CRSHA Expresses Sadness Over Violence Killings in Cross River State

By Ofem, Jesam

Cross River State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on State Government to withdraw certificates and benefits from every Paramount ruler, Clan Heads and Village heads who would allowed communal clash in their domain.

The Assembly also wants State Government to organize security summit to address the issues of insecurity in Cross River State.

CRSHA took these resolutions following the presentation of a matter of public interest brought on the floor of the House by Hon. Davies Etta, Member representing Abi State Constituency who informed the house of recent outbreak of communal clash in Abi following the beheading of one Mr. Oti and his son in their farmland when harvesting cassava.

Davies noted that years back, His Excellency Sen. Ben Ayade had a meeting with all the traditional rulers in Abi to settled the communal clash between Ebom and Usumutong communities, but the story remains the same.

Member representing Bakassi State Constituency Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey stated that, it is a matter of concern to the House. We can not be facing economic problems and the issues of communal crisis will be reoccurring daily. He urged that an institution should be established to look into the real cause of the crisis.

Rt. Hon. Okon Ephraim, member representing calabar south State constituency opined that the state government should appoint state security advisers in all the 18 local government area to handle this issues of insecurity.

In conclusion, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams added that the prayers be adopted as the resolutions of the House.

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CRSHA Expresses Sadness Over Violence Killings in Cross River State

By Ofem, Jesam

Cross River State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on State Government to withdraw certificates and benefits from every Paramount ruler, Clan Heads and Village heads who would allowed communal clash in their domain.

The Assembly also wants State Government to organize security summit to address the issues of insecurity in Cross River State.

CRSHA took these resolutions following the presentation of a matter of public interest brought on the floor of the House by Hon. Davies Etta, Member representing Abi State Constituency who informed the house of recent outbreak of communal clash in Abi following the beheading of one Mr. Oti and his son in their farmland when harvesting cassava.

Davies noted that years back, His Excellency Sen. Ben Ayade had a meeting with all the traditional rulers in Abi to settled the communal clash between Ebom and Usumutong communities, but the story remains the same.

Member representing Bakassi State Constituency Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey stated that, it is a matter of concern to the House. We can not be facing economic problems and the issues of communal crisis will be reoccurring daily. He urged that an institution should be established to look into the real cause of the crisis.

Rt. Hon. Okon Ephraim, member representing calabar south State constituency opined that the state government should appoint state security advisers in all the 18 local government area to handle this issues of insecurity.

In conclusion, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams added that the prayers be adopted as the resolutions of the House.

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CR SPEAKER URGES NYCN TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON SECURITY CHALLENGES

 By Cynthia Agbi

 The Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has directed the National Youth Council of Nigeria to focus attention on security challenges during their up-coming International Youth Week.

 

Williams who stated this while the youth leaders paid him a courtesy visit to his office, expressed concern on the poor state of security prevalent in the Country and advised that their sensitization program should be based more on security issues.

         

  Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Comrade Great Ogban, highlighted the activities of the week which includes radio educational campaign and Youth Forum across the 18 local government areas towards building the nation. According to him, the International Youth Week which is slated on the 5th-12th of August 2019 is focused on enhancing education amongst young persons.

           

Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey representing Bakassi state constituency emphasized that the Youth Council has a role to play in curbing conflict in various local governments across the State.

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CR SPEAKER URGES NYCN TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON SECURITY CHALLENGES

 By Cynthia Agbi

 The Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has directed the National Youth Council of Nigeria to focus attention on security challenges during their up-coming International Youth Week.

 

Williams who stated this while the youth leaders paid him a courtesy visit to his office, expressed concern on the poor state of security prevalent in the Country and advised that their sensitization program should be based more on security issues.

         

  Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Comrade Great Ogban, highlighted the activities of the week which includes radio educational campaign and Youth Forum across the 18 local government areas towards building the nation. According to him, the International Youth Week which is slated on the 5th-12th of August 2019 is focused on enhancing education amongst young persons.

           

Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey representing Bakassi state constituency emphasized that the Youth Council has a role to play in curbing conflict in various local governments across the State.

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Dr. Betta Edu tasks National and International Community on Bakassi Ceding

United Nations Country Team (UNCT) members on Thursday at Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State held a retreat on Management Accountability Framework, a foundation piece of the UN reforms process to engage with government.

The retreat which was declare open by  Governor Ben Ayade represented by His Deputy,  Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu stated that development begins when the people are ready to take their destiny in their hands inspite of whatever circumstances they may find themselves.

He tasked the UN to focus more on global and national issues which affect the state such as Climate change, water and sanitation, healthcare and poverty alleviation as well as industrialization to create jobs.

The Governor noted that Cross River State will continue to be an attraction to the development partners, while sustaining the current momentum and also share with sister states in the spirit of South south cooperation as well as triangular cooperation.

According to him Cross River State will achieve more in healthcare with the implementation of state health insurance scheme (Ayadecare) and expansion to cover the  refugees in the State. He call on the UN to give more support. In areas of industrialization, agriculture water and sanitation, ISO certification for manufacturing companies like garment factory and Cross River State Pharmaceutical; more support is needed.

