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GOV. BEN AYADE COMMITTED TO OUR HEALTH BEING …..DR. BETTA EDU

Soon the people of Adadama community, a suburb town in Abi LGA of Cross River would experience a great relief in the health sector as Governor Ben Ayade has promised fixing dilapidated PHC Adadama as well as Ibalebo health post, all in Adadama community.

This was made known during an inspection tour to facilities in Abi LGA by the Governor ably represented by his aide on Primary healthcare, Dr. Betta Edu last week.

The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Director General, Dr. Betta Edu had during the inspection, took time to assess the facilities, noting the urgent need to renovate and fix it for public use. According to her, "our proactive health Governor, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade is readily committed to fix our dilapidated PHC Adadama and Ibalebo Health post within two months. I can assure you that in the next two months, you won't recognize this health centre as it would have a new facelift"

Speaking further, the DG said, all adequate provisions have been put in place to ensure renovation is completed within two months so that the people of Adadama community can enjoy accessible and quality healthcare services, which is one of the policy thrust of this administration.
In the last three years, we've been committed towards revitalizing our moribund health sector, which primary healthcare is cardinal since a greater proportion of the populace lives in the rural areas.  All we are soliciting for, is your support so that we can deliver on our mandate.

Speaking on behalf of the council of chiefs, the Clan head of Ibalebo, HRH Eval says they are very grateful to Governor Ben Ayade. Our health facilities have been in comatose, even when we are a border community constantly at loggerhead with the neighbouring community in Ebonyi state. It will be a thing of joy should our health post and PHC be revitalized. Please, our daughter, tell your principal, our digital Governor that we, the people of Adadama community have thrown our weight solidly behind him and he will continue to enjoy our unalloyed support, says the council of chiefs.
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GOV. BEN AYADE COMMITTED TO OUR HEALTH BEING …..DR. BETTA EDU

Soon the people of Adadama community, a suburb town in Abi LGA of Cross River would experience a great relief in the health sector as Governor Ben Ayade has promised fixing dilapidated PHC Adadama as well as Ibalebo health post, all in Adadama community.

This was made known during an inspection tour to facilities in Abi LGA by the Governor ably represented by his aide on Primary healthcare, Dr. Betta Edu last week.

The Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Director General, Dr. Betta Edu had during the inspection, took time to assess the facilities, noting the urgent need to renovate and fix it for public use. According to her, "our proactive health Governor, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade is readily committed to fix our dilapidated PHC Adadama and Ibalebo Health post within two months. I can assure you that in the next two months, you won't recognize this health centre as it would have a new facelift"

Speaking further, the DG said, all adequate provisions have been put in place to ensure renovation is completed within two months so that the people of Adadama community can enjoy accessible and quality healthcare services, which is one of the policy thrust of this administration.
In the last three years, we've been committed towards revitalizing our moribund health sector, which primary healthcare is cardinal since a greater proportion of the populace lives in the rural areas.  All we are soliciting for, is your support so that we can deliver on our mandate.

Speaking on behalf of the council of chiefs, the Clan head of Ibalebo, HRH Eval says they are very grateful to Governor Ben Ayade. Our health facilities have been in comatose, even when we are a border community constantly at loggerhead with the neighbouring community in Ebonyi state. It will be a thing of joy should our health post and PHC be revitalized. Please, our daughter, tell your principal, our digital Governor that we, the people of Adadama community have thrown our weight solidly behind him and he will continue to enjoy our unalloyed support, says the council of chiefs.
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GOVERNOR AYADE HONOURED WITH TRADITIONAL TITLE

ACHIANE ADAMS 

The State Governor , Senator (Prof.)   Ben Ayade has been honoured with a special traditional title of Obol Ngbongho 1, at the Umor-Otutu Palace by the Ugep people in Yakurr Local Government of the State,  on the celebration of the  2918 LEBOKU International New Yam Festival in Ugep.

The Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, while conferring the Governor with the symbol of  Obol Ngbongho 1 with translates to  'Beacon of light', prayed  wisdom and blessings upon Governor Ayade's endeavors.
Acknowledging His Excellency efforts in the past, Obol Ofem, also appealed to Governor Ayade  to fulfill the promises he has made to the Yakurr nation,  especially the Ugep people.

Acknowledging his conferment, Governor Ayade  promised to always bring development to the Yakurr nation, describing the gesture as  home coming for him and his dear wife, Dr. Linda Ayade, as the love and acceptance shown to him was humbling.

Appraising the reign of the present Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, Ayade said the Royal Father's security report was good as he has been able to restore and maintained  peace and order in the community, an area that was hitherto  bedeviled by social vices, especially cultism. 

Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) John Gaul Lebo, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr Eric Anderson, amongst other personalities were present at the conferment.
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GOVERNOR AYADE HONOURED WITH TRADITIONAL TITLE

ACHIANE ADAMS 

The State Governor , Senator (Prof.)   Ben Ayade has been honoured with a special traditional title of Obol Ngbongho 1, at the Umor-Otutu Palace by the Ugep people in Yakurr Local Government of the State,  on the celebration of the  2918 LEBOKU International New Yam Festival in Ugep.

The Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, while conferring the Governor with the symbol of  Obol Ngbongho 1 with translates to  'Beacon of light', prayed  wisdom and blessings upon Governor Ayade's endeavors.
Acknowledging His Excellency efforts in the past, Obol Ofem, also appealed to Governor Ayade  to fulfill the promises he has made to the Yakurr nation,  especially the Ugep people.

Acknowledging his conferment, Governor Ayade  promised to always bring development to the Yakurr nation, describing the gesture as  home coming for him and his dear wife, Dr. Linda Ayade, as the love and acceptance shown to him was humbling.

Appraising the reign of the present Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, Ayade said the Royal Father's security report was good as he has been able to restore and maintained  peace and order in the community, an area that was hitherto  bedeviled by social vices, especially cultism. 

Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) John Gaul Lebo, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr Eric Anderson, amongst other personalities were present at the conferment.
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AYADE CREATES SIX HUNDRED NEW JOBS •PROMISES TO LIGHT UP UGEP

ACHIANE ADAMS 

In the spirit of the Ugep International New Yam Festival, LEBOKU 2018 celebrations, His Excellency, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, has ordered with immediate effect the creation of six hundred new jobs in the Ugep Urban Development Authority(UUDA).

Making the pronouncement at the Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep,  Governor Ayade said the creation of these jobs is to ensure that graduates and non graduates alike,  can have the opportunity to meet up with their every day needs. 

He said the Obol Lopon should see to it that youths, women and especially widows across the communities that make up the Yakurr nation are gainfully employed at UUDA. 

Speaking further , Governor Ayade promised that in no distant time, the town of Ugep will be lit up with street lights as the town deserves to be upgraded and not have visitors coming to celebrate the festival in darkness.

Appreciating his predecessor, His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke for conceiving and setting up the Institute of  Technology and Management, Ugep,  he promised to work out modalities to get the institution to commence more programmes.

