2019 Civil Service Day: HOS thanks Gov. Ayade's disposition towards workers' welfare

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River State Head of Service, Barr. Ekpenyong Henshaw has expressed gratitude to the Governor Ben Ayade's passion for the growth and development of the civil/public service and determination to improve the fortunes of the State's workforce.

The Head of Service, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office (Office of the Head of Service), Mr. Emmanuel Enene Eke, gave the appreciation in his welcome address on the event of the 2019 Civil Service Day Celebration held, yesterday, in the mainbowl of the Cultural Centre Complex in Calabar.

Barr. Henshaw reminded civil servants that the Ayade-led administration "places strong premium on its Civil/Public Service workforce, hence, the prompt and consistent payment of salaries.

The Head of Service, who described the civil service as "the engine of government in any organized society," urged civil/public servants to use the event to "show solidarity through practical demonstration of commitment and patriotism to the Service of the State."

The State number one worker commended all civil servants, especially the awardees, for their contributions, while assuring the State Government of the Service's unalloyed support.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Bryan Ekpong, lauded the Service for remaining faithful to the State towards effective service delivery, quipping: "I encourage you to keep the flag flying."

In a vote of thanks, the Provost of College of Permanent Secretaries and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forestry, Mr. Timothy Ugbang Akwaji, spoke in glowing terms of the Ayade-led administration, maintaining that "if there is a bureaucracy today, it is because, for the first time, an administration has placed unparalleled commitment towards ensuring that the bureaucracy survives.

The 2019 Civil Service Day Celebration, themed: "Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Effective Delivery of Service Innovative Transformation and Accountable Institutions," featured a lecture delivered by the erudite former Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary-Theresa Ikwuen. Dr. Kashim Y. Akor, who is the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre,  also presented a well-researched paper on "Productivity for National Re-engineering, Security and Growth."

The event also featured presentation of awards to civil servants who performed creditably well within the year under review.

The awards which had 16 recipients from the directorate cadre and 19 from the non-directorate, saw Cecilia Otu Offiong of Cross River State Sports Commission emerged star prize winner, while Offiong Ani Offiong, Awhuwhe Sylvanus, Obeten Enang, Offiong Eden and Richard George Edem made the top six.

The Civil Service Day is an international event that is marked annually to draw attention to the contribution of civil servants towards the development of the society.

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2019 Civil Service Day: HOS thanks Gov. Ayade's disposition towards workers' welfare

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River State Head of Service, Barr. Ekpenyong Henshaw has expressed gratitude to the Governor Ben Ayade's passion for the growth and development of the civil/public service and determination to improve the fortunes of the State's workforce.

The Head of Service, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office (Office of the Head of Service), Mr. Emmanuel Enene Eke, gave the appreciation in his welcome address on the event of the 2019 Civil Service Day Celebration held, yesterday, in the mainbowl of the Cultural Centre Complex in Calabar.

Barr. Henshaw reminded civil servants that the Ayade-led administration "places strong premium on its Civil/Public Service workforce, hence, the prompt and consistent payment of salaries.

The Head of Service, who described the civil service as "the engine of government in any organized society," urged civil/public servants to use the event to "show solidarity through practical demonstration of commitment and patriotism to the Service of the State."

The State number one worker commended all civil servants, especially the awardees, for their contributions, while assuring the State Government of the Service's unalloyed support.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Bryan Ekpong, lauded the Service for remaining faithful to the State towards effective service delivery, quipping: "I encourage you to keep the flag flying."

In a vote of thanks, the Provost of College of Permanent Secretaries and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forestry, Mr. Timothy Ugbang Akwaji, spoke in glowing terms of the Ayade-led administration, maintaining that "if there is a bureaucracy today, it is because, for the first time, an administration has placed unparalleled commitment towards ensuring that the bureaucracy survives.

The 2019 Civil Service Day Celebration, themed: "Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Effective Delivery of Service Innovative Transformation and Accountable Institutions," featured a lecture delivered by the erudite former Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary-Theresa Ikwuen. Dr. Kashim Y. Akor, who is the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre,  also presented a well-researched paper on "Productivity for National Re-engineering, Security and Growth."

The event also featured presentation of awards to civil servants who performed creditably well within the year under review.

The awards which had 16 recipients from the directorate cadre and 19 from the non-directorate, saw Cecilia Otu Offiong of Cross River State Sports Commission emerged star prize winner, while Offiong Ani Offiong, Awhuwhe Sylvanus, Obeten Enang, Offiong Eden and Richard George Edem made the top six.

The Civil Service Day is an international event that is marked annually to draw attention to the contribution of civil servants towards the development of the society.

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C'River : A Toast To Sir Ayade, Nigeria's Salary King

At the time Sir Ben Ayade assumed office as the third democratically elected Governor of Cross River State in 2015, the state was virtually struggling to pay salaries.
And just like he said during his inauguration that he understands the situation of the state as such will proffer solutions rather than bore Cross Riverians with excuses, he has been very consistent with early payment of salaries.

He has religiously, kept to his promise of never allowing any Cross River worker sleep hungry due to unpaid salary. He talks about salary issue with so much passion, determination and commitment such that he has even promised to rather sleep hungry than owe workers.

There's no record of any administration since the creation of the state that workers in the state have had it better in terms of salary payment than the Sir Ayade's administration. Despite the obvious lean financial position of the state, he has matched his record of prompt payment of salaries with other gigantic projects he is undertaking across the state.

Tongues have continued to wag over how the Governor is doing this especially when you consider that the state was already declared insolvent before he assumed office in 2015. Prior to his tenure, the difficulties in paying salary was not even a state issue as the former Finance Minister, Okonjo Iwala confessed in a live television programme that even the federal government was borrowing to pay salary.

It's instructive to remind Cross Riverians that the Governor Ayade administration is almost the only one in the history of the state that has not borrowed to pay salaries. This is despite the fact that it's the poorest ever in terms of what the state is getting from the federation coffers as monthly allocation coupled with a crippling debt burden.

Unlike before where workers protest against government through industrial action for non-payment of salary, the only protest that has come from workers under the Ayade's administration is that the Governor was paying salary too early. This of course is not a negative querry because there's no worker anywhere in world that will prefer being owed than being paid earlier than expected.