Earlier Speaking the UN Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon said 

Nigeria is making progress in integrating the SDGs into national development plans and programmes with several key policies, institutional and regulatory measures put in place to create an enabling environment for mainstreaming SDGs in national policies, plans and its coordination.

He advised governments to unlock the billions of dollars needed to achieve the SDGs as the UN will play a key role in brokering and supporting such partnerships. He decried the level of youth unemployment in the country stating that Nigeria is sitting on a time Bomb

The immediate past Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu made presentation on behalf of all the state Government; presenting the developmental strides and achievements of Cross River State regarding SDGs especially in areas of Water and Sanitation, healthcare, climate change, agriculture and poverty alleviation as well as the massive industrialisation drive of the State Government. She called on the UN to invest more in the state, attract more investors and help with advocacy to the National and international community on issues bothering the Ceding of Bakassi and the oil wells.

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Dr. Betta Edu tasks National and International Community on Bakassi Ceding

United Nations Country Team (UNCT) members on Thursday at Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State held a retreat on Management Accountability Framework, a foundation piece of the UN reforms process to engage with government.

The retreat which was declare open by  Governor Ben Ayade represented by His Deputy,  Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu stated that development begins when the people are ready to take their destiny in their hands inspite of whatever circumstances they may find themselves.

He tasked the UN to focus more on global and national issues which affect the state such as Climate change, water and sanitation, healthcare and poverty alleviation as well as industrialization to create jobs.

The Governor noted that Cross River State will continue to be an attraction to the development partners, while sustaining the current momentum and also share with sister states in the spirit of South south cooperation as well as triangular cooperation.

According to him Cross River State will achieve more in healthcare with the implementation of state health insurance scheme (Ayadecare) and expansion to cover the  refugees in the State. He call on the UN to give more support. In areas of industrialization, agriculture water and sanitation, ISO certification for manufacturing companies like garment factory and Cross River State Pharmaceutical; more support is needed.

Earlier Speaking the UN Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon said 

Nigeria is making progress in integrating the SDGs into national development plans and programmes with several key policies, institutional and regulatory measures put in place to create an enabling environment for mainstreaming SDGs in national policies, plans and its coordination.

He advised governments to unlock the billions of dollars needed to achieve the SDGs as the UN will play a key role in brokering and supporting such partnerships. He decried the level of youth unemployment in the country stating that Nigeria is sitting on a time Bomb

The immediate past Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu made presentation on behalf of all the state Government; presenting the developmental strides and achievements of Cross River State regarding SDGs especially in areas of Water and Sanitation, healthcare, climate change, agriculture and poverty alleviation as well as the massive industrialisation drive of the State Government. She called on the UN to invest more in the state, attract more investors and help with advocacy to the National and international community on issues bothering the Ceding of Bakassi and the oil wells.

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Imminent State Forest Policy Delights C'River Govt

By Jesam Ofem

The State Government has expressed delight over the imminent Cross River State Forest Policy.

The State Deputy Governor, Professor Esu stated this while declaring open a two-day Stakeholders Validation Workshop for the Cross River State Forest Policy held at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar.

The Deputy Governor Professor Ivara Ejemot Esu stated that  the Senator Ben Ayade-led administration is committed to sustainably managing the forest resources in order to yield environmental goods and services in perpetuity.

The Deputy Governor noted that, the validation of the first ever produced Forest Policy in the state is very dear to the Government and people of the state, adding that, posterity will not forgive us if we fail to put in place guiding strategies as contained in the draft forest policy for the wise management of the renewable valuable resources.

He divulged that investment  opportunities abound  in the forest sector with available land for afforestation and forest regeneration programmes within our degraded forest resources and community forest.

Prof. Esu expressed deep appreciation to the Cross River State Forest Commission and the State Sustainable Fuel wood Management Project for their efforts towards the drafting and finalization of the forest policy, which is near realization in the validation workshop.

He urged participants at the meeting to give their best to the review,  to make for a successful validation of first ever State Forest Policy.

Articulating his views, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, who was represented by the  Yakurr I State Constituency member, Rt. Hon. Nelson Ofem, described the Commission's effort as a step in the right direction that will make for social engineering in the forestry sector.

 

He said the House of Assembly is there to look at the draft policy and ensure that the right thing is done for the betterment of the entire Cross River State.

In his submission, the Deputy Director of Forestry, in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sikiru Oladele, stated that the Federal Government will continue to support Cross River State in the maintenance and development of its forest.

He lauded the State Forestry Commission's effort in putting a policy in place for the effective management of its forest  and advised that such document must be in conformity with the National Forest Policy.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the State Forestry Commission, Mr Timothy  Akwaji intimated that, the Stakeholders Meeting is to take a holistic look at a draft document and validate it so that, it can help consolidate the growth of the Forestry Sector.

He remarked that, Cross River is a nature's gift to Nigeria, Africa and the World; and is the most biologically diversified state within the committee of states in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary cautioned that it was high time the moratorium that has led to wanton destruction of the forest terminated and called on Government to return Forest Management to the Forestry Commission which has the ability to sustainably manage the Cross River State Forest.

Goodwill messages were presented by various Stakeholders and Forest Experts within and outside the state.

