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Tag: #Noel Ugbong

  • Why Noel Ugbong Is The Best Material For The Chairmanship Position In Obudu BY JERRY AGBO

    Why Noel Ugbong Is The Best Material For The Chairmanship Position In Obudu BY JERRY AGBO

    WHY NOEL UGBONG IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF OBUDU

    Noel Ugbong’s political and administrative journey began 21 years ago (in 2003) when he was appointed as the Liaison Officer to Hon. Victor Agwu, the Honourable Member representing Obudu in the Cross River State House of Assembly, with a functional office at the then PDP Secretariat and enjoyed political tutelage and mentorship from the PDP Chapter Chairman, Chief Spokesman Agogo, Akoli Paul Unimke, Hon. Joe Ogar, among others.

    Due largely to his excellent performance as a Liaison Officer, Noel was appointed as the Personal Assistant to the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. SPK Ogar, in 2004. Despite being the youngest aide to the Vice Chairman of Council, his sincerity, diligence, humility, loyalty, and creativity led to his being assigned complex responsibilities, one of which was assisting the Vice Chairman in the administration and payment of allowances to the Canopy Police (popularly known then as Tourism Police) deployed to Obudu by the then Governor, His Excellency Donald Duke.

    Furthermore, since boundary dispute matters fall under the Office of the Vice Chairman of Council, Noel Ugbong was a noticeable figure in that respect, being saddled with the responsibility of preparing briefs and reports in respect of security meetings held between Obudu and Vandeikya, as well as other security-related meetings. This exposed him early to the security challenges plaguing Obudu. It is also worthy of note that Noel Ugbong was a principal actor in the organisation of the most successful anti-cultism campaign carried out in Obudu in 2004, under the leadership of Comrade Adamade Odey.

    When Hon. Justin Ikor Ugbe took over as the Chairman of Obudu, he appointed Noel Ugbong as his Special Assistant on Childcare (ungazetted), through which several interventions were carried out, some in liaison with the Office of the Wife of the Chairman.

    During Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Uminya’s tenure, due to his resourcefulness in tourism, Noel Ugbong was appointed as a member of the Obudu Tourism Committee.

    From 2012 to 2014, Noel Ugbong was in Port Harcourt running a successful business in partnership with the late Mr. Cajetan Ogar, offering solutions in hospitality, tourism, events management, and logistics.

    In 2015, His Excellency Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade graciously appointed him to the Department of the Governor’s Office and Events Management as the Special Assistant on Administration. During this period, Noel Ugbong was the superintendent of Obudu Mountain Resort. He was also the Secretary to the Carnival Calabar and Festival Central Planning Committee. He served as the Assistant Production Manager of the Leboku Festival and later on as the Desk Officer for the Northern Cross River Cultural Festival (NorthFest).

    Consequent upon his creativity, wealth of innovation, and exceptional service delivery, His Excellency Senator Prof. Ben Ayade in his second term promoted him to the position of Senior Special Assistant on Events Marketing, Content Development, and Tourism. During this period, Noel Ugbong still maintained the ad-hoc roles of Secretary to the Carnival Calabar and Festival Committee, among others. Not quite one year into this new responsibility, His Excellency promoted him to the position of Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM). It is worthy of mention that BORDERCOM is one of the biggest commissions in Cross River State, bigger than some ministries. It also has a far greater mandate than all other MDAs. It is established by law and mandated to develop border communities in the areas of education, health, security, economic empowerment, water, and sanitation. Incidentally, these are equally the mandates of the Local Government Councils. During this period, he attended several workshops, seminars, and other specialised training in the areas of project management, conflict resolution, planning, e-governance, etiquette, good governance, and accountability. He was a critical member of the State Boundary Committee, State Security Committee, State Prevent Council, among others. One of the hallmarks of his administration was the resolution of the Kutia-Ukwortung dispute. In furtherance of maintaining peace between the two communities and to combat crime in Obudu, the then Governor trusted him with the construction of the MOPOL 75 Base in Obudu. That project is one of the biggest embarked upon by the Ayade administration. This responsibility was a result of his capacity, integrity, and honesty.

    Within his reign as DG, he attracted numerous projects, programmes, and training from the Federal Government, NGOs, and development partners. Noel Ugbong also facilitated the construction of a Skills Acquisition Centre in Betukwel, Obudu Local Government Area. Noel Ugbong understands the borderline of Obudu, knowing the coordinates by heart. Due to his pragmatic, proactive, and intelligent nature, he was adjudged the best head of a border commission/agency in Nigeria.

