The Lumine News

Tag: Ben Ayade

  • C’River Govt Delivers Relief Materials, Cash To Inmates Of Afokang Correctional Centre In Calabar

    By Admin

    As part of the policy direction of the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Sen Prof Ben Ayade to reach out to all citizens, relief materials have been delivered to inmates of the Afokang Correctional Centre, Calabar.

    Making the presentation on behalf of the Govermor Ayade at Afokang on Monday, the state Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. Blessing Egbara said that the gesture was part of the effort of the administration of Ayade to show love and kindness to the inmates, and that it is on this basis that he has directed her to reach out to them.

    The Commissioner commended Professor Ben Ayade for being a selfless leader who reaches out to his People, irrespective of their circumstances, social status or offence that has been committed.

    Hon. Egbara revealed that the purpose of the visit was to let the inmates know that they may have broken the law, but doesn’t mean government has turn its back on them.

    “We are very happy to be here today to hand over relief materials to the inmates, we all know how the country is during this period, we are here to let them know that being here doesn’t make them less humans in the society. They are law offenders, and being here is to correct them and make them better citizens of the society, we have come to support the Correctional authority in Afokang in whatever they are doing for their welfare”

    Besides handing over food items, hand sanitizers, and nose mask to the inmates, the Hon Commissioner also make a Cash Donation of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (250,000) on behalf of the G. F. O Foundation, instituted by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon.. Martin Orim.

    “The chief of staff to the governor also partners with the Ministry through the G. F. O Foundation from time to time to help us take care of the less privileged in the society and for this visit, he has given us 250,000 to assist with the welfare of the inmates”

    Reacting to the Visit, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in the state, Mr Nickolas Obinna, thanked the state Governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade for his kind heart at remembering the inmates, while also welcoming the Commissioner and her team to the Correction Center, stressing further that the visit is very timely and very thoughtful of the State Government to remember the inmates in a time like this.

    “I am overwhelmed with Joy, because they came at the right time, on behalf of the Controller, I want to thank God and also thank You for your visit because this will go a long way to reduce the sufferings of the inmates, honestly this shows that the Government has us at heart, I also want to appreciate His Excellency for reaching out to his people through this ministry I would love this synergy to go on,” Oninna maintained.

    The Deputy Controller also use the medium to appeal to the governor, Professor Ayade to come to their aid as the roof and buildings of some offices in the correctional centers needs fixing.

     

  • C’River Set To Partner NASME For The Development Of Small Scale Businesses

     

    The Cross River State Government has expressed its readiness to partner the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) to develop small and medium scale businesses in the state.

    Governor Ben Ayade made this known in Calabar the cross river state capital, assured the group that his government has put institutional frameworks in collaboration to develop small medium enterprises.

    Ayade who was represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong said the visit of the group will provide a forum for interaction, and adoption of a concerted approach to issues of strategic importance to the development of MSMEs in the state.

    In her words “NASME is the only Nigerian private sector -led BMO affiliated to the World Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (WASME) enjoying consultative status with the United Nations.

    “Cross River State is proud to associate with NASME because of its strategic importance and status as a unit of Business Membership Organization (BMO) assisted through strategic collaborations with UNIDO, UNDP, IFC, Federal Ministries, several embassies and bilateral Chambers of Commerce on its various projects.

    “Our vision and mission to make Cross River State a one stop Business Hub through various variables introduced as part of Ease of Doing Business Strategy, requires NASME”

    The NASME State Chairman, Mr James Alicha who was ably represented by Mrs Ekaete Ukpong and her team member, Chineye Uzor amongst others said the group was committed to further advancing the state brand by providing high-quality and responsive services in building and strengthening partnerships in order to change the mindset of small scale business owners in Cross River.

    The visit was attended by Hon. Marjorie Asuquo – Special Adviser to the Governor on Enterprise Funding, Sir John Odo, DG – CRGIA and Mr Julius Agrinya of Smart City Network amongst other top Government appointees.

  • CRSG Flags Off BHCPF Training For Enumerators, Targets 700,000 Vulnerable Persons To Be Enrolled As The State Access Funds.

