CROSS RIVER STATE AIMS AT ATTAINING NATIONAL BEST IMPROVED HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA

Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) on dived into a fact finding mission to identify Local Governments, wards and communities including facilities  that has hitherto prevented the state from being the best in Nigeria. 

At a meeting in calabar where the DG summoned all Monitoring and Evaluation officers and LGA team for data analysis which will be a drastic measures to shore up the gap in routine immunisation coverage, maternal health, child health,  nutrition, malaria etc. 

Raw data collected from facilities and communities are to point to poor performing areas where she hopes to address urgently. 

This followed the declaration and award to Governor Ben Ayade for the most health care improved state in South South Nigeria by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo in conjunction with ThisDay Newspaper and world Bank after an independent assessment report.

Speaking, the DG CRSPHCDA,  Dr Betta Edu said " while the Governor appreciates all the effort of the health staff in the state which has led to the award,  we don't want Cross River State to be best in South south region alone but we want it to be the best in Nigeria".

CRSPHCDA seeks to ensure adequate utilization of the data for the attainment of the best healthcare improved state as well as state with universal health coverage achieved state in Nigeria

Following intended immediate interventions at the weak wards and communities,  the Agency is expecting immediate drop in unimmunised children,  drop in maternal and child mortality.

Edu charged the 9 affected LGAs to up their quality health services coverage and data collection to maximum best.

According to her the State Governor,  Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade is interested in ensuring that Cross River is number one in Nigeria by identifying gaps and proffering solutions.

Earlier Speaking, Director Primary Healthcare, Dr Ana Onabiene said the meeting was to deliberate on how to get a robust data in all the services rendered in the state and use same for decision making .

He said the award would spur Cross River up to sustain the tempo and place the state above others.

Among dignitaries that attended the meeting were immunisation Partners from WHO,  AFENET,  UNICEF, PATHFINDERS, CUSO Consultant from UCTH,  Dr B. I Ikpeme, Dr Short,  SSA, Mr Joseph Idiege,  D. A Administration,  Pastor Dan Efiom amongt others.

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CROSS RIVER STATE AIMS AT ATTAINING NATIONAL BEST IMPROVED HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA

Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) on dived into a fact finding mission to identify Local Governments, wards and communities including facilities  that has hitherto prevented the state from being the best in Nigeria. 

At a meeting in calabar where the DG summoned all Monitoring and Evaluation officers and LGA team for data analysis which will be a drastic measures to shore up the gap in routine immunisation coverage, maternal health, child health,  nutrition, malaria etc. 

Raw data collected from facilities and communities are to point to poor performing areas where she hopes to address urgently. 

This followed the declaration and award to Governor Ben Ayade for the most health care improved state in South South Nigeria by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo in conjunction with ThisDay Newspaper and world Bank after an independent assessment report.

Speaking, the DG CRSPHCDA,  Dr Betta Edu said " while the Governor appreciates all the effort of the health staff in the state which has led to the award,  we don't want Cross River State to be best in South south region alone but we want it to be the best in Nigeria".

CRSPHCDA seeks to ensure adequate utilization of the data for the attainment of the best healthcare improved state as well as state with universal health coverage achieved state in Nigeria

Following intended immediate interventions at the weak wards and communities,  the Agency is expecting immediate drop in unimmunised children,  drop in maternal and child mortality.

Edu charged the 9 affected LGAs to up their quality health services coverage and data collection to maximum best.

According to her the State Governor,  Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade is interested in ensuring that Cross River is number one in Nigeria by identifying gaps and proffering solutions.

Earlier Speaking, Director Primary Healthcare, Dr Ana Onabiene said the meeting was to deliberate on how to get a robust data in all the services rendered in the state and use same for decision making .

He said the award would spur Cross River up to sustain the tempo and place the state above others.

Among dignitaries that attended the meeting were immunisation Partners from WHO,  AFENET,  UNICEF, PATHFINDERS, CUSO Consultant from UCTH,  Dr B. I Ikpeme, Dr Short,  SSA, Mr Joseph Idiege,  D. A Administration,  Pastor Dan Efiom amongt others.

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IN CROSS RIVER STATE, THE GOVERNMENT MEETS THE GOVERNED

  Aback to history, since the inception of democracy, Friday 27th July 2018 recorded another gathering where the the Government had an interface with the masses. At Axari hotel calabar, the Government engaged in a conversation rapport with the masses cordially.

THE CONVERSATION; an initiative of the ministry of information, Cross River State spearheaded by the commissioner of Information Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Archibong constituted a panel of well vested government officials to converse and answer questions pertaining the administration of the Government Sen., Prof., Ben Ayade.

Discussants present were; Prof. Anthony Eneji( Comm. For Agriculture), Arch. Chief Bassey Ndem( One time Comm. For lands), Dr. Francis Odey Ntamu ( Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor ), Mr. Udiba E. Udiba( DG Bureau for Public private partnership), Mr. Thomas AttehehEh, Bishop Mike Okom( Private sector discussant), Mrs Lawrencia Ita - CROWEI and Barr. Mrs Rosemary Archibong as host.

Highlighting the achievements of the Governor were the views of  prof. Anthony Eneji(Comm. For Agric), who said the government is capitalizing on the state's land mass to improve agricultural base of the state. From the planting of cocoa, rice, cotton and other food crops to the LIFE project which is in the pipeline to kickstart at the end of the year. Farmers were advised to visit the ministry for more details and be beneficiaries of the life evolving initiative.

The Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Francis Odey Ntamu buttressed the successfully achievements of the government by saying there's a 30 year investment blueprint for the state. The blue print will enable the present to progressively develop into a magnified future of the state. The blueprint itself includes: infrastructure, Governance administration, social development, sustainable development, tourism and others.