    In December 2021, Noel Ugbong launched a mini resort in Obudu, called Hampton Luxury, with the first public swimming pool in Obudu. This feat was to serve multiple purposes of creating wealth, providing job opportunities, and offering a comfortable place for relaxation and talent discovery. This venture brought massive change to the social climate of Obudu, as before then there was hardly a befitting place for social activities. Noel Ugbong is a key player in the Nigerian tourism sector. He is the Chairman of the Tourist Guide Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter. He sits on the same page with major tourism players in Nigeria and West Africa. He is an associate of the heads of all the Culture and Tourism MDAs in Cross River State. That’s an asset that can transform Obudu into a preferred tourist destination.

    From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that Noel Ugbong has the requisite intellect, skills, administrative capacity, empathy, humility, connections, and creative, innovative mind to fast-track the development of Obudu to an enviable height.

    A support for Noel Ugbong is a support for the development of Obudu.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Jerry Agbor, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for 

  • DG BORDERCOM Felicitates Alphonsus Eba, Others

    DG BORDERCOM Felicitates Alphonsus Eba, Others

     

    The Director General Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong congratulates the newly elected APC State Chairman, Bar. Alphonsus Eba Ogar and other State EXCO Members on their successful election.

    He described Bar. Alphonsus as a polished, witty and sagacious young man with a humongous propensity to giving back to humanity.

    In a statement, made available to TheLumineNews, the DG commended the Leader of the party in the State, Sir Ben Ayade for leading the party through a successful State Congress.

    He further praised the team-spirit and great sense of brotherliness showcased by the principal stakeholders of the party in ensuring a hitch free Congress.

    He enthused that such spirit of oneness is a clear indication that the APC in Cross River State is positioned to have an uninterrupted reign in the Government House beyond 2023.

    He enjoined other Party faithfuls to rally round the newly elected Officials in cementing the reign of the Party in the State and beyond.

  • DG BORDERCOM Felicitates With CRSHA Speaker, Eteng Jonas On His Birth Anniversary

    DG BORDERCOM Felicitates With CRSHA Speaker, Eteng Jonas On His Birth Anniversary

    Your emergence as Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly is a clear indication of God at work.

    Perhaps for the first time, CRHA needed a mature leadership with a clear head, sagacity and tenacity. Though we didn’t perceive in advance how precarious the times were going to be, but Jehovah who knows the end from the beginning knew and chose you to bring stability and sanity to the System in a trying moment.

    There’s no gainsaying that development will not come through in the midst of ego boasting and show-off of brawns. With tact, uncommon wits and the penchant for sacrifice, you have proven yourself as a man who puts the State first and above even your personal prejudice and considerations.

    There wouldn’t have been a better leadership to ask for especially given the Herculean responsibility ahead of the State.

    It is your humility! Your benignity! Your simplicity! Your tenacity!
    You deserve to be celebrated, not just because it is your birthday, but because you are a GOOD MAN.

    Happy birthday 🎂 Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones William, Honorable Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly.

  • NITDA To Make Cross River State An IT Hub

    NITDA To Make Cross River State An IT Hub

    By Admin

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi has promised to make Calabar, Cross River State one of the Regional IT Hubs the Agency is set to establish across the Country.

    The DG, who is a Massachusetts trained tech expert disclosed this on the 13th of October 2020 when the Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOMM), Mr. Noel Ugbong led a delegation of his team to NITDA Headquarters, Abuja.

    Mr. Ugbong facilitated the DG, NITDA who is barely one year in office and extended the Governor’s goodwill message as well as commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing this young, vibrant and tech savvy business-minded youth as Director General of the Country’s IT regulatory Agency.

    Mr. Noel Ugbong praised the Agency for the post-graduate Scholarship program and noted that “It is only NITDA Scholarship that gives equal value to all the States which is very commendable”

    The BORDERCOMM Director General commended the Agency for the Smart Agriculture programme and requested the DG to extend the Programme to Cross River State especially now that the State is one the leading States in the Green Revolution.

    Mr. Noel Ugbong used the opportunity and appealed to the Agency to equip the Skills Acquisition Centres recently handed over to Cross River State border Communities by the Border Communities Development Agency Abuja.