In her remarks, the Secretary of the Technical Working Group, who also doubles as State Focal Person, Sustainable Fuel wood Management Project, Dr. Edu Effiom expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the actualization of the draft policy, especially UNDP for funding the entire project.

Dr. Effiom said the Technical Working Group consisted of reputable people in the academia, technocrats, seasoned foresters, community representatives, non-governmental organisations and a host of other critical stakeholders in the Forest Sector.

The event also drew representation from the Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment and other contingents from Edo and Kaduna States of Nigeria.

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Imminent State Forest Policy Delights C'River Govt

By Jesam Ofem

The State Government has expressed delight over the imminent Cross River State Forest Policy.

The State Deputy Governor, Professor Esu stated this while declaring open a two-day Stakeholders Validation Workshop for the Cross River State Forest Policy held at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar.

The Deputy Governor Professor Ivara Ejemot Esu stated that  the Senator Ben Ayade-led administration is committed to sustainably managing the forest resources in order to yield environmental goods and services in perpetuity.

The Deputy Governor noted that, the validation of the first ever produced Forest Policy in the state is very dear to the Government and people of the state, adding that, posterity will not forgive us if we fail to put in place guiding strategies as contained in the draft forest policy for the wise management of the renewable valuable resources.

He divulged that investment  opportunities abound  in the forest sector with available land for afforestation and forest regeneration programmes within our degraded forest resources and community forest.

Prof. Esu expressed deep appreciation to the Cross River State Forest Commission and the State Sustainable Fuel wood Management Project for their efforts towards the drafting and finalization of the forest policy, which is near realization in the validation workshop.

He urged participants at the meeting to give their best to the review,  to make for a successful validation of first ever State Forest Policy.

Articulating his views, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, who was represented by the  Yakurr I State Constituency member, Rt. Hon. Nelson Ofem, described the Commission's effort as a step in the right direction that will make for social engineering in the forestry sector.

 

He said the House of Assembly is there to look at the draft policy and ensure that the right thing is done for the betterment of the entire Cross River State.

In his submission, the Deputy Director of Forestry, in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sikiru Oladele, stated that the Federal Government will continue to support Cross River State in the maintenance and development of its forest.

He lauded the State Forestry Commission's effort in putting a policy in place for the effective management of its forest  and advised that such document must be in conformity with the National Forest Policy.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the State Forestry Commission, Mr Timothy  Akwaji intimated that, the Stakeholders Meeting is to take a holistic look at a draft document and validate it so that, it can help consolidate the growth of the Forestry Sector.

He remarked that, Cross River is a nature's gift to Nigeria, Africa and the World; and is the most biologically diversified state within the committee of states in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary cautioned that it was high time the moratorium that has led to wanton destruction of the forest terminated and called on Government to return Forest Management to the Forestry Commission which has the ability to sustainably manage the Cross River State Forest.

Goodwill messages were presented by various Stakeholders and Forest Experts within and outside the state.

In her remarks, the Secretary of the Technical Working Group, who also doubles as State Focal Person, Sustainable Fuel wood Management Project, Dr. Edu Effiom expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the actualization of the draft policy, especially UNDP for funding the entire project.

Dr. Effiom said the Technical Working Group consisted of reputable people in the academia, technocrats, seasoned foresters, community representatives, non-governmental organisations and a host of other critical stakeholders in the Forest Sector.

The event also drew representation from the Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment and other contingents from Edo and Kaduna States of Nigeria.

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CR ASSEMBLY WANTS DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY AGENCIES, RELIEF MATERIALS FOR WARRING COMMUNITIES IN ODUKPANI

  By Itam Offor

The State Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the State  Government to urgently deploy Security Agencies to Idim Ndom and Obom Itiat Communities for constant patrol and to prevent further destruction of lives and property.

The Assembly also wants the State Government to engage the leaders and stakeholders of Ikot Offiong and Eniong communities in a dialogue towards finding lasting solution to the crisis while also calling on National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and its state counterpart SEMA to send relief materials to the victims of the crisis.

The House do set up a special committee to look into the matter and make appropriate recommendations.

The Assembly took these resolutions following the presentation of a matter of urgent public interest brought on the flour of the House by Member representing Odukpani State Constituency Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo who informed of the recent outbreak of communal clashes between the neighbouring Communities in his constituency.

Asuquo who lamented the wanton destruction of lives and property in the area, informed that primary schools and health facilities in the communities have been destroyed.

In their remarks, Members unanimously condemned the reoccurring crisis while  recalling  efforts of the 8th legislature to bring lasting peace to the warring communities which included a joint session with Akwa Ibom State Legislators. They expressed regrets that the crisis which at a point was between Cross River and Akwa Ibom State communities was now between Sister communities adding that urgent steps must be taken to stop the wanton destruction of lives and property.

The Speaker of the House Rt Hon Eteng Williams çonsequently set up a special 5 man committee to interface with The affected communities which is to be chaired by Member representing Obubra1, Rt Hon Friday Okpechi while Hon Godwin Akwaji representing Obudu, Rt Hon Itam Abang representing Boki 1, Rt Hon Ogbor Ogbor Udop representing Biase and  Rt Hon Elizabeth Ironbar representing Bakassi will serve as members.

