The Lumine News

Tag: Ben Ayade

  • The C’River Ministry OF Int’l Devt. corporation And The Role Of Development Partners.

    The C’River Ministry OF Int’l Devt. corporation And The Role Of Development Partners.

    By Eugene Upah

    Inspired by the over 4 million strong population base of the state and the gene pool of some of the most entrepreneurial and industrious minds in the country that is concentrated in Cross River, the state Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prof. (Sir) Ben Ayade in 2015, created the Ministry of International Development Corporation (MIDC) to further industrialise and decouple the state from its civil service status.

    The Ministry of MIDC acting as a powerhouse and gateway between the state, local and foreign development partners is responsible for coordinating all donor funded projects in the state. The creation of the MIDC, without doubt, has added immeasurable value to the people’s paradise developmental drive.

    The MIDC is headed by a youthful technocrat, Hon. Dr. Inyang Asibong and has also been saddled with the responsibility of attracting first-world intervention programs to the state with the intention of selecting areas of critical urgent attention.

    Through the efforts of the Ministry, the European Union, WHO, World Bank, the United Nations and her sub-agencies like the UNHCR, UNFPA, UN-WOMEN, UNICEF and UNIDO, have so far identified areas of urgent attention and gone ahead to implement programs to service those concerns. This incredible progress was recorded by the new ministry in just 5 years of its existence.

    The bilateral and multilateral sections of its terms of reference, enables the MIDC to scout donor support for funding of projects in the state. As a pre-condition before lending support to state proposals, majority of World Bank assisted projects must be state-owned to guarantee sustainability. The state government MUST also provide counterpart funding and political cover for all donor projects to accelerate implementation. A typical example is the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Program (NEWMAP) intervention projects. Cross River state recently released its counterpart funding for the NEWMAP erosion projects for critical water torn sites across the state.

    Under the MIDC’s watch, World Bank assisted programs like the State and Local Government Reforms Project (SLOGOR) is anchored in the Community and Social Development Program (CSDP). On this, the government approaches the local communities to identify and implement micro-projects with the aim to make a direct and immediate impact. Examples of projects that fall within the scope of the CSDP are provision of street lights, renovation of classroom blocks, basic water supply etc.

    Also, using the state’s social register, the MIDC designed a template that made it possible for the Youth Empowerment and Social Support Program (YESSO) to be successfully implemented across the state with little hassle. YESSO’s was the platform for the payment of COVID-19 monthly sustainable palliatives packages to the vulnerable and aged. The agile and youthful weren’t left out; they underwent trainings and have been integrated into the scheme.

    The Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS), is another extension of the MIDC, inspired by His Excellency’s concept of G-MONEY and is used to promote agricultural enhancement with the engagement of some 5,000 people in the agric value chain.

    Furthermore, the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES), is an upcoming program initiated by the MIDC to ensure sustainable palliatives support to communities, farmers, businesses and individuals in the state to cushion the aftermath of the global pandemic.

    Counterpart funding has since been provided by the state to enable UNICEF provide specific attention to the plight of women and children.

    The UNDP is working in partnership with the MIDC to ensure the state is clean and green. This will be achieved through planting of trees and facilitating of programs aimed at discouraging deforestation.

    Through the MIDC, the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Program (WSSSRP) for the supply of potable water is currently ongoing in selected communities across the state.

    Recently, a number of classroom blocks were commissioned in Biase and an agro scheme aimed at enhancing the production of Cassava and other staple farm produce, was initiated by the Honorable Commissioner in Abi LGA under the aegis of one of such developmental partners.

    Lastly, the state government in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is currently working towards expanding the Senator Prof. Ben Ayade industrialization drive across the state in line with the “Spirit of Enterprise” mantra of his administration.

    ©Eugene Upah is the Senior Special Assistant to Cross River Governor Ben Ayade on Public Communications.

    [email protected]

  • OMPAN Calls On CRS Govt To Reinvigorate Fight Against COVID-19 Lockout, Prosecute “General Iron”

    OMPAN Calls On CRS Govt To Reinvigorate Fight Against COVID-19 Lockout, Prosecute “General Iron”

    By Admin

    THE Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, OMPAN, Cross River State chapter has called on the Cross River State Government to reinvigorate the fight against COVID-19 lockout in the state.

    The association made the call in a communiqué after its monthly meeting held in Calabar on Thursday.

    The Communiqué signed by its state Chairman, Comrade Efio-Ita Nyok stated that the call has become imperative following the complete noncompliance with basic safety rules like wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitizers and physical distance by majority of the population in the state.