Progressively, the Comm. For commerce and industry Mr. Peter Egba sounded no different as he recorded that since the EAGLE( Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade) LANDED, industries have been scattered almost across the state. From Calapharm to Garment Factory. From the automatic vibrated poles industry at Awi to the industrial park for investors. Not forgetting the toothpick company of the state to an immeasurable extent has created employment opportunities for youths, widows, orphans and the less privileged.

Recording the Governor's achievements, the DG BPPP; Mr Udiba E. Udiba added that the economic policy of the government is INDUSTRALIZATION and all of them are; The calabar deep sea port, the super high way, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services( Health care delivery), Education, water, power and Hydro carbon frontier explorations. These can be the pride of the present administration as they are still accomplishing.

What may likely differ at the meeting were the views of Arch. Bassey Edem, whom at it, said there's need for the Government to match expectations with reality. He said the tax rate is so high that the market place CALABAR seems too daring to survive in. The Government should be considerate when implementing tax cost.

Bishop Prof. Mike Okom saw Governance as a shift business and there's no perfect Government. The need to advance quality education should be top most priority of  the government for the masses. He charged all to go back to their constituencies and engage in all ways possible to improve quality Education in the state.

Whereas, questions were entertained on the possibility of the calabar deep sea port being established and the modalities set by the Government to moderate the tax rate for business owners, both questions were answered as it was made known that the Governor is not firm tied towards ensuring that his visions meets reality and the aim of ensuring conducive livelihood for investors and cross riverians is achieved.

The meeting's curtain was drawn to a close at 2:08pm after a vote of thanks was given by Mr. Aye Henshaw( Perm. Sec. Ministry of Information CRS).

Special feature at the meeting was  30 minutes documentary display on the giant strides of the Digital Governor.

In attendance were the Heads of Igbo, Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba communities, Efik ntoe, Canaan ladies association, CROWEI Head, YCN CRS PRO and other media stations in partnership with the ministry for the successful hosting and continuity of the meeting.

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IN CROSS RIVER STATE, THE GOVERNMENT MEETS THE GOVERNED

  Aback to history, since the inception of democracy, Friday 27th July 2018 recorded another gathering where the the Government had an interface with the masses. At Axari hotel calabar, the Government engaged in a conversation rapport with the masses cordially.

THE CONVERSATION; an initiative of the ministry of information, Cross River State spearheaded by the commissioner of Information Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Archibong constituted a panel of well vested government officials to converse and answer questions pertaining the administration of the Government Sen., Prof., Ben Ayade.

Discussants present were; Prof. Anthony Eneji( Comm. For Agriculture), Arch. Chief Bassey Ndem( One time Comm. For lands), Dr. Francis Odey Ntamu ( Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor ), Mr. Udiba E. Udiba( DG Bureau for Public private partnership), Mr. Thomas AttehehEh, Bishop Mike Okom( Private sector discussant), Mrs Lawrencia Ita - CROWEI and Barr. Mrs Rosemary Archibong as host.

Highlighting the achievements of the Governor were the views of  prof. Anthony Eneji(Comm. For Agric), who said the government is capitalizing on the state's land mass to improve agricultural base of the state. From the planting of cocoa, rice, cotton and other food crops to the LIFE project which is in the pipeline to kickstart at the end of the year. Farmers were advised to visit the ministry for more details and be beneficiaries of the life evolving initiative.

The Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Francis Odey Ntamu buttressed the successfully achievements of the government by saying there's a 30 year investment blueprint for the state. The blue print will enable the present to progressively develop into a magnified future of the state. The blueprint itself includes: infrastructure, Governance administration, social development, sustainable development, tourism and others.

Progressively, the Comm. For commerce and industry Mr. Peter Egba sounded no different as he recorded that since the EAGLE( Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade) LANDED, industries have been scattered almost across the state. From Calapharm to Garment Factory. From the automatic vibrated poles industry at Awi to the industrial park for investors. Not forgetting the toothpick company of the state to an immeasurable extent has created employment opportunities for youths, widows, orphans and the less privileged.

Recording the Governor's achievements, the DG BPPP; Mr Udiba E. Udiba added that the economic policy of the government is INDUSTRALIZATION and all of them are; The calabar deep sea port, the super high way, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services( Health care delivery), Education, water, power and Hydro carbon frontier explorations. These can be the pride of the present administration as they are still accomplishing.

What may likely differ at the meeting were the views of Arch. Bassey Edem, whom at it, said there's need for the Government to match expectations with reality. He said the tax rate is so high that the market place CALABAR seems too daring to survive in. The Government should be considerate when implementing tax cost.

Bishop Prof. Mike Okom saw Governance as a shift business and there's no perfect Government. The need to advance quality education should be top most priority of  the government for the masses. He charged all to go back to their constituencies and engage in all ways possible to improve quality Education in the state.

Whereas, questions were entertained on the possibility of the calabar deep sea port being established and the modalities set by the Government to moderate the tax rate for business owners, both questions were answered as it was made known that the Governor is not firm tied towards ensuring that his visions meets reality and the aim of ensuring conducive livelihood for investors and cross riverians is achieved.

The meeting's curtain was drawn to a close at 2:08pm after a vote of thanks was given by Mr. Aye Henshaw( Perm. Sec. Ministry of Information CRS).

Special feature at the meeting was  30 minutes documentary display on the giant strides of the Digital Governor.

In attendance were the Heads of Igbo, Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba communities, Efik ntoe, Canaan ladies association, CROWEI Head, YCN CRS PRO and other media stations in partnership with the ministry for the successful hosting and continuity of the meeting.