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CR ASSEMBLY WANTS URGENT REHABILITATION OF YAHE-WANOKOM-WANIHEM- BENUE BORDER ROAD

 By Itam Offor

The State Assembly has called on the State Government to urgently intervene and rehabilitate the Yahe-Wanokom-Wanihem--Benue Border Road to boast the Socio-economic activities of the rural and agrarian communities along  that road in particular and Yala communities in general as well as check the security threats posed by the bad road.

The House further resolved that Sydney Construction company which was awarded the contract for the road, be asked to return to site and complete the work which has been abandoned for over one year. 

These resolutions were taken following a motion brought before the House by the Member representing Yala 11 State constituency, Hon Cynthia Nkasi who lamented the bad state of the road which according to her traverses the Yala Local Government Area.

Nkasi lamented that farmers do not have access to major markets to sell their produce leading to poverty and rural urban migration.

In supporting the motion, Member representing Yala 1 Rt Hon Regina Anyogu emphasized that, with the rainy season, the deployable state of the road has grossly affected the socio economic activities adding that the people are suffering.

Members in separate remarks reiterated the importance of good road network for development and urged the State Government to embark on the rehabitation of rural roads.

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CR ASSEMBLY WANTS URGENT REHABILITATION OF YAHE-WANOKOM-WANIHEM- BENUE BORDER ROAD

 By Itam Offor

The State Assembly has called on the State Government to urgently intervene and rehabilitate the Yahe-Wanokom-Wanihem--Benue Border Road to boast the Socio-economic activities of the rural and agrarian communities along  that road in particular and Yala communities in general as well as check the security threats posed by the bad road.

The House further resolved that Sydney Construction company which was awarded the contract for the road, be asked to return to site and complete the work which has been abandoned for over one year. 

These resolutions were taken following a motion brought before the House by the Member representing Yala 11 State constituency, Hon Cynthia Nkasi who lamented the bad state of the road which according to her traverses the Yala Local Government Area.

Nkasi lamented that farmers do not have access to major markets to sell their produce leading to poverty and rural urban migration.

In supporting the motion, Member representing Yala 1 Rt Hon Regina Anyogu emphasized that, with the rainy season, the deployable state of the road has grossly affected the socio economic activities adding that the people are suffering.

Members in separate remarks reiterated the importance of good road network for development and urged the State Government to embark on the rehabitation of rural roads.

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CR ASSEMBLY WANTS DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY AGENCIES, RELIEF MATERIALS FOR WARRING COMMUNITIES IN ODUKPANI

  By Itam Offor

The State Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the State  Government to urgently deploy Security Agencies to Idim Ndom and Obom Itiat Communities for constant patrol and to prevent further destruction of lives and property.

The Assembly also wants the State Government to engage the leaders and stakeholders of Ikot Offiong and Eniong communities in a dialogue towards finding lasting solution to the crisis while also calling on National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and its state counterpart SEMA to send relief materials to the victims of the crisis.

The House do set up a special committee to look into the matter and make appropriate recommendations.

The Assembly took these resolutions following the presentation of a matter of urgent public interest brought on the flour of the House by Member representing Odukpani State Constituency Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo who informed of the recent outbreak of communal clashes between the neighbouring Communities in his constituency.

Asuquo who lamented the wanton destruction of lives and property in the area, informed that primary schools and health facilities in the communities have been destroyed.

In their remarks, Members unanimously condemned the reoccurring crisis while  recalling  efforts of the 8th legislature to bring lasting peace to the warring communities which included a joint session with Akwa Ibom State Legislators. They expressed regrets that the crisis which at a point was between Cross River and Akwa Ibom State communities was now between Sister communities adding that urgent steps must be taken to stop the wanton destruction of lives and property.

The Speaker of the House Rt Hon Eteng Williams çonsequently set up a special 5 man committee to interface with The affected communities which is to be chaired by Member representing Obubra1, Rt Hon Friday Okpechi while Hon Godwin Akwaji representing Obudu, Rt Hon Itam Abang representing Boki 1, Rt Hon Ogbor Ogbor Udop representing Biase and  Rt Hon Elizabeth Ironbar representing Bakassi will serve as members.

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CRSG COMMITTED TO IMPROVING CORPS MEMBERS' WELFARE ... Orders Renovation of Camp

By Trinity Ofem

Cross River State Government has expressed commitment towards improving  the welfare of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) sent to the State.

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade, who was represented by the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, made this known during the closing ceremony of 2019 Batch B, Stream 1 Orientation Course for Corps Members held recently at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Obubra, Cross River State.

Governor Ayade disclosed that he has approved the review of the allowance paid to Corps Members in Cross River and further directed  the Ministry of Finance to work out a plan for immediate implementation.

The Governor stated that his administration is not ignorant of the challenges faced during the orientation course and other issues that have been raised concerning the welfare of Corps Members.

"I am directing the Ministry of Works to immediately survey the entire orientation camp and bring up to me the renovation needs to be carried out in camp," Gov. Ayade ordered.