    “Ninety percent of residents in the state no longer use personal protective equipment and go about their businesses with an air of nonchalance which speaks volumes of what might befall the state in the event of an outbreak of the pandemic in the state”.

    OMPAN observed that the state sits on a time bomb as the borders and points of entry into the state which used to be closely monitored have now become open for free entry and exit into the state.

    “Reports from across the state shows that movement into and out of the state no longer witness scrutiny or restriction as was the case when the government announced the lockout against the pandemic”.

    The association said figures globally indicate that the rate of infection is on the increase and even in Nigeria there is a spike in the level of infection and the state having not witnessed any case should be sustained through continued and stringent lockout effort.

    “Initiating a policy without close and continued monitoring is like kicking a ball down the road and letting it rolls without being guided to a logical direction and that is not going to stop the infection from entering the state and causing havoc”. OMPAN noted.

    The association also called on the state government to call on the contracting firm handling the construction of the Tinapa-Odukpani junction roundabout road to expedite action to put pay to the frequent motor accidents that are being recorded along that road.

    “There have been records of frequent motor accidents particularly trucks crashing on that road and obstructing free movement and causing avoidable hardship on road users.”

    The association stated that though rainfall is on the increase but measures should be taken by the contractor to avoid frequent crashes on the road.

    The umbrella body for online media practitioners in the state particularly noted with profound reservations the unconscionable barbarity of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River on Forestry Security, Thomas Obi Tawo, popularly called “General Iron” who reportedly burnt Nigerians in Boki LGA recently (with some allegedly dead) for suspectedly being witches and wizards whom he said he saw in his dream fighting with him. OMPAN called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the so-called General.

    “We note with reservations the barbarity of the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Forestry Security, Thomas Obi Tawo, who recently burnt some Nigerians indigenous to Boki for suspectedly seeing them in his dream fighting with him.

    “It beggars the mind that this type of elements are still living with us in society and more still, he is still an appointee of a state governor who had claimed to be a politician with ethics.

    “OMPAN is therefore calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of SA Tawo. Such entities, if convicted should be kept faraway from society”, the statement concluded.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are strictly that Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter and does not represent TheLuminrNews.

  • COVID-19: Federal Government Commends Cross River, Says Response Is Innovative And Imaginary

    COVID-19: Federal Government Commends Cross River, Says Response Is Innovative And Imaginary

    By Admin

    The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has described as excellent, the various measures adopted by Cross River State against the pandemic, including a drive through test centre established by Governor Ben Ayade for the testing of samples for COVID-19.

    The team was in the state on Monday to assess its readiness for the management of the phase two of the pandemic.

    Speaking immediately after inspecting the testing center, and facilities as well as the state garment factory where they witnessed the production of Personal Protective Equipment including face shields, leader of the PTF team, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, lauded Governor Ayade for what he dubbed his creative imagination.

    His words: “I Think it’s excellent. I think it is incredible the level of innovation, creative imagination seen in Cross River since the team arrived here earlier today (Monday) and we are really impressed with what is going on in Cross River State and we believe that the sample collection centre will be a boost to the Covid 19 outfit response that the Cross River State government has elaborated in the last few weeks and I think it is really impressive.”

    Speaking on the mission of the team to the state, Dr.Shaibu who is also the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Healthcare Department Agency disclosed that “One of the reasons we are here today as the PTF and the Federal Ministry of Health is to come and see what Cross River State has done so far as a second phase of interactions with Cross River State. Just like the first team that came here were also impressed with the level of seriousness, the level of innovation that the Cross River State government has brought to bear.”

    On assessment of the face masks and face shields produced by the state’s garment factory, Shuaibu stated: “We where earlier at the garment factory where we have seen face masks and face shields and overalls being produced. Our partners, NAFDAC, the Standard Organization of Nigeria were really impressed with what is going on there.

    “We made a commitment to dig deep and see how we can collaborate with the government of Cross River to make sure that all of the work that is going on there will easily meet global standards. We have already assessed physically and our representatives from these two organizations are happy with what they have seen.

    “We just need some further testing to make sure that we can now scale up and make sure that Nigerians are able to benefit from the manufacturing that we are already seeing in Cross River State. It is an opportunity to encourage other governors to be very proactive in making sure that we use such an instance where there is necessity to become great innovators for PPE’s like we need right now.”