To heighten the joy and celebration during the new yam festival,  he concluded by saying the LEBOKU  budget will increase in the future so that organizers can provide food for participants during the grand finale of the yearly event.

The LEBOKU 2018 festival, which happened to be His Excellency's first,  was well attended by dignitaries, political appointees, and royal fathers amongst other distinguished guests.
Share:

AYADE CREATES SIX HUNDRED NEW JOBS •PROMISES TO LIGHT UP UGEP

ACHIANE ADAMS 

In the spirit of the Ugep International New Yam Festival, LEBOKU 2018 celebrations, His Excellency, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, has ordered with immediate effect the creation of six hundred new jobs in the Ugep Urban Development Authority(UUDA).

Making the pronouncement at the Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep,  Governor Ayade said the creation of these jobs is to ensure that graduates and non graduates alike,  can have the opportunity to meet up with their every day needs. 

He said the Obol Lopon should see to it that youths, women and especially widows across the communities that make up the Yakurr nation are gainfully employed at UUDA. 

Speaking further , Governor Ayade promised that in no distant time, the town of Ugep will be lit up with street lights as the town deserves to be upgraded and not have visitors coming to celebrate the festival in darkness.

Appreciating his predecessor, His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke for conceiving and setting up the Institute of  Technology and Management, Ugep,  he promised to work out modalities to get the institution to commence more programmes.

To heighten the joy and celebration during the new yam festival,  he concluded by saying the LEBOKU  budget will increase in the future so that organizers can provide food for participants during the grand finale of the yearly event.

The LEBOKU 2018 festival, which happened to be His Excellency's first,  was well attended by dignitaries, political appointees, and royal fathers amongst other distinguished guests.
Share:

OBOL LOPON APPEALS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS

ACHIANE ADAMS 

The Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng,  has on the occasion of the 2018 Ugep/ Yakurr International New Yam Festival, appealed to the state government to help facilitate peaceful coexistence with its neighbours, especially Adun Community in Obubra Local Government Area of the State.

Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng made the appeal during the 2018 Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep recently.

In his address, the Obol Lopon, who welcomed visitors to celebration, recalled how early in the year, the Yakurr nation was enmeshed in crisis with their neighbours,  Adun in Obubra, requesting  Governor Ayade to task the Boundary Adjustment Commission, to delve in and clearly demarcate the boundary line between the two local governments. 

The Royal Father hoped to maintain momentum to allow government implementation, an action,  he believes will bring peace to the age long conundrum. 

Obol Eteng,  who also promised to create an enabling environment for industrialization in Yakurr, appealed for Cross River Broadcasting Corporation's (CRBC) booster station in the area to enable the people view government's programmes.  

He thanked the state government for having faith in Leboku especially the former Governor of the State,  His Excellency, Obol Donald Duke, for internationalising the LEBOKU festival in 2007, when he discovered the tourism potentials that abound in Yakurr Nation as it has gone a long way to open up Yakurr to mind blowing civilization.

" To our sponsor, Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN), Yakurr people are grateful for your continuous support. Since 2007, you have continually supported the festival and empowered the citizens. The Yakurr people say thank you". He concluded.

High points of the event included parade of Leboku maidens/ Cultural troupes from the Yakurr Communities; finals of traditional wrestling contest; cultural performance by Women's Associations; presentation of prizes to winners of Mr & Miss Leboku, Best Yam Harvester, werestling chapions; and presentation of prizes to participating communities.
Share:

OBOL LOPON APPEALS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS

ACHIANE ADAMS 

The Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng,  has on the occasion of the 2018 Ugep/ Yakurr International New Yam Festival, appealed to the state government to help facilitate peaceful coexistence with its neighbours, especially Adun Community in Obubra Local Government Area of the State.

Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng made the appeal during the 2018 Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep recently.

In his address, the Obol Lopon, who welcomed visitors to celebration, recalled how early in the year, the Yakurr nation was enmeshed in crisis with their neighbours,  Adun in Obubra, requesting  Governor Ayade to task the Boundary Adjustment Commission, to delve in and clearly demarcate the boundary line between the two local governments. 

The Royal Father hoped to maintain momentum to allow government implementation, an action,  he believes will bring peace to the age long conundrum. 

Obol Eteng,  who also promised to create an enabling environment for industrialization in Yakurr, appealed for Cross River Broadcasting Corporation's (CRBC) booster station in the area to enable the people view government's programmes.  

He thanked the state government for having faith in Leboku especially the former Governor of the State,  His Excellency, Obol Donald Duke, for internationalising the LEBOKU festival in 2007, when he discovered the tourism potentials that abound in Yakurr Nation as it has gone a long way to open up Yakurr to mind blowing civilization.

" To our sponsor, Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN), Yakurr people are grateful for your continuous support. Since 2007, you have continually supported the festival and empowered the citizens. The Yakurr people say thank you". He concluded.

High points of the event included parade of Leboku maidens/ Cultural troupes from the Yakurr Communities; finals of traditional wrestling contest; cultural performance by Women's Associations; presentation of prizes to winners of Mr & Miss Leboku, Best Yam Harvester, werestling chapions; and presentation of prizes to participating communities.
Share:

NAMBY-PAMBY POLITICAL SEASON IS HERE AGAIN

As the drums of 2019 general elections draw closer, Nigerian political climate is filled with nomadic politics. We have seen array of defections in penultimate weeks.  Political gladiators are wandering from one political party to another. The question is, are these defections for the interest of the public? Or it is for personal aggrandizement? These are some of the questions we need to put into consideration prior to 2019 general elections.

The conundrum of political actors recycling themselves every four years is obvious. We have had enough of their promises and gimmicks they employed to clinch power. Do you have your permanent voter's card (PVC)? Have you registered for the ongoing INEC continuous registration exercise? If you have not, cease this ample opportunity for the  two weeks extension  and register. Your PVC is your strength. It is your right to vote. Get it, come 2019 general elections and votes the candidates of your choice,  those candidates whose candidature is devoid of recycling affiliations, wishy-washy or nomadic politics, as well as  personal interest.

The next President of Nigerian is yet to be known irrespective of your opinion. Though, majority are optimistic that PMB would retain his seat.  If i may ask, of what assertion did they think PMB would continue in 2019?  Governor Rochas Okorocha sometimes said Buhari would beat PDP even on sick bed. This claim was made shortly after Senate President  Bokula Saraki and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal decamped to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  He further avouched that he will beat Atiku even in Adamawa State his home town. Well, he might be right, and  he might also be wrong in his assertion. 

Many who have haemorrhaged faith in Buhari are craving for new government. More importantly if I may  ask, the new government some are clamouring for,does it going to make a difference with the same set of people that we knew who are reforming themselves to recontest? Or the vicissitudes of government is the one that will consider youths inclusiveness considering the passage of " NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN BILL"? Because,  if we  talk about PDP proposed Presidential candidate in person of Atiku Abubaka. Nigerians have had a bite of him, and they are anxious and worried to have a usual person on the race. This might not augur well with PDP eventually he becomes the contender.