A critical look at the account of the state will show the magic the Governor is performing to maintain his sterling record as Nigeria Salary Master while still meeting other governance demands.

In 2018, the allocation for Cross River was the least in the entire South/South states. What was billed for the state was just N91 billion but after statutory deductions at source for debt servicing, the state was left with about half of the sum which could not even meet the wage demand.

The wage bill of the state as at 2016 was N61.2 billion for the 22,000 workers. This of course is in addition to political appointees. It's no more news that Gov. Ayade in his first term ran an expanded cabinet and government. He gave more people opportunity to be part of government than any other administration in the state and county at large and this translate to more finacial burden on him.

Also, around 2017, the Governor increased the monthly subvention of the state owned University, Cross River University of Technology from N169 million to N215 million; the highest ever in the history of the institution. This unarguably is the reason why the school which hitherto was notorious for strike actions has stayed for the first time for over three years without embarking on any.

In 2016 and 2017 when the country was struggling with one of her worst recessions ever, the state even received less allocation. The reality of all these is that each time the Governor pays salaries the state runs deficit of more than what it's gotten as allocation and IGR.

With this reality and as an insolvent state, how the Governor is meeting other administration demands like overhead and still embarking on all the capital intensive projects littered around the state remains a mystery.

Ostensibly, when you measure the cost of paying salaries, the humungous amount that has gone into infrastructural development through the Governor's industrialization drive, the running expenses vis-a-vis what accrues to the state, you'll come to one conclusion; Gov. Ayade's ingenuity and intellectual money remain the factors sustaining the state.

For this, let all well meaning Cross Riverians toast to the success of this administration that has done so much with so little. Supporting and praying for Governor's Ayade's success is praying for the success of the State.

Inyali Peter

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C'River : A Toast To Sir Ayade, Nigeria's Salary King

At the time Sir Ben Ayade assumed office as the third democratically elected Governor of Cross River State in 2015, the state was virtually struggling to pay salaries.
And just like he said during his inauguration that he understands the situation of the state as such will proffer solutions rather than bore Cross Riverians with excuses, he has been very consistent with early payment of salaries.

He has religiously, kept to his promise of never allowing any Cross River worker sleep hungry due to unpaid salary. He talks about salary issue with so much passion, determination and commitment such that he has even promised to rather sleep hungry than owe workers.

There's no record of any administration since the creation of the state that workers in the state have had it better in terms of salary payment than the Sir Ayade's administration. Despite the obvious lean financial position of the state, he has matched his record of prompt payment of salaries with other gigantic projects he is undertaking across the state.

Tongues have continued to wag over how the Governor is doing this especially when you consider that the state was already declared insolvent before he assumed office in 2015. Prior to his tenure, the difficulties in paying salary was not even a state issue as the former Finance Minister, Okonjo Iwala confessed in a live television programme that even the federal government was borrowing to pay salary.

It's instructive to remind Cross Riverians that the Governor Ayade administration is almost the only one in the history of the state that has not borrowed to pay salaries. This is despite the fact that it's the poorest ever in terms of what the state is getting from the federation coffers as monthly allocation coupled with a crippling debt burden.

Unlike before where workers protest against government through industrial action for non-payment of salary, the only protest that has come from workers under the Ayade's administration is that the Governor was paying salary too early. This of course is not a negative querry because there's no worker anywhere in world that will prefer being owed than being paid earlier than expected.

A critical look at the account of the state will show the magic the Governor is performing to maintain his sterling record as Nigeria Salary Master while still meeting other governance demands.

In 2018, the allocation for Cross River was the least in the entire South/South states. What was billed for the state was just N91 billion but after statutory deductions at source for debt servicing, the state was left with about half of the sum which could not even meet the wage demand.

The wage bill of the state as at 2016 was N61.2 billion for the 22,000 workers. This of course is in addition to political appointees. It's no more news that Gov. Ayade in his first term ran an expanded cabinet and government. He gave more people opportunity to be part of government than any other administration in the state and county at large and this translate to more finacial burden on him.

Also, around 2017, the Governor increased the monthly subvention of the state owned University, Cross River University of Technology from N169 million to N215 million; the highest ever in the history of the institution. This unarguably is the reason why the school which hitherto was notorious for strike actions has stayed for the first time for over three years without embarking on any.

In 2016 and 2017 when the country was struggling with one of her worst recessions ever, the state even received less allocation. The reality of all these is that each time the Governor pays salaries the state runs deficit of more than what it's gotten as allocation and IGR.

With this reality and as an insolvent state, how the Governor is meeting other administration demands like overhead and still embarking on all the capital intensive projects littered around the state remains a mystery.

Ostensibly, when you measure the cost of paying salaries, the humungous amount that has gone into infrastructural development through the Governor's industrialization drive, the running expenses vis-a-vis what accrues to the state, you'll come to one conclusion; Gov. Ayade's ingenuity and intellectual money remain the factors sustaining the state.

For this, let all well meaning Cross Riverians toast to the success of this administration that has done so much with so little. Supporting and praying for Governor's Ayade's success is praying for the success of the State.

Inyali Peter

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CRHA GRANTS APPROVAL FOR A CREDIT FACILITY FROM ZENITH BANK PLC.

Itam Ofor, Abara Etop.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has granted approval for the State Government to obtain a loan facility from Zenith Bank PLC, to the sum of of 1,519,884,078.86 (one Billion five hundred and Nineteen Million Eight hundred and Eighty Four Thousand Seventy Eight Naira Eighty six Kobo, (only) as counterpart funding in respect of the Universal Basic Education, UBE projects in the State.


In a correspondent dated 24th October, 2019, addressed to the Speaker and Honorable Members, requesting the House resolution to enable the State accessed and finance it's 50% Contribution to the  Universal Basic Education UBE projects in the State in fulfilment of her obligation, the correspondence also noted that the facility will provide a temporary funding to Government, adding that the facility is offered on a 36 monthly tenor at 15% interest rate.


Contributing to the request, the Member representing Bekwara State Constituency, Hon. Edward Ajang, urged the House to grant approval as requested, noting that the correspondence seeks approval to finance a 50% counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education projects  for the State.