    Speaking on the partnership with the state government, the National Health care Development Agency’s CEO said: “It’s really Incredible what we have seen in the last few hours and the federal government will continue to partner with Cross River State government so that other governors can be encouraged by what is going on. In the next few hours we are going to continue our collaboration to look at the Public health emergency operation centre”

    He further said:”We will also look at the issues around the borders to see how FG can support Cross River State to maintain Integrity and security along the borders. But overall, we have had very fruitful conversations with His Excellency and his team and we are really amazed by all of the work that is going on.”

    Responding, Governor Ayade thanked Shuaib for his understanding of the issues around the state’s handling of COVID-19.

    “Let me specially commend Dr. Faisal for his personal intelligence and understanding of the local situation. Let me thank the team and I want to thank the federal ministry of health for deeming it fit to send a team to come and look at what Cross River has done. I want to thank you for for your kind words and I want to say that the federal government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the PTF and Covid 19 response Team, the Minister for Health, the DG NCDC for sending a team with NAFDAC, SON to look at our PPE’s from the face shields to the face masks to the overalls with a view to supporting encouraging and patronising us.”

    According to the governor, “that is the incentive that Nigerians want to see and that is the impetus that will encourage other governors to go into it.”

  • Breaking: Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit Naps Three Kidnappers, Frees Victim On Calabar

    Breaking: Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit Naps Three Kidnappers, Frees Victim On Calabar

    By Admin

    A combined effort of the State security Adviser South, Mr Ani Esin and the Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit, yesterday arrested three kidnappers in Calabar, the cross river state capital.

    The kidnappers were arrested last night while trying to kidnap a victim who is a business man that owns a shop at Efio Ete junction.

    The kidnappers used same Audi car, suspected to have been used in the kidnap of the wife of the Appeal Court Judge, Mrs Agube.

    Information made available to TheLumineNews indicates that a concerned Nigerian called the SSA and the police, who responded swiftly to combat the kidnappers.

    The hoodlums had kidnapped the victim at Okoro Agbor and were trailed to IBB and were arrested and the victim rescued.

    The kidnappers are currently cooling their feet at the Anti Cultism and Kidnapping unit, Cultural center – Calabar.

    Items recovered from the kidnappers include guns and charms.

  • Amanke Inaugurates CRUTECH Governing Council, Charged Members To Use Their Experiences To Reposition The Institution

    Amanke Inaugurates CRUTECH Governing Council, Charged Members To Use Their Experiences To Reposition The Institution

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Commissions for Quality Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke has called on members of the Governing Council of the Cross River University of Technology CRUTECH, to put to bear their experiences and technical know-how to ensure that the institution takes its rightful place among state owned universities in the country.

    Amanke made the call while inaugurating the council in his office in Calabar, the cross river state capital.

    His words “I want to remind you that you were carefully selected based on your tract records for this assignment, like the chairman and some of you that are re appointed, you have to bring your experience and technical know-how to bear to ensure that CRUTECH compete favorable with other state owned universities in the country.

    “Children mostly the youth who form the fulcrum of the society needs to be developed by giving them the necessary ingredients for development, and that ingredient is quality education, which is the reason the governor in his wisdom insisted that this ministry now be known as ministry of QUALITY EDUCATION.

    “When you educate a child, you have given him all he needs and desires in life. As you begin your work, do well to factor in innovations that will sustain the development of the 21st century child”

    Responding on behalf of other council members, the Chairman and Pro Chancellor, Onun Dr. Emil Inyang, thanked the governor for the mandate given them found them worthy to contribute their quota to the development of the state.

    Inyang who is serving a second term in the same position thanked the governor for creating the enabling laws that allows the smooth running of the university and pledged total commitment to reposition the institution in line with global best practices.

    Other members of the council include; Mrs. Paulina Achak Bessong, Mr. Xausier Ngaji and His Royal Highness, Utsu Felix Ukudare.

  • Jerry Unimke Dissociates From Controversial CRS Gov’t Facilitation Of N-Power Initiative.

    Jerry Unimke Dissociates From Controversial CRS Gov’t Facilitation Of N-Power Initiative.

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    A renowned scholar and fine gentleman per excellent, Mr. Jerry Unimke, who is also the Examination Officer of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Calabar has dissociated himself from the controversial meddling of the Cross River State Government in the ongoing batch C N-Power registration whose portal has just been stabilized today.

    In a memo issued and signed by the Director General, Migration Control, in his verified Facebook account @Prince Michael Nku Abuo, https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3507260515967944&id=100000520910186&sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=miDnC25nxBHNDQGI, appointed Mr. Jerry Unimke as coordinator for Obudu.