Congratulating and welcoming the Corps Members to 'People's Paradise' (Cross River State), the State number one citizen challenged Corps Members to make the most service year and leave imprints as they contribute in the development of the State and nation at large.

On posting of Corps Members, the Governor said: "we encourage the posting of Corps Members to rural areas where their services are most needed as our people are largely agrarian and dwell in communities outside urban settlements. In this regard, we expect most of the corps members to accept their posting in good fate."

Dignitaries present includes;  The Leader of CRSHA, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the  Head of Local Government Administration, Obubra, Chief Barry Inyang, State Coordinator of NYSC, Staff of NYSC, retired NYSC directors, representatives of military and para-military organizations, among others.

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CRSG COMMITTED TO IMPROVING CORPS MEMBERS' WELFARE ... Orders Renovation of Camp

By Trinity Ofem

Cross River State Government has expressed commitment towards improving  the welfare of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) sent to the State.

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade, who was represented by the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, made this known during the closing ceremony of 2019 Batch B, Stream 1 Orientation Course for Corps Members held recently at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Obubra, Cross River State.

Governor Ayade disclosed that he has approved the review of the allowance paid to Corps Members in Cross River and further directed  the Ministry of Finance to work out a plan for immediate implementation.

The Governor stated that his administration is not ignorant of the challenges faced during the orientation course and other issues that have been raised concerning the welfare of Corps Members.

"I am directing the Ministry of Works to immediately survey the entire orientation camp and bring up to me the renovation needs to be carried out in camp," Gov. Ayade ordered.

Congratulating and welcoming the Corps Members to 'People's Paradise' (Cross River State), the State number one citizen challenged Corps Members to make the most service year and leave imprints as they contribute in the development of the State and nation at large.

On posting of Corps Members, the Governor said: "we encourage the posting of Corps Members to rural areas where their services are most needed as our people are largely agrarian and dwell in communities outside urban settlements. In this regard, we expect most of the corps members to accept their posting in good fate."

Dignitaries present includes;  The Leader of CRSHA, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the  Head of Local Government Administration, Obubra, Chief Barry Inyang, State Coordinator of NYSC, Staff of NYSC, retired NYSC directors, representatives of military and para-military organizations, among others.

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LAWMAKERS APPROVE LOAN OF 5BILLION FOR STATE GOVT

By Itam Offor

The House of Assembly has approved the request of the State Government to access a loan facility of 5billion Naira from the First Bank of Nigeria PLC.

The House gave the approval in a motion moved by the Leader Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and seconded by his Deputy Rt. Hon. Fred Osim after deliberating on a letter signed by Dr Innocent E. Eteng Permanent Secretary Governor's office, which conveyed the Governor's request for the Assembly's resolution to access the loan offer.

 The letter indicated that the state Government; "has been unable to meet its financial obligations with respect to payment of pension and other unforeseen obligations due to paucity of funds and dwindling statutory allocation from the federal Government".

In their deliberation, Members noted that the loan will alleviate the plight of pensioners as well as assist the state Government continue the ongoing projects across the state. Members expressed confidence that Governor Ayade will use the requested funds judiciously. 

The Speaker, Rt Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams noted that the preponderance of Members' opinion supported the resolution and directed the clerk of the House, Barr Bassey Ekpenyog to convey the Assembly approval to the Governor.

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LAWMAKERS APPROVE LOAN OF 5BILLION FOR STATE GOVT

By Itam Offor

The House of Assembly has approved the request of the State Government to access a loan facility of 5billion Naira from the First Bank of Nigeria PLC.

The House gave the approval in a motion moved by the Leader Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and seconded by his Deputy Rt. Hon. Fred Osim after deliberating on a letter signed by Dr Innocent E. Eteng Permanent Secretary Governor's office, which conveyed the Governor's request for the Assembly's resolution to access the loan offer.

 The letter indicated that the state Government; "has been unable to meet its financial obligations with respect to payment of pension and other unforeseen obligations due to paucity of funds and dwindling statutory allocation from the federal Government".

In their deliberation, Members noted that the loan will alleviate the plight of pensioners as well as assist the state Government continue the ongoing projects across the state. Members expressed confidence that Governor Ayade will use the requested funds judiciously. 

The Speaker, Rt Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams noted that the preponderance of Members' opinion supported the resolution and directed the clerk of the House, Barr Bassey Ekpenyog to convey the Assembly approval to the Governor.

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MD WATER BOARD TO CALABAR RESIDENTS: Expect safe and sustainable water on or before Monday, 8 July, 2019

By Itam Offor

The Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board, Barr Asuquo Ekpo Ada has promised that the board will resume the supply of clean, safe and sustainable water in Calabar metropolis on before Monday, 8 2019.

Ada made the promise while briefing Members of the State House who had earlier summoned him and his management team to the Assembly to offer public explanation on the current water scarcity across the State.

Ada explained that, when he assumed duty as Managing Director of the Board on November 27, 2018 and he met the treatment plant and other facilities in a deplorable state adding that he however resumed the distribution of potable water in Calabar metropolis from December 2018 to April 2019 until residents began to complained about the poor quality of the water.