It is truly time for us to build our future.The avalanche of Nigerians who are making efforts to get PVC is an indication that many people are wakening up from linger  slumber. More worrisome is the trend of vote buying. We need to address this problem before 2019 general elections. Or else, this bad omens would jeopardize our Nineteenth years of uninterrupted democracy.The issue of vote buying has a multiplier effects on the public, majority of literate and illiterate fellows were susceptible to vote buying in Nigeria. The just concluded Ekiti governorship election recorded massive cases of vote buying. It is assumed that the public are not much aware of the negative implications of selling votes. Money bags politicians are just after their personal interest and not for the concern of the public.

 Below are the effects of vote buying or selling to the public and 2019 general elections; 

1. Denying of Dividend of Democracy:  The negative effect of selling vote or buying vote is so enormous. Majority of people are naive, they don't know that those political gladiators that comes with peanuts and give to them in exchange for votes are doing that to the detriment of the electorates, and for their personal interest. Come to think of it, we have seen these money bags politicians in the past. As soon as they gain access to power, they usually turn back at the public. Many of them are not assessable. They go there to make money for their families. Their apex priority is their loved ones. They have no public interest at hearts. Their children school abroad, while others who can't afford weighty sum of tuition remain in Nigeria to school in our institutions that the facilities are obsoletes, dilapidated, below standards and many more negative factors bedeviled our educational system. Democracy comes with bumper benefits, in a democraticalized milieu,  people enjoy certain dividends such as, infrastructural development, scholarship, good access to basic social amenities, robust social services etc. But with the trend of vote buying and selling, these dividends are threatened, and development is drowsy.
 
2. Emergence of Wrong Candidate: One of the greatest things that happen to the people in governance is to elect a credible candidate to represent them. A candidate whose candidature is free from ambivalence, disgruntlement and idiosyncrasies. But if the wrong candidate emerges, the people suffers. The recent comatose act of vote buying is a problem to democracy. Selling of votes facilitate the emergence of wrong candidate. We have money bags politicians who are desperate to bag power by all cost. They are the ones that use money to buy vote. Remember that, you that sells your vote, you are denying yourself certain benefits of democracy, you are selling your right.  Every citizen is entitled to all the benefits that government is supposed to make available for  its people. Representatives of every constituency are accorded some obligations to bring to their people developmental projects. But in most cases, these projects are not carried out because, those fellows that represent them are not the right candidates. It could be that they manoeuver their ways into the positions they occupy. Reminisce that, vote buying is not a new trends. It has been going on in the past, though it was miniature.  It was only going on in the pipelines but not too brazen as it is today. 

3. Massive threat to Democracy: Democracy is government of the people by the people and for the people. The carnage of vote buying is perceived to be a hiccup for the growth of our democracy. Pundits and scholars have pointed out emphatically the multiplier effects of vote buying to Nigerian democracy. If we remember vividly, the military took over power from civilian in Nigeria because of governance impropriety and corruption. It never augured well with us, we cried and craved for democracy because of military assaults, intimidation and undue suppression. Now that we are enjoying democracy and its dividends, why can't we sustain it by refraining from acts that are capable of  jeopardizing our nineteenth years of uninterrupted democracy? Why can't we  SHUN OR SAY NO to "VOTE BUYING" for the betterment of public interest and Nigerian democracy.

4. Negative Image:  A befitting image is key for bilateral ties amongst nations. For a nation to attract neighboring counterparts and far distance leaders to create bilateral relations, such country must have a terrific image among the comity of nations. Negative image is attributed to corruption, electoral offences etc. Therefore, Nigerians should shun any act that would depict our country in a bad light.

5. Poverty: Experts have ascribed poverty as the root cause of vote buying in Nigerian elections. This act is very inimical to democracy. The rate of poverty in Nigeria is alarming. According to United Nations index of poverty in Nigeria asserted that an average Nigerian feed less than one dollar per day. This validation is true to some extent because, if you take an inventory to ascertain the level of poverty amid Nigerians, you will concur with UN position. Nigeria is blessed with arable land, human and natural resources that if judiciously harnessed, we would be competing with developed nations and our economy would robust than we ever anticipated, but  the problem is that, corrupt leaders have in the past robbed Nigerians their virility of enjoying a better life. This is the time Nigerians are supposed to choose credible leaders whose concern is to ameliorate poverty by embarking on projects that have direct impacts on the populace. Leaders that will feel the cry of the masses, rather than allowing greedy politicians to lure them in disgruntled act.

6. Dwindling life Expectancy: The truth about life is, if you have money, chances are that, you can afford basic necessities of life including good medical services. But if there is no money, you can easily die in the situation that requires emergency. Lack of proper medical attention have made a lot of people to die. Malnutrition and starvation has been a causative factor to the demise of many individuals in Nigeria and across Africa. For example the issue of youths irregular migration in Nigeria was as a results of those seeking for a better life, in which thousands died on their way for scavenging for greener pasture in foreign lands. Those who ordinarily would have enjoyed longer life expectancy have died because of one problem or the other.

These squarely treated points are some of the effects of vote buying and selling that portends an ostrichlike to our democracy. Therefore the public should desist from this unfriendly act that is capable of disintegrating our unity and  nineteenth years  unbroken democracy.

David Etika 
Journalist Activist
Share:

NAMBY-PAMBY POLITICAL SEASON IS HERE AGAIN

As the drums of 2019 general elections draw closer, Nigerian political climate is filled with nomadic politics. We have seen array of defections in penultimate weeks.  Political gladiators are wandering from one political party to another. The question is, are these defections for the interest of the public? Or it is for personal aggrandizement? These are some of the questions we need to put into consideration prior to 2019 general elections.

The conundrum of political actors recycling themselves every four years is obvious. We have had enough of their promises and gimmicks they employed to clinch power. Do you have your permanent voter's card (PVC)? Have you registered for the ongoing INEC continuous registration exercise? If you have not, cease this ample opportunity for the  two weeks extension  and register. Your PVC is your strength. It is your right to vote. Get it, come 2019 general elections and votes the candidates of your choice,  those candidates whose candidature is devoid of recycling affiliations, wishy-washy or nomadic politics, as well as  personal interest.

The next President of Nigerian is yet to be known irrespective of your opinion. Though, majority are optimistic that PMB would retain his seat.  If i may ask, of what assertion did they think PMB would continue in 2019?  Governor Rochas Okorocha sometimes said Buhari would beat PDP even on sick bed. This claim was made shortly after Senate President  Bokula Saraki and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal decamped to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  He further avouched that he will beat Atiku even in Adamawa State his home town. Well, he might be right, and  he might also be wrong in his assertion. 