    Unimke took to his verified Facebook account @Jerry Unimke, https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1977152885753508&id=100003764479493  to disclaim appointment.

    The release reads “My attention has been drawn to a certain publication with my name and phone number (07038317497) circulating the social media space, assigned to issue forms and collect the sum of #2500 from applicants in connection with the State government facilitation process of the Federal Government N-power Initiative.

    “I wish to state categorically that the said publication was fronted without due consultation with me. I think I was dragged into it by error, which I have addressed. Whether the facilitation scheme is genuine or not, it’s not in question to me but my intention is to discountenance my person from such controversial schemes. I have worked hard for myself and I hold my name and integrity in high esteem and do not wish to meddle in such affairs”

    Thanks

    Jerry Unimke

  • Breaking News: C’River NLC To Embark On Indefinite Strike From Monday, June 29th 2020 Despite Court Injunction

    Breaking News: C’River NLC To Embark On Indefinite Strike From Monday, June 29th 2020 Despite Court Injunction

    By Ikechwuku Uche – Calabar

    The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Cross River Council has asked workers in the state employ to stay at home from Monday 29 June 2020.

    The NLC also disclosed that strike action was the last resort since the government has refused to negotiate with them in a bid to addressing their demands but instead turned a blind eye to all their request by sourcing for a court injunction to stop the expression of their constitutional rights.

    Briefing newsmen in Calabar on Friday, Cross River NLC Chairman, Com. Ben Ukpebi said that the state government was neither keen nor interested in attending to the plight of the workers in the state.

    His words: “It is very obvious that Cross River state government is not interested in the welfare of her workers. Workers issues presented to government have been ignored. Even some issues that Organised Labour has reached agreement on have all been abandoned and rejected by the government.

    “Be informed that some of our workers whose names were unjustly removed from the payroll have died, we have lost about five members and we can no longer keep mum, enough is enough.

    “Others requests including implementation of promotion given four years ago, the return of workers whose names were illegally removed from payroll last year September, payment of pensions and gratuities for six years now amongst other demands.

    “Immediate return of weighing allowance to NUPPROW members and RATAWU. Payment of salary of workers employed two years about 2000 of them have not been paid, the allowance is a federal thing and should be returned and so on.

    “I want to say here that we have given 14 days, we have also given another 7 days yet no response on the part of the government, and that is why we believe they are not serious and unperturbed about our cry.

    “So comrades, on this note starting from Monday 29, June 2020, we advise every civil servant in Cross River state, to stay at home, nobody will sack you, nobody will victimise you in any way.

    “Do not allow the labour task force to drive you home from your various offices, stay at home until there is further directive or development,” Ukpebi said.

    Speaking further, he maintained that Organised Labour comprises of 46 affiliate Unions and 45 of them except TUC were on the same page as it concerns the strike action.

    His words:” We are on course and on the right path, there are 46 affiliate Unions under the umbrella of Organised Labour and 45 of them are fully involved in the strike.

    “We learned that the government obtained a court injunction to stop us from going on strike, but the injuction is not binding because it was not obtained from the appropriate court, any labour issue especially matters like this.

    “We, therefore, advise workers across the state to stay at home from Monday and let us make it very clear that there is no better than than this to carry out the strike, it is not in bad faith but in the interest of the entire workforce in Cross River,” Ukpebi said.

  • BORDERCOM Takes Baseline Survey Exercise To Akamkpa And Odukpani

    BORDERCOM Takes Baseline Survey Exercise To Akamkpa And Odukpani

    By Solomon Asha – Calabar

    The approach of Governor Ben Ayade led administration in Cross River towards bringing the state’s border Communities to the main stream of his aggressive and well articulated policy of development hinged on five years strategic planning is aimed at achieving holistic development of the border communities.

    Director General, Cross River Border Communities Development Commission {BODERCOM}, Mr. Noel Ugbong, who stated this while on a visit to the two Local Government Councils of Akamkpa and Odukpani on Tuesday, June 22, 2020, explained that the governor’s development approach is not based on arm-chair philosophy but well-articulated plan to bring holistic transformation to the beneficial of border communities in the state.

    At the Akamkpa Local Government Council, the DG and his team of Directors, principal and technical staff of the commission visited the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. Linus Bassey Etim, as part of their itinary to undertake a Baseline survey/needs assessment of border communities in the Local government.

