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Tag: #Inyang Asibong

  • C’River Govt Commends World Bank APPEALS Project, Says The Intervention Is A life Changing Scheme

    C’River Govt Commends World Bank APPEALS Project, Says The Intervention Is A life Changing Scheme

     

    Cross River State Government says its agriculture-driven growth, poverty reduction, and food security has greatly improved through the State Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (CR-APPEALS) Project.

    The project which is a World Bank-assisted agro-based value chains interventions in Cross River has changed lives and livelihood of citizens in agriculture, Small Scales businesses and other value chain infrastructures.

    Speaking during the flagg-off of the 8th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) of the APPEALS Project, in Calabar, the Chairman of Project’s State Steering Committee and Deputy Governor of Cross River, Prof. Ivara Esu said after the last Implementation Support Mission,improvements have been recorded.

    The Chiarman who spoke through the Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, stated that the exhibition stands at the event is a testimony to the success story and life-changing opportunities the CR-APPEALS Project has achieved.

    “With the support of the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria, indigenes of the State have benefitted a lot from the project,with the success stories recorded in almost all the value chains of cocoa, poultry, rice, as well as cassava and aquaculture.

    “Apart from the rich array of products on display at the exhibition center, the availability of a mini library which is stocked with newsletters, pamphlets, standard procedure manual in the manufacturing and processing industry in the State, offers stakeholders, participants and guests a comprehensive overview of the Project’s achievements in Cross River State” he explained.

    Speaking on the Mission Objectives, the World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL), Dr. Tunji Oredipe called on the CR-APPEALS team to step up on the gas peddle in the utilization of available funds for effective projection implementation in the State.

    Dr. Oredipe, represented by the World Bank’s Senior Social Development Specialist, Prof. Oluleayode Taiwo, also stressed on the importance of documentation of all transactions made, as accountability remains the Bank’s core.

    In his keynote address, the National Project Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Jobdi, who posited that the essence of the biannual mission was to review the implementation status of the project in various states, also lauded CR-APPEALS for the ‘appreciable progress’ made so far in the different value chains, women and youths, infrastructure, and other components of the project.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the State Coordinator, CR-APPEALS, Dr. Marcel Agim commended the World Bank and the National Project Coordination Office for the tireless efforts to see that the Project remained in shape.

    In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Jacob Udida, opined that Cross River remains the only State among the APPEALS Project States in Nigeria to have a poultry cluster of over forty thousand (40,000) birds are being nursed to enhance the poultry value chain with the support of Governor Ben Ayade.

  • National Social Register: Cross River Scores High, Receives World Bank Commendation

    National Social Register: Cross River Scores High, Receives World Bank Commendation

     

    Cross River State has been commended as one of the best states in Nigeria to have performed above expectations in the National Social Register Scheme aimed at reducing poverty indices and improving livelihood of the state’s populace.

    The Commendations came from the World Bank to the Federal Government of Nigeria, for prioritising the National Social Register (NSR), where Cross River emerged as one of the best states In Nigeria at the close out ceremony of the project on the 10th of June 2022.

    The multilateral institution described the NSR is a credible building block for social intervention, noting that it was committed to partnering with the federal government to strengthen the Register.

    The Word Bank said the programme provides a potent mechanism of achieving President Muhammadu Buhari’s target of taking 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.

    The State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, while appreciating the World Bank for recognising the work done in Cross River opined that the report further underlines the astute response by Governor Ben Ayade administration to capturing seven hundred and eighty four thousand three hundred and ninety seven (784,397) poor and vulnerable individuals from one hundred and sixty five thousand two hundred snd seventy (165,270) households across its 18 local government areas using multiple mechanisms.

    The Commissioner explained that the State is placed well on its solid foundation way to reducing its poverty indices and improving the livelihood of the state’s population.

    Asibong said state government led by Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade also placed a premium on job creation through its industrialization drive and infrastructural development.

    The National Safety Nets Project (NASSP), National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO)/ World Bank Stakeholders Outreach on the NSR which held recently in Abuja had in attendance the Regional Director, Human Development, Rena Ringold; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo; the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Mrs. Maryam Uwais; and the National Coordinator, NASSCO, Mr. Iorwa Apera.