Many who have haemorrhaged faith in Buhari are craving for new government. More importantly if I may  ask, the new government some are clamouring for,does it going to make a difference with the same set of people that we knew who are reforming themselves to recontest? Or the vicissitudes of government is the one that will consider youths inclusiveness considering the passage of " NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN BILL"? Because,  if we  talk about PDP proposed Presidential candidate in person of Atiku Abubaka. Nigerians have had a bite of him, and they are anxious and worried to have a usual person on the race. This might not augur well with PDP eventually he becomes the contender.

It is truly time for us to build our future.The avalanche of Nigerians who are making efforts to get PVC is an indication that many people are wakening up from linger  slumber. More worrisome is the trend of vote buying. We need to address this problem before 2019 general elections. Or else, this bad omens would jeopardize our Nineteenth years of uninterrupted democracy.The issue of vote buying has a multiplier effects on the public, majority of literate and illiterate fellows were susceptible to vote buying in Nigeria. The just concluded Ekiti governorship election recorded massive cases of vote buying. It is assumed that the public are not much aware of the negative implications of selling votes. Money bags politicians are just after their personal interest and not for the concern of the public.

 Below are the effects of vote buying or selling to the public and 2019 general elections; 

1. Denying of Dividend of Democracy:  The negative effect of selling vote or buying vote is so enormous. Majority of people are naive, they don't know that those political gladiators that comes with peanuts and give to them in exchange for votes are doing that to the detriment of the electorates, and for their personal interest. Come to think of it, we have seen these money bags politicians in the past. As soon as they gain access to power, they usually turn back at the public. Many of them are not assessable. They go there to make money for their families. Their apex priority is their loved ones. They have no public interest at hearts. Their children school abroad, while others who can't afford weighty sum of tuition remain in Nigeria to school in our institutions that the facilities are obsoletes, dilapidated, below standards and many more negative factors bedeviled our educational system. Democracy comes with bumper benefits, in a democraticalized milieu,  people enjoy certain dividends such as, infrastructural development, scholarship, good access to basic social amenities, robust social services etc. But with the trend of vote buying and selling, these dividends are threatened, and development is drowsy.
 
2. Emergence of Wrong Candidate: One of the greatest things that happen to the people in governance is to elect a credible candidate to represent them. A candidate whose candidature is free from ambivalence, disgruntlement and idiosyncrasies. But if the wrong candidate emerges, the people suffers. The recent comatose act of vote buying is a problem to democracy. Selling of votes facilitate the emergence of wrong candidate. We have money bags politicians who are desperate to bag power by all cost. They are the ones that use money to buy vote. Remember that, you that sells your vote, you are denying yourself certain benefits of democracy, you are selling your right.  Every citizen is entitled to all the benefits that government is supposed to make available for  its people. Representatives of every constituency are accorded some obligations to bring to their people developmental projects. But in most cases, these projects are not carried out because, those fellows that represent them are not the right candidates. It could be that they manoeuver their ways into the positions they occupy. Reminisce that, vote buying is not a new trends. It has been going on in the past, though it was miniature.  It was only going on in the pipelines but not too brazen as it is today. 

3. Massive threat to Democracy: Democracy is government of the people by the people and for the people. The carnage of vote buying is perceived to be a hiccup for the growth of our democracy. Pundits and scholars have pointed out emphatically the multiplier effects of vote buying to Nigerian democracy. If we remember vividly, the military took over power from civilian in Nigeria because of governance impropriety and corruption. It never augured well with us, we cried and craved for democracy because of military assaults, intimidation and undue suppression. Now that we are enjoying democracy and its dividends, why can't we sustain it by refraining from acts that are capable of  jeopardizing our nineteenth years of uninterrupted democracy? Why can't we  SHUN OR SAY NO to "VOTE BUYING" for the betterment of public interest and Nigerian democracy.

4. Negative Image:  A befitting image is key for bilateral ties amongst nations. For a nation to attract neighboring counterparts and far distance leaders to create bilateral relations, such country must have a terrific image among the comity of nations. Negative image is attributed to corruption, electoral offences etc. Therefore, Nigerians should shun any act that would depict our country in a bad light.

5. Poverty: Experts have ascribed poverty as the root cause of vote buying in Nigerian elections. This act is very inimical to democracy. The rate of poverty in Nigeria is alarming. According to United Nations index of poverty in Nigeria asserted that an average Nigerian feed less than one dollar per day. This validation is true to some extent because, if you take an inventory to ascertain the level of poverty amid Nigerians, you will concur with UN position. Nigeria is blessed with arable land, human and natural resources that if judiciously harnessed, we would be competing with developed nations and our economy would robust than we ever anticipated, but  the problem is that, corrupt leaders have in the past robbed Nigerians their virility of enjoying a better life. This is the time Nigerians are supposed to choose credible leaders whose concern is to ameliorate poverty by embarking on projects that have direct impacts on the populace. Leaders that will feel the cry of the masses, rather than allowing greedy politicians to lure them in disgruntled act.

6. Dwindling life Expectancy: The truth about life is, if you have money, chances are that, you can afford basic necessities of life including good medical services. But if there is no money, you can easily die in the situation that requires emergency. Lack of proper medical attention have made a lot of people to die. Malnutrition and starvation has been a causative factor to the demise of many individuals in Nigeria and across Africa. For example the issue of youths irregular migration in Nigeria was as a results of those seeking for a better life, in which thousands died on their way for scavenging for greener pasture in foreign lands. Those who ordinarily would have enjoyed longer life expectancy have died because of one problem or the other.

These squarely treated points are some of the effects of vote buying and selling that portends an ostrichlike to our democracy. Therefore the public should desist from this unfriendly act that is capable of disintegrating our unity and  nineteenth years  unbroken democracy.

David Etika 
Journalist Activist
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World mourns African Icon

Former United Nations soft-spoken and patrician Secretary-General from Ghana, Kofi Annan has died. The ex-UN boss who won the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work, died on Saturday aged 80. According his family, he died in Bern, Switzerland where he was receiving treatment. "His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days," read a statement from the Kofi Annan Foundation. The Ghanaian was appointed U.N. Secretary General in 1996 after having served in different capacities within the same organization. He served in this position for two terms until December 2006.

He was the first black African to take up the role of the worlds top diplomat.

