The Lumine News

Tag: #CRSG

  • Omang Calls On CRS Govt To Intervene In Ugboro -Abuochiche – Gakem Federal Highway

    Omang Calls On CRS Govt To Intervene In Ugboro -Abuochiche – Gakem Federal Highway

     

    The Minority Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Congressman Omang Charles Omang Esq , on Tuesday 11th of September 2024, moved a motion under matters of urgent public importance calling on the Cross River State Government to immediately commence intervention works on the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala Highway.

    The lawmaker noted that the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala federal highway which is the only road linking the northern part of the country has become impassible for the past three months, and has forced commuters to divert through the already dilapidated internal road in Ugboro village, which has caused more hardship to the villagers.

    Omang stated that the situation has led to several clash between the frustrated commuters who are stuck in traffic and villagers in the area.

    In his prayers, Barr Omang, noted that

    1.  They were informed that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has awarded the contract and thanked them for awarding the contract for the reconstruction of the Ugboro -Abuochiche -Gakem axis of the Ogoja -Katsina Ala federal highway.

    2. Urge the contractor to quickly move to site and start the reconstruction of the road.
    3. Called on the Cross River State Government through the ministry of works and infrastructure to immediately begin an intervention and palliative works on the road to ameliorate the sufferings of the people, while awaiting the reconstruction of the road.

  • C’River Concludes Plans For Integrated Measles Campaign

    C’River Concludes Plans For Integrated Measles Campaign

     

    By: Nakanda Iyadim

    The Cross River State Primary Health Department Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners wishes to announce the commencement of an integrated measles vaccination campaign across the 18 Local Government Areas.

    In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang indicates that the exercise which is free of charge will commence on Saturday, September 21, 2024 and end on Sunday ,September 29, 2024 in all health facilities and designated public facilities.

    Parents and caregivers are advised to avail themselves of this opportunity by getting their children and wards from day old to 59 months vaccinated against measles and other killer diseases during the immunization exercise in all designated vaccination centers across the State.

    Ekpang further added that officials from the Primary Health Care Development Agency with reflective crested vest shall move from house to house to administer the measles vaccines on the children and should be welcome by residents to ensure successful implementation of the programme.

  • CRSG Will Continue To Support NYSC, Odey Assures New State Coordinator

    CRSG Will Continue To Support NYSC, Odey Assures New State Coordinator

     

    The administration led by Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in its efforts to achieve its objectives in Cross River State.

    Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey made this known when he received in audience the new State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Joke Mojisola Oyenuga, at his temporary office in Calabar.

    In welcoming Mrs. Oyenuga to her new role, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey emphasized the state government’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with the NYSC to combat social vices, noting that the current administration is focused on the emancipation and empowerment of youth, regardless of their background.

    The Deputy Governor encouraged the new State Coordinator to leverage her extensive experience with the NYSC to enhance the scheme’s activities in Cross River State, aiming to elevate it to new heights.

    Mrs. Oyenuga, in her remarks, explained that the purpose of her visit was to officially familiarize herself and to further solidify the relationship between the state government and the NYSC.

    Oyenuga, while appreciating the deputy governor for the warm reception accorded to her and her team, acknowledged the state’s ongoing support for the NYSC over the years and appealed for continued collaboration and improved welfare for the scheme and its corps members.

    She assured the Deputy Governor of the NYSC’s commitment to contributing to the success of the current administration in Cross River State.

    Other members of the delegation who accompanied the new state coordinator on the visit included Comrade Elot Elot Ukam, AD, HRM, Ms Asisk Mfon, AD, Corps Discipline and Reward and Mr. Enuma Peter, AD, Public relations as well as Mr Tony odey, Zonal inspector Calabar Zone.

  • C’River State Continues The Distribution Of FG’s Palliatives

    C’River State Continues The Distribution Of FG’s Palliatives

     

    The Cross River State Government through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has continued the distribution of 42 metric tons of grains received from the Federal Government as part of President Tinubu’s Food Security Programme to cushion the effect of the recent subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    Speaking at the presentation of food items (grains) to representatives from Cross River State Northern Senatorial District for onward distribution to the Five LGAs and 54 wards in the district, the Director-General of SEMA, Hon. Apostle James Anam intimated that the distribution exercise in the state was formally flagged-off by the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, on July, 13th, 2024, at the agency’s premises in Calabar.

    According to the DG, so far, several groups like the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE), Traditional Institution, National Association of Cross River State Students World-Wide (NACRISS-WW), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), Pensioners, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, among others, have taken delivery of the grains on behalf of their groups from the inception of the distribution exercise.