While the Member representing Obanliku State Constituency, Hon. Sunday Ikwen Achunekang, lamented that hence the State is less privilege in Education, the approval will enable the State access additional funds, it therefore requires speedy consideration.


On his part, Rt. Hon. Friday Okpeche, Member, representing Obubra 1, was of the view that since the request will assist the State access more funds to rehabilitate Primary Schools for Children in the State and improve on the Education, he called on membbers to support the request.
Akamkpa 1 representative, Rt. Hon. Mathew Olory, reminded the authorities that when this funds are approved SUBEB in the State, should as a policy, spread their construction/rehabilitation to rural Communities of the State.

The Member representing Boki 11 Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, submitted that the request should be reffered the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation to meet with the relevant Stakeholders to interface for proper briefing.

The Speaker, in his wisdom, urged Members to support the request to enable the State be a part of the grant from the Federal Government, the House however granted the approval in a resolution as requested by the State  and then adjourned to Wednesday, October 30 2019, for plenary.

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CRHA GRANTS APPROVAL FOR A CREDIT FACILITY FROM ZENITH BANK PLC.

Itam Ofor, Abara Etop.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has granted approval for the State Government to obtain a loan facility from Zenith Bank PLC, to the sum of of 1,519,884,078.86 (one Billion five hundred and Nineteen Million Eight hundred and Eighty Four Thousand Seventy Eight Naira Eighty six Kobo, (only) as counterpart funding in respect of the Universal Basic Education, UBE projects in the State.


In a correspondent dated 24th October, 2019, addressed to the Speaker and Honorable Members, requesting the House resolution to enable the State accessed and finance it's 50% Contribution to the  Universal Basic Education UBE projects in the State in fulfilment of her obligation, the correspondence also noted that the facility will provide a temporary funding to Government, adding that the facility is offered on a 36 monthly tenor at 15% interest rate.


Contributing to the request, the Member representing Bekwara State Constituency, Hon. Edward Ajang, urged the House to grant approval as requested, noting that the correspondence seeks approval to finance a 50% counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education projects  for the State.


While the Member representing Obanliku State Constituency, Hon. Sunday Ikwen Achunekang, lamented that hence the State is less privilege in Education, the approval will enable the State access additional funds, it therefore requires speedy consideration.


On his part, Rt. Hon. Friday Okpeche, Member, representing Obubra 1, was of the view that since the request will assist the State access more funds to rehabilitate Primary Schools for Children in the State and improve on the Education, he called on membbers to support the request.
Akamkpa 1 representative, Rt. Hon. Mathew Olory, reminded the authorities that when this funds are approved SUBEB in the State, should as a policy, spread their construction/rehabilitation to rural Communities of the State.

The Member representing Boki 11 Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, submitted that the request should be reffered the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation to meet with the relevant Stakeholders to interface for proper briefing.

The Speaker, in his wisdom, urged Members to support the request to enable the State be a part of the grant from the Federal Government, the House however granted the approval in a resolution as requested by the State  and then adjourned to Wednesday, October 30 2019, for plenary.

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CRS GARMENT FACTORY ENTICE EXOTIC INVESTORS; FOREIGN CTG IMPETRATE PARTNERSHIP

By David Peter




The Cross River Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Barr. Sir. Benedict Bengioushuye Ayade, KSJ  is on stronghold of keeping his promise as the Calabar Garment factory lure prolific investors through the quality materials and wears produced.


The Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, who assured the citizenry of the Calabar Garment Factory of producing in commercial quantity including for export. In a bid, that state government his determined to boost its patronage and make the factory economically viable is winning his proposed desire to improvise the state economy and foster the employment ratio.


Ayade is achieving a parallel landmark victory in sequel to his assertion as begird on him- "An humanitarian of his word".

The establishment of the biggest garment factory in Africa "Cross River State Garments Factory" is aimed to foster the state economy growth's, gear fashion engineers thus enabling employment to the good citizenry of cross river State.


The Governor, Ben Ayade has chalked up the garment factory beyond his fantasy as quality wear's produced by fashion engineers entice exotic investors in the cotton chain industry.

In reference, to the wears par excellence produced at the Cross River State Garment Factory, the high-quality have edge His Excellency, Ben Ayade an allusion of preference amongst the grade of wears showcase at the exhibition in the CTG stakeholders meeting with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

To this positive and giant landmark, His Excellency, Ben Ayade have been bond with local and foreign investors through the Central Bank of Nigeria to signed an MOU for the production of Blazers, School uniforms, Paramilitary wears, Jeans trousers, Shirts, Security uniforms, Military, National Youths Service Corp uniforms and kaki.


The foreign investors were sincerely proud of what the Garment factory have done and of course, entreat a close bond partnership with the Cross River State government.
Ayade, assured investors, we will definitely be producing with fabrics made from Cross River farm massively as he desires to raise and nurtures over 2,000 entrepreneur through the Ayade agro-entrepreneurship scheme  on cotton production to feed the ultramodern garment factory.”


"In no far-flung limit, Cross River garment factory will be the sovereign dernier cri industry and company to race. And if you are not formal by Cross River garment factory, you’re not dressed at all.”

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CRS GARMENT FACTORY ENTICE EXOTIC INVESTORS; FOREIGN CTG IMPETRATE PARTNERSHIP

By David Peter




The Cross River Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Barr. Sir. Benedict Bengioushuye Ayade, KSJ  is on stronghold of keeping his promise as the Calabar Garment factory lure prolific investors through the quality materials and wears produced.


The Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, who assured the citizenry of the Calabar Garment Factory of producing in commercial quantity including for export. In a bid, that state government his determined to boost its patronage and make the factory economically viable is winning his proposed desire to improvise the state economy and foster the employment ratio.


Ayade is achieving a parallel landmark victory in sequel to his assertion as begird on him- "An humanitarian of his word".

The establishment of the biggest garment factory in Africa "Cross River State Garments Factory" is aimed to foster the state economy growth's, gear fashion engineers thus enabling employment to the good citizenry of cross river State.


The Governor, Ben Ayade has chalked up the garment factory beyond his fantasy as quality wear's produced by fashion engineers entice exotic investors in the cotton chain industry.