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I will tackle crimes with skills acquisition Pst. Engr. Kings

The Manifold Gracelife Christian Centre INC. (THE GRACE CHURCH) 156 MCC Road Akaiefa, Calabar which is so passionate in improving the financial status and independence of members and non members of the Church is training more than 135 individuals in various requisite skills and capability.

 Pastor Kings Ekpemiro disclosed this to detailing cross river at the training ground today being 25th July 2018.

The scheme is part of Corporate Social Responsibility interventions programme of the Church which is to equip the unemployed and underemployed with a view to becoming self-dependent. It aimed at enabling them to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship as this will make them self dependent and further reduce poverty and ensures that people realize their potentials in life and leave the streets.

Pastor in charge of the Church at the training ground noted that unemployment will reduce considerably if most youths will shun the quest for White collar Jobs and rediscover themselves by tapping into their creative talents and improving on their inert abilities.

Pastor Kings added that he has passion to change the youth.

His Words "  My passion is to see life's change, if the Youth are not empowered, no matter how we pray as a Church nothing will change. I am not training youths because I want to win them to my Church but I'm doing it because so many people in the society needs help and the church should endeavour to reach out to as many as possible. It is time for church to find it essential, to move beyond addressing spiritual needs to physical lack in host communities. Today we have up to 135 participants and we are still expecting more in the second phase."

Miss Okoi Naomi the CEO of BEZSKAZY said as a church they are influenced by the positive drive of their pastor and he taught them to sacrifice for the betterment of the society and mankind's.

Also adding Mr. Ofem Celestine CEO of DRESSCITY DESIGNS said that he had never seen a man like Pst. Kings that will sacrifice all he had just to train younger people. The training is costing the church a lot-- He added.

A member of the church Mr. Samuel Abaji said that though the training will last for a week, it richly packed as participants will display evidence of being impacted.

The following are the training areas

*Professional baking

*Cloth Making and Various Design

*Bread Making

*Soap and Polish making

*Professional make over

*Hair making

*Basic Computer skills

*Musical Equipments(Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone)

* Cooking Skills

*Graphics Design

* Phone Repairs

* Fruit Juice Production

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I will tackle crimes with skills acquisition Pst. Engr. Kings

The Manifold Gracelife Christian Centre INC. (THE GRACE CHURCH) 156 MCC Road Akaiefa, Calabar which is so passionate in improving the financial status and independence of members and non members of the Church is training more than 135 individuals in various requisite skills and capability.

 Pastor Kings Ekpemiro disclosed this to detailing cross river at the training ground today being 25th July 2018.

The scheme is part of Corporate Social Responsibility interventions programme of the Church which is to equip the unemployed and underemployed with a view to becoming self-dependent. It aimed at enabling them to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship as this will make them self dependent and further reduce poverty and ensures that people realize their potentials in life and leave the streets.

Pastor in charge of the Church at the training ground noted that unemployment will reduce considerably if most youths will shun the quest for White collar Jobs and rediscover themselves by tapping into their creative talents and improving on their inert abilities.

Pastor Kings added that he has passion to change the youth.

His Words "  My passion is to see life's change, if the Youth are not empowered, no matter how we pray as a Church nothing will change. I am not training youths because I want to win them to my Church but I'm doing it because so many people in the society needs help and the church should endeavour to reach out to as many as possible. It is time for church to find it essential, to move beyond addressing spiritual needs to physical lack in host communities. Today we have up to 135 participants and we are still expecting more in the second phase."

Miss Okoi Naomi the CEO of BEZSKAZY said as a church they are influenced by the positive drive of their pastor and he taught them to sacrifice for the betterment of the society and mankind's.

Also adding Mr. Ofem Celestine CEO of DRESSCITY DESIGNS said that he had never seen a man like Pst. Kings that will sacrifice all he had just to train younger people. The training is costing the church a lot-- He added.

A member of the church Mr. Samuel Abaji said that though the training will last for a week, it richly packed as participants will display evidence of being impacted.

The following are the training areas

*Professional baking

*Cloth Making and Various Design

*Bread Making

*Soap and Polish making

*Professional make over

*Hair making

*Basic Computer skills

*Musical Equipments(Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone)

* Cooking Skills

*Graphics Design

* Phone Repairs

* Fruit Juice Production

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CR INFO BOSS WANTS STARCROSS TV TO GALVANIZE, MOLD SOCIETY

BY: Benedict Okache

The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has charged the management of StarCross Television to develop key messages and programmes that would help galvanize, shape and mold the society in the face of increasing moral decadence and anti-social behaviours among growing youths.

Mrs. Archibong, who gave the charge in her office in Calabar when she played host to the General Manager of StarCross Television - a Faith Based Satelite Cable Television, Ambassador Ogar Osim and his Management Team on a courtesy visit, explained that kidnapping, cultism, politics of violence, resulting in high level killings in the society has risen to a worrisome dimension in recent times, adding that as a Christian Television Station, faith building and character molding geared towards the youths should be their watchword.

These messages and programmes, the Information and Orientation Commissioner further noted should be tailored around the promotion of peace, sensitization and education of the citizenry as a way of checkmating the current trend of cult related activities that have permeated the nooks and crannies of the State.

She expressed satisfaction with the Station's performances in the last five (5) years of operation and lauded the Management's decision to bestow the "most media friendly Governor Award" on Governor Ben Ayade during the proposed Media Conference on the 2019 General election scheduled for sometime in August, 2018.

The Commissioner assured the General Manager of the  Ministry's partnership in the overall interest of the State and enjoined StarCross Television to publicize the monumental projects of Governor Ayade, which Mrs. Archibong described as "Legacy Projects" that are intended to open the State to industrial development and create huge employment for the citizenry.

