian Refugees as well as providing the needed security.

    He maintained that communication needs to be strengthened going forward and stated that the partnership between UNHCR and Mediatrix have been very rewarding.

    Others present during the visit was the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Mr Jeffrey Adamade and the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting Officer, Mr Olamide Onifade.

  • 19th Abuja Int’l Film Festival Announces Names Of Nominees

    19th Abuja Int’l Film Festival Announces Names Of Nominees

     

    The organisers of the Abuja International Film Festival have announced the official selections for the 19th edition of the film festival scheduled for October 31 to November 3, 2022 at the prestigious Silverbird Cinemas Abuja and two other centres in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory.

    According to the Festival Communication Officer, Millicent Bassey, who announced the festival theme as THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION – HARNESSING THE POTENTIALS IN ONLINE STREAMING AND DOWNLOADS OF CONTENTS as being a apt theme that reveals the opportunities and challenges inherent in global digital film arena of which Nigeria is a major player.

    The Abuja International Film Festival, which is the longest running film festival in anglophone West Africa, received a total of 1,771 films from 87 countries, while about 91 films and filmmakers respectively made the final selection for the 2022.

    The festival director, Temitope Duker, who spoke on activities lined up for the festival, emphasized that the festival regulars like screenings, master classes, panel discussions, parties and the grand event of the closing night, where honors will go to deserving films and filmmakers will feature this year.

    Also listed for this year’s event is a short film completion for young and aspiring filmmakers on hygiene and it is sponsored by HYPO bleach. Contestants are expected to submit their films on or before the 20th of October 2022 with duration of 5 minutes.

    Interestingly, some of the films this year have thematic content on gender and social issues from various countries including Nepal, Poland, USA, South Africa, India, China, Jordan, Canada, Tanzania, Brazil, Egypt and Nigeria amongst several others.

    Duker confirmed that unlike the 2021 edition that had only 1171 entries with 92 selected for screenings and 42 nominated for possible awards, the 2022 edition has more entries from more nations around the world with Nigeria accounting for 35% of the total entries.

    Reiterating further, Bassey maintained that the he is excited that the festival is back in full force ahead of the 20th Edition of the festival next year.

    “As the global filmmaking industry moves towards new digital revolution in online streaming and downloads of contents, it has become expedient to discuss the new story-telling traditions used by filmmakers in captivating the online viewers,” he said.

    The activities for the 20th edition of the festival will be unveiled during this 19th edition with the launch of the Score Nollywood Hall of Fame and Museum in Abuja.

    The Nominees for the 2022 Edition of the Festival are as follows:

    19TH ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NOMINEES

    EXPERIMENTAL FILM
    Adventures of Comic Con – USA
    Flesh and Spirit – Nigeria
    Kuto – Congo
    Freedom to Flashbush – USA
    Mother Tongue – Pakistan

     

    SHORT FILM – NIGERIA
    Convictus – Gbenga Salu
    These Two – Amina Garba/Imoabasi Ime
    May 27th – Smart Edikan
    Dangerous Silence – Adeyinka Adetoyi
    Dark Clouds – Kemi Adekomi
    Almost – Jon Imo Bassey
    Hostage – Matthew Oluwatobiloba

    FEATURE FILM – NIGERIA
    Enough of the Silence – Andrew Amenechi
    Strain – Uduak Obong Patrick
    Sin City – Muyiwa Ademola
    What Happened in St James – Marc Adebesin
    Obsession – Chidiebere Emmanuel
    The Toubled One – Vigil Chime
    Alaise – Edgar Leroy

    SHORT FILM – FOREIGN
    Fringe Magnet – Brazil
    On/Off – South Africa
    Dear Immigrant – Canada
    Memories from Others – USA
    That Day I was Twenty One – China
    Nakato – Uganda
    One God, One Love – Bahamas

    OUTSTANDING ACTOR
    Okey Uzoeshi – Strain – Nigeria
    Edris Ludega – Bedroom Chains – Uganda
    Muzaffar Khan – The Brittle Thread – India
    Sambaza Nzeribe – Enough of Silence – Nigeria
    Jai Raja – The Lifting – USA
    Kenneth Okoli – The Touched One – Nigeria
    Deyemi Okanlawon – What happened at St James – Nigeria