In reference, to the wears par excellence produced at the Cross River State Garment Factory, the high-quality have edge His Excellency, Ben Ayade an allusion of preference amongst the grade of wears showcase at the exhibition in the CTG stakeholders meeting with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

To this positive and giant landmark, His Excellency, Ben Ayade have been bond with local and foreign investors through the Central Bank of Nigeria to signed an MOU for the production of Blazers, School uniforms, Paramilitary wears, Jeans trousers, Shirts, Security uniforms, Military, National Youths Service Corp uniforms and kaki.


The foreign investors were sincerely proud of what the Garment factory have done and of course, entreat a close bond partnership with the Cross River State government.
Ayade, assured investors, we will definitely be producing with fabrics made from Cross River farm massively as he desires to raise and nurtures over 2,000 entrepreneur through the Ayade agro-entrepreneurship scheme  on cotton production to feed the ultramodern garment factory.”


"In no far-flung limit, Cross River garment factory will be the sovereign dernier cri industry and company to race. And if you are not formal by Cross River garment factory, you’re not dressed at all.”

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Governor Ben Ayade meet others in Abuja over bailout fund repayment

By David Peter


The 36 state governors, under the umbrella of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), are currently meeting in Abuja.

The governors, according to the meeting agenda, would sprouts out ideas on getting an update on deductions for budget support facility from the appropriate organ of government.

In alliance to the route steps, the Governors have convey to discuss the time frame for the refund of the N614 billion bailout fund issued to their states by the Federal Government.


Gov. Ayade, an optimistic and industrial driven was in attendance to gear prolific deliberation towards advancing the state economy on his quest to decouple the state from the low-slung Federal Government Allocation.


Ayade driven with the spirit of enterprise avail himself to shared value and contributions for the betterment of cross river state, as well enable the completion of his ultramodern industrial projects, mechanizing the state to a top notch city and putting food on the citizenry table via the bail fund payment.


However, the Akwa Ibom State Governor and others were absent on this deliberation.
Already in attendance were the Chairman of the forum and Ekiti Governor, Digital Governor of Cross River; Ben Ayade, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his Deputy and Gov of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal.


Other governors also in attendance were those of Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara, Anambra and Osun states.

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Governor Ben Ayade meet others in Abuja over bailout fund repayment

By David Peter


The 36 state governors, under the umbrella of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), are currently meeting in Abuja.

The governors, according to the meeting agenda, would sprouts out ideas on getting an update on deductions for budget support facility from the appropriate organ of government.

In alliance to the route steps, the Governors have convey to discuss the time frame for the refund of the N614 billion bailout fund issued to their states by the Federal Government.


Gov. Ayade, an optimistic and industrial driven was in attendance to gear prolific deliberation towards advancing the state economy on his quest to decouple the state from the low-slung Federal Government Allocation.


Ayade driven with the spirit of enterprise avail himself to shared value and contributions for the betterment of cross river state, as well enable the completion of his ultramodern industrial projects, mechanizing the state to a top notch city and putting food on the citizenry table via the bail fund payment.


However, the Akwa Ibom State Governor and others were absent on this deliberation.
Already in attendance were the Chairman of the forum and Ekiti Governor, Digital Governor of Cross River; Ben Ayade, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his Deputy and Gov of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal.


Other governors also in attendance were those of Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara, Anambra and Osun states.

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CROSS RIVER STATE TO ESTABLISH FARMERS COURT - Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams

The Cross River State House of Assembly has expressed willingness to consider a Legislation for the establishment of Farmers Court, to strengthen repayment of agricultural loans by farmers, to enhance administration of agric loans, as well as ensuring the success of the Agricultural Revolution in the State.

The Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Eteng Williams Jones made this position known, when executive members of the farmer Association's in the various Agricultural value chains paid him a courtesy call in his office in Calabar.

The Speaker reiterated the commitment of the Assembly to supporting development projects which are people oriented, like Farming Projects,  which he believes has an unquantifiable impact on the livelihood of the rural farmer, the families and community.

The Speaker maintained that Agriculture remains the main stay of the Nigerian economy and deserves  adequate attention in terms of policy formulation and implementation. He commended the efforts of the Executive arm of government in driving the Agricultural Revolution in the State and assured farmers of the availability of the 9th assembly to providing the needed legislative support to farmers in achieving their goals.

 The visit which was accompanied by Dr. Akpan Umoren, Head of Development Finance Office,  CBN Calabar, featured complaints from farmers on the risk of loosing access to Agricultural loans due to default, poor repayment regime and the resultant debilitating effects on future interventions which would have benefited farmers in the State. The farmers Association Executives therefore, sought for a bill from the Assembly for the establishment of Farmers Court to strengthen repayment of intervention loans from CBN & other financial Institutions meant for agricultural development.

Mr Emmanuel Anoh,  Vice President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, South South zone who led the farmers Executives, commended President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeria for his initiatives in agricultural development and the Central Bank of Nigeria for the several Agricultural financing packages, which has helped in strengthening participation in Farming activities geared towards the attainment of food Security, improving the economy &  Sustainable development.

The farmers expressed deep appreciation on the exemplary leadership and commitment of His Excellency, Sen Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, in developing Agricultural value chains; like Rice, Cocoa, Maize, Poultry & others, for improvement of livelihood, employment generation & enhancing Community development.  Mr Anoh who led the farmers team, observed that, Governor Ben Ayade strategic policies in Agricultural development which were initiated in 2015, shortly after assumption of office as Governor, has today, blossomed and the people of  Cross River State are witnessing the rapid agro Industrialization, like; the establishment of CR Seeds & Seedlings Factory, Calabar,  Ultramodern Rice Mill, Ogoja, Cocoa Processing Factory, Ikom, CR Feedmill, Calabar, CR Poultry Farm, Odukpani, Chicken Processing Factory,  Calabar and many other Projects at various stages of completion.

Farmers expressed continous support for the realization of government agenda for the benefit of the citinzenry.

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CROSS RIVER STATE TO ESTABLISH FARMERS COURT - Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams

The Cross River State House of Assembly has expressed willingness to consider a Legislation for the establishment of Farmers Court, to strengthen repayment of agricultural loans by farmers, to enhance administration of agric loans, as well as ensuring the success of the Agricultural Revolution in the State.

The Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Eteng Williams Jones made this position known, when executive members of the farmer Association's in the various Agricultural value chains paid him a courtesy call in his office in Calabar.

The Speaker reiterated the commitment of the Assembly to supporting development projects which are people oriented, like Farming Projects,  which he believes has an unquantifiable impact on the livelihood of the rural farmer, the families and community.

The Speaker maintained that Agriculture remains the main stay of the Nigerian economy and deserves  adequate attention in terms of policy formulation and implementation. He commended the efforts of the Executive arm of government in driving the Agricultural Revolution in the State and assured farmers of the availability of the 9th assembly to providing the needed legislative support to farmers in achieving their goals.

 The visit which was accompanied by Dr. Akpan Umoren, Head of Development Finance Office,  CBN Calabar, featured complaints from farmers on the risk of loosing access to Agricultural loans due to default, poor repayment regime and the resultant debilitating effects on future interventions which would have benefited farmers in the State. The farmers Association Executives therefore, sought for a bill from the Assembly for the establishment of Farmers Court to strengthen repayment of intervention loans from CBN & other financial Institutions meant for agricultural development.

Mr Emmanuel Anoh,  Vice President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, South South zone who led the farmers Executives, commended President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeria for his initiatives in agricultural development and the Central Bank of Nigeria for the several Agricultural financing packages, which has helped in strengthening participation in Farming activities geared towards the attainment of food Security, improving the economy &  Sustainable development.

The farmers expressed deep appreciation on the exemplary leadership and commitment of His Excellency, Sen Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, in developing Agricultural value chains; like Rice, Cocoa, Maize, Poultry & others, for improvement of livelihood, employment generation & enhancing Community development.  Mr Anoh who led the farmers team, observed that, Governor Ben Ayade strategic policies in Agricultural development which were initiated in 2015, shortly after assumption of office as Governor, has today, blossomed and the people of  Cross River State are witnessing the rapid agro Industrialization, like; the establishment of CR Seeds & Seedlings Factory, Calabar,  Ultramodern Rice Mill, Ogoja, Cocoa Processing Factory, Ikom, CR Feedmill, Calabar, CR Poultry Farm, Odukpani, Chicken Processing Factory,  Calabar and many other Projects at various stages of completion.

Farmers expressed continous support for the realization of government agenda for the benefit of the citinzenry.

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76 Oil Wells: Lawmaker urges C'River Gov't to revisit case

By Kingsley Agim

The lawmaker representing Etung State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Chris Njah Mbu-Ogar has called on the Cross State Government to challenge the ruling that the ownership of 76 offshore oil wells belonged to Akwa Ibom.

Hon. Mbu-Ogar made the call when speaking to newsmen recently at the Hallowed Chamber of the State House of Assembly in Calabar.

The legislator, who recalled a clause in the 2012 Supreme Court verdict insisting that "the government of Nigeria has a means of providing for the social needs of the people of Cross River State faced with the social problems thrusted on the state due to the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Cameroon,” while advising that "the state government should explore ways of getting the Federal Government to take care of the social needs of the people of the area."

Hon. Mbu-Ogar also stated that the Government of Cross River State had engaged the Federal Government, through the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, where 15 billion was approved as yearly compensation to the State, after the initial 500 million monthly compensation was inadequate.

He blamed previous administrations over poor handling of the case that led to the ceding of the Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon, saying: "when the Federal Government that is supposed to serve as a protective mechanism, reneges on its duty, it is right to say the Federal Government is to blame."

Following the International Court of Justice judgment recognising Cross River State as the border State with the Republic of Cameroon, legal experts are of the opinion that no other state in Nigeria can lay claim of the 76 oil wells except Cross River.

"The State Government should, as a matter of urgency, challenge the implementation of such an unconscionable and illegal  verdict," he admonished.

"Except for any ulterior motive to the judgment that was issued at the Hague, the Federal Government ought to very quickly, follow due process, otherwise, Cross River State will continue to suffer the challenges it is facing now," Mbu-Ogar added.

He adjured the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to implement the 15 billion yearly compensation, which is to run in perpetuity, to the extent that Bakassi remains ceded.

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76 Oil Wells: Lawmaker urges C'River Gov't to revisit case

By Kingsley Agim

The lawmaker representing Etung State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Chris Njah Mbu-Ogar has called on the Cross State Government to challenge the ruling that the ownership of 76 offshore oil wells belonged to Akwa Ibom.

Hon. Mbu-Ogar made the call when speaking to newsmen recently at the Hallowed Chamber of the State House of Assembly in Calabar.

The legislator, who recalled a clause in the 2012 Supreme Court verdict insisting that "the government of Nigeria has a means of providing for the social needs of the people of Cross River State faced with the social problems thrusted on the state due to the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to the Cameroon,” while advising that "the state government should explore ways of getting the Federal Government to take care of the social needs of the people of the area."

Hon. Mbu-Ogar also stated that the Government of Cross River State had engaged the Federal Government, through the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, where 15 billion was approved as yearly compensation to the State, after the initial 500 million monthly compensation was inadequate.

He blamed previous administrations over poor handling of the case that led to the ceding of the Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon, saying: "when the Federal Government that is supposed to serve as a protective mechanism, reneges on its duty, it is right to say the Federal Government is to blame."

Following the International Court of Justice judgment recognising Cross River State as the border State with the Republic of Cameroon, legal experts are of the opinion that no other state in Nigeria can lay claim of the 76 oil wells except Cross River.

"The State Government should, as a matter of urgency, challenge the implementation of such an unconscionable and illegal  verdict," he admonished.

"Except for any ulterior motive to the judgment that was issued at the Hague, the Federal Government ought to very quickly, follow due process, otherwise, Cross River State will continue to suffer the challenges it is facing now," Mbu-Ogar added.

He adjured the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to implement the 15 billion yearly compensation, which is to run in perpetuity, to the extent that Bakassi remains ceded.

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Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams emphasizes the urgent need to address the secret cult menace

By Itam Offor

 A Bill for the prohibition of secret cult and offensive weapons has passed  second reading in the Cross River State House of Assembly.