    He posited that if NITDA provides the centres with IT equipment and technical support, it will go a long way to create wealth, IT solutions and control migration. He further briefed the Agency of the steps Cross River State has taken geared towards advancing IT solutions and expertise which NITDA can leverage on.
    Amongst which is the Tinapa Knowledge Centre and available optic fibre across the length of the state.

    Mr. Noel Ugbong appealed to NITDA to provide Internet support to Obudu Mountain Resort which is Nigeria’s number one Tourism Flagship.

    Responding, the enigmatic DG of NITDA assured the DG, BORDERCOM that his Agency was on the verge of creating regional IT Hubs across the Country. He stressed that Calabar has the enabling facility for easy takeoff, the Agency will Consider making it a regional hub. He promised to extend the smart Agriculture programme to Cross River State after the pilot program in Jigawa State.

    The Deputy Director IT Infrastructure Solutions, Dr. Muhammed Saidu thanked the BORDERCOMM team for the visit and commended the Governor of Cross River State for the tax exemption in the State.

  • DG BORDERCOM, Noel Ugbong Felicitates FAD 93.1 FM At 3rd Anniversary

    DG BORDERCOM, Noel Ugbong Felicitates FAD 93.1 FM At 3rd Anniversary

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Director General of Border Development Commission, Mr. Noel Ugbong has felicitated with FAD 93.1 FM Calabar on it’s third anniversary celebration.

    A statement made available to TheLumineNews and signed by the DG, indicates that the credibility and resilience of the organization has had positive impacts in the affairs of governance and public perception in the state.

    The statement reads in parts “On behalf of my family and the entire Border Development Commission, I wish to congratulate the management and staff of FAD FM 93.1 Calabar on this auspicious and glorious occasion of your 3rd anniversary.

    “Your ingenuity, hard work and credibility and resilience in the last 3 years has had positive impacts in the affairs of governance and public perception in the state.

    “I wish FAD FM 93.1 Calabar will sustain the gains it has created in the last three years and employ it’s high degree of professionalism to serve as a veritable platform to promote the rich social-economic and cultural heritage of the state.

    “On this day of your 3rd anniversary celebration, I wish you the best in all endeavours.

    “The best is yet to come, as the future is even brighter.
    Once again, congratulations”.

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

    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.

  • Bankpor-Irruan, Boki Nation Praise Ayade As He Hands Over An Ultramodern Market

    Bankpor-Irruan, Boki Nation Praise Ayade As He Hands Over An Ultramodern Market

    By Admin

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Professor Benedict Ayade, has further reasserted his unyielding determination to make life meaningful for the people through the provision of basic amenities to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    Ayade who reiterated his stance while handing over an ultramodern market comprises of lockup stores, open stalls with boreholes and VIP toilets constructed by the Border communities Development commission {BORDERCOMM} in Bankpor-Irruan, Boki Local Government Area, disclosed that it is the policy direction of his administration that essential amenities and development should get to all communities, no matter how remote.

    Speaking while representing the governor at the occasion as he handed over the project to Chairman of Boki LGA, Hon. Pastor John Ewa who received the project on behalf of the Boki nation, the Director General of BORDERCOMM, Mr. Noel Ugbong, applauded the Governor for his incredible efforts targeted towards rural transformation and to make life meaningful for the citizenry.

    He charged the benefitting community and the neighboring communities that will make use of the market for their buying and selling transactions to maintain and keep the market clean and take proper care of the facilities such as the borehole and VIP toilets that have been provided for their comfort and convenient.

    The governor representative, and DG of BORDERCOMM, Noel Ugbong stated that the Senator Professor Benedict Ayade led administration in Cross River state is a peoples oriented government that has stamped a great mark of achievement and improvement on the overall wellbeing of the people through taking development to the communities including the state border communities which Bankpor-Irruan is one of the many beneficiaries.

    Speaking while receiving the projext on behalf of the Bankpor-Irruan community and thw entire Boki Nation, Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Hon. (Pastor) John Ewa thank the Governor of Cross River State and the Border Communities Development Agency for siting the project in Boki.

    Hon. Pastor Ewa disclosed that the Bankpor-Irruan market is the first modern market in the whole of Boki land and promised that the Council shall put the facility to use in a way and manner to bring about economic prosperity not just to Bankpor-Irruan, Irruan people but the entire Boki Nation.

    The Chairman later led the DG and his team to another community where land has been donated for the Construction of a 6 classroom block with offices and VIP Toilets.