    By Simon Ushie

    The Cross River State Government has flagged off the training exercise for enumerators, who will go into the field for health facilities assessment, as the state gets ready to access the Basic Health Care Provision Funds BHCPF, aimed at capturing and enrolling 700,000 vulnerable persons across the 18 Local Government Areas, to access free quality health care services in the state.

    Flagging off the training exercise in Calabar the Cross River State Capital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu urged participants to pay attention to the rules and guidelines surrounding enumerations, mapping and facility assessment.

    Dr. Edu said among other benefits, the scheme will help cushion the hardship faced by households when accessing Healthcare services.
    She further charged enumerators to be guided and perform their task with all sense of sincerity and a high level of integrity and said if proper information are not generated and laid down task accomplished, it could expose all Cross Riverians, irrespective of their social and political class to poor and ineffective healthcare supply.

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong applauded the facilitators of the exercise, as she encouraged the participants to tap from their wealth of experience and technical expertise to ensure that Cross River State achieve maximum results in its quest to achieving Universal Health Coverage Status.

    Dr Ekpenyong further applauded the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade for his huge investment in the health sector which she said has helped in reducing maternal and infant mortality and strengthening the believe system among Community members to seek supports for their health challenges in Government owned facilities.

    On his part, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, Chief Goddy Iyala said his Agency is poised to support all Agencies of Government both within the state and outside the state to ensure that success is achieved.

    He further called on transparency in obtaining data from relevant bodies which will aid planning and implementation as he said the Cross River State Health Insurance is one of the pioneer Agencies in the country to start enrollment and as such a reliable gateway to obtaining results.

    Facilitators from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme applauded the State Government for prioritizing healthcare for it’s citizens as well as setting the template for other states to follow.

    Participants include Monitoring and Evaluation Officers drawn from the state Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Agency and the State Health Insurance Scheme are expected to be taught various methods of Facility rating using the Open Data Kit (ODK) to ascertain the quality of services being offered in each facility both in terms of client’s convenience, number of staff as well as a step down training for ward and Community leaders.

    The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund was borne out of the 2015 National Health Council meeting which stipulates that 1% of the Nation’s consolidated revenue should be earmarked to boost Healthcare services in states across the country.

    The program is aimed at providing succor to the Vulnerable including the Aged, Pregnant Women and children under the age of 5, poor Households and low income earners with the sole target of all states contributing to Nigeria attaining the universal Health Coverage Status.

    With the Government of Senator Ben Ayade meeting all the criteria for accessing the said funds, through the payment of counterpart funds and building standard health facilities, the training of enumerators and capacity building could just be the icing on the cake for the state to join other states in benefiting from the reserved funds which will not only help remodel some of our health facilities but as well help in drugs stocking and the hiring of health workers to meet the growing population.

  • Cross River Industrialization Drive Gets Major Boost; As UN Pledges Certification, Operations Support For CALAPHARM

    By Admin

    The Cross River State Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have finalised modalities to provide technical support for the completion, equipping, certification and operation of the state-owned Pharmaceutical Company, CALAPHARM.

    Arising from a meeting between the state government representatives and UNIDO Nigeria team during its working visit to the State, sequel to a meeting with Governor Ayade in Abuja where issues of State interest were discussed, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong said the discussions among other things centred on how the UN industrial organization will provide technical assistance that will enable CALAPHARM oommence operations.

    Asibong assured the Team of the State Government’s readiness to provide the necessary support in their quest to give technical know-how for the state-owned pharmaceutical company.

    The Commissioner explained that CALAPHARM is near completion, and when it begins full operations, will contribute to the Federal Government’s policy reliance on locally produced and environmentally-friendly pharmaceutical products in Nigeria.

    She seized the opportunity of the visit to make a clarion call on the Federal Government, the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other Donor organisations to take a cue from UNIDO by lending support to the industrialisation drive of Cross River State Government.

    Earlier in her remarks, the UNIDO Team Lead to Cross River, Mrs. Osaretin Jaiyeola, assured the State Government of the provision of the requisite technical assistance needed for the smooth takeoff of CALAPHARM.

    She lauded Prof. Ben Ayade’s initiative on the establishment of the CALAPHARM, adding that when it commences full operations would boost the economy of the state through the production of locally made drugs thereby strengthening the local content value-chain in the country.