    OUTSTANDING ACTRESS
    Toyin Aimaku – Sin City – Nigeria
    Foi Wambui – Enough of the Silence – Nigeria
    Bahri Soula – Soula – Algeria
    Shaffy Bello – Obsession – Nigeria
    Meghar Matu – The Brittle Thread – India
    Valerie Ayena – Love Trap – Cameroon
    Tunu M. Yaya – Uncle – Uganda

     

     

    BEST FEATURE (FOREIGN)
    Brave – France
    Bedroom Chain – Uganda
    The Lifting – USA
    Uncle – Tanzania
    Love Trap – Cameroon
    Master of Light – USA
    Identical Justice – USA

    OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR
    Cosson Chinepoh – Love Trap – Cameroon
    Andrew Amenechi – Enough of Silence – Nigeria
    Tom Jones – Mateka(Captives) – Uganda
    Chidiebere Nwosu – Obsession – Nigeria
    Shanchar Levi – Shlosha Tapuzim – Isreal
    Habibu Yusuph Madabu – Uncle – Tanzania
    Muyiwa Ademola – Sin ity – Nigeria

    OUTSTANDING MUSIC SCORE
    Brave – France
    Mateka – Uganda
    Shlosa Tapuzim – Isreal
    Sin City – Nigeria
    Life After Death – Nigeria
    Omowale – South Africa
    The Alert – Nigeria

    OUTSTANDING STUDENT FILM
    Aminata – Spain
    The Lesson Of Courage – China
    Towards Utopia – UK
    Zoe – Central Africa Republic
    Once upon a Perfect Murder – Nigeria
    The Doll – Iran
    On Solid Ground – Serbia
    OUTSTANDING ANIMATION FILM
    Larvae Story – Korea
    The Pyramid – Egypt
    The Nomad Lebanon
    Weight – USA
    Shloha Tapuzim – Isreal

    OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY FILM
    Palm To Crude – Nigeria
    Everest Man – Nepal
    Heart of Gold – Thailand
    Journey of Igbo Civilization – Nigeria
    The House Mulogiouli – Kenya
    From Behind The Window – Iran
    Cinema Beyond Boundaries – Australia

  • CRSG Mandate Proprietors Of Private Schools To Pay N20,000 For Re-Accreditation Or Lose Their License

    CRSG Mandate Proprietors Of Private Schools To Pay N20,000 For Re-Accreditation Or Lose Their License

    By Patrick Obia, CrossRiverWatch

    The Government of Cross River has mandated operators/owners of private schools in the State to pay a fee of N20,000 for re-accreditation – N5,000 for form while N15,000 as a fee.

    The directive which was contained in a circular with reference number MOE/QAD/1779/VOL.1, signed by Elder Emmanuel Agbor, Director/HOD Quality Assurance, on behalf of the Commissioner for Quality Education and made available to our newsroom warns that those who fail to comply will lose their license to operate.

    “You are to ensure that every school picks up the registration form of payment of N5,000 only, and return the completed form through your office with a registration fee of N15,000.00) only as agreed by stakeholders,” the circular reads in part.

    A source that wouldn’t want to be mentioned in print told CrossRiverWatch that the account receiving the money is an individual account and receipts are not issued after payment is made.

    Our newsroom was reliably informed that a re-accreditation exercise was carried out two years ago and N15,000 was charged per school.

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Takes Campaign To Bishiri South, Bendi 1 And Bendi 2 Wards, Receives Blessings From Royal Fathers

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Takes Campaign To Bishiri South, Bendi 1 And Bendi 2 Wards, Receives Blessings From Royal Fathers

     

    The PDP, Cross River North Senatorial District campaign trail, today hit Bishiri South, Bendi 1 and Bendi 2 Wards of Obanliku LGA and were greeted by mammoth crowds at each venue.

    In Bishiri South, the candidates received Royal blessings from HRH Gabriel Odey, Clan Head Amuna Clan Otuhu and all the chiefs present.

    Persons with disabilities were also included in the political process. A sign language interpreter was available to communicate the messages to the hearing-impaired.

    Attesting that most of the youth in the community are engaged through Sen. Jarigbe’s empowerment projects. The people of Bishiri South declared, “We will vote all PDP candidates because of Sen. Jarigbe who we consider the Governor of Cross River North and our votes will be a vote of ‘Thank you’ and appreciation for all he has done because the power of appreciation translates to more miracles and good works for our people.”