    In ensuring that rural dwellers and other residents’ benefits from the food security programme of the Federal Government and in line with the People First Mantra of the Governor of ensuring fair distribution of the grains, Hon. Anam said the agency has set-up three centres and supervisory team per senatorial district and local government level to monitor the distribution exercise across the 18 LGA and 196 wards of the state.
    On Monday, 22nd July, the Northern Senatorial Committee Distribution Committee that includes members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners and Community Relation Officers from the zone, at Ogoja LGA, took delivery of trucks of items. He intimated that the Central Senatorial District and Southern Senatorial District will take delivery of their items at Ikom and Calabar on Wednesday and Friday respectively.

    He commended Governor Bassey Otu for his commitment and unwavering support for the exercise especially in the area of logistics, describing him as one who prioritizes the welfare of his people. He passionately admonished the stakeholders and the supervisory team to be transparent and also adhere to the agreed template to promote fairness and equitable distribution and hence that food items get to those who actually needs them.

    Speaking more, the DG said, “time for politics is over, now is time for governance”. He called on ward leaders and stakeholders as well as members of the distribution committee to ensure that food items is shared beyond party lines.

    He expressed the hope that more items will be sent to the state by the federal government and appeal to those who are yet to benefit to give the agency some time as they would be reached.

  • C’River State Govt Suspends Collection Of Illegal Levies At College Of Health Technology, Calabar

    C’River State Govt Suspends Collection Of Illegal Levies At College Of Health Technology, Calabar

    By Kingsley Agim

    Consistent with its avowed resolve to ensuring compliance with standards at all levels, as well as making social services affordable for all and sundry, the Cross River State Government has suspended collection of all unauthorised levies at the College of Health Technology, Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar.

    A statement, dated June 21 and signed by the Director of Administration, Mr Agba William, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, government lamented the increasing allegations of unapproved charges/levies at the Cross River State Collinge of Health Technology, Calabar, ranging from 15,000 for admission form, 5,000 for JAMB entrants, and additional 3,000 for both groups of students, as well as 1,200 to cover charges and verification.

    Other allegations of extortion leveled against the school authority, the Ministry’s highlighted to include, sales of past question papers to new entrants, payment of Students Union Government levy alongside school fee, and payment for portal maintenance and internet access.

    “While efforts are ongoing to resolve these anomalies and the seeming lack of adherence to standards, parents, guardians, students and the general public should take notice that all payments regarding the aforementioned charges/levies and any other unauthorised taxation at the College of Health Technology are hereby suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation on the matter,” the release further stated.

    The release also enjoined parents, guardians, and students to report similar illegalities and other untoward practices across all health institutions in the state to the Ministry of Health, restating the present administration’s zero tolerance to practices that are inimical to the effective teaching and learning in the state’s colleges of higher education.

  • TCTI is Truly a World-Class Teacher Training Institute in Nigeria – NTI Observers

    TCTI is Truly a World-Class Teacher Training Institute in Nigeria – NTI Observers

    By Higgins James 

    Participants and stakeholders to the just concluded workshop organized by the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna, for forty primary school teachers at the Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Cross River State have rated the Institution as the best teacher training centre in Nigeria alongside the NTI.

    Observers on a 3-Day seminar tagged: ‘Global Goals for Sustainable Development’ which held between 15th – 17th November, 2023, lauded the concept, which according to them stands unequalled in terms of hospitality, facilities, formations, training and research and overall planning.

    According to Malam Suleiman Jibril, a teacher from Kaduna State, ‘the equipment on ground are in line with the latest technological advancement obtainable in modern learning anywhere.

    “The TCTI is one of the best teacher training institutions of development l have seen. The facilities are superb and the place is second to none. It is even included in our report”.

    Another teacher, Mr Leonard Iyeje testifies that: “The Institute has inculcated great knowledge into me with its up-to-date training facilities and l am happy that my students and wards back home will have something new to learn from this experience.

    Continuing, Iyeje said “the amenities are the best anyone can imagine in this country. Sincerely, l was amazed at what l saw on ground.

    An elated Mrs Emilia Matiki noted that “the place is one of its kind. From the location, high tech facilities, instructional materials, to the general coordination we were all very impressed with what we saw at the TCTI and l hope to be there for another training. It was indeed a wonderful experience”.

    The State Coordinator, Cross River State Chapter of the National Teachers Institute, Mr James Edet affirmed the comments made by the visiting tutors, highlighting the importance of the Institute to national integration and learning.

    Several commendatory reviews received from participants and observers in the pedagogical profession abound before and after the drills.

    Addressing participants after the exhibition, renowned educationist and pioneer Director-General of the TCTI, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, hinted that the Institute is open to local and foreign collaborations as a way to foster learning. Professor Adedoja thanked the NTI for the continued synergy in enhancing teacher’s growth.

    The TCTI, solely owned and financed by the Cross River State government, was conceived to boost manpower development and guarantee quality learning that meets global teaching. It is the first CERTIPORT approved institution for digital literacy proficiency testing with
    a view to filling the gaps on knowledge and skills needed for global employability and competitiveness.