The MD also informed that, he met a judgment debt totaling over 100 million Naira, other debts, and dilapidated facilities, amongst other challenges. He informed the House that the Company had embarked on routine maintenance which according to him is about 90% completed and appealed to Cross Riverians to keep fate with the company assuring that residents of Calabar metropolis will soon enjoy sustainable water supply while other parts of the State will have water at a later date.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House Rt. Hon, Eteng Jonah Williams expressed Member's dissatisfaction over the current water situation across the State. He urged the MD to make good his promise to alleviate the sufferings of the masses.

Members, while questioning the MD, were unanimous in condemning the lack of portable water across the state and tasked Water to urgently remedy the situation. 

You recall that the Assembly had taken a resolution on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 to summon the management of Water Board to offer public explanation on the water crisis across the State.

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MD WATER BOARD TO CALABAR RESIDENTS: Expect safe and sustainable water on or before Monday, 8 July, 2019

By Itam Offor

The Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board, Barr Asuquo Ekpo Ada has promised that the board will resume the supply of clean, safe and sustainable water in Calabar metropolis on before Monday, 8 2019.

Ada made the promise while briefing Members of the State House who had earlier summoned him and his management team to the Assembly to offer public explanation on the current water scarcity across the State.

Ada explained that, when he assumed duty as Managing Director of the Board on November 27, 2018 and he met the treatment plant and other facilities in a deplorable state adding that he however resumed the distribution of potable water in Calabar metropolis from December 2018 to April 2019 until residents began to complained about the poor quality of the water.

The MD also informed that, he met a judgment debt totaling over 100 million Naira, other debts, and dilapidated facilities, amongst other challenges. He informed the House that the Company had embarked on routine maintenance which according to him is about 90% completed and appealed to Cross Riverians to keep fate with the company assuring that residents of Calabar metropolis will soon enjoy sustainable water supply while other parts of the State will have water at a later date.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House Rt. Hon, Eteng Jonah Williams expressed Member's dissatisfaction over the current water situation across the State. He urged the MD to make good his promise to alleviate the sufferings of the masses.

Members, while questioning the MD, were unanimous in condemning the lack of portable water across the state and tasked Water to urgently remedy the situation. 

You recall that the Assembly had taken a resolution on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 to summon the management of Water Board to offer public explanation on the water crisis across the State.

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CROSS RIVER ASSEMBLY ASSURES UN-REDD PLUS ON FOREST PROTECTION

The Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams, has assured that the 9th Assembly will support the State Ministry of Climate Change and the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (UN-REDD+) programme in the state on forest protection.

The Speaker made the pledge on Thursday, when he received a delegation from the State Ministry of Climate Change and the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (UN-REDD+), who were at his office to  congratulate him on the inauguration of the 9th Assembly and to intimate the House that the forest is under threat by illegal activities of deforestation.

Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams further said the legislature under his watch, will make laws that will ban encroachment into the forest reserves in the state and a development plan put in place to take care of host communities. 

According to Speaker, the house has keyed into the REDD+ programme that is why the bill on Quarry Regulatory Agency passed in May this year has made provisions for the fees and levies paid by persons and companies granted mining license to be paid directly into the Forest Trust Fund created under the Forestry Commission Law. This is to ensure aforestation after the deforestation caused by activities of the miners.  

He therefore encouraged the two bodies to be steadfast in their duties.

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CROSS RIVER ASSEMBLY ASSURES UN-REDD PLUS ON FOREST PROTECTION

The Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams, has assured that the 9th Assembly will support the State Ministry of Climate Change and the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (UN-REDD+) programme in the state on forest protection.

The Speaker made the pledge on Thursday, when he received a delegation from the State Ministry of Climate Change and the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (UN-REDD+), who were at his office to  congratulate him on the inauguration of the 9th Assembly and to intimate the House that the forest is under threat by illegal activities of deforestation.

Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams further said the legislature under his watch, will make laws that will ban encroachment into the forest reserves in the state and a development plan put in place to take care of host communities. 

According to Speaker, the house has keyed into the REDD+ programme that is why the bill on Quarry Regulatory Agency passed in May this year has made provisions for the fees and levies paid by persons and companies granted mining license to be paid directly into the Forest Trust Fund created under the Forestry Commission Law. This is to ensure aforestation after the deforestation caused by activities of the miners.  

He therefore encouraged the two bodies to be steadfast in their duties.

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NIPR PRESIDENT TASKS YOUTHS ON A NEW NIGERIA VISION.

By Kingsley Agim

The President and Chairman of Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo has enjoined Nigerians Youths to shape up towards enthroning a new vision for Nigeria that would be devoid of ethnicity, religious and tribal sentiments.

Mallam Sirajo, who stated this when he spoke as special guest of honour at the 10th anniversary celebration of  the Cross River State Chapter's annual flagship Public Relations orientation programme -"Children's Day with NIPR" held at the palatial Senate Chambers of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, pointed out that Nigeria as a nation is currently heading dangerously towards a collapse, adding that something urgent must be done to reshape our mindset and psyche towards enthroning a new vision for the country and her people.