Kenya will remember him for brokering a peace deal between retired President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga that ended the post-election turmoil in 2008. This was after he led the Panel of Eminent African Personalities convened by the African Union in the negotiations that ended the deadly post poll chaos.  Annan described the mediation role as the most engaging but noted that it ended a stalemate that left at least 1,000 people dead. My role in mediating was amongst the most intensive and enduring of all my interventions,he said. Peace brokering was close to his heart to the extent that he wrote about it in his last book- Interventions; A Life in War  Peace and in the very first chapter he talks about the Kenya peace mediation. Annan and 2013 presidency According to documents leaked to Mediapart, a French news group and analysed by the EIC, the European Investigative Collaborations, Kofi Annan actively sought to block the UhuRuto ticket in the 2013 elections. Annan was pessimistic that the ICC charges preferred against Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto would not deter their juggernaut in its tracks. Instead, he hoped that a case filed in the High Court to challenge their presidential bid would be upheld. On February 15, 2013 the High Court dismissed the integrity challenge lodged against Uhuru, in effect allowing him and Ruto to contest in the elections. Annan's regular visits to Kenya to monitor the progress of the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation came to an abrupt end.
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World mourns African Icon

Former United Nations soft-spoken and patrician Secretary-General from Ghana, Kofi Annan has died. The ex-UN boss who won the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work, died on Saturday aged 80. According his family, he died in Bern, Switzerland where he was receiving treatment. "His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days," read a statement from the Kofi Annan Foundation. The Ghanaian was appointed U.N. Secretary General in 1996 after having served in different capacities within the same organization. He served in this position for two terms until December 2006.

He was the first black African to take up the role of the worlds top diplomat.

Kenya will remember him for brokering a peace deal between retired President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga that ended the post-election turmoil in 2008. This was after he led the Panel of Eminent African Personalities convened by the African Union in the negotiations that ended the deadly post poll chaos.  Annan described the mediation role as the most engaging but noted that it ended a stalemate that left at least 1,000 people dead. My role in mediating was amongst the most intensive and enduring of all my interventions,he said. Peace brokering was close to his heart to the extent that he wrote about it in his last book- Interventions; A Life in War  Peace and in the very first chapter he talks about the Kenya peace mediation. Annan and 2013 presidency According to documents leaked to Mediapart, a French news group and analysed by the EIC, the European Investigative Collaborations, Kofi Annan actively sought to block the UhuRuto ticket in the 2013 elections. Annan was pessimistic that the ICC charges preferred against Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto would not deter their juggernaut in its tracks. Instead, he hoped that a case filed in the High Court to challenge their presidential bid would be upheld. On February 15, 2013 the High Court dismissed the integrity challenge lodged against Uhuru, in effect allowing him and Ruto to contest in the elections. Annan's regular visits to Kenya to monitor the progress of the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation came to an abrupt end.
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2018 EID EL’ KABIR: CR INFO BOSS SALUTES MUSLIMS

By:Benedict Okache

The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Effiom Archibong has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria, particularly those resident and doing business in the State, on the auspicious occasion of the 2018 Eid El' Kabir celebration.

In a statement in Calabar, Mrs. Archibong enjoined all adherents of Islam to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, love, tolerance and sharing, which she emphasized, are key pillars of Eid El' Kabir celebration. 

The celebration, she added, is a special festival in the Islamic calendar which should serve as a period of reflection for members on their commitment to God and the overall development of the nation.
The Commissioner stated that the call for reflection is even more critical as nation marches towards the conduct of the 2019  elections, amidst several challenges of insecurity and re-alignments among the political class.

"I therefore charge all Muslims to celebrate in peace, bearing in mind the lessons of the Eid El' Kabir, while recognizing the fundamental rights to freedom of worship and association by members of other religions in the country", Mrs. Archibong averred.

She assured Nigerians in the State of the commitment of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration to sustain the prevailing peaceful co-existence among all religions.

The Information and Orientation Commissioner urged residents of the State to take advantage of the extension of the voters' registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to get registered and collect their Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) in order to be eligible to participate in the forthcoming 2019  elections.
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2018 EID EL’ KABIR: CR INFO BOSS SALUTES MUSLIMS

By:Benedict Okache

The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Effiom Archibong has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria, particularly those resident and doing business in the State, on the auspicious occasion of the 2018 Eid El' Kabir celebration.

In a statement in Calabar, Mrs. Archibong enjoined all adherents of Islam to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, love, tolerance and sharing, which she emphasized, are key pillars of Eid El' Kabir celebration. 

The celebration, she added, is a special festival in the Islamic calendar which should serve as a period of reflection for members on their commitment to God and the overall development of the nation.
The Commissioner stated that the call for reflection is even more critical as nation marches towards the conduct of the 2019  elections, amidst several challenges of insecurity and re-alignments among the political class.

"I therefore charge all Muslims to celebrate in peace, bearing in mind the lessons of the Eid El' Kabir, while recognizing the fundamental rights to freedom of worship and association by members of other religions in the country", Mrs. Archibong averred.

She assured Nigerians in the State of the commitment of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration to sustain the prevailing peaceful co-existence among all religions.

The Information and Orientation Commissioner urged residents of the State to take advantage of the extension of the voters' registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to get registered and collect their Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) in order to be eligible to participate in the forthcoming 2019  elections.
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2019: Widows in Cross River root for Ayade


....Commend him for election of their own into State Assembly



A Non governmental Organization, Association of Widows in Cross River, has endorsed the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade for a second term in office.

The Association commended the governor for the recent election of one of them, Mrs  Abbey Ukpukpen into Cross River State House of Assembly to replace her late husband, Hon.Steven Ukpukpen.

The over ten thousand widows across the state made this stand known in Calabar, the state capital, through their President, Mrs Grace Otu during a solidarity meeting with the Governor to thank him for Mrs Ukpukpen's election.

According to Otu, "We sincerely thank Professor Ayade for thinking it wise to support the election of a widow to take over the seat of her late husband at the State House of Assembly, to represent the Governor's state constituency."

She further stated:" Today, we have one of us who truly understands our plight and will ensure that our interests is dully protected at all times and in appreciation to this mark of honour to widows, we the entire widows numbering over ten thousand in the state hereby publicly declare our support for the second term bid of our Digital Governor to enable him complete the good works he has started."

Mrs Otu described Ayade as God-sent, who has impacted positively on lives of widows since assumption of office in May 2015, saying it will be unfair if they failed to pull their weight behind his second  term ambition.

Ayade, she said, is the only Cross River State Governor in recent history that has shown so much interest in the welfare and wellbeing of widows as evident in the establishment of garment factory with over 80 percent widows and their children in it employ as well as the creation of a dedicated office and a Personal Assistant to interface with them.

The leader of Cross River widows urged the people of the State not to waver in their support for Ayade's polices and his re- election bid.

Responding, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Stella Odey,  who described the election of Mrs Ukpukpen as a demonstration of Professor Ayade's magnanimity, love and passion to the welfare of widows, thanked the widows for reciprocating the gesture through their endorsement of the governor for a second term in office.

Odey, who stood in for the governor, said: "Ayade is a governor with a human face who is always seeking ways to better the lots of widows across the state through initiation of several empowerment programmes. These initiatives and programmes have transformed many widows which he passionately does not because he has so much but because he cares enough." 

She urged others in position of authority to emulate the governor, who according to her, came with a clean heart to serve with a clear vision to transform the socio economic landscape of the state for the betterment of all.  
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2019: Widows in Cross River root for Ayade


....Commend him for election of their own into State Assembly



A Non governmental Organization, Association of Widows in Cross River, has endorsed the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade for a second term in office.