    HRH Chief Augustine Azikele, Clan Head of Bendi Ward, was happy to receive the son of the soil, Ambassador Akpanke Peter and his Team into the political ward of Ambassador Peter Akpanke.

    Sen. Jarigbe Agom reminded the people of his relationship with the ward when he said, “I am a friend of Bendi. I was part of Sen. Musa Adede’s journey through thick and thin. We worked tirelessly for his victory during his active days in politics.”

    The people of Bendi 1 claimed deep ownership and identification with the PDP, acknowledging that their prayers have been answered. They pledged to support Sen. Jarigbe, their sons Ambassador Akpanke and Chief Pius Ashiaka, and all other candidates in the team.

    In Bendi Ward 2, the team was warmly greeted by HRH Afu A. Afu, Clan head of Bendi South, who led the other chiefs in blessing the candidates and praying for their success.

    In attendance were: the PDP Senatorial Candidate of the Northern District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the state party chairman, Barr. Vena Ikem; the state assembly candidates, Chief Pius Ashiaka (Obanliku) and Mr John Ukwu (Obudu); DG Jarigbe Campaign Organization, Dr DC Enamhe; Barr Godwin Offiono Ogoja/Yala federal constituency; Ambassador Peter Akpanke, Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwara federal constituency; Barr Omang Charles Omang, Bekwara state constituency; Hon Rita Agbo Ayim, Ogoja state constituency; Dr Paul Ebiala Esq, Yala 1 state constituency and Dr Achadu Martins, Yala 2 state constituency.

  • UNICAL Disowns Fake Recruitment Advertisement Trending On Social Media

    UNICAL Disowns Fake Recruitment Advertisement Trending On Social Media

    ” UNICAL NOT RECRUITING”

    The University of Calabar has reacted to a ‘fake’ recruitment advertisement trending in the social media.

    The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Effiong.B. Eyo, in a statement on Monday warned members of the public to shun the advertisement as it did not emanate from the University.

    According to the statement, members of the public should be wary of the antics of fraudsters who are bent on deceiving them with the promise of offering them jobs in Unical.

    The Statement reads thus: ” the institution wishes to categorically state that it is currently not conducting any recruitment exercise.

    ” Should the institution decide to engage more hands, the Public will be notified through appropriate, recognized and official channels of communication”

    Signed:
    EFFIONG. B. EYO
    PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER UNICAL

  • NUT Cross River State Chapter Endorses Sen Jarigbe Agom, Regrets Past Support For Governor Ayade

    NUT Cross River State Chapter Endorses Sen Jarigbe Agom, Regrets Past Support For Governor Ayade

    The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Union Of Teachers (NUT), has endorsed Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    The announcement was made while the Senator hosted the leadership of the Union led by the State Chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi and the Union’s leadership in Cross River North, who paid him a courtesy visit at his Ogoja residence earlier today.

    Comrade Gregory Olayi, appreciated the lawmaker for welcoming them. He thanked him for his numerous interventions and contributions in the Education sector as a legislator and further pleaded that, Teachers should be considered by the Senator in his programs.

    He lamented the poor treatment meted on them by the Governor Ben Ayade led APC Government.

    According to him, “in the past seven (7) years, no promotion, gratuity and other incentives have been paid to any teacher in Cross River State, rather, the State Government deducts dues from teachers without remittance to the Union’s treasury”.

    Receiving the leadership of the Union, Senator Jarigbe said he is a son of two teachers, as his parents were both teachers. He reiterated his immeasurable love for the profession, having come from a teaching background.

    He assured them of his willingness to work closely with them going forward and promised a Brand New Vehicle for the Union, which he said will be delivered before the New Year and further empowered the 25 Zonal and the State Excos from the North, with One Motorcycle each.

    Also in attendance was the PDP candidate for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Chief Peter Akpanke, Mr Joe Ulom, amongst others.

     

    TEAM JARI MEDIA.

  • UNICAL Begins Academic Activities After ASUU Strike

    UNICAL Begins Academic Activities After ASUU Strike

     

    The University of Calabar has commenced academic activities for fresh and old students of the institution.

    A check by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) within the campus indicates that fresh students were already visiting some offices for their registration.

    Also, some final year students of the institution were busy doing their final clearance at different points on campus.

    A further check by NAN also indicated that most of the lecturers had visited their offices and getting set for academic activities.

    Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi, told NAN in an interview that she was happy to welcome Lecturers and students back on campus.

    Prof. Obi said that the senate of the university had resolved that no student will be victimized as a result of the strike by any lecturer.

    She said that with the resumption of academic activities today, the university was set for serious activities with the students with a view to catch up with the lost period of eight months.

    “During the period of the strike, we were busy on campus with our drive for infrastructural development and building of new classrooms blocks and hostels in preparation for resumption.

    “We had classrooms that were dilapidated, so we used the period of the strike to fix the desks and also completed the pavilion 1, 2 and 3, courtesy of Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

    “Today, we also have beautiful road network on campus and we got that through the intervention of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

    “During the strike, we also ran a workshop where we hosted lecturers from the Association of African Universities. In all, we were able to use the period the strike to achieve many things.

    “We just had our first mass this morning were we dedicated the resumption of activities to God,” she said.

    The VC, who used the occasion to welcome lecturers, staff and students of the institution back on campus, urged the students to be focus and dedicated to their studies.

    A final year student of the university, Ms. Jennifer Obono, told NAN on campus that she was happy to be back to school after the eight months strike.

    Obono, a final year students of Faculty of Agriculture, said she was pursuing her final clearance in preparation for graduation.

    Another student, James Okon, told NAN that the period of the strike was so devastating, adding that he was happy to be back to school were he can be engaged meaningfully.

    Okon commended the management of the institution for the building of new classroom blocks, road network and hostels, adding that the university has become more conducive for teaching and learning.

  • Prioritising Second Chance Education (SCE) Teachers: A Panacea For Ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) BY KEBE IKPI

    Prioritising Second Chance Education (SCE) Teachers: A Panacea For Ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) BY KEBE IKPI

     

    5th of October every year is marked as World Teachers’ Day (WTD). WTD marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of teachers. UNESCO adopted October 5th as WTD in 1994. Prior to this time, 5th September was celebrated in India as National Teachers’ Day. The students of the second Indian President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, had approached him to inform him of their plans to celebrate his birthday (5th September), instead, he requested that the date be celebrated as National Teachers Day in India. WTD is an opportunity to celebrate teachers for their contribution and commitment to nation-building in general and the impact they have on their learners in particular.

    This year, the theme of the celebration is “Transformation of education begins with the teachers”. This theme calls attention to the important role that teachers play in educational transformation which in turn transforms individual and society at large. The future of any nation can be mirrored through its education (and their teachers). Communities that have poor educational facilities, low and discriminatory (enrolling more boys than girls) enrolment into school have turned out to be low on the human development index. This is why we must take the welfare of teachers seriously. Education and human development are Siemens twins; one cannot be achieved without the other. As important as education is, more important is the teacher, through whom lessons are delivered. According to this year’s theme, the “transformation” of the teacher is at the centre of educational transformation. This is the case of building the capacity of teachers so they can deliver quality lessons. This is were Second Chance Education (SCE) Teachers also called Facilitators come in.

    There is currently a global drive to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) against Women and Girls under the Spotlight Initiative. This initiate is a partnership between The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN). In Cross River State, UNESCO, one of the UN agencies implementing Spotlight, is supporting Second Chance Education through Education Today for Sustainable Development Initiative (ETSDI). ETSDI, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has a mandate to reach 2,000 marginalised women and girls in Obubra and Obanliku Local Government Areas of Cross River State. This intervention is aimed at empowering women and girls from hard-to-reach communities, who did not have an opportunity to go to school or dropped out as a result of all types of GBV. As commendable as this initiative is, it is time bound and has limited resources for implementation. Hence, the need for government to factor in SCE facilitators when planning for the 2023 budget.

    What ETSDI is doing with the support of UNESCO is not enough. Government can replicate and expand on this by studying the NGO’s model of intervention. The NGO in partnership with the Agency for Adult and Non-final Education (AANE), and Ministry of Women Affairs (MOWA) recently trained 40 Facilitators to support SCE and 10 Vocational Skills Facilitators to train women and girls in different skills. The SCE Facilitators should be co-opted into the administration, given more training and paid Montoya stipen to continue offering this service to our remote communities after the six months period that ETSDI’s intervention will last.