"I want to see us as a people return to the old times when nobody ask you where you are from before offerring you a job; a Nigeria where ethnicity,tribe and religion is not a basis for anything we need, a Nigeria  where you can be appointed or voted into office to serve the people in any part of the country",your capacity to deliver should be the main basis, the NIPR President enthused.

"I can remember in those days when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe - an Igbo man - contested for Premier  of the Western Region", adding that he would like to have a Nigeria where one can freely aspire to any position in any part of the country, without ethicity, tribe and/or religiion being a criteria at any level of our development as a nation," the NIPR President further remarked.

The NIPR  President posited that the Leadership of the country since independence has failed the people by the continued promotion of ethnicism and religious bigotry and sued for a change for the over all interest of future Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary,Cross River State Ministry of Information & Orientation, Dr. Aye Henshaw II lauded the initiative of orientating the children in the Public Relations discipline, emphasizing that children are the future hope of Nigeria.

Represented by Mr. Michael Nyajor, Director of Publlic Relations in the Ministry, Dr. Henshaw II congratulated the State Chapter of NIPR for sustaining the Children's programme and assured the Institute of the State Government's commitment towards the promotion of best practices in governance as well as Public Relations ideals.

In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chris Ogbondah, commended Cross River Chapter of NIPR for extending professional guidance beyond the tertiary institutions to the secondary school students, a development, he maintained, will help shape the younger ones as prospective Public Relations Professionals.

The renowned Professor of Journalism at the University of Northern Iowa, USA, who described Public Relations as "a two-way communication between an organization and members of its publics," noted that the profession has evolved over time and Practitioners must brace up with contemporary practice of the profession.

Prof. Ogbondah stated that just as technology has made PR practice more exciting through radio, television, podcast, and the multiplicity channels on the World Wide Web; it also poses challenges of tuning out the noises – fake news, fake websites – and how to choose from the most effective medium for effective communication.

The keynote Speaker on the theme of the 10th anniversary "Public Relations Profession and Career Opportunities", Mr. Benedict Okache, tutored participants on the nitty-gritties of the Public Relations Profession ranging from the Meaning of Public Relations and Career Opportunities, who a Public Relations Practitioner is,criteria for membership of the Institute and categories of membership, Qualities of a professional Public Relations Practitioner, Public Relations Tools, etc.

Mr. Okache enjoined students to put in their best effort in the study of the discipline, noting that the profession is a 'goldmine', where limitless opportunities abound.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Cross River State Chairman of NIPR, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong stated that 'Children's Day with NIPR,' which started in 2008, during the tenure of Chief Frank Hogan, is one of the chapter's flagship programmes aimed at creating awareness amongst Senior Secondary School Students on the need to study Mass Communication in tertiary institutions and subsequently make a career in Public Relations.

Ntunkae Offiong noted that since the implementation of the 2009 edition of Children's Day with NIPR, the programme has recorded the following modest achievements: increased awareness among Secondary School Students about Mass Communication as a course of study in tertiary institutions in Cross River State; establishment of Mass Communication Department in the University of Calabar through awareness creation and continuous contact with students and management of the University.

Other achievements are introduction of workshop-format training for Secondary School Student in the State; established and sustained a symbiotic relationship between the Chapter, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in the State; and increased enrolment of Mass Communication Students in tertiary institutions in the State.

The State Chairman further quipped that the need for establishing students' wing in both the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology became imperative due to the yearnings and aspirations of the undergraduate students who attended Children's Day with NIPR since its inception as observers.

She lauded the express approval granted the Institute by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Zana Akpagu and his out-gone counterpart at the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, for the establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Students' Association (NIPRESA) in both institutions, while congratulating the pioneer Executives of NIPRESA of both UNICAL and CRUTECH.

The State NIPR Chairman, on behalf of the Chapter, also acknowledged Prof. Chris Ogbondah for chairing the occasion, the NIPR President, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo for always being supportive of the Chapter; immediate past President of NIPR, Dr. Rotimi Oladele for donating story books to the students and Mr. Peter Oyenye for gifting Public Relations books to the Chapter.

The UNICAL NIPRESA Wing Executive will be led by Comrade Godswill John Udoh as President, ably assisted by Emmanuel Ekanem as Vice President, while Comrade Divine Inyang and Hope Oyeamaechi will lead the CRUTECH Wing Executives as President and Vice respectively.

Prof. Offiong Ani Offiong - Dean, Faculty of Communication Technology, University of Calabar, Dr. Rotimi Oladele -- immediate past NIPR President, Chief Frank Hogan -- immediate past Chairman, Cross River State Chapter of NIPR, Benedict Okache, Keynote Speaker and Vice Chairman, Cross River State Chapter of NIPR, Henshaw Town Secondary School, Calabar and Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School, Calabar, were all deserving recipients of the Institute's awards for their meritorious service and contribution to humanity.

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NIPR PRESIDENT TASKS YOUTHS ON A NEW NIGERIA VISION.

By Kingsley Agim

The President and Chairman of Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo has enjoined Nigerians Youths to shape up towards enthroning a new vision for Nigeria that would be devoid of ethnicity, religious and tribal sentiments.