    So far, the NSR has covered over 48 million individuals, more that 11.6 million households, 134,103 communities, over 8,000 federal electoral wards as well as 752 local governments across the country. Based on the estimated number of poor Nigerians in the country, Mr. Iorwa Apera, in a presentation, pointed that the register already captured over 70% of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) while only 22 out of the 774 local councils are yet to be captured.

  • UNFPA, GADA Partners C’River Govt On Safe Space In Public Secondary Schools

    UNFPA, GADA Partners C’River Govt On Safe Space In Public Secondary Schools

     

    Cross River State Government has reinstated its commitment to partner any Non-Government Organisation that will support its effort in safe space environment, gender equality, gender equity and the pursuit of sustainable development and social justice in the state.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong stated this while commissioning the Safe Space supported by the UNFPA/GADA at the West African People Institute (WAPI) in Calabar.

    Asibong assured that the State Government will continue to engage partners to support such laudable initiatives in public schools, saying Safe Space has come to stay in the state.

    She described a Safe Space as a place or environment in which people, especially women and adolescent girls, can feel safe and confident knowing they will not be exposed to any form of discrimination, criticism, harassment or any other emotional or physical harm.

    The Commissioner concluded by commending UNFPA and GADA for their support towards the establishment and equipping of the Safe Space, charging the school’s principal on safeguard and judicious use of the items.

    Earlier in her remarks, the UNFPA/GADA Team Lead, Mrs Akon Bassey, noted that GADA is the implementing Civil Society Organisation (CSO) for the Spotlight initiatives programme with commitment to reduce gender inequality and provide opportunities for girls child, while creating awareness to curb child molestation and abuse of women in Nigeria.

    “Under the initiative in 2021, GADA established Safe Spaces within formal and non-formal settings in different secondary schools, including WAPI Secondary School and Henshaw Town Secondary School.

    This effort is in line with the Ben Ayade led Government’s resolve to ensure that school children study in a safe and secure environment free of all forms of violence” she explained.”

    In his remarks, the WAPI Principal thanked GADA, UNFPA and the State Government for their support and provisions of the items to the school.

    Along with the structure, office cabinets, chairs, dignity kits, generators, reading materials to ensure the comfort of survivors at the adolescent safe space were also donated amongst others.

  • C’River Govt Assures UNICEF Of Continuous Partnership On Children Wellbeing

    C’River Govt Assures UNICEF Of Continuous Partnership On Children Wellbeing

     

    Cross River State Government has assured the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), of continuous Partnership on Education,healthcare and other other wellbeing for Children in the State

    The State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, gave the assurance when she received the UNICEF team led by its Chief of Office for the South South/ South East region,Ms Juliet Chiluwe in her office.

    Asibong said Cross River will Continue to partner with UNICEF in the areas of Health, Basic Education ,Child Protection, Emergency, WASH among others well being initiatives of the agencies.

    She thanked UNICEF for its contribution to the development of the state over the years & promised the new Chief that she will enjoy the same cooperation extended to her predecessor, Dr Ibrahim Conteh while in the region.

    UNICEF new Chief officer Enugu Field Office, Ms Juliet Chiluwe, in her remarks explained that the performance of Cross River State over the years has been encouraging,especially its track record in Children Education, nutrition and wellbeing.

    She said the state will benefit from school Children Nutrition, Education Action Plan, Data, Medium Term State Development Plan & several other initiatives of the agency

    The UN agency also Promises to improve on community-level services to promote the well-being of school children in Cross River State.

  • Inyang Asibong Dedicates Her Fellowship In Community Medicine To Governor Ben Ayade, And Her Senior Colleague, Dr Linda Ayade

    Inyang Asibong Dedicates Her Fellowship In Community Medicine To Governor Ben Ayade, And Her Senior Colleague, Dr Linda Ayade

     

    The Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, has passed the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) Fellowship Examination with flying colours.

    With this, Asibong is now a Medical Consultant and a Fellow of the Prestigious West African College of Physicians, the highest Examination body recognized in the Medicine and Surgery cadre. She is also now a Fellow of Community Medicine.