The bill which was sponsored by the Member representing Calabar South 2 and Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey seeks for an amendment of the  bill earlier passed by the State Assembly, in April 2002 and assented to by then Governor, Donald Duke.


Presenting the bill on the flour of the House, the Sponsor, Joseph Bassey vehemently argued for the amendment of some sections of the Bill stating that "since the passage of the Bill, more than one decade ago, no one had been convicted or punished for secret cult activities in the State".


Members who unanimously lamented the security situation across the State called for stiffer penalties for offenders which according to them should serve as deterrent to others.

Specifically, Hon. Elvert Ayambe Member representing Ikom 2 called for the death sentence on offenders while arguing that secret cultists, armed robbers and kidnappers are all murderers and should be treated the same way
On his part, Rt. Hon. Nelson Ofem, Member representing Yakurr 1 opined that there was an urgent need to reorientate the younger generation and steer their minds away from these vices.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams emphasized the urgent need to address the secret cult menace in the State.

He committed the bill to the House Committee on Security directing them to hold a widely publicised public hearing which should have representatives from all the Local Government Areas in the State.

The security Committee was given 3 weeks to report back to the House.

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Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams emphasizes the urgent need to address the secret cult menace

By Itam Offor

 A Bill for the prohibition of secret cult and offensive weapons has passed  second reading in the Cross River State House of Assembly.


The bill which was sponsored by the Member representing Calabar South 2 and Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey seeks for an amendment of the  bill earlier passed by the State Assembly, in April 2002 and assented to by then Governor, Donald Duke.


Presenting the bill on the flour of the House, the Sponsor, Joseph Bassey vehemently argued for the amendment of some sections of the Bill stating that "since the passage of the Bill, more than one decade ago, no one had been convicted or punished for secret cult activities in the State".


Members who unanimously lamented the security situation across the State called for stiffer penalties for offenders which according to them should serve as deterrent to others.

Specifically, Hon. Elvert Ayambe Member representing Ikom 2 called for the death sentence on offenders while arguing that secret cultists, armed robbers and kidnappers are all murderers and should be treated the same way
On his part, Rt. Hon. Nelson Ofem, Member representing Yakurr 1 opined that there was an urgent need to reorientate the younger generation and steer their minds away from these vices.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams emphasized the urgent need to address the secret cult menace in the State.

He committed the bill to the House Committee on Security directing them to hold a widely publicised public hearing which should have representatives from all the Local Government Areas in the State.

The security Committee was given 3 weeks to report back to the House.

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Buhari will speedily sign Peace Corps Bill, Presidential Aide reveals

By Yemi Itodo

President Muhammadu Buhari will speedily assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill if passed by the National Assembly, a presidential aide has revealed.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the president on National Assembly matters (Reps), Hon. Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, gave the hint Wednesday evening, while addressing Journalists at the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly had, in 2017, passed the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill, but the president withheld his assent, citing paucity of funds and duplication of duties of the already existing agencies, as reasons.

But just last month, the House of Representatives, through the Chiefwhip, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, reintroduced the Nigeria Peace Corps Bill, which has since passed second reading and waiting final passage.

Responding to questions on Wednesday, as to whether the president would assent to the Bill, if passed again by the National Assembly, El-Yakub said, “With the renewed relationship (between the executive and the legislature), I’m sure there will be more work that will lead to the expeditious passage of the Bill and of course, Mr. president will assent to all Bills passed by the National Assembly, which do not have conflict or reservations.

“I’m sure that many important Bills, including the one that you have mentioned (Nigeria Peace Corps) are being reintroduced; and some are even being re-introduced as executive Bills, like the PAC Bill, which was tabled on the floor of the Senate”, he stated.

El-Yakub stressed that, “Mr. president does not withhold assent to a Bill that is in the interest of this country; and certainly all bills that are sent to him be it non-executive Bill, they go through the same scrutiny and opinions are sought and whenever he declined his assent, he actually communicates the reasons to the National Assembly.

“And if those reasons are addressed, certainly Mr. President will assent to the Bill. But you will find that some Bills have flaws, some are technical issues, some are issues bordering on legality of the Bill to the extent that it conflicts with provisions of the constitution or a treaty that has been signed by the country, which means assenting to such a Bill will be a matter of conflict of interest. All these are looked at by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and relevant agencies that are stakeholders in that Bill”.

The House of Representatives had slated the Peace Corps Bill for final passage Thursday last week, but due to the debate on the general principles of 2020 Appropriation Bill, the Chiefwhip sought the leave of the House to step it down till later date.

After passage by the Reps, the Senate is expected to pass a concurrent vote on it before a clean copy of the Bill is sent to the President for assent.

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Buhari will speedily sign Peace Corps Bill, Presidential Aide reveals

By Yemi Itodo

President Muhammadu Buhari will speedily assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill if passed by the National Assembly, a presidential aide has revealed.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the president on National Assembly matters (Reps), Hon. Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, gave the hint Wednesday evening, while addressing Journalists at the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly had, in 2017, passed the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill, but the president withheld his assent, citing paucity of funds and duplication of duties of the already existing agencies, as reasons.

But just last month, the House of Representatives, through the Chiefwhip, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, reintroduced the Nigeria Peace Corps Bill, which has since passed second reading and waiting final passage.

Responding to questions on Wednesday, as to whether the president would assent to the Bill, if passed again by the National Assembly, El-Yakub said, “With the renewed relationship (between the executive and the legislature), I’m sure there will be more work that will lead to the expeditious passage of the Bill and of course, Mr. president will assent to all Bills passed by the National Assembly, which do not have conflict or reservations.

“I’m sure that many important Bills, including the one that you have mentioned (Nigeria Peace Corps) are being reintroduced; and some are even being re-introduced as executive Bills, like the PAC Bill, which was tabled on the floor of the Senate”, he stated.

El-Yakub stressed that, “Mr. president does not withhold assent to a Bill that is in the interest of this country; and certainly all bills that are sent to him be it non-executive Bill, they go through the same scrutiny and opinions are sought and whenever he declined his assent, he actually communicates the reasons to the National Assembly.