Mallam Sirajo, who stated this when he spoke as special guest of honour at the 10th anniversary celebration of  the Cross River State Chapter's annual flagship Public Relations orientation programme -"Children's Day with NIPR" held at the palatial Senate Chambers of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, pointed out that Nigeria as a nation is currently heading dangerously towards a collapse, adding that something urgent must be done to reshape our mindset and psyche towards enthroning a new vision for the country and her people.

"I want to see us as a people return to the old times when nobody ask you where you are from before offerring you a job; a Nigeria where ethnicity,tribe and religion is not a basis for anything we need, a Nigeria  where you can be appointed or voted into office to serve the people in any part of the country",your capacity to deliver should be the main basis, the NIPR President enthused.

"I can remember in those days when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe - an Igbo man - contested for Premier  of the Western Region", adding that he would like to have a Nigeria where one can freely aspire to any position in any part of the country, without ethicity, tribe and/or religiion being a criteria at any level of our development as a nation," the NIPR President further remarked.

The NIPR  President posited that the Leadership of the country since independence has failed the people by the continued promotion of ethnicism and religious bigotry and sued for a change for the over all interest of future Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary,Cross River State Ministry of Information & Orientation, Dr. Aye Henshaw II lauded the initiative of orientating the children in the Public Relations discipline, emphasizing that children are the future hope of Nigeria.

Represented by Mr. Michael Nyajor, Director of Publlic Relations in the Ministry, Dr. Henshaw II congratulated the State Chapter of NIPR for sustaining the Children's programme and assured the Institute of the State Government's commitment towards the promotion of best practices in governance as well as Public Relations ideals.

In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chris Ogbondah, commended Cross River Chapter of NIPR for extending professional guidance beyond the tertiary institutions to the secondary school students, a development, he maintained, will help shape the younger ones as prospective Public Relations Professionals.

The renowned Professor of Journalism at the University of Northern Iowa, USA, who described Public Relations as "a two-way communication between an organization and members of its publics," noted that the profession has evolved over time and Practitioners must brace up with contemporary practice of the profession.

Prof. Ogbondah stated that just as technology has made PR practice more exciting through radio, television, podcast, and the multiplicity channels on the World Wide Web; it also poses challenges of tuning out the noises – fake news, fake websites – and how to choose from the most effective medium for effective communication.

The keynote Speaker on the theme of the 10th anniversary "Public Relations Profession and Career Opportunities", Mr. Benedict Okache, tutored participants on the nitty-gritties of the Public Relations Profession ranging from the Meaning of Public Relations and Career Opportunities, who a Public Relations Practitioner is,criteria for membership of the Institute and categories of membership, Qualities of a professional Public Relations Practitioner, Public Relations Tools, etc.

Mr. Okache enjoined students to put in their best effort in the study of the discipline, noting that the profession is a 'goldmine', where limitless opportunities abound.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Cross River State Chairman of NIPR, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong stated that 'Children's Day with NIPR,' which started in 2008, during the tenure of Chief Frank Hogan, is one of the chapter's flagship programmes aimed at creating awareness amongst Senior Secondary School Students on the need to study Mass Communication in tertiary institutions and subsequently make a career in Public Relations.

Ntunkae Offiong noted that since the implementation of the 2009 edition of Children's Day with NIPR, the programme has recorded the following modest achievements: increased awareness among Secondary School Students about Mass Communication as a course of study in tertiary institutions in Cross River State; establishment of Mass Communication Department in the University of Calabar through awareness creation and continuous contact with students and management of the University.

Other achievements are introduction of workshop-format training for Secondary School Student in the State; established and sustained a symbiotic relationship between the Chapter, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in the State; and increased enrolment of Mass Communication Students in tertiary institutions in the State.

The State Chairman further quipped that the need for establishing students' wing in both the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology became imperative due to the yearnings and aspirations of the undergraduate students who attended Children's Day with NIPR since its inception as observers.

She lauded the express approval granted the Institute by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Zana Akpagu and his out-gone counterpart at the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, for the establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Students' Association (NIPRESA) in both institutions, while congratulating the pioneer Executives of NIPRESA of both UNICAL and CRUTECH.

The State NIPR Chairman, on behalf of the Chapter, also acknowledged Prof. Chris Ogbondah for chairing the occasion, the NIPR President, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo for always being supportive of the Chapter; immediate past President of NIPR, Dr. Rotimi Oladele for donating story books to the students and Mr. Peter Oyenye for gifting Public Relations books to the Chapter.

The UNICAL NIPRESA Wing Executive will be led by Comrade Godswill John Udoh as President, ably assisted by Emmanuel Ekanem as Vice President, while Comrade Divine Inyang and Hope Oyeamaechi will lead the CRUTECH Wing Executives as President and Vice respectively.

Prof. Offiong Ani Offiong - Dean, Faculty of Communication Technology, University of Calabar, Dr. Rotimi Oladele -- immediate past NIPR President, Chief Frank Hogan -- immediate past Chairman, Cross River State Chapter of NIPR, Benedict Okache, Keynote Speaker and Vice Chairman, Cross River State Chapter of NIPR, Henshaw Town Secondary School, Calabar and Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School, Calabar, were all deserving recipients of the Institute's awards for their meritorious service and contribution to humanity.

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