    Dr Asibong, a former commissioner for Health, who dedicated the result to her boss, Governor Ben Ayade and wife said she passed the examination on the day the Governor secured his victory at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    “The Lord has been really good to me and my wonderful Boss, and I dedicate my fellowship in Community Medicine to His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, and my senior colleague, Dr Linda Ayade” she explained.

    She thanked everyone who contributed to making this dream come true.

    Established in 1960, the West African College of Physicians is a professional organization that promotes education, training, examinations and research in Medicine in Africa.The college is the first organization to organize Medical subspecialty training in the region. It awards fellowships in Medicine following rigorous training and Examinations and is one out of two bodies that accredits institutions to train Medical Resident Doctors in West African member countries.

  • Centre For Clinical Care And Clinical Research Confers Child Rights Ambassador On Linda Ayade

    Centre For Clinical Care And Clinical Research Confers Child Rights Ambassador On Linda Ayade

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN), has conferred Child Right Ambassador on the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Dr Linda Ayade, in recognition of her commitment to the welfare and development of children in Cross River State, during the official launch of the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA), LOT 1 project, phase 2 cash transfer to 250 project beneficiaries.

    The project is supported by the Cross River State Government and funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the U.S. Agency for International Development, implemented by CCCRN, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), alongside other local Community-Based Organizations in Cross River state.

    Delivering the keynote address, Dr Linda Ayade thanked CCCRN for the official Launch of the Phase 2 Cash Transfer to 250 beneficiaries worth forty million Naira, and for the opportunity to further dialogue on issues affecting children and how best to provide and sustain the impact on Orphans and Vulnerable Children OVC.

    Ayade maintained that she shares the same plight and commitment through her various projects and initiatives in the state, addressing the needs of children to ensure greater future for them while supporting and advocating for the realization of Sustainable Development Goals, through one of her pet projects, Mediatrix Development Foundation.

    Ayade averred that “I fill fulfilled discussing and sustaining opportunities that will improve the lives of children and other vulnerable population in the state. This can only be achieved, if we work in collaboration with other stakeholders. Let me use this opportunity to call on stakeholders to play their roles, no matter how misunderstood they may be, they should be ready to pay the price, not about just giving money, but to give their time and together they can make a change”

    She acknowledged the commitment of all arms of government, from local government to the state especially the host Ministries, Departments and Agencies that are saddled with the responsibilities of providing partners with strategic direction and coordination in line with the Governor’s agenda.

    She commended the efforts of the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for providing funds and support to the Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN) to cater for the needs of vulnerable children and their caregivers in Cross River State.

    Ayade stated that “despite the successes recorded, AIDS-related illnesses are still among the leading causes of infant mortality among children living with HIV. Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes needs to be given priority attention and coverage, including access to early infant diagnosis after birth and during breastfeeding.

    “As a priority, greater investment and commitment is required from Government and stakeholders to ensure optimum care, dignity, and safety of the vulnerable children and their families. Let me call on partners, the public, private and community sectors to support government in the stride to make lives better for children in Cross River State”

    Speaking earlier, the Chief of Party, Dr. Peter Adekoya welcomed participants to the official launch of the second phase of the Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN), Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA1), LOT 1 project cash transfer to 250 beneficiaries from 15 LGAs in Cross River State, and the launch of the OVC case dialogue.

    Adekoya maintained that, the cash transfer initiative was aimed at cushioning the effect of the economic difficulties faced by the beneficiaries household which has been aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic while the OVC cased investment dialogue is to deepen discussion on sustaining the gains of the project in the state.

    He stated that the project’s goal is to ensure that Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) are cared for and protected by their households, communities, local and state governments, to achieve a reduction in their vulnerability to HIV.
    .
    He stated that the the Integrated Child Health and Social Services is a 5-Year Project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS, through the U.S. Agency for International Development USAID, and is to last from December 19, 2019 to December 18, 2024.

    “The project is been implemented by CCCRN in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), alongside other local Community-Based Organizations in Cross River states”, he added.