    Partners on the Spotlight Initiative programme have a consensus that if Goal 5 (Gender Equality) is met, all other goals would have been met. One of the ways to get this done is through exposing women and girls to their rights, what constitutes GBV, helping them build life skills, giving them livelihood support and empowering them to manage their finances. All of these and more happens through the SCE. Facilitators (teachers) will be driving this process. My appeal is for Government to commit to sustaining this very important non-formal education when ETSDI’s intervention ends in six (6) months. If we must meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we must take teachers serious especially, Second Chance Education Teachers.

    Kebe Ikpi Writes from Calabar
    Please follow Kebe on Twitter: @KebeIkpi

  • Becheve, Utanga And Bebi Wards Stands Still As PDP Commences Campaign Tour In C’River North

    Becheve, Utanga And Bebi Wards Stands Still As PDP Commences Campaign Tour In C’River North

     

    The People of Becheve, Utanga and Bebi wards of Obanliku LGA, today trooped out in their thousands to receive Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), in Cross River North as the Party commenced its Campaigns ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

    The campaign trail which was led by Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District and Senatorial Candidate of the party, commenced with a visit to the Royal Fathers. HRH Iyang of Ugbakoko Community, HRH Francis Owashi of Belegete Community, amongst others received the guests and gave their Royal blessings to their political ambition after which they outlined the challenges of the community. They also thanked Sen. Jarigbe for remembering various communities in the ward during his short stay in the Senate.

    While addressing the teeming supporters at the various wards, Amb. Peter Akpanke, the Party’s candidate for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, thanked the people for turning out in support of the party within such short notice. He also promised to bring back the lost glory of Obanliku and attract more dividends of Democracy to the Ward in a bid to compliment the efforts of Sen. Jarigbe.

    Sen. Jarigbe in his remarks, reiterated his commitment to service to humanity. The lawmaker, stated that the party was only interested in developing the Senatorial District unlike the APC that has underdeveloped the district, using Food as a tool to enslave the people.

    Barr. Vena Ikem, State Chairman of PDP, the State Assembly Candidate, Chief Pius Ashakia, DG Jarigbe Campaign Organization, Dr. Doncklaimz Enamhe, Hon. Dr Benjamin Ambe, Former Chairman of Obanliku LGA, amongst others took turns to address the party faithfuls who also pledged their loyalty and support to the party and its candidates.

    The royal fathers of Utanga, led by Clan head of Baga community, HRH. Alfred Anyam Ande, HRH Suhumba Joseph of Utanga clan and those of Bebi ward led by HRH Chief Francis Atung, Clan Head of Bebi East and members of the Council of Chiefs, Catechist Peter Adagwu, Chairman Bebi Traditional Council, amongst others.

    Some dignitaries who were in attendance include, Barr. Godwin Offiono, candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Chief Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim, Candidate for Ogoja State Constituency, Dr Paul Ebiala Esq, Candidate for Yala 1 State Constituency, Dr Martins Achadu, Candidate for Yala 2 state Constituency, Barr. Omang Charles Omang, Candidate for Bekwarra State Constituency, Mr. John Ukwu, Candidate for Obudu State Constituency

    Others include, Hon. Mike Usibe, Mr. Egar Mgbantul, Mr. Joe Ulom, Dr Raphael Ogar Oko, members of PDP State Executive Council from the North, PDP ward and Chapter Excos, amongst others.

  • PHCN’s Broken Poles Endangers Lives In Ugep Yakurrr Local Government Area Of CRS

    PHCN’s Broken Poles Endangers Lives In Ugep Yakurrr Local Government Area Of CRS

    By Ojeka Odey Xevia

    I will like to alert the Power Holding Company of Nigeria PLC, PHCN Yakurr District that the fallen or almost fallen electricity poles in the pictures below are endangering the lives of the people of Biko Biko Council ward Ugep of Yakurr Local Government Area.

    If not quickly and safety removed ,the lives of people in the area is at great risk because the poles are close to the ground.

    Speaking with one of the members of the Biko Biko community,he said that” it is up to one month and some weeks the electricity poles fell on our houses along Ediba junction Biko Biko Council ward of Ugep Yakurr Local Government Area . 6 poles fell on people’s houses and they are running away from their houses because they know what electricity is”.

    “And the Authority have not done anything to help the affected houses ,” he added.

    The entire community of Biko Biko has been in a power blackout since then because of these fallen electricity poles.

    Electricity is an important factor of production that human existence greatly depends on. The absence of this, brings about total shut down of not just business activities but also social-economic growth and development.