    Higgins James writes from Calabar

  • Custom Intercepts 5,200 Live Ammunition In Cross River

    Custom Intercepts 5,200 Live Ammunition In Cross River

    By Sulaimon Salau, Guardian Newspaper

    The Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri has intercepted 5,200 live ammunition (cartridges of 30GR 70mm calibre) in Cross River State.

    The cartridges, said to have been intercepted on “credible and timely intelligence” on December 13, 2020 along Nwezenyi-Ikom Road in Cross River State, were concealed in other goods and household items in a Toyota Sienna passenger vehicle.

    The unit also intercepted various contraband items with a duty paid value (DPV) of N378.8 million between November 23rd and December 27th, 2020.

    The unit also recovered N7.6 million from demand notices (DNs) on general goods from the seaports that had evaded the right duties through false declaration or transfer of value, bringing everything to approximately N386.3 million for the month under review.

    Speaking on the ammunition, Comptroller Yusuf Lawal, expressed worries at the trend in arms and ammunition smuggling using different routes, with reference to the interceptions in Lagos in 2017, Kwara in 2018 and just recently in Kebbi.

    “Only God knows what would have happened if these cartridges got to their destination unchecked, considering the fragile security of the nation – from armed robbery, kidnapping and banditry to insurgency,” a statement from the Command Public Relations Officer, Jerry Attah, quoted Yusuf to say.

    He explained that the seized ammunition falls under schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff, which importation is absolutely prohibited. Other seized items included 1,215x50kg foreign parboiled rice, mostly concealed in bags of beans, maize and groundnut seeds, and 38 jumbo bale of used clothing.
    There were also 204 cartons of imported tomatoes and four exotic vehicles, including one new bullet proof Toyota Land Cruiser 2019 model (without end-user certificate), two fairly used Toyota Hilux 2016 and 2015 respectively, and a Mercedes Benz ML350 2015, as well as controlled pharmaceutical products. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

    Comptroller Yusuf attributed the achievement to the leadership style of Customs management team for recognising hard work, dedication and commitment.

    Adding that: “Without the management motivation and necessary logistics support, we won’t have attained this feat within this short period.”

    He commended the commitment, doggedness and diligence of the officers and men of FOU ‘C’ for thwarting the dare-devil smugglers/economic saboteurs, who used different methods to deceive the NCS.

    He further charged them to be more professional and diligent in their statutory responsibilities, stating: “We believe we have what it takes to do more in this new year. Consequently, let me use this special privilege to call on the general public to join the Customs in the advocacy against smuggling.”

  • Citizens Solution Network Calls On Government To Wade Into The OKu Killings In Boki LGA Of CRS

    Citizens Solution Network Calls On Government To Wade Into The OKu Killings In Boki LGA Of CRS

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    Citizens Solution Network, a non governmental organization has called on the government of Cross River State and the Nigerian Police to ensure that the perpetrators of the killings in Oku community in Boki local government area on the frivolous allegations of witches and wizards should be prosecuted in line with the necessary laws to avert further reoccurrence.

    In a release signed by the Country Director of Citizens Solution Network, Comr. Richard Ifono and made available to THE LUMINE NEWS, indicates that other elderly citizens are still living in fears and coma that they may also be attacked.

    Full text of the release “A very disturbing information has got to us here at Citizens’ Solution Network’s Office, Calabar Secretariat that several women have been burnt to death in Oku Community in Boki Local Government Area in Cross River State on the unacceptable allegation that these women_ our elderly citizens, mothers and sisters are witches and wizards. Also Chief Bernard Kekong was among the number of persons that were killed by the arsonists that carried out these reprehensible killings.

    As we speak John Otu and Edward Kekong have sustained severe injuries, and are struggling to survive as a result of these killings targeted at them and others that were accused of witchcraft.

    Also information reaching us here shows that many elderly citizens are scared of being attacked and are on the run for their lives over such useless and senseless accusation of being tagged witches.

    Let it be in public registry that we condemn in the strongest terms the killings of Chief Kekong Bernard and several women that were burnt to death in Oku Community in Boki, Cross River State on the outrageous claims that they were witches and wizards.

    We call on the Nigerian Police Force to speed into action to safeguard Oku Community to prevent more senseless killings of our elderly citizens, and to ensure that all those who are responsible for these heinous crimes of murder are brought to justice.

    This is a terrible precedence that must not be allowed to stand. The idea that a miscreant would accused a fellow citizen of witchcraft and get such human burnt to death should be strongly rejected and condemned unanimously by all. All extra judicial killings must be investigated and the perpetrated prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to discourage such killings in future.

    The Nigerian Police Force and the Ayade-led Government must ensure that all those responsible are arrested, prosecuted and given the heaviest of sentences for these multiple homicides. No level of excuses from the Oku killing gang should be accepted.

    Signed

    Richard F. Inoyo
    Country Director, Citizens Solution Network.

    For: Civilian Population and Council.