    On their part, the house Committee Chairman on Health of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Dr. Ekpe Ekpo Bassey, and the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong, took turns to eulogize USAID for the unwavering support to the state government.

    The event was attended by Local Government Chairmen, led by the Chairman of Yakurr LGC, and those of Calabar South, Odukpani, Biase, Ogoja, and Bakassi LGAs.

    Highlight of the event was the decoration of the wife of the Governor, Dr Linda Ayade, as Child Right Ambassador by the Chief of Party, Dr Peter Adekoya, unveiling of the phase 2 project by Dr Linda Ayade, as well as presentation of success stories and testimonials.

  • Governors Forum, World Bank Okays C’River for BEN-CARES Implementation

    Governors Forum, World Bank Okays C’River for BEN-CARES Implementation

     

    The CARES readiness assessment team from the Secretariat of the Nigerian Governors Forum and the World Bank have given the nod for the implementation of the Nigerian COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus packages (CARES), domesticated in Cross River State as BEN-CARES.

    This was disclosed during a 2-day assessment visit to Cross River led by the Executive Director of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, after a tour of facilities with the various implementation units in the state.

    Briefing the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu and members of the State Executive Council during a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor yesterday in Calabar, Dr. Shittu disclosed that Cross River State was fully ready for the implementation of the program.

    “CARES is a 2-year package intended to stimulate the economy of Nigeria, provide food security and enhance livelihoods. From our assessment thus far, Cross River is more than ready to kick-start this programme. We are very impressed with what we have seen so far.

    “In view of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the world and crumbled sources of livelihood, the State Governors devised a means to cushion this effect. Implementation will kick-start by the first week of August this year”.

    Speaking earlier on, Commissioner for International Development Corporation and Chairman of the state Steering Committee of CARES, Inyang Asibong, listed the 3 focal areas of the scheme to include sustainable livelihood, food security and micro small and medium enterprises development.

    Dr Asibong said the program is intended to reverse the local economic downturn caused by the impact of the novel pandemic, enhance agro production and boost MSMEs.

    “This intervention from the World Bank which we have domesticated in Cross River as BEN-CARES will surely advance the humanitarian passion of Governor Ben Ayade to Cross Riverians.

    “The Federal Government and World Bank team have assessed us and found us ready to receive the Intervention. The programme will stimulate the economy and provide food security,” Commissioner Asibong said.

    In his remarks, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu commended the management teams of the Federal Government and World Bank for finding Cross River State worthy to receive the Intervention, which according to him, is in the best interest of Cross Riverians.

    The visit to the Deputy Governor also had in attendance Commissioner for Commerce, Pst. Mrs Rosemary Archibong, Commissioner for Youths Development and Skills Acquisition Hon. (Signor) Omang Idiege, unit heads of the Federal Government/ World Bank delegation, Special Adviser on EDF, Hon Chief Mrs Marjorie Asuquo, SA on CED, Mrs Kate Ajibike, Chairman of the Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Mr. Tony Ikpeme, Executive Directors and other critical stakeholders involved in the implementation.

  • Social Safety Net: Cross River Flags Off World Bank State-wide Rapid Response Register

    Social Safety Net: Cross River Flags Off World Bank State-wide Rapid Response Register

    By Admin

    Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR), that will enable the low-income earners benefit from stipends as part of measures to ease the state economy from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

    The state Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong while performing the flag off in Calabar Municipality Area of Cross River, said the target beneficiaries are “self-employed”, “wage employed” and “urban poor.”

    Asibong said Cross River State Government is collaborating with the World Bank , using “cutting-edge” technology, to undertake a pilot scheme for the programme.

    The commissioner explained that with the flag off, vulnerable people will be captured in the National Social Register (NSR) to enable them benefit from the National Social Safety net programme.

    “Governor Ben Ayade made this new opportunity possible , leveraging on the support of the Federal Government to enable this category of people, who were not previously captured in the social register, to rapidly identify, register and provide them with succour.

    “The RRR is designed to focus mainly on the urban poor wards selected using scientifically validated methods of satellite remote sensing technology, machine learning algorithm and big data analysis.