“And if those reasons are addressed, certainly Mr. President will assent to the Bill. But you will find that some Bills have flaws, some are technical issues, some are issues bordering on legality of the Bill to the extent that it conflicts with provisions of the constitution or a treaty that has been signed by the country, which means assenting to such a Bill will be a matter of conflict of interest. All these are looked at by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and relevant agencies that are stakeholders in that Bill”.

The House of Representatives had slated the Peace Corps Bill for final passage Thursday last week, but due to the debate on the general principles of 2020 Appropriation Bill, the Chiefwhip sought the leave of the House to step it down till later date.

After passage by the Reps, the Senate is expected to pass a concurrent vote on it before a clean copy of the Bill is sent to the President for assent.

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OSCAR OFUKA: RETURNING PEACE TO AN EMBITTERED COMMUNITY

By Kingsley Agim

Bendeghe-Ekiem – the most populous community in Etung Local Government Area – renowned for her hospitality and social inclination, was over the years a Mecca-of-sort for fun seekers, traders, farmers, just to mention a few.
Inhabitants – indigenes and strangers alike – coexisted in peace and harmony, earning her the moniker ‘Ayuk-Abah’.
Blessed with fertile soil, the community is also known for her huge agrarian economy, with cocoa, cassava, and palm produce, some of the mainstays of the people. To date, Bendeghe-Ekiem remains the commercial nerve-centre among her neighboring villages of Etung and Boki Local Government Areas.

Regrettably, recent history has seen Bendeghe-Ekiem – the once-upon-a-time hobnob of the people – become a monument of aborted glory. The community has plummeted into some precarious and disturbing situations: notably, cultism, drug abuse, youth restiveness and political violence.

There has been an alarming rate of cult-related deaths in the once peaceful community. The pre-election conflict that left five youths dead threw the community into more fierce animosities. Families were torn apart and at loggerheads with each other; friends became foes and the vicious circle of ill-will grew even stronger. Peace had become elusive.

But in the face of this ever present danger, one man – Dr. Oscar Ofuka, who is the Acting Chairman, Cross River State Cocoa Board, blazing the trail in cocoa development and re-generation in the State – took the gauntlet, with the resolve to return and entrench peace to a hitherto embittered community.
In order to stem the rising tide of cultism in the area, Dr. Ofuka, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, granted amnesty to cultists willing to renounce their membership, with N20, 000.00 as reward for such decision. This development saw scores of youths jumped on the opportunity to correct their mistakes (renouncing cult membership), with testimonies that “a cult-free life is the best any day.”

The Cross River State Cocoa Board boss has also built a modern police station in the community (soon to be commissioned) to replace the age long and collapsed post. This, according to Dr. Ofuka, will aid the police in forestalling crime in the community.

Realizing the power of football in peace building, after several fora of consultations with families and aggrieved parties in the village, Dr. Ofuka organized a well-package soccer competition to celebrate the Etung New Yam Festival. The thrilling games, which showcased glimpses youthful talents and quality, saw a people, once enmeshed in malaise and vindictive vendetta, hugging and fraternizing in an ostentatious show of affection. Peace has returned to Bendeghe-Ekiem.

The finale of the sporting contest drew attendance from security stakeholders in the State, notably, the Permanent Secretary – Security, Sir Alfred Mboto, Chief Security Adviser – Central, Mr. Ransom Odey, and representatives of the Police Division, Etung, all attesting to the peaceful coexistence amongst residents of the community.

While I urge other well meaning sons and daughters of Bendeghe-Ekiem to join hands in fostering peace in the community irrespective of the political differences and affiliations, I leave with this African proverb, re-echoed recently by our peace-loving Governor, Sir (Prof.) Ben Ayade on the need for a peaceful society: “Peace is costly, but it is worth the expense.”

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OSCAR OFUKA: RETURNING PEACE TO AN EMBITTERED COMMUNITY

By Kingsley Agim

Bendeghe-Ekiem – the most populous community in Etung Local Government Area – renowned for her hospitality and social inclination, was over the years a Mecca-of-sort for fun seekers, traders, farmers, just to mention a few.
Inhabitants – indigenes and strangers alike – coexisted in peace and harmony, earning her the moniker ‘Ayuk-Abah’.
Blessed with fertile soil, the community is also known for her huge agrarian economy, with cocoa, cassava, and palm produce, some of the mainstays of the people. To date, Bendeghe-Ekiem remains the commercial nerve-centre among her neighboring villages of Etung and Boki Local Government Areas.

Regrettably, recent history has seen Bendeghe-Ekiem – the once-upon-a-time hobnob of the people – become a monument of aborted glory. The community has plummeted into some precarious and disturbing situations: notably, cultism, drug abuse, youth restiveness and political violence.

There has been an alarming rate of cult-related deaths in the once peaceful community. The pre-election conflict that left five youths dead threw the community into more fierce animosities. Families were torn apart and at loggerheads with each other; friends became foes and the vicious circle of ill-will grew even stronger. Peace had become elusive.

But in the face of this ever present danger, one man – Dr. Oscar Ofuka, who is the Acting Chairman, Cross River State Cocoa Board, blazing the trail in cocoa development and re-generation in the State – took the gauntlet, with the resolve to return and entrench peace to a hitherto embittered community.
In order to stem the rising tide of cultism in the area, Dr. Ofuka, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, granted amnesty to cultists willing to renounce their membership, with N20, 000.00 as reward for such decision. This development saw scores of youths jumped on the opportunity to correct their mistakes (renouncing cult membership), with testimonies that “a cult-free life is the best any day.”

The Cross River State Cocoa Board boss has also built a modern police station in the community (soon to be commissioned) to replace the age long and collapsed post. This, according to Dr. Ofuka, will aid the police in forestalling crime in the community.

Realizing the power of football in peace building, after several fora of consultations with families and aggrieved parties in the village, Dr. Ofuka organized a well-package soccer competition to celebrate the Etung New Yam Festival. The thrilling games, which showcased glimpses youthful talents and quality, saw a people, once enmeshed in malaise and vindictive vendetta, hugging and fraternizing in an ostentatious show of affection. Peace has returned to Bendeghe-Ekiem.

The finale of the sporting contest drew attendance from security stakeholders in the State, notably, the Permanent Secretary – Security, Sir Alfred Mboto, Chief Security Adviser – Central, Mr. Ransom Odey, and representatives of the Police Division, Etung, all attesting to the peaceful coexistence amongst residents of the community.