Mrs. Archibong pointed out that projects such as the construction of the Rice Mill in Ogoja, Rice Seed and Seedlings Multiplication Factory in Calabar, the Cocoa Factory in Ikom, the road dualization that cut across five (5) Local Government Areas in the Northern Senatorial District of the State, The Calabar Pharmaceutical Company, the Deep Sea-Port and the Super Highway, among others, are projects with longer timelines and when completed would create lasting impact on the people of the State.

The General Manager of StarCross Television, Ambassador Ogar Osim in his remarks during the visit commended Governor Ayade for his dynamism in leadership which he noted, has brought the people closer to their leaders like never before in the history of the State emphasizing that the Governor's uncommon foresight as well as his extraordinary sense of vision in the choice of Mrs. Archibong to preside over the affairs of the Ministry of Information and Orientation at this time is very commendable. 

StarCross Television, Ambassador Osim said is a faith based Satellite Cable Television with ambitious content in over 30 thematic areas geared towards promoting moral standards and empowering members of the society, pointing out that the Station covers 52 Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond on Television and on internet through the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NigComSat) with special focus on the Christian audiences of over 3.2 Million people.

The General Manager announced the Station's intention to partner the Ministry of Information & Orientation and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a special media conference on "the role of the Media in enhancing peaceful elections" in Nigeria in August 2018, adding that Governor Ayade would be presented with "the most Media friendly Governor in the history of Cross River State democracy award" at the conference.

Ambassador Osim promised to use the platform of StarCross Television to tell the story of Governor Ayade's leadership and good governance in the State, assuring that the leadership of any government must be respected at all times.

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CR INFO BOSS WANTS STARCROSS TV TO GALVANIZE, MOLD SOCIETY

BY: Benedict Okache

The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has charged the management of StarCross Television to develop key messages and programmes that would help galvanize, shape and mold the society in the face of increasing moral decadence and anti-social behaviours among growing youths.

Mrs. Archibong, who gave the charge in her office in Calabar when she played host to the General Manager of StarCross Television - a Faith Based Satelite Cable Television, Ambassador Ogar Osim and his Management Team on a courtesy visit, explained that kidnapping, cultism, politics of violence, resulting in high level killings in the society has risen to a worrisome dimension in recent times, adding that as a Christian Television Station, faith building and character molding geared towards the youths should be their watchword.

These messages and programmes, the Information and Orientation Commissioner further noted should be tailored around the promotion of peace, sensitization and education of the citizenry as a way of checkmating the current trend of cult related activities that have permeated the nooks and crannies of the State.

She expressed satisfaction with the Station's performances in the last five (5) years of operation and lauded the Management's decision to bestow the "most media friendly Governor Award" on Governor Ben Ayade during the proposed Media Conference on the 2019 General election scheduled for sometime in August, 2018.

The Commissioner assured the General Manager of the  Ministry's partnership in the overall interest of the State and enjoined StarCross Television to publicize the monumental projects of Governor Ayade, which Mrs. Archibong described as "Legacy Projects" that are intended to open the State to industrial development and create huge employment for the citizenry.

Mrs. Archibong pointed out that projects such as the construction of the Rice Mill in Ogoja, Rice Seed and Seedlings Multiplication Factory in Calabar, the Cocoa Factory in Ikom, the road dualization that cut across five (5) Local Government Areas in the Northern Senatorial District of the State, The Calabar Pharmaceutical Company, the Deep Sea-Port and the Super Highway, among others, are projects with longer timelines and when completed would create lasting impact on the people of the State.

The General Manager of StarCross Television, Ambassador Ogar Osim in his remarks during the visit commended Governor Ayade for his dynamism in leadership which he noted, has brought the people closer to their leaders like never before in the history of the State emphasizing that the Governor's uncommon foresight as well as his extraordinary sense of vision in the choice of Mrs. Archibong to preside over the affairs of the Ministry of Information and Orientation at this time is very commendable. 

StarCross Television, Ambassador Osim said is a faith based Satellite Cable Television with ambitious content in over 30 thematic areas geared towards promoting moral standards and empowering members of the society, pointing out that the Station covers 52 Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond on Television and on internet through the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NigComSat) with special focus on the Christian audiences of over 3.2 Million people.

The General Manager announced the Station's intention to partner the Ministry of Information & Orientation and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a special media conference on "the role of the Media in enhancing peaceful elections" in Nigeria in August 2018, adding that Governor Ayade would be presented with "the most Media friendly Governor in the history of Cross River State democracy award" at the conference.

Ambassador Osim promised to use the platform of StarCross Television to tell the story of Governor Ayade's leadership and good governance in the State, assuring that the leadership of any government must be respected at all times.

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BHCPF AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES WILL FAST TRACK UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE ATTAINMENT --DR BETTA EDU.

As the Hon. Minister Prof Isaac Adewole and Dr Shaibu of National primary health care Development Agency officially launch the technical support program for state and LGA, Dr Betta Edu who spoke at the launching called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately release the Basic health care Provision Fund as approved in the 2018 budget to fast track the country's  journey to Universal Health Coverage attainment.

It is no longer news that Cross River State is amongst the leading states in health hoping to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all citizens, particularly the very poor and vulnerable. To make this a reality for CRD and other, there is need for federal government to quickly release Basic Healthcare Provision Funds (BHCPF) which is an intervention fund aimed at expanding the scope of healthcare service delivery which does not replace health budget allocation in the states.

Speaking, the Minister for Health Prof Isaac Adewole said that the federal budgeted more money for Primary health care this time around because the need things to change. He said 65% of the federal Health budget is allocated to Primary Health care. This is so because if any primary health care system is not working, whatever you spend on tertiary and secondary will amount to nothing. He hopes that the Technical support will make PHC in state and LGA work.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr F. Shaibu said the Technical support program is an innovative solution to building capacity of staff of NPHCDA and managenent team at states to support PHC reforms in their states. He said after training Fellowships will be given to participants as the institute intends to partner with relevant learning institution. He note that his ultimate goal is to support states to make the primary health care system in Nigeria functional.

Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr Betta Edu said Nigeria needs a revolution in the health sector we need a radical change, we must build systems that can give our people and even our president the confidence to depend on care offered in Nigeria when the need arises. "We can only do this when we put our money where our mouth is" FG should immediately release the Basic health care fund and ensure Nigerians are insured by strenghtening state Health insurance schemes, while working to build a more formidable primary health care system. If we can all commit to this, we would have set Nigeria on a fast track to achieving Universal Health Coverage".

Dr Edu said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and Technical assistance to states and LGA will shorten the journey to Universal Health Coverage and also boost PHC for the citizens of the state, especially the poor who ordinarily spend so much out of pocket.

According to her Technical Support Programme (TSP) on health is meant to strengthen the effective coordination of technical supports to states so as to ensure one health plan across the country as investing in the Primary Health Care is the right way to go to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

She noted that the initiative will also help to address the various challenges in the health sector ranging from cold chain maintenance, delivery of vaccines in the right quantity, to the right place and at the right time and shortage of human resources for health, just to mention a few.

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BHCPF AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES WILL FAST TRACK UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE ATTAINMENT --DR BETTA EDU.

As the Hon. Minister Prof Isaac Adewole and Dr Shaibu of National primary health care Development Agency officially launch the technical support program for state and LGA, Dr Betta Edu who spoke at the launching called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately release the Basic health care Provision Fund as approved in the 2018 budget to fast track the country's  journey to Universal Health Coverage attainment.

It is no longer news that Cross River State is amongst the leading states in health hoping to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all citizens, particularly the very poor and vulnerable. To make this a reality for CRD and other, there is need for federal government to quickly release Basic Healthcare Provision Funds (BHCPF) which is an intervention fund aimed at expanding the scope of healthcare service delivery which does not replace health budget allocation in the states.

Speaking, the Minister for Health Prof Isaac Adewole said that the federal budgeted more money for Primary health care this time around because the need things to change. He said 65% of the federal Health budget is allocated to Primary Health care. This is so because if any primary health care system is not working, whatever you spend on tertiary and secondary will amount to nothing. He hopes that the Technical support will make PHC in state and LGA work.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr F. Shaibu said the Technical support program is an innovative solution to building capacity of staff of NPHCDA and managenent team at states to support PHC reforms in their states. He said after training Fellowships will be given to participants as the institute intends to partner with relevant learning institution. He note that his ultimate goal is to support states to make the primary health care system in Nigeria functional.

Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr Betta Edu said Nigeria needs a revolution in the health sector we need a radical change, we must build systems that can give our people and even our president the confidence to depend on care offered in Nigeria when the need arises. "We can only do this when we put our money where our mouth is" FG should immediately release the Basic health care fund and ensure Nigerians are insured by strenghtening state Health insurance schemes, while working to build a more formidable primary health care system. If we can all commit to this, we would have set Nigeria on a fast track to achieving Universal Health Coverage".

Dr Edu said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and Technical assistance to states and LGA will shorten the journey to Universal Health Coverage and also boost PHC for the citizens of the state, especially the poor who ordinarily spend so much out of pocket.

According to her Technical Support Programme (TSP) on health is meant to strengthen the effective coordination of technical supports to states so as to ensure one health plan across the country as investing in the Primary Health Care is the right way to go to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

She noted that the initiative will also help to address the various challenges in the health sector ranging from cold chain maintenance, delivery of vaccines in the right quantity, to the right place and at the right time and shortage of human resources for health, just to mention a few.

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Speaker John Gaul Lebo unveiled his campaign manifesto

The manifesto of the speaker of Cross river State House of Assembly who is vying for a higher legislative seat, to represent the good people of Abi/ Yakurr at the green chambers of the National Assembly ( House of Representatives) was unveiled at a function in Ugep where Rt Hon John Lebo paid a courtesy visit to the palace of HRH Obol lopon of Ugep.

 John Gaul spoke on his manifesto tagged " LEGISLATIVE GOVERNANCE" which he explained to be timely and born out of proper need assessment, he went on to explain, his manifesto will be pivoted on five anchors such as legislative governance, Constituency governance, Constituency development strategy, Constituency intervention initiative and Constituency conversation and engagement strategy.

 In his words he further explained "one of the basic reasons why I think i should indicate interest for house of reps, is that in the last twenty years, past governments have done so well in setting up structures, today we have seventy eight primary and fourty two secondary schools, Abi and Yakurr Urban development authorities, two higher institutions( ITM ugep and College of nursing science), two water boards and twenty three primary health care centres across the federal constituency. 

But the issue is, they are not working as much as they should work".

He added, "ITM ugep, College of nursing science are all creations of legislation, and so it is only the person(institution) who created it that can oversight and make sure it works. Am not promising you I will build new institutions when you send me there, but I assure you, the existing ones will work at its peak. 

A legislator who brags of only making laws, can't really impact the common man on the street, that is why I am bringing in governance into legislature. I am like a child, I have made mistakes and have learnt from my mistakes".

The paramount ruler of Ugep in his remarks noted that the ties that John Gaul and his people of Adadama/ Itigidi shares with the Ugep people is historic and dates far back 1910, he went on to say "you are not a stranger you are an Ugep man, I know you have been tested and have proven to be qualified for any appointment in Nigeria, your speakership in the state has brought great peace between the executive and legislature, am confident you will do well in the reps, we will support you, the Ugep people will support you".