    The DG Of BORDERCOMM, Mr. Noel Ugbong hinted that the proposed project shall be constructed by his Agency, and assured that the contract shall be awarded soon, haven gotten a site.

    The Traditional Rulers and people of Irruan Nation showered praises on the Governor and the Border Communities Development Agency for the timely intervention and attention given to them and explained that the new 6 classroom block with all the modern convenient facilities will be a huge relief for the existing Primary School which has only one block with an overflowing population.

     

  • Ayade Hands Over A Skills Acquisition Centre To Chairman Of Obudu Local Government Council

    Ayade Hands Over A Skills Acquisition Centre To Chairman Of Obudu Local Government Council

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Sir Ben Ayade has handed over a Skills Acquisition Centre to the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Boniface Ewhe Eraye.

    The handing over of the facility took place at Obudu main town, Obudu Urban 1 ward where the centre is located.

    The Governor was represented by the Director General, BORDERCOM, Mr. Noel Ugbong, while cutting the tape to commission the centre, charged the Chairman of Council to put the facility which is comprised of Training Halls and Offices to maximum use for the benefit and betterment of the good people of Obudu Local Government Area.

    The DG pledged BORDERCOM’s willingness to partner with Council in expanding the facility to house more vocations.

    The project was facilitated by BORDERCOM and constructed by Border Communities Development Agency.

    Receiving the facility, the Chairman of Council, Hon. Boniface Ewhe Eraye commended Governor Ben Ayade for handing over the project to Obudu Local Government Council and commended Border Communities Development Agency for the lofty initiative.

    The proactive Chairman of council used the opportunity to appeal to the Obudu Urban Traditional Rulers to consider the provision of additional land for expansion of the Skills Acquisition Centre as he is keen on setting up a Fabrication Academy, like we have in Calabar.

    Speaking on behalf of the Obudu Urban Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Utsu Augustine Ikashi praised the Governor for his remarkable stewardship in the State.

    Utsu Ikashi said the people of Obudu Urban 1 are very happy over the siting of the Skills Acquisition Centre in Obudu Urban 1, and hope that it shall take idle youths off vices.

    Utsu Ikashi equally thank the Governor for appointing a vibrant and proactive Obudu son as Director General of BODERCOM.

    He pledged the support of the Traditional Rulers Council and assured Government of the readiness of the Traditional Rulers in donating land for expansion of the Centre.

  • Ayade Is In A Hurry To Change The Unsung Narrative Of Etung People….DG, BORDERCOMM

    Ayade Is In A Hurry To Change The Unsung Narrative Of Etung People….DG, BORDERCOMM

    By Admin

    The people of Etung LGA of Cross River state have been described as unsung heroes that the administration of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade is in a hurry to change their narrative and position.

    Director General, Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission {BORDERCOM}, Noel Ugbong who stated this at Effraya, Etung on Wednesday while in Etung on a Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment exercise for border communities of the Local government said that the essence of the survey is to ensure that the LGA and the people are accorded their rightful place, position and recognition.

    Mr. Ugbong explained that the administration of Ayade draws this strength and conclusion from the empirical evident which indicates that the LGA has huge revenue generation capacity from cocoa and commerce across the international border, bearing in mind also that Etung has one of the most peaceful international border in Nigeria.

    The DG of BORDERCOMM revealed that the governor has high regards for the people of Etung and has equally extend his deep appreciation to the people for the support they gave him during his reelection and their continuous support for his administration and development projects and programmes.

    He disclosed that at the inception of taking charge of the leadership of BORDERCOMM, the governor indicated very clearly to them that he is particularly concerned about the people of the state living around the fringes of the state, our external borderlines and that he want to bring succor and economic prosperity to them.

    Mr. Ugbong asserted that it is a known fact that mans history is a history of a people in constant state of flux which often results in positive commerce and social coexistence, while on the negative side, it leads to crises which often also result in loss of lives and property and at some point, annexation of territories, explaining that it is for this reason that Ayade leadership is consciously stamping the states signature across our borderlines.

    The DG asked the Chairman to liaise with the Mfum Community for the acquisition of land for the construction of a modern Skills Acquisition Centre for Women and Youths.

    He explained that this measure is not only to stamp the states signature across the borderlines but to also give our border communities a sense of belonging and to also let them know that they are not at the fringes but at the heart and centre of the state, adding that it is based on this premise and other vital considerations that His Excellency sent them to come and interact with the people taking into cognizant the baseline to assist them calibrate with the sole aim to ensure that the states budget process is not only up-to-date but also captures the interest of the people.