While I urge other well meaning sons and daughters of Bendeghe-Ekiem to join hands in fostering peace in the community irrespective of the political differences and affiliations, I leave with this African proverb, re-echoed recently by our peace-loving Governor, Sir (Prof.) Ben Ayade on the need for a peaceful society: “Peace is costly, but it is worth the expense.”

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CBN Gov, Bagudu, run out of superlatives for Ayade's agro-industrialization strides

By Kingsley Agim

Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefele and the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, have spoken in glowing terms of the Ayade-led administration's strides in industrialization and agricultural revolution.

The pair who were in Calabar for the assessment of Governor Ayade's achievements in the agricultural sector with a view to developing areas of cooperation between the State and CBN, were left in awe after being conducted round the industrial park.

In his remarks, Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefele, stated: "I salute Prof. Ayade for creating an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive; and also sinking himself into the revolution of agricultural economy of the State."

"The fact that agriculture is an important economic activity for majority of Cross River State indigenes is exciting, as it touches on the core of the CBN's agenda for development finance, as well as food security," Emefele continued.

The CBN boss stated that "as a country, we must grow what we eat and eat what we grow," pointing out that Governor Ayade is a leading light in the attainment of such a feat.

 Emefele, who acknowledged global economic challenges, quipped that rather than Nigeria to be grieving over dwindling oil revenue, the present situation provides a painful but indispensable opportunity to look inward in a bid to trigger economic growth and development.

He further point out that if the State can develop land in different zones, identify crops that farmers will be interested in cultivating, the CBN, through its Anchor Borrowers Programme will, within a short space of time, make funds available.

The CBN Governor concluded by reiterating that his visit is a demonstration of CBN's preparedness to partner not only with the State Government, but also with Cross Riverians who are desirous to embrace agriculture as a business.

Also speaking, the Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council, Senator Atiku Bagudu, recalled with pride how he accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari for the commissioning of the Rice Seed and Seedlings Processing Factory two years ago and was full of praise for what the project has become and other futuristic developments in the industrial park under the leadership of Sir Ben Ayade.

Senator Bagudu said such strides are testament to how "brilliant leadership can give hope and turn fortune around in a very short time."

"This is Cross River that has suffered a lot in the last few decades from global politics that has reduced the size of our country through the ceding of Bakassi. This is a State that has lost oil wells. But this is a new Cross River State that is taking shape. This is the kind of State that we want to build; where, following from policy consistency, leadership can attend to matters that would better the citizenry," Senator Bagudu stated.

Senator Bagudu said what his counterpart, Sir Ben Ayade is doing, will see Cross River State, within a short time, begin to export agricultural products which can rival what was gotten  from oil.

In a brief remark, Sir Ben Ayade thanked the CBN Governor for the support and always being ready with all that concerns business development. Ayade also appreciated his Kebbi State counterpart for the encouragement concerning his agricultural programmes and projects.

The Ayade Industrial Park which has become a cynosure for both national and state governments, as well as investors, boasts of the largest single-floor Garment Factory in Africa, Ultra-modern Rice Seed and Seedlings Multiplication Factory, Calabar Pharmaceutical Company (CALAPHARM), Calabar Noodles Manufacturing Factory,  Calabar Chicken Production Company, among others.

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CBN Gov, Bagudu, run out of superlatives for Ayade's agro-industrialization strides

By Kingsley Agim

Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefele and the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, have spoken in glowing terms of the Ayade-led administration's strides in industrialization and agricultural revolution.

The pair who were in Calabar for the assessment of Governor Ayade's achievements in the agricultural sector with a view to developing areas of cooperation between the State and CBN, were left in awe after being conducted round the industrial park.

In his remarks, Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefele, stated: "I salute Prof. Ayade for creating an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive; and also sinking himself into the revolution of agricultural economy of the State."

"The fact that agriculture is an important economic activity for majority of Cross River State indigenes is exciting, as it touches on the core of the CBN's agenda for development finance, as well as food security," Emefele continued.

The CBN boss stated that "as a country, we must grow what we eat and eat what we grow," pointing out that Governor Ayade is a leading light in the attainment of such a feat.

 Emefele, who acknowledged global economic challenges, quipped that rather than Nigeria to be grieving over dwindling oil revenue, the present situation provides a painful but indispensable opportunity to look inward in a bid to trigger economic growth and development.

He further point out that if the State can develop land in different zones, identify crops that farmers will be interested in cultivating, the CBN, through its Anchor Borrowers Programme will, within a short space of time, make funds available.

The CBN Governor concluded by reiterating that his visit is a demonstration of CBN's preparedness to partner not only with the State Government, but also with Cross Riverians who are desirous to embrace agriculture as a business.

Also speaking, the Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council, Senator Atiku Bagudu, recalled with pride how he accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari for the commissioning of the Rice Seed and Seedlings Processing Factory two years ago and was full of praise for what the project has become and other futuristic developments in the industrial park under the leadership of Sir Ben Ayade.

Senator Bagudu said such strides are testament to how "brilliant leadership can give hope and turn fortune around in a very short time."

"This is Cross River that has suffered a lot in the last few decades from global politics that has reduced the size of our country through the ceding of Bakassi. This is a State that has lost oil wells. But this is a new Cross River State that is taking shape. This is the kind of State that we want to build; where, following from policy consistency, leadership can attend to matters that would better the citizenry," Senator Bagudu stated.

Senator Bagudu said what his counterpart, Sir Ben Ayade is doing, will see Cross River State, within a short time, begin to export agricultural products which can rival what was gotten  from oil.

In a brief remark, Sir Ben Ayade thanked the CBN Governor for the support and always being ready with all that concerns business development. Ayade also appreciated his Kebbi State counterpart for the encouragement concerning his agricultural programmes and projects.

The Ayade Industrial Park which has become a cynosure for both national and state governments, as well as investors, boasts of the largest single-floor Garment Factory in Africa, Ultra-modern Rice Seed and Seedlings Multiplication Factory, Calabar Pharmaceutical Company (CALAPHARM), Calabar Noodles Manufacturing Factory,  Calabar Chicken Production Company, among others.

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