The council of Ugep chiefs also received him and assured him of their support, the youths and women were not left out as the youth leader Mr George Stephen Ewa, also spoke to newsmen, saying "I promised my youths that this time around, am not going to lead them to a wrong candidate, we have studied John and we are convinced he is the best man for the job". The women also came out in their numbers to prove and show their support, the women's leader Ms Eni reiterated their unflinching support for John Gaul.

A copy of the manifesto made available to newsmen was detailed in the strategies and implementation plans, with due consideration to innovation on how he plans to execute the LEGISLATIVE GOVERNANCE ideology.

Victor Adaha

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Speaker John Gaul Lebo unveiled his campaign manifesto

The manifesto of the speaker of Cross river State House of Assembly who is vying for a higher legislative seat, to represent the good people of Abi/ Yakurr at the green chambers of the National Assembly ( House of Representatives) was unveiled at a function in Ugep where Rt Hon John Lebo paid a courtesy visit to the palace of HRH Obol lopon of Ugep.

 John Gaul spoke on his manifesto tagged " LEGISLATIVE GOVERNANCE" which he explained to be timely and born out of proper need assessment, he went on to explain, his manifesto will be pivoted on five anchors such as legislative governance, Constituency governance, Constituency development strategy, Constituency intervention initiative and Constituency conversation and engagement strategy.

 In his words he further explained "one of the basic reasons why I think i should indicate interest for house of reps, is that in the last twenty years, past governments have done so well in setting up structures, today we have seventy eight primary and fourty two secondary schools, Abi and Yakurr Urban development authorities, two higher institutions( ITM ugep and College of nursing science), two water boards and twenty three primary health care centres across the federal constituency. 

But the issue is, they are not working as much as they should work".

He added, "ITM ugep, College of nursing science are all creations of legislation, and so it is only the person(institution) who created it that can oversight and make sure it works. Am not promising you I will build new institutions when you send me there, but I assure you, the existing ones will work at its peak. 

A legislator who brags of only making laws, can't really impact the common man on the street, that is why I am bringing in governance into legislature. I am like a child, I have made mistakes and have learnt from my mistakes".

The paramount ruler of Ugep in his remarks noted that the ties that John Gaul and his people of Adadama/ Itigidi shares with the Ugep people is historic and dates far back 1910, he went on to say "you are not a stranger you are an Ugep man, I know you have been tested and have proven to be qualified for any appointment in Nigeria, your speakership in the state has brought great peace between the executive and legislature, am confident you will do well in the reps, we will support you, the Ugep people will support you".

The council of Ugep chiefs also received him and assured him of their support, the youths and women were not left out as the youth leader Mr George Stephen Ewa, also spoke to newsmen, saying "I promised my youths that this time around, am not going to lead them to a wrong candidate, we have studied John and we are convinced he is the best man for the job". The women also came out in their numbers to prove and show their support, the women's leader Ms Eni reiterated their unflinching support for John Gaul.

A copy of the manifesto made available to newsmen was detailed in the strategies and implementation plans, with due consideration to innovation on how he plans to execute the LEGISLATIVE GOVERNANCE ideology.

Victor Adaha

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PHC Coordinators Commit to CRS Health Insurance Scheme

By Roseline Irek

Primary Health Care Coordinators in the eighteen Local Government Areas of Cross River State have vowed their commitment to the success of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme.

The pledge was made at the venues of the 6-day workshop for focal persons and Third Party Administrators of the scheme. 

According to Mrs. Alice Odey, who spoke on behalf of the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Betta Edu.

Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala maintained that the scheme is designed to put more money in the pocket of every Cross Riverian who enrolls in the scheme.

Iyala also maintained that the scheme will revamp the primary health care centers in the State as capitation allocated to the PHC Centres would better guarantee service satisfaction to patients and contentment on the parts of service providers when funds are well managed.

Presenting a paper on Health Insurance as a vehicle for making progress towards UHC, Dr. Sylvester Akande of USAID (Health Finance and Governance) HFG Project Nigeria, reiterated that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a "must achieve" in Nigeria if all States would emulate the example of the Government of Prof. Ben Ayade which has shown strong political will in ensuring that the scheme got launched in May 2018.

On his part, the State Co-ordinator of USAID Health Finance and Governance Project, Nigeria, Mr. Ibiam Azu called on all levels of healthcare providers to see health insurance as a means to settle health challenges in times of lack and desperation and should therefore imbibe the culture of health insurance as it is done in some countries of Africa like Ghana and Uganda.

In his own presentation, the Executive Secretary and Corporate Affairs Manager of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, Barr. John Odu said the list of network of stakeholders was carefully chosen by the progenitors of the scheme and therefore charged all stakeholders to play their parts with utmost commitment.

According to Barr. Odu, "everyone has a role to play if we do, Cross River State will have cause to smile always as far as their health status is concern."

Speaking on behalf of the Third Party Administrators (TPAs), the General-Manager, Marina Medicals, Dr. Olusegun Akere, indicated that the TPAs are going to serve as watch dogs for the people of Cross River State who enroll on the scheme as well as the State Government and therefore called on service providers not to relent on their covenant to serve humanity.

Highpoint was questions and answers session during plenary involving the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, Comrade John Ushie, the Trade Union Congress TUC, Comrade Clarkson Otu, Civil Service Workers Union, Dr. Peter Ipole, Public and Private Health Care Service Providers, Third Party Operators, the Chairman, Public Health Management Board, Dr. Sylvester Ebaye, representative of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Barr. Segun Madamori, some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the media.

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PHC Coordinators Commit to CRS Health Insurance Scheme

By Roseline Irek

Primary Health Care Coordinators in the eighteen Local Government Areas of Cross River State have vowed their commitment to the success of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme.

The pledge was made at the venues of the 6-day workshop for focal persons and Third Party Administrators of the scheme. 