  • Ayade Chief of Staff Rewards Party Faithfuls With Cars, Eulogizes Legor Idagbo

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Hon. Martins Orim has rewarded five PDP party faithfuls with brand new cars as part of his benevolent gesture to reward their selfless commitment and support to him personally and the party at large.

    The presentation of the cars took place today September 6th, 2020 as part of the 2020 Obudu new yam festival held at Governor Ayade’s Chief of Staff residence, Okweriseng-Ubang, in Obudu local government area of cross river state.

    Presenting the car key to the Obudu Chapter Chairman of PDP, Mr. Enerst Ublibli, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonas Williams urged him to make judicious use of the car both for the service of the party and private use.

    Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo commended the Chief of Staff to the governor for considering Mr. Justine Ayabie Adie popularly called (Ajepota), as many people relegates his kind, he fuel the vehicle with the sum of (#100,000.00) one hundred naira and promised to take responsibility of the car maintainance.

    Speaking on the choice of the beneficiaries, the Chief of Staff to the governor noted that Hon. Philip Ikpah is one man who stood his grounds to support his (Hon. Martins Orim) aspiration to become councilor against the powerful forces that moved against him then. Hon. Philip Ikpah was ready to resign his appointment as Supervisor for Finance when the then Chairman of council was bent on removing Hon. Martins Orim as Deputy Leader of Council. He has however, remain very resolute and decisive in his support for the Chief of Staff, and is currently, a member of the Care Taker Committee of the PDP in the state.

    The former State Chairman and now Care Taker Committe Chairman of PDP, Ntufam Inok Edim, while presenting the car to Hon. Ikpah, called on the people of Obudu to support the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Martins Orim who started a foundation in honor of his late father and donated items to the less privileged and today, he is presenting cars to deserving party faithfuls.

    Those who were rewarded with the cars are:
    Mr. Henry Ublili- PDP Chapter Chairman, Obudu
    Mr. Augustine Odzie Abua – PDP Chapter Secretary, Obudu
    Mr. Justine Ayabie Adie – party supporter
    Hon. Sylvester Agabi – Former Leader of Obudu legislative Council
    Hon. Philip Ikpah – Member, PDP State Care Taker Committee.

    Speaking on behalf of the recipients of the Chief of Staff’s magnanimity, Hon. Philip Ikpah thanked Hon. Martins Orim for having recognized their contributions and efforts to stabilize the polity of their boss and plegded to make good use of the cars and stated that “the reward for good work is more work”
    He however noted that the car gift is a call to further strengthen their support and loyalty to their boss and principal, hecommended the support of the wife of the Chief of Staff over the years.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Martins Orim used the circumstance of the event to eulogize the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo for his unwavering support for Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the governor of cross river state.

    Orim held that “the support given to the governor by Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo is unprecedented. He has stood by the governor through the trying moments. While other National Assembly members picked expression of intent forms, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo waited for the governor to give him directives to pick the form. Rt. Hon. Legor said he can only pick the form if the governor ask him to do so, you can see the level of support and loyalty he showed to our brother. Whatever, Rt. Hon. Legor ask from Obudu, I’m sure we will give him in reciprocation of his support for us”

    The Chief of Staff further averred that “the bond of friendship that exist between Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo and I is very strong to a point that in 2018, some people told Rt. Legor that I was going to run election against him, and he said, if it is Chief of Staff, I will support him”

    On his part, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo stated that “everything the Chief of said is very correct. In fact, in the build up to the 2015 election, one of my supporters had complained and was at the verge of withdrawing his support for me, Hon. Martins Orim asked me what the problem was and I told him the man wants me to buy a car for him, the Chief of Staff willingly gave me his wife’s car to give to the man.

    “The Chief of Staff supported me morally and financially to see to the emergence of the Speaker of House Representatives, Rt. Femi Gbajamibiala.

    “My wife told me, the Chief of Staff is truly your friend, I will do everything to sustain this friendship. Whatever Hon. Martins ask for, I will support him”

    The event was graced by party faithfuls, women and traditional rulers across the local government area.