    “We are keying into the social protection method with the first strategy to be developed and tested across the 18 local government areas ,starting with 6 LGAs with poverty index in Cross River State.

    “Cross River State Government has flaged off the Rapid Response Register (RRR) Scheme aimed at reducing poverty among the poor and vulnerable citizens across the State”she added.

    Those in attendance at the flag off were Mr. Chris Anake, State Coordinator NASSCO; Mrs. Mbong Ausaji, Director of Administration MIDC; Mr. Mike Mgbekem, Director of Programs, MIDC; Mr. Otu Edem, Director PRS as well as the management and staff of State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU).

  • Over 200 Households Receives CRSG Erosion Remediation Compensation In CRS

    Over 200 Households Receives CRSG Erosion Remediation Compensation In CRS

     

    In line with the development of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) designed to compensate people affected by the civil works of ongoing intervention across the State, the State Government has commenced the presentation of cheques to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) across the State. The event was flagged off at Igaba in Obudu LGA and Itate in Yala LGA.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation and Acting Project Coordinator CRS-NEWMAP, Dr Inyang Asibong, earlier this week presented cheques to beneficiaries.

    In her remarks during the cheque presentation, the Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to be very judicious in the use of the money to better their lives. Adding that a key objective of the CRS-NEWMAP is to improve the livelihood of affected persons and lessen the devastating effect of the gully erosion menace.

    The exercise benefited 200 households whose structures fall within the circumference of the civil works for the NEWMAP interventions.

    CRSG carried out this process of compensation without the Assistance of the World Bank, as part of the required counterpart funding for the project by the State.

  • Inyang Asibong Calls For New Response Strategy To Refugees Situation As UNHCR Partners CRSG.

    Inyang Asibong Calls For New Response Strategy To Refugees Situation As UNHCR Partners CRSG.

     

     

    The Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation Dr Inyang Asibong, has urged the United Nation’s Organization in charge of Refugees UNHCR, to evolve new strategies of partnership with the state with a view to bring about proper response to refugees challenges.

    The Commissioner made this known when Officials of UNHCR paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry.

    Receiving a team of UNHCR Officials in her office, the Commissioner said as a Ministry that mediates between the State Government and International Organizations working in the State, it was necessary to profile the activities of the Organization as it relates to refugees.

    Dr Asibong emphasized that as a UN Agency that handles affairs of the displaced persons especially within the African region, UNHCR owes it as a duty, to make available their programs and projects.

    “I want to say welcome, and thank you for coming, UNHCR has been working in Cross River State, I know that you’re doing very well. I’ve severally been to the Refugee settlement you have in Ogoja”

    The Commissioner further explained that the Ministry’s mandate was to coordinate activities of Development Partners. She used the occasion to request UNHCR to review its response approach to enable the state government key into its plan for effective partnership to ameliorate the plight of the refugees in the state.

    Speaking earlier on the essence of the visit, the head of UNHCR office in Cross River Mr Tesfaye Bekele, stated that Cross River is one of the few states where refugees are treated with dignity as brothers and sisters, because of the pragmatic leadership of the Governor, Prof Ben Ayade.

    Mr. Bekele averred that “Honestly speaking, this is commendable, we are happy about it. We’ll continue to cooperate with the State Government, but we need your support”

    Mr Tesfaye also noted that UNHCR needs expansion and currently has presence in Ogoja, Cross River State, Benue, Taraba and wherever there are refugees. He explained that the Organization which has its operational office in Ogoja currently, oversees all refugees programs including the Cameroon refugees program in the states of Cross River, Taraba and Benue. He said the choice of Ogoja was because that is where the Organization has the largest number of refugees. The Head of Sub office agreed on an MOU to be entered into, to improve on support from the State Government.

    In attendance at the meeting were, the Head of Sub office Mr Tesfaye Bekele; UNHCR Protection Officer, Jonathan Darko and Christopher Mubanga, the Head of Calabar Field Office.
    Others were the Permanent Secretary of MIDC, Mr Akwaji Timothy, and Directors in the MIDC.

    Highpoint of the visit was the delineation of an MOU between the Ministry and UNHCR.