According to Mrs. Alice Odey, who spoke on behalf of the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Betta Edu.

Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala maintained that the scheme is designed to put more money in the pocket of every Cross Riverian who enrolls in the scheme.

Iyala also maintained that the scheme will revamp the primary health care centers in the State as capitation allocated to the PHC Centres would better guarantee service satisfaction to patients and contentment on the parts of service providers when funds are well managed.

Presenting a paper on Health Insurance as a vehicle for making progress towards UHC, Dr. Sylvester Akande of USAID (Health Finance and Governance) HFG Project Nigeria, reiterated that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a "must achieve" in Nigeria if all States would emulate the example of the Government of Prof. Ben Ayade which has shown strong political will in ensuring that the scheme got launched in May 2018.

On his part, the State Co-ordinator of USAID Health Finance and Governance Project, Nigeria, Mr. Ibiam Azu called on all levels of healthcare providers to see health insurance as a means to settle health challenges in times of lack and desperation and should therefore imbibe the culture of health insurance as it is done in some countries of Africa like Ghana and Uganda.

In his own presentation, the Executive Secretary and Corporate Affairs Manager of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, Barr. John Odu said the list of network of stakeholders was carefully chosen by the progenitors of the scheme and therefore charged all stakeholders to play their parts with utmost commitment.

According to Barr. Odu, "everyone has a role to play if we do, Cross River State will have cause to smile always as far as their health status is concern."

Speaking on behalf of the Third Party Administrators (TPAs), the General-Manager, Marina Medicals, Dr. Olusegun Akere, indicated that the TPAs are going to serve as watch dogs for the people of Cross River State who enroll on the scheme as well as the State Government and therefore called on service providers not to relent on their covenant to serve humanity.

Highpoint was questions and answers session during plenary involving the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, Comrade John Ushie, the Trade Union Congress TUC, Comrade Clarkson Otu, Civil Service Workers Union, Dr. Peter Ipole, Public and Private Health Care Service Providers, Third Party Operators, the Chairman, Public Health Management Board, Dr. Sylvester Ebaye, representative of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Barr. Segun Madamori, some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the media.

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MEDICAL FITNESS TEST MUST BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE ANYONE ENGAGES IN GYM OR VIGOROUS EXERCISE---- Dr. Betta Edu

Recently the state has been thrown into mourning over the death of a distinguished House of assembly member, one loss which we all agree is too much to bear. This could have been avoided!.

In the UK and other countries before people are registered in a Gym or before the even start doing regular/ vigourous exercise, the are subjected to medical fitness test where vital organs in their body like heart and lungs are examined carefully to decide the type of exercise the body  can accommodate and what it can not accommodate. This investigation also reveals any underlying illness like hypertension, respiratory diseases etc which could further determine the grade of the exercise the person should be involved with. Above all the gym instructors have equipped themselves with Basic Life Saving Skills as well as ability to conduct a cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of any emergency.

Unfortunately the reverse is the case in our country Nigeria, first no medical fitness test is done before enrolling people in a Gym. In fact the best you get is a Gym instructor who gives you a tape to measure your size and a weighing scale to check how much you weigh before you start the gym, so you can tell in 6 months if you have lost weight or reduced from a size 14 to size 12.

Everyone irrespective of your health status is subjected to vigorous exercises with a goal to make you sweat profusely and feel exhausted! Sometimes even when you complain of dizziness or weakness, which might be as a result of inability of your heart and system to cope with that level of exercise, you are prompted to push on, or risk been laughed at as "Lazy"

The worst part is the incompetence of  some gym instructors or may be I should call it complete ignorance. The have no knowledge of medical fitness test, no knowledge of graded exercises for different persons with various health needs, no knowledge of how the body organs function and their reactions to different types of exercise. Most of them have not been trained on Basic Life Saving Skills and cannot conduct a CPR in case of an emergency. 

Sharing in this blame, the staff at stadium clinic of course will come to work at may be 9:00am or 10:00am and leave as early as possible not considering the fact that most training activities take place in the early hours of the morning from 5-8am and their services might be needed.

Just before we lose another person to our carelessness it's time to do the right thing.  Everyone presently registered in a Gym or intending to should produce a medical fitness test result.

Gym instructors should be trained on graded exercise for different categories of people with various health needs, start with beginners package and gradually build up from a simple brisk walk to more complex exercise. This is very neccesary. We must all understand that the primary purpose of exercise is to stay health, weight loss or reduction in size is secondary and takes time to accomplish, don't over stretch the body, everything has got limits!

Sport commission must ensure that all gym instructors or coaches have certification in Basic Life Saving Skills at least which should cover CPR and where necessary  Advanced Life Saving Skills.

For the health workers at the calabar stadium clinic, it's time to change your working hours to effectively met health needs and attend to emergencies as they will always come.

Finally I encourage everyone to do exercise, it is very important. It's our business and we must get involved.

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MEDICAL FITNESS TEST MUST BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE ANYONE ENGAGES IN GYM OR VIGOROUS EXERCISE---- Dr. Betta Edu

Recently the state has been thrown into mourning over the death of a distinguished House of assembly member, one loss which we all agree is too much to bear. This could have been avoided!.

In the UK and other countries before people are registered in a Gym or before the even start doing regular/ vigourous exercise, the are subjected to medical fitness test where vital organs in their body like heart and lungs are examined carefully to decide the type of exercise the body  can accommodate and what it can not accommodate. This investigation also reveals any underlying illness like hypertension, respiratory diseases etc which could further determine the grade of the exercise the person should be involved with. Above all the gym instructors have equipped themselves with Basic Life Saving Skills as well as ability to conduct a cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of any emergency.