    The Chief of Staff’s humanitarian and philanthropic nature is hereditary as his late father was a renowned philanthropist who stopped at nothing to ensure that everyone who comes in contact with him gets something that tends to solve their problems.

    The Chief of Staff had just last week donated and installed solar lights in all the 19 villages including the palaces of all traditional rulers that makes up Ukpe, Alege and Ubang (UKALU) as well as the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Obudu of Obudu local government area, HRM, Uti JD Agba.

  • UN Food And Agriculture Organization Partners C’River To Build MDAs Capacity On Agrotech

    By Admin

    The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (UNFAO) and Cross River State Government have agreed to partner on some Agricultural and ICT training for staff of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the State.

    The partnership was the outcome of the meeting by the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, MIDC and the Lead Advisor to the Governor on Green Money, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo with the UN FAO Rep, Mr Suffyan Koroma at the UN Country Office in Abuja.

    The Programme which will be coordinated by the Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC) will build capacity of staff of some key clusters of the state on agrotechnology and info-business in line with the Cross River State Government efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

    Speaking during a follow up visit to the UN team to broker the Partnership arrangement, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, averred that the State Government’s Core Policy under Ayade’s administration is on Modern Agricultural Production, Distribution and it’s value chain markets as well Industrialization.

    Asibong explained that the state has keyed into the Federal Government’s initiative on Food security and Agricultural revolution to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and maintained that building the capacity of key MDAs and investing in innovative technology will guarantee food sufficiency not only to Cross River but Nigeria in general.

    “I thank the Technical Team for partnering with Cross River which is one of the three States in Nigeria to benefit from the UN capacity building on modern ICT with Kano and Lagos as two other beneficiaries” she added.

    Speaking earlier during the visit, the UNFAO technical team leader, Mr Dare Olurunmole who is also a project Desk Officer at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said the visit was to identify the ICT needs of the Agricultural lines of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs). The beneficial MDAS include Ministry of Agriculture, FADAMA, SPC, SBS, ADP among others with MIDC as coordinating ministry.

    Mr Olorunmole thanked the Cross River State Government as one of the leading states setting the standard in achieving better quality of Agricultural Produce ,with adequate available data in support of the Sustainable development Goals.

  • Excitement As Gov. Ayade Commissions Modor And Odaghe Vulnerable Centres In Obubra

    George Odok Jr.

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River State has commissioned two skills acquisition centres for the Modor vulnerable group in Apiapum and Odaghe vulnerable group in Ofodua communities in Obubra local government area, including culverts.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, said the projects were funded through the Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency, a World Bank Assisted partnership programme with the state government.

    She explained that the projects were supported with a view to give the vulnerable groups a sense of belonging by improving their livelihoods.

    The skill acquisition programmes include a viewing centre, photo studio, catering school and a computer centre.

    The Acting General Manager of Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency, Mr Fidel Udie, commended the community for providing their counterpart contribution for the successful completion of the project.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hon. Livinus Okpa, popularly called “Incumbent”, said the Ayade led government has given the disabled the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities and the state at large.

    Mr Toni Ikpeme, the Board Chairman of Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency, charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the projects to enhance their overall wellbeing.

  • C’River And NEWMAP Strategize to Sustain Land Management And Improve Erosion Control 

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    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Cross River State Government says it will continue to provide access to developmental programmes for youth and women, as well as create opportunities for sustainable growth for the citizens in line with the visions of His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, gave the reassurances during a working visit to the Abuja Headquarters of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

    Asibong said the visit was to cement the already established relationship between the State and NEWMAP to improve livelihood and sustain land management and Erosion Control across the State.

    The Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee for NEWMAP, expressed confidence on the outcome of the meeting as the State is working assiduously towards reducing poverty, unemployment and environmental related hazards.

    Asibong said the Governor Ayade-led administration in has set up several Community Intervention Groups (CIGs) across its 18 local Government Areas with many registered Community Associations by the government coupled with a designed Community Action Plan for funding.

    According to Asibong, “Erosion-prone communities across Cross River State have been identified and strengthened, behavioral change campaign on proper disposal of waste have also been conducted and the key takeaway of the exercise is the resolution of improved community hygiene.