     

    Addressing the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, Leader of the Legislative council, Councilors and other principal officers of the council, the BORDERCOM Director General said that he and his team are in the LGA on the directive of His Excellency, Senator Professor Ben Ayade, who has asked them to reach out to all border communities in the state to carry out the above stated assignment and obtain data that will be inputted into the planning of the 2021-22 budget of the state for the development of border communities.
    He explained that the data to be extracted will be useful and will serve as veritable instrument in the hand of the state government for the strategic 5-year development plan for the communities.

    He disclosed that the data will also l aid the National Boundary commission, Federal Border communities Development commission and other development partners in their planning, stressing that the administration of Sen. Prof. Ayade is passionate about extending effective development to these border communities.

    The BORDERCOM Director General said that Akamkpa as the largest Local government in Cross River State with 5, 003 square kilometers or 1, 932 square mi, with 20 border communities has enjoyed 14 BORDERCOM projects located in the area since the commission’s inception, adding that some time these border communities are far off even from the council headquarters/urban areas and can easily fall prey to external aggressors, a predicament which the government want to checkmate through carrying development closer to these border communities.

    He further revealed that the baseline survey/needs assessment exercise is deliberately fashioned by the governor as a means of not just extracting data but to also give the communities the opportunity to decide what they want and not to impose projects by executive fiat which at times leads to duplication of projects in certain locality.

    The DG told the people of Akamkpa that the LGA is dear to the governor and that as the council with large arable land and mineral resources, it holds great potentials for the state and asserted that the people were lucky to have Hon. Etim with versatile knowledge and connection throughout the state to be their Chairman at this time.

    At Odukpani, the DG of BORDERCOM, Mr. Noel Ugbong and his team equally visited the Council Chairman, Miss Justina Joseph Edem, while in the Local government for the Baseline survey/needs assessment exercise for border communities in the Local Government as directed by the governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade.

    Addressing the chairman of Council and the vice Chairman, Leader of Legislative council, Councilors and other top officers of the Council, the BORDERCOM Director General extend the warm greetings of the governor to the people and commended them for choosing right by voting a woman who will weep the right sentiments to attract development to them, disclosing that the LGA is one of the Council that has produced great men and women at the state and national levels.
    He also disclosed that statistics indicates that the Local government has one of the healthiest population in the state, which is one important indices that is paramount to development, adding, he explained that the history of mankind is that of constantly in the state of flux, movement and conflicts, and that the LGA has about the highest numbers of border communities outside Yala LGA.
    Mr. Ugbong revealed that Odukpani has 28 border communities, meaning that the council has 28 communities that require utmost attention from the state government because of the constant conflicts from outside the state, explaining that currently there are not less than 20 BORDERCOM projects in the Local government since the establishment of the border commission, an indication that the Governor holds the LGA in high esteem., just as the people stood 100 percent for the governor during the elections.

    Speaking further on the purpose of their visit, the DG disclosed that the governor had charged them to interact with the people to extract those useful information and data that will help the government to fast-track development to the border communities which are usually at the periphery which sometime even the council which naturally is supposed to be close to them seems so far because of these communities peculiar nature and circumstances.

    The BORDERCOM Director General explained that the Governor sent them to come and abreast themselves with the people and interact with them to know their core needs to help government to intervene, and to document these needs to reflect in the 5-year strategic development plan of the border communities, and to be included in the 2012-22 budgets of the state, more so that the peoples needs varies from time to time.

    According to him, the exercise will help government to be updating its records as budget will not be mere copy and paste business.

    Mr. Ugbong also said that the baseline survey/needs assessment data being obtained will help the state in its development policy for these communities and to avoid wastage and duplication of projects, just as it will help the National Boundary Commission, the Federal Border communities Development Commission as well as other development partners in their development planning.

    Mr. Ugbong intimated the people that the core areas of focus include education, health, security, water and sanitation and economic empowerment.

    Speaking separately, both the Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas chairmen commended the state governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for remembering and having the people of their local Governments at heart, especially the border communities and promised to give the programme a full support and the needed attention to succeed, as the Odukpani LG council Chainman stressed on the issue of security and incessant attacks on the border communities of the LGA by the neighboring state.

     

  • Ayade Attach Great Premium To The Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment Undertaken By BORDERCOM – Ugbong

    Ayade Attach Great Premium To The Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment Undertaken By BORDERCOM – Ugbong

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The  Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM) Mr. Noel Ugbong,  revealed that Governor Ben Ayade attached great premium to the Baseline Survey/ Needs  Assessment being undertaken by BORDERCOM in border communities of the state as fulcrum upon which the  development of those Communities now and in the future hinges.