The Association commended the governor for the recent election of one of them, Mrs  Abbey Ukpukpen into Cross River State House of Assembly to replace her late husband, Hon.Steven Ukpukpen.

The over ten thousand widows across the state made this stand known in Calabar, the state capital, through their President, Mrs Grace Otu during a solidarity meeting with the Governor to thank him for Mrs Ukpukpen's election.

According to Otu, "We sincerely thank Professor Ayade for thinking it wise to support the election of a widow to take over the seat of her late husband at the State House of Assembly, to represent the Governor's state constituency."

She further stated:" Today, we have one of us who truly understands our plight and will ensure that our interests is dully protected at all times and in appreciation to this mark of honour to widows, we the entire widows numbering over ten thousand in the state hereby publicly declare our support for the second term bid of our Digital Governor to enable him complete the good works he has started."

Mrs Otu described Ayade as God-sent, who has impacted positively on lives of widows since assumption of office in May 2015, saying it will be unfair if they failed to pull their weight behind his second  term ambition.

Ayade, she said, is the only Cross River State Governor in recent history that has shown so much interest in the welfare and wellbeing of widows as evident in the establishment of garment factory with over 80 percent widows and their children in it employ as well as the creation of a dedicated office and a Personal Assistant to interface with them.

The leader of Cross River widows urged the people of the State not to waver in their support for Ayade's polices and his re- election bid.

Responding, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Stella Odey,  who described the election of Mrs Ukpukpen as a demonstration of Professor Ayade's magnanimity, love and passion to the welfare of widows, thanked the widows for reciprocating the gesture through their endorsement of the governor for a second term in office.

Odey, who stood in for the governor, said: "Ayade is a governor with a human face who is always seeking ways to better the lots of widows across the state through initiation of several empowerment programmes. These initiatives and programmes have transformed many widows which he passionately does not because he has so much but because he cares enough." 

She urged others in position of authority to emulate the governor, who according to her, came with a clean heart to serve with a clear vision to transform the socio economic landscape of the state for the betterment of all.  
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AYADE TO INTRODUCE INTERACTIVE WHITE BOARDS IN BRITISH CANADIAN SCHOOL OBUDU

BY UCHINO AMATEY

As part of efforts to ensure that the British Canadian Secondary School, Obudu is in line with global best practices, Governor Ben Ayade has set wheels in motion to install interactive white boards in classrooms to enhance effective teaching and learning.

The Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey made this known during the pilot solution presentation of the white Board at the State Universal Basic Education Board, Calabar.

The SUBEB Boss who said procurement process for the Interactive white Boards was on-going, also added that Governor Ben Ayade is passionate about ensuring that Cross River State gets the best in terms of education despite financial implication.

According to him, "We intend to start with the British Canadian Secondary School and then try to replicate same in some of our model schools. You know it involves a lot of finance and a lot of manpower training, but I can assure you that the governor is very poised to ensuring that this Interactive white board is introduced in Cross River State and that is why they have come to do this presentation. As I speak, it's already in governor's office and we are already embarking on the procurement of these."

Dr Odey said the essence of introducing this new innovation is to enhance effective teaching and learning using 21st century teaching and learning tools.

In his words "We want to see how we can make teaching more efficient, how we can avoid situations where teachers will lack instructional materials to teach. We have gone digital and of course Cross River will be the leading State in using 21st century teaching and learning tools. The governor is very passionate about digitalizing education in the State,"he emphasised.

ICT Consultant in Education and Engineer incharge of the installation of the Interactive White Boards, Emmanuel Naiye said the infusion of digital trends in education is key to aid better learning and teaching experience for both students and teachers. 

According to him "You can teach whatever you want using the interactive white board, what it does is to automate everything done in the classroom. Digitalising teaching and learning is very key, because if you look at the traditional way of teaching, what is normally done is to teach with marker and white board, or in some schools it is chalk and black board, by so doing you can't convey the message you want to give to your students effectively. For instance, if you were to teach the digestive system using chalk and black board and you are trying to explain where the food goes into the deoxygenated blood, one is blue, the other is red. On a chalkboard it is difficult for them to have a better understanding of what you are saying because your drawing is going to be in black and white." 

He continued "Teaching is very key, very important and also delicate, because whatever you teach, your students soak it in and it stays with them for life. Using the right tool to convey the message is very important, hence the reason for the 21st century teaching and learning tool which is the use of interactive white board. With this, teaching will no longer be abstract, because with this board you can teach using descriptive colourful pictures and even videos. That is the beauty of teaching and learning using 21st century tools, "he explained.

He said the interactive Board also helps to efficiently maximise time during lesson delivery in the classroom.

"Another important reason why you should use this tool for teaching is that it helps in time management. Teachers have 40 or 45 minutes to teach a subject, but they spend half of this time writing notes on the board and then explaining in between and anytime they turn to write on the board their backs are turned to the students, this creates a disconnect between them and the students and it doesn't make for effective teaching to take place. But with the interactive board, the teacher already prepares his/her note at home using Microsoft power point and in class it is just straight to delivery, no copying of notes on the board or anything like that.Except for subjects like mathematics, where the students have to see you solving the problem on the board," he said.

Engr. Naiye further stated that anyone can use this tool for teaching if he/she is well trained. He stressed on the importance of undergoing the required training in order to effectively maximise the use of the Board.

He said, with the interactive board teachers can record anything said or written in class, which can aid teachers' evaluation.
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AYADE TO INTRODUCE INTERACTIVE WHITE BOARDS IN BRITISH CANADIAN SCHOOL OBUDU

BY UCHINO AMATEY

As part of efforts to ensure that the British Canadian Secondary School, Obudu is in line with global best practices, Governor Ben Ayade has set wheels in motion to install interactive white boards in classrooms to enhance effective teaching and learning.

The Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey made this known during the pilot solution presentation of the white Board at the State Universal Basic Education Board, Calabar.

The SUBEB Boss who said procurement process for the Interactive white Boards was on-going, also added that Governor Ben Ayade is passionate about ensuring that Cross River State gets the best in terms of education despite financial implication.

According to him, "We intend to start with the British Canadian Secondary School and then try to replicate same in some of our model schools. You know it involves a lot of finance and a lot of manpower training, but I can assure you that the governor is very poised to ensuring that this Interactive white board is introduced in Cross River State and that is why they have come to do this presentation. As I speak, it's already in governor's office and we are already embarking on the procurement of these."

Dr Odey said the essence of introducing this new innovation is to enhance effective teaching and learning using 21st century teaching and learning tools.

In his words "We want to see how we can make teaching more efficient, how we can avoid situations where teachers will lack instructional materials to teach. We have gone digital and of course Cross River will be the leading State in using 21st century teaching and learning tools. The governor is very passionate about digitalizing education in the State,"he emphasised.