    “This success story in Cross River State has been applauded by the management of NEWMAP which we have promised to improve upon in the years ahead” she added.

     

    The Project Coordinator of NEWMAP in the State, Dr. Fidelis Anukwa, who accompanied the Commissioner on the visit, said NEWMAP interventions such as behavior change campaign, erosion control and gully improvement, waste management and sub-grant administration has seen communities like Atakpa, Edim Otop, Nyagasang, Ikot Ekpo, Ikot Anwatim, Kasuk, Ikot Ishie, Ikot Abasi Obori, Ikot Ansa and Ikot Nkebre in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality benefiting, amongst others.

  • Etung LGA applauds Ayade, Border communities development Agency For A Proposed Ultramodern Skills Acquisition Centre And An International Border Market

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Spirit of Enterprise is gaining ground in Etung Local Government Area as Government is set to construct an ultramodern Skills Acquisition Centre (for Women and Youths) and an International Border Market in Etung.

    The two projects to be undertaken by Border Communities Development Agency, is intended to reposition Etung Local Government as a prime revenue generating Local government Area in Cross River State.

    Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Director General, State Border Communities Development Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong thank the people of Ajassor Clan for making available portions of land for the two projects.

    The DG disclosed that the Governor, Sir Ben Ayade is in touch with the Presidency to ensure that Etung gets full due as an International Border Local Government.

    Ugbong maintained that “on completion, the two projects shall add adequate value to Etung Land with increased skills and commercial activities, the youths shall be meaningfully engaged and as such have no time for social vices”

    Reacting on behalf of the Chairman of Etung LGA, the Secretary of Council, Mr. Kenneth Isong pledged Council support to the projects and thank the Presidency as well as the State Government for the deliberate efforts geared towards the industrialisation of Etung LGA, which hitherto is an agrarian LGA.

    On his part, the Clanhead of Ajassor, Ntufam Anthony Ntui Etta 11, commended the efforts made by Government to conceive such gigantic projects to be sited at Ajasor and pledged the assurances of the clan in supporting Government in all developmental strides.

    The Clan Head maintained that as the last community to the Republic of Cameroon, it should be expedient to have more Government presence, and that they have a surveyed layout purposely designed for such noble purposes.

  • C’River Ministry Of Finance Secures $10M Grant As World Bank Verifies Eligibility

    By Admin

    Independent Verification Agents (IVA) from the World Bank are undertaking a verification exercise as part of the validating criteria of the World Bank State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for results. It is a programme supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Ministry Finance and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation aimed at improving transparency and accountability in governance for sustainable growth and development.

    Speaking at the meeting held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance, leader of the World Bank IVA Team to Cross River, Mrs Isioma Bola-Audu said the team is in Cross River to assess the state’s achievement of the Disbursement-Linked Results (DLRs) in accordance with the Annual Performance Assessment (APA) guidelines and Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) verification protocols.

    Bola-Audu noted that the programme has nine DLIs that attracts grants for State’s that are able to meet the DLIs as an incentive for running a transparent, accountable and sustainable governance policy.

    Stating further that Cross River State is one of a handful of the 36 states that has met eligibility of the programme by submitting and publishing online her Annual Budget and Audited Financial Statements in a timely and decent manner, thereby qualifying for the World Bank grant. Further to the State’s qualification, the IVA team will verify the state’s performance in 9 different categories of best governance practices.

    “We have seen remotely that Cross River State has done well in achieving the eligible criteria and we are here to verify the Disbursement Linked Indicators in accordance with the verification protocols” She stated.

    Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr in his remarks thanked the World Bank team to the state and assured that the administration will never deviate from running a transparent, accountable and sustainable government in line with the State’s Public Finance Management Laws and the State’s Fiscal Responsibility Law as passed and assented to.

    The Commissioner stressed that Cross River State has been able to show that governance can be run in a transparent, accountable & sustainable manner which is why the state succeeded in qualifying for the World Bank’s grants.

    The Cross River State’s SFTAS Steering Committee is Chaired by the Ministry of Finance, comprising the Internal Revenue Service, Office of the Accountant General, Bureau of Due Process & Procurement, Budget Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service and Debt Management Department.