Unfortunately the reverse is the case in our country Nigeria, first no medical fitness test is done before enrolling people in a Gym. In fact the best you get is a Gym instructor who gives you a tape to measure your size and a weighing scale to check how much you weigh before you start the gym, so you can tell in 6 months if you have lost weight or reduced from a size 14 to size 12.

Everyone irrespective of your health status is subjected to vigorous exercises with a goal to make you sweat profusely and feel exhausted! Sometimes even when you complain of dizziness or weakness, which might be as a result of inability of your heart and system to cope with that level of exercise, you are prompted to push on, or risk been laughed at as "Lazy"

The worst part is the incompetence of  some gym instructors or may be I should call it complete ignorance. The have no knowledge of medical fitness test, no knowledge of graded exercises for different persons with various health needs, no knowledge of how the body organs function and their reactions to different types of exercise. Most of them have not been trained on Basic Life Saving Skills and cannot conduct a CPR in case of an emergency. 

Sharing in this blame, the staff at stadium clinic of course will come to work at may be 9:00am or 10:00am and leave as early as possible not considering the fact that most training activities take place in the early hours of the morning from 5-8am and their services might be needed.

Just before we lose another person to our carelessness it's time to do the right thing.  Everyone presently registered in a Gym or intending to should produce a medical fitness test result.

Gym instructors should be trained on graded exercise for different categories of people with various health needs, start with beginners package and gradually build up from a simple brisk walk to more complex exercise. This is very neccesary. We must all understand that the primary purpose of exercise is to stay health, weight loss or reduction in size is secondary and takes time to accomplish, don't over stretch the body, everything has got limits!

Sport commission must ensure that all gym instructors or coaches have certification in Basic Life Saving Skills at least which should cover CPR and where necessary  Advanced Life Saving Skills.

For the health workers at the calabar stadium clinic, it's time to change your working hours to effectively met health needs and attend to emergencies as they will always come.

Finally I encourage everyone to do exercise, it is very important. It's our business and we must get involved.

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The Unchangeable Jarigbe; Girlfriend of the Masses (Part Two)

By Prince Charles Ekanem.

A man without guiles and with rather simple tastes, Jarigbe has earned for himself the deep affections of his Constituents. When you hear these constituents express concern about his performance, it is not as though they do not realise that the MP must one day retire from Politics. They are only lamenting how much they would miss the amiability of Hon Jarigbe Agom, a rare combination of profound achiever, intellectualism and self-effacement.

Jarigbe a tireless leader who has the opportunity to look back at his episcopacy, count his blessings and offer profound gratitude to the Almighty God who has kept him all through his evidently successful and inspiring career in the National Assembly. His accomplishments are many and awe-inspiring but he self-admittedly owes it all to the all-sufficient God whose grace upon his life has been extravagant.

The MP is simply telling the constituents and indeed the whole world that whatever success he has recorded as a Representative of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency is due to the guiding hands of his loving God, the one who called him into the holy orders of leading the people 3 years ago. Although this is not the end of his tenure as he seek a return ticket to fulfill his mandate, it is only proper to reflect, however briefly, on the last 3 years of Jarigbe's National Assembly career during which he has served as an excellent transformer, performer and achiever in delivering legislative assignment, empowerment and projects to the benefit of Ogoja and Yala people.

Right from the first day he assumed office, this project-filled and large-hearted servant of the masses has touched thousands of lives in very extraordinary ways. For the most part he has lived what he promised during the electioneering process. A man of his words, the word 'impossible' does not exist in his mind. His achievement are fervent and obviously from the heart, and they often bear great result.

He has feared nor despised no one. Not surprisingly, his slogan for 2019  is "Fear no one, Do it Right and Flourish." Oftentimes, his constituents are puzzled by Jarigbe's ability to connect with almost everybody, despite his very busy schedule as a National Assembly Member overseeing more than 22 political wards.

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The Unchangeable Jarigbe; Girlfriend of the Masses (Part Two)

By Prince Charles Ekanem.

A man without guiles and with rather simple tastes, Jarigbe has earned for himself the deep affections of his Constituents. When you hear these constituents express concern about his performance, it is not as though they do not realise that the MP must one day retire from Politics. They are only lamenting how much they would miss the amiability of Hon Jarigbe Agom, a rare combination of profound achiever, intellectualism and self-effacement.

Jarigbe a tireless leader who has the opportunity to look back at his episcopacy, count his blessings and offer profound gratitude to the Almighty God who has kept him all through his evidently successful and inspiring career in the National Assembly. His accomplishments are many and awe-inspiring but he self-admittedly owes it all to the all-sufficient God whose grace upon his life has been extravagant.

The MP is simply telling the constituents and indeed the whole world that whatever success he has recorded as a Representative of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency is due to the guiding hands of his loving God, the one who called him into the holy orders of leading the people 3 years ago. Although this is not the end of his tenure as he seek a return ticket to fulfill his mandate, it is only proper to reflect, however briefly, on the last 3 years of Jarigbe's National Assembly career during which he has served as an excellent transformer, performer and achiever in delivering legislative assignment, empowerment and projects to the benefit of Ogoja and Yala people.

Right from the first day he assumed office, this project-filled and large-hearted servant of the masses has touched thousands of lives in very extraordinary ways. For the most part he has lived what he promised during the electioneering process. A man of his words, the word 'impossible' does not exist in his mind. His achievement are fervent and obviously from the heart, and they often bear great result.

He has feared nor despised no one. Not surprisingly, his slogan for 2019  is "Fear no one, Do it Right and Flourish." Oftentimes, his constituents are puzzled by Jarigbe's ability to connect with almost everybody, despite his very busy schedule as a National Assembly Member overseeing more than 22 political wards.

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