ICT Consultant in Education and Engineer incharge of the installation of the Interactive White Boards, Emmanuel Naiye said the infusion of digital trends in education is key to aid better learning and teaching experience for both students and teachers. 

According to him "You can teach whatever you want using the interactive white board, what it does is to automate everything done in the classroom. Digitalising teaching and learning is very key, because if you look at the traditional way of teaching, what is normally done is to teach with marker and white board, or in some schools it is chalk and black board, by so doing you can't convey the message you want to give to your students effectively. For instance, if you were to teach the digestive system using chalk and black board and you are trying to explain where the food goes into the deoxygenated blood, one is blue, the other is red. On a chalkboard it is difficult for them to have a better understanding of what you are saying because your drawing is going to be in black and white." 

He continued "Teaching is very key, very important and also delicate, because whatever you teach, your students soak it in and it stays with them for life. Using the right tool to convey the message is very important, hence the reason for the 21st century teaching and learning tool which is the use of interactive white board. With this, teaching will no longer be abstract, because with this board you can teach using descriptive colourful pictures and even videos. That is the beauty of teaching and learning using 21st century tools, "he explained.

He said the interactive Board also helps to efficiently maximise time during lesson delivery in the classroom.

"Another important reason why you should use this tool for teaching is that it helps in time management. Teachers have 40 or 45 minutes to teach a subject, but they spend half of this time writing notes on the board and then explaining in between and anytime they turn to write on the board their backs are turned to the students, this creates a disconnect between them and the students and it doesn't make for effective teaching to take place. But with the interactive board, the teacher already prepares his/her note at home using Microsoft power point and in class it is just straight to delivery, no copying of notes on the board or anything like that.Except for subjects like mathematics, where the students have to see you solving the problem on the board," he said.

Engr. Naiye further stated that anyone can use this tool for teaching if he/she is well trained. He stressed on the importance of undergoing the required training in order to effectively maximise the use of the Board.

He said, with the interactive board teachers can record anything said or written in class, which can aid teachers' evaluation.
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Eid-el-Fitri: Dr George Abang Ekpungu sue for peace, tolerance, unity in Nigeria

As Muslim all over the world celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri, Dr George Abang Ekpungu, an aspirant for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency has called on all Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliations to live in peace and refrain from making remarks capable of causing disunity . 


In his goodwill message on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, the federal aspirant called on leaders at all levels to lead the people with the fear of God and selflessness.


Ekpungu, an immediate past Commissioner for New Cities Development in Cross River, urged religious leaders to continue to preach and promote the virtues of unity, genuine love for one another and peaceful co-existence for Nigeria to attain greatness and eschew divisive and hate tendencies .


He said that Nigerians must learn to live in harmony, tolerate one another and see the nation's diversity as a source of strength.


While congratulating Muslims on the "Festival of Sacrifice", he called on them to imbibe and demonstrate the lessons of kindness, tolerance and submission to higher authority, identified with the holy month and put Nigeria first in all their endeavours.
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Eid-el-Fitri: Dr George Abang Ekpungu sue for peace, tolerance, unity in Nigeria

As Muslim all over the world celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri, Dr George Abang Ekpungu, an aspirant for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency has called on all Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliations to live in peace and refrain from making remarks capable of causing disunity . 


In his goodwill message on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, the federal aspirant called on leaders at all levels to lead the people with the fear of God and selflessness.


Ekpungu, an immediate past Commissioner for New Cities Development in Cross River, urged religious leaders to continue to preach and promote the virtues of unity, genuine love for one another and peaceful co-existence for Nigeria to attain greatness and eschew divisive and hate tendencies .


He said that Nigerians must learn to live in harmony, tolerate one another and see the nation's diversity as a source of strength.


While congratulating Muslims on the "Festival of Sacrifice", he called on them to imbibe and demonstrate the lessons of kindness, tolerance and submission to higher authority, identified with the holy month and put Nigeria first in all their endeavours.
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GADA – NACGOND MEETING: STAKEHOLDERS PRESENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR C’RIVER STATE

The one-day Climate Change Consultative meeting, facilitated by Gender and Development Action (GADA), under the auspices of the National Coalition on Oil-Spills and Gas-Flaring in the Niger-Delta (NACGOND) held at the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, had just ended; with very important recommendations from stakeholders for Cross River State. 

The, Consultative meeting was geared towards discussing the development of a multi-sectored Gender Responsive Climate Change Policy and Action in Cross River State that captures current Climate Change threats. Robust discussions around Gender Responsive Climate Action Strategies, Social Inclusion in the interventions and programming around Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience, Mitigation, Social inequities that increases the vulnerability to Climate Change and other critical cross cutting areas that will ensure the mainstreaming of the SDGs and other Sectors in building a Climate Resilient Cross River State.

Mrs. Inyingi Irimagha presented a draft of Climate Change Policy Brief and the following recommendations for Cross River State:
That budget officers' capacity should be built in respect to gender responsive budgeting; when forest is destroyed for the purpose of farming, government should provide alternative land for regeneration to replace the destroyed forest.

Further recommendations dwelled on the need for government MDAs to take responsibilities and synergize for an all-inclusive approach to tackling climate change; environmental policies should be reviewed to capture new issues identified with respect to Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the need for Cross River State Government to practice and encourage silviculture.

Women capacity in Cross River State should be built on alternative livelihood since most women are farmers and they depend on agriculture.

Cross River State Government should develop tree nurseries at different points across the state as well as give out the nursed trees to citizens free of charge to encourage tree planting in the state.

Other highlights were: 
the is need for Cross River State government to adapt programmes to take care of vulnerable groups (e.g. people living with disabilities, women, children etc) that are in most cases worse affected by the impact of climate change.

Young persons, women and people living with disabilities should be seen as contributors to climate action and not only as vulnerable population.

All climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilient actions should be set in the context of Sustainable Development.

Social inclusion should be considered in all phases of mitigation, adaptation and climate resilience building action by Cross River State Government.

Climate Change Education should be inculcated in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Educational Curriculum through Cross River State Ministry of Education.

Cross River State government should create a Green Climate Fund that will be utilized for the provision of some green technology in the state as a climate change mitigation measure.

There should be Gender Responsive and Social inclusive budget allocations to fund climate change initiatives in Cross River State.

Cross River State should initiate Climate Smart Agricultural Interventions that can benefit young people, people with disabilities, to enhance food security among vulnerable groups.

Waste to Wealth Initiatives and Green Economy initiatives should be implemented in Cross River State to reduce carbon emissions while diversifying the state economy sustainably.

Cross River State government should ensure new projects/companies comply to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Laws.

Participants also observed as follows:
That there is no proper need assessment to cater for different segment of the society (women, people with disabilities etc) in the budgeting process to capture activities that affect them with respect to Climate change.

There are more female headed households which make women and children more vulnerable to climate change in terms of access to resources.

