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Tag: #World Bank

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • #EndSARS Destruction: Cross River Gov’t Attracts World Bank support

    #EndSARS Destruction: Cross River Gov’t Attracts World Bank support

    By Admin

    The Cross River State Government has received support from the World Bank after the destruction of properties during the #EndSars protest  by hoodlums that took place in Calabar on Oct. 23 and 24.

    After the destruction, the state government through the Ministry of International Development Cooperation had approached the World Bank to render support to the state, especially in the delivery units of the World Bank Assisted Programme, CARES, which is scheduled to commence very soon in the state.

    The items donated include furniture, 20 seater conference chairs, air conditioners and inverters, laptop computers and printers, virtual meeting equipment, hybrid inverter with solar among many others.

    Speaking after distributing the equipment to the different units, the Commissioner for MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, expressed happiness with the gesture from the World Bank, saying that the distribution was coming at the first day of resumption of duties in the year.

    She explained that two result areas of the Ministry, FADAMA and EDF were badly affected during the protest and all the items were destroyed by hoodlums.

    According to her, the items will go a long way to enable the staff of the result areas to get back to work in preparation for the CARES programme.

    “The CARES is COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus of the government. It is going to be a state owned project and Gov. Ben Ayade is so committed about improving the lives of residents in the state.

    “We know that the poverty index in Nigeria is 40.1, and this is really high. Cross River is lower than the national average, 36.3, we want to further reduce that our percentage to at least a single digit.

    “I want to thank the World Bank for coming to our aid at this point in time, and we can assure them we will make the best use of these equipment,” she said.

    Also Speaking, Mr Fidel Udie, the Acting General Manager of Community and Social Development Agency, said that the donation confirms the good working relationship between the state government and the World Bank.

    Udie said that the donation will now put the state in a good position to participate in the CARES programme, which is a World Bank Assisted Programme.

    “These programme is basically meant to target the poor and vulnerable in the society. Of course, without these agencies and their platforms been able to have their working tools and be ready for the implementation of the programme, the state cannot join other states for the programme.

    “Gov. Ayade was able to follow up with the World Bank and here we have these equipment to help the delivery units to be ready for this programme,” he said.

    He mentioned the platforms benefiting from the equipment to include; CSDA, the state coordinating unit, FADAMA, Enterprise Development Funding, Smart City, Public Work Fare and the state Cash Transfer Unit.

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

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

    George Odok Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Ayade Inaugurates CSDA Board Charges Them To Improve Human Development Index

    Ayade Inaugurates CSDA Board Charges Them To Improve Human Development Index

    By Admin

    His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, today inaugurated a 17-member committee of the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) Board to further improve on the Human Development Index and Gross Domestic Product of the State.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of His Excellency goaded the members to carry on with the mandate of this administration in ensuring a trickle down of development across the State.

    “The World Bank has commended the Cross River State Government led by His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade, for the CSDA initiative as it is the best way to bring development across the State, especially in the hinterlands.

    “So far we’ve carried out well over 30 (Thirty) micro-projects across the State this year ranging from potable water supply, to solar-powered LED street lights, lavatories to cub open defecation, renovation of classroom blocks and employment of youths and vulnerable people within our communities”

    The board is Chaired by Chief Toni Joe Ikpeme, with the Secretary being the Acting GM of the Agency, Mr Fidel Udie, thanked the State Government for the opportunity to serve and promised to give their best in the discharge of their duties collectively.

    The board also has four non- statutory members, the Permanent Secretaries from the ministries of Finance, Works, Women Affairs, Local Government Affairs, Social Welfare and Humanity, International Development Cooperation, and the State Planning Commission, and four representatives from Civil Society Organizations.

  • Post Covid 19 Economy: C’River Activate World Bank Multi-Sectoraial Strategy In Project Implementation

    Post Covid 19 Economy: C’River Activate World Bank Multi-Sectoraial Strategy In Project Implementation

    By Theluminenews Admin

    As part of the post Covid-19 reform plans, Ministries Departments and Agencies in Cross River State will henceforth embrace world Bank Multi-Sectoral model in progrqmme and Project Implementation.

    Governor Ben Ayade stated this at the quarterly Steering Committee meeting of the World Bank,State and Local Government Reform Project (SLOGOR) in Calabar.

    Ayade who was represented by the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation (MIDC),Dr Inyang Asibong, explained that the new strategy will guarantee system monitoring and evaluation of projects inline with the world bank standard.

    Asibong posited that the battle against novel coronavirus pandemic has affected the state economy like everywhere in the world, assuring that the state will ensure the new model reduce excesses in all MDAs using various World Bank instruments.

    The CRS World Bank instruments according to Asibong ,will strengthen Cross River State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS), Medium Term Fiscal Strategy Model (MTEF ) and Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS).

    She assured the MDAs that Governor Ayade’s Efforts working with the world bank have started producing result to adjust to life in what is now referred to as the “New Normal”.

    “Let me at this point sue for cooperation and support of all the line MDAs on this new strategy of the post covid-19 economy response implementation of the State Government in line with the Federal Government and World Bank’s support.

    “The collective achievement of this effort will position Cross River for life after the Covid-19 pandemic” she said

    The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mrs Stella Odey in her remarks advised the Committee to take proper advantage of the State Government’s stimulus packages in the face of the covid-19 pandemic while they develop a sectoral and economic management strategy across all the MDAs in this regard.

    “The State Government has made available stimulus packages in monetary policies, job opportunities in the Health, Agriculture, Environment and Security sectors as well as Community micro projects that will provide a safety net for residents of the State during the covid-19 crisis and beyond” she explained.

    Some of the line MDAs present at the meeting includes the State Auditor General,
    the State Accountant General; the Executive
    Chairman State Internal Revenue Service; the SLOGOR Project Coordinator; the Special Adviser Budget; the MIDC Permanent Secretary and his counterpart in Ministry of Finance among others.