    Mr. Ugbong stated this on Thursday 18 June, 2020 when he led a team of senior personnel of the commission to visit the Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, Mrs. Esther Bassey.

    In attendance were the Vice Chairman of council, Leader and other members of the Legislative Council, as well as other top officials of the Council.

    Ugbong said that the governor  is resolved to bring development to the people of the Local Government.

    He disclosed that the exercise as ordered by governor Ayade is targeted at bringing out a 5-year development plan for all border communities in Cross River, which will serve as a guide for the preparation of budgets for the years ahead that will adequately incorporate the interests of the state’s border communities.

    The DG further explained that “the exercise will provide the Federal Border Development Agency, National Boundary Commission and other Development Partners accurate information and data  for intervention in our border communities. This exercise will  help to stem the tide of misplacement and duplication of projects.

    “The exercise will help government to verify the workability of previous projects executed by the Commission and Partners, guide other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies with accurate information requisite to the situation of projects as well as help to attract development to our border communities”

    The head of Planning, Research and Statistics BORDERCOM, Mr Nnimmong Ibita highlighted the projects that the commission had carried out in Calabar South to include; Six Classroom Block and a borehole in Idang community, Health Center and a Staff Quarters, a Borehole and supply of medical equipments in Idimita Community, among others.

    Earlier, the chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon. Esther Bassey welcomed the DG and staff of BORDERCOM and commended Governor Ben Ayade for paying close attention and interest for the development of the LGA

    Mrs. Bassey used the opportunity to thank the governor and the people of Calabar South local government area for the confidence reposed on her and promised to do her best to attract development to Calabar south as she posited that “this is coming at the time we need it most. I will support your team to ensure that the communities involved gets projects of their priority interest”

    The Council boss expressed sadness that Calabar South is bedevilled by activities ranging from cultism to kidnapping and further expressed hope  that the  visit by BORDERCOM team will bring enormous  benefits to  the people of the area.

    The BORDERCOM Team rounded up the visit by carrying out on the spot findings and visiting all the border communities in Calabar South.

  • Governor Ayade Pledged To Bring Development To Bakassi And Other Border Communities In Cross River – Ugbong

    Governor Ayade Pledged To Bring Development To Bakassi And Other Border Communities In Cross River – Ugbong

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    The Cross River State Government under the leadership of Sen. Prof Ben Ayade, has expressed it’s determination to bring development, peace and succour to the people of Bakassi and all border communities in the state.

    This was disclosed by the Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM), Mr. Noel Ugbong, when he led a team of BORDERCOM Executive Directors, Principal and Technical Staff to visit the Chairman of Bakassi, Hon. Iyadim Amnoni Iyadim while in the Local Government Area on  Baseline  Survey of border communities on Wednesday 16th June, 2020.

    Mr. Ugbong disclosed that Governor Ayade has directed that his commission to commence the exercise beginning from Bakassi due to the special love and soft spot he has for the people of Bakassi as well as his desire to create meaningful life for border communities in Cross River State especially for the people of Bakassi considering the devastating experience they have been exposed to following the ceding of their ancestral homes to Cameroon by the International Court of Justice.

    The DG further averred that Bakassi being among the border communities in the State is key to the Ayade’s administration, and reiterated the Governor’s  position as well as maintained that “if the Federal Government and indeed the International Community decides to  neglect the people of Bakassi, his administration will not neglect you”

    Speaking on importance of the Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment, Mr. Ugbong held that “the Governor has clearly charged my Commission to undertake visit to all the Border Communities in Cross River with the aim to diligently extract information on each community’s core needs in the areas of Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Security and Economic Empowerment.

    “The extraction of information/data from the various border communities in the core areas mentioned above is vital for the distribution of projects, to avoid duplication and misplacement, which will form a fulcrum for the development of a 5-year strategic Development Plan for the state”

    Responding, the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Iyadim Amboni Iyadim, thanked the Governor for having the interest of his people at heart and for starting the survey from Bakassi.

    “I want to thank his Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for this mandate I have to serve my people as Chairman of council. I want to thank him also for choosing Bakassi as a pivot for this baseline survey/assessment.

    “We don’t need any body to tell us that the governor mean well for us. Just recently, he commissioned the housing estate for us, today your commission is here to commence the baseline survey/assessment. We are indeed grateful to the governor.

    “As a person I want to pledge my total commitment and support to your team to ensure a successful assessment that will guarantee the development of our local government area”

    Hon. Iyadim therefore wished the team success in their assignment not just in Bakassi but while visiting the other border Communities in the state.