Inaccessibility of women to land inheritance in some communities in Cross River hinders women to mitigate climate change effectively.
Deforestation of virgin forest from the activities of WILMAR company to develop their oil palm plantation.

There is no educational curriculum on climate change to be taught in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions.

The timeframe for the review of policy on environment is too long.
Duplication of roles and lack of synergies among related government MDAs that are concerned with the issues of climate change.

Lack of adequate enforcement and lack of provision of alternative livelihood to support the policy on the ban on logging.

Reduced life expectancy caused by air pollution by quarry/cement companies in host communities leading to death as a result of respiratory and skin diseases, as well as lack of gender responsive policy.
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GADA – NACGOND MEETING: STAKEHOLDERS PRESENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR C’RIVER STATE

The one-day Climate Change Consultative meeting, facilitated by Gender and Development Action (GADA), under the auspices of the National Coalition on Oil-Spills and Gas-Flaring in the Niger-Delta (NACGOND) held at the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, had just ended; with very important recommendations from stakeholders for Cross River State. 

The, Consultative meeting was geared towards discussing the development of a multi-sectored Gender Responsive Climate Change Policy and Action in Cross River State that captures current Climate Change threats. Robust discussions around Gender Responsive Climate Action Strategies, Social Inclusion in the interventions and programming around Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience, Mitigation, Social inequities that increases the vulnerability to Climate Change and other critical cross cutting areas that will ensure the mainstreaming of the SDGs and other Sectors in building a Climate Resilient Cross River State.

Mrs. Inyingi Irimagha presented a draft of Climate Change Policy Brief and the following recommendations for Cross River State:
That budget officers' capacity should be built in respect to gender responsive budgeting; when forest is destroyed for the purpose of farming, government should provide alternative land for regeneration to replace the destroyed forest.

Further recommendations dwelled on the need for government MDAs to take responsibilities and synergize for an all-inclusive approach to tackling climate change; environmental policies should be reviewed to capture new issues identified with respect to Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the need for Cross River State Government to practice and encourage silviculture.

Women capacity in Cross River State should be built on alternative livelihood since most women are farmers and they depend on agriculture.

Cross River State Government should develop tree nurseries at different points across the state as well as give out the nursed trees to citizens free of charge to encourage tree planting in the state.

Other highlights were: 
the is need for Cross River State government to adapt programmes to take care of vulnerable groups (e.g. people living with disabilities, women, children etc) that are in most cases worse affected by the impact of climate change.

Young persons, women and people living with disabilities should be seen as contributors to climate action and not only as vulnerable population.

All climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilient actions should be set in the context of Sustainable Development.

Social inclusion should be considered in all phases of mitigation, adaptation and climate resilience building action by Cross River State Government.

Climate Change Education should be inculcated in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Educational Curriculum through Cross River State Ministry of Education.

Cross River State government should create a Green Climate Fund that will be utilized for the provision of some green technology in the state as a climate change mitigation measure.

There should be Gender Responsive and Social inclusive budget allocations to fund climate change initiatives in Cross River State.

Cross River State should initiate Climate Smart Agricultural Interventions that can benefit young people, people with disabilities, to enhance food security among vulnerable groups.

Waste to Wealth Initiatives and Green Economy initiatives should be implemented in Cross River State to reduce carbon emissions while diversifying the state economy sustainably.

Cross River State government should ensure new projects/companies comply to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Laws.

Participants also observed as follows:
That there is no proper need assessment to cater for different segment of the society (women, people with disabilities etc) in the budgeting process to capture activities that affect them with respect to Climate change.

There are more female headed households which make women and children more vulnerable to climate change in terms of access to resources.

Inaccessibility of women to land inheritance in some communities in Cross River hinders women to mitigate climate change effectively.
Deforestation of virgin forest from the activities of WILMAR company to develop their oil palm plantation.

There is no educational curriculum on climate change to be taught in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions.

The timeframe for the review of policy on environment is too long.
Duplication of roles and lack of synergies among related government MDAs that are concerned with the issues of climate change.

Lack of adequate enforcement and lack of provision of alternative livelihood to support the policy on the ban on logging.

Reduced life expectancy caused by air pollution by quarry/cement companies in host communities leading to death as a result of respiratory and skin diseases, as well as lack of gender responsive policy.
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HIFASS – LOPIN-3 PROVIDE WHEELCHAIRS TO OVCs IN AKPUBUYO, CALABAR SOUTH

By Kingsley Agim

In its objective of providing quality care and support services to Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) across the State, Local Government Areas and communities, the Health Initiative for Safety and Stability in Africa (HIFASS), Local Orphans and Vulnerable Children Partners in Nigeria, Region 3(LOPIN – 3) recently donated wheelchairs to two of its most Vulnerable Children in Idundu, Akpabuyo and Ward 8 in Calabar South respectively.

Presenting the wheelchair to the recipient (known as Victoria), at Idundu, the Chief of Party, HIFASS – LOPIN 3, Dr. Ademola Adetunji, expressed hope that the aid of the wheelchair will ensure reduction of vulnerability to the family, adding that the project envisages a situation whereby the child will be able to sustain herself going forward, and further calamities prevented.

Dr. Adetunji stated that the project, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is to ensure sustainable livelihood, HIV prevention and linkage of infected persons to treatment.

In her remarks, the Advisor, Capacity and Organizational Development, Mrs. Sharon Simpa, said in ensuring that Victoria gets fit and pursues her education, the HIFASS – LOPIN 3 Team deemed it necessary to take her off the ground, so she could be ferried freely to school and other places through the wheelchair.

Mrs. Simpa remarked that with the new lease of life, Victoria can now have a sense of belonging and continue with her development. She further hinted that the project would also extend other OVC services to the child.

Also speaking, the Advisor, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Mr. Okoh Agholor also noted that HIFASS – LOPIN 3 has empowered over 250 households with grants to start up small businesses to enable them fend for their vulnerable households and sent about 130 of young women for skills acquisition in Cross River and Ebonyi States, adding that the programmes is poised to ensuring that vulnerable households get out of poverty and children return to school.

In her response, an elated Madam Asari Edim Nsa, grandmother to the recipient, expressed gratitude to HIFASS –LOPIN 3 Team for the gesture and prayed for God's blessings upon them, stating that her dream to see her granddaughter off the ground has finally been fulfilled.

Similarly, an OVC household at Ward 8 in Calabar South witnessed same goodwill by HIFASS – LOPIN 3 Team, with grandmother to Mary, the OVC wheelchair recipient, overjoyed by the gesture, adding that such benevolence would bring succor to her household that had hitherto been plagued by her grandchild's situation.
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By staff of detailingcrossriver

CRHA; CR 9th ASSEMBLY RELEASED NAMES OF SECOND LEGISLATIVE YEAR STANDING COMMITTEES

  Abara Etop, The Cross River State House of Assembly, in accordance with it's House Rules, released names of standing Committees for th...

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