    The DG of BORDERCOM maintained that the needs of the people changes over time as the needs of a particular community in the last 5-10 years are certainly not the same today, and that it is based on this reality that they are in Etung to carry out the first phase of Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment exercise.

    He said that they came with some research instruments ahead of Planning, Research and Statistics tailored towards extracting primary data and that after analyzing the data they will now carry out physical visitation these communities to ascertained and to make sure of their actual needs in order of priority.

    Mr. Ugbong assured that this is not going to be an exercise in futility or a purposeless one but that the governor is committed towards making life bearable for all border communities in Cross River state, while thanking the Chairman, Vice Chairman, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Chiefs and the people of Etung for their cooperation and large turnout.

    In his welcome speech, the Chairman of Etung Local Government Area, Hon. John Nkom, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ayade for having sincere concern for his people, the border communities in particular and the people of the state in general, and assured that his people will give the BORDERCOMM team a full support to extract the information they need, while calling on the Chiefs of the border communities and their subjects to deliberate and list the projects they need to the BORDERCOMM team.

     

  • BORDERCOM Takes Baseline Survey/Need Assessment To Obanliku Local Government Area

    BORDERCOM Takes Baseline Survey/Need Assessment To Obanliku Local Government Area

    By Admin

    In furtherance to the directives of His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for BORDERCOM to undertake a baseline assessment of all border communities in the state, the Director General of BODERCOM, Mr. Noel Ugbong led other members and staff of the commission as they visit Obanliku local government area.

    The exercise was held at the council secretariat on the 3rd of August, 2020.

    Speaking during the visit, the DG noted that, His Excellency has approved the baseline assessment/survey which will evolve a strategic five years development plan.

    Speaking further, he maintained that “Obanliku is one of the local governments in the state that has both national and International borders. The Eastern high hills stretching from the East climax around the Oshie ridge, plummeting in the Obudu plateau rolling hills, giving Obanliku very unique features.

    “Over the years, BORDERCOM has been carrying out projects in various local governments that have border communities. We often have issues where projects are misappropriated or duplicated, wherefore a community is dire need of a school but will have a hospital, or a community that is I’m a dire of water will have abundant of schools etc. The baseline survey and needs assessment is to help us prioritize what government should do for these border communities.

    “BOREDCOM dwell on border regions because there are issues of crisis either with other states or country and until government takes ownership of these communities by building schools, health centers and providing water to show that these communities belong to cross river state and Nigeria at large. This will definitely make other states very difficult to encroach into our state.

    “BORDERCOM was set up with the core mandate on; education, health, water and sanitation, security and economic empowerment. It is an intervening commission, all of these things have mandate in other ministries- education is supposed to build schools, health is to build hospitals and water and sanitation is to provide water.

    “Where there is need, BOORDERCOM steps in. It is our desire that all border communities in Obanliku local government area have ample government presence so that if any state or country wants to encroach, they will know that such a community belongs to cross river state government and that the state has her presence there.

    “The essence of this baseline survey/needs assessment is generate data for budgeting. Budgeting is very cumbersome if you want to do the ideal thing, but for people who don’t have the nak for due process, they do copy and paste which results in not giving the communities their desires. We will share this data with the federal government.

    “You have observed that Red Cross is carrying out a lots of projects in border communities, this is because of the data we share with them and we need to update this data from time to time.

    “It will take another five years before the next exercise is carried out, we urge you to be of good spirit, take ownership of the survey, we will provide you with instruments that will generate data from your communities to enable us fast track development in your communities”

    Ugbong noted the consultation and awareness meeting is the first phase of the exercise and mentioned data analysis, physical verification, engineering measurement as other phases of the survey.

    On his part, the Head of Procurement, Research and Statistics, Mr. Ibita Inimmong stated that since the inception of BORDERCOM in the state, a total of 14 projects have been completed in Obanliku in areas of education, health, water and sanitation and security.

    He added that “this assessment is to enable us know the communities that have not been captured as well as the needs of the communities. We have a total of 25 border communities in Obanliku”

    Responding on behalf of the local government chairman, Evangelist Mrs. Margate Inde, the Head of Local Government Administration HOLGA, Mrs. Agnes Ogah thanked the governor of cross river state, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade for the initiative and pledged council’s support to the commission in the discharge of its duties especially the baseline survey/needs assessment in Obanliku local government area.