AYADE DWELLS ON SPIRITUAL ECONOMY AT NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY CHURCH SERVICE

By Kingsley Agim

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade has charged Nigerians to seek spiritual economy as a panacea to Nigeria's wobbly political and social economies.

The Governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, made the emphasis during the inter-denominational Church service to mark Nigeria's 58th Independence Day Anniversary celebration, held at Intercessors Bible Mission, Calabar.

Governor Ayade emphasized on three key essence of a spiritual economy as providing a mental sanctuary for people to always go back to God for guidance in times of difficulties, a holy environment – which is the church – for the nurturing and renewal of one's spiritual strength, and a recovery environment which concerns with our faith in God.

The Governor, who called for a sober reflection on Nigeria's 58th years of unstoppable journey to greatness, also thanked Cross Riverians for their supporting his agenda of industrializing the State for economic prosperity for all.

He further remarked that his administration's cardinal priorities are to give hope and create a prosperity agenda for the people of Cross River State.

"I want to thank all of you, the Church for the opportunity to worship here today, the members of the Armed Forces, members of the House of Assembly, the State Chief Judge, and assure you that Cross River State will continue to be dedicated to the peace, prosperity and safety of its citizens.

Also speaking the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong spoke highly of the hope that Governor Ayade's administration portends to Cross Riverians and assured of even better things to come in his second tenure, adding that the State is privileged to have a visionary leader like Senator Ayade.

Mrs. Archibong further stated that the reaffirmation of Senator Ben Ayade for a second term is a testament to his giant strides and Cross River State roadmap to economic prosperity.

In his sermon tagged "Truly God has been good to Nigeria," with bible portions from Psalms chapter 71 vs. 1, the General Overseer of Intercessors Bible Mission, Archbishop Archibong Archibong, maintained that in spite of all the challenges facing the Nation, God's goodness is evident in Nigeria.

He prophesied that Nigeria's 58th Independence Anniversary celebration will encounter God's grace for a new beginning and urged Nigerians to be steadfast in their trust in God.

The Church service climaxed with prayers of intercession for Cross River State and our Nation, Nigeria; thereafter, a commemorative cake was cut to mark Nigeria's 58th Independence Day Anniversary.

The event was well attended by, notably, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Michael Edem, Service Chiefs, top government officials, among others.

Read More

ARCHIBONG LAUDS GOV. AYADE’S YOUTHS INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE *DESCRIBES IT AS AN ELIXIR AGAINST DEPRESSION*

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has lauded the inclusiveness of young people in governance by Governor Ben Ayade as a panacea for improving quality of life and preventing depression that could cause mental disorders among the young ones.

Mrs. Archibong, who made the commendation at the 2018 World Mental Health Day, held at Transcorp Hotel, yesterday in Calabar, pointed out that exemplifies youth engagement in activities of leadership and service delivery have in turn provided a means of livelihood for the youths, reducing problems tantamount to mental health to the barest minimum.

The Information and Orientation Commissioner also called on parents and guardians to maintain close family relationships with their kids and wards as a panacea for checking the mental wellness of their children/wards.

Mrs. maintained that since the home is the first point of a child's education, good family bond will keep at bay mental related issues like depression, substance abuse and other vices that are inimical to the society.

The Information and Orientation boss also discouraged discrimination for victims of mental illnesses, calling on the society to show empathy for such victims, while promising to propagate mental health education through the information machinery of the State.

Articulating her views, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong described the theme for the 2018 World Mental Health Day, "Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World," as apt and a step in the right direction.

Dr. Asibong said in a world where young people are influenced by peer pressure, the internet and high rate of substance abuse, the Cross River State Government has an Adolescent Training Centre where mental health is mainstreamed and psychosocial support is given to youths.

The Health Commissioner also stated that quipped that in getting the youths a means of livelihood, the present administration is kicking round the clock to ensure employment through the YESSO Programme, the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and a host of other industries littered across the State.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu, emphasized on the need for proper mental health care for Cross Riverians, and assured of domestication of mental health programmes to the primary health facilities across the State.

Speaking on "Mentorship as a driver of Mental Wellbeing among Young People," Dr. Nsikak Ntia stated that half of all mental illness begins at the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated.

Dr. Ntia said harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs is a major issue and can lead to risky behaviours like unsafe sex, dangerous driving and eating disorders, with suicide the second leading cause of deaths among 15-29-year-olds, while depression is the third leading cause of diseases among adolescents.

He adjured parents, guardians and mental health professional to take mentorship of young people seriously, maintaining that it will go a long way in reducing issuies of mental illness.

The 2018 Mental Health Day in Calabar featured discussions by competent specialists in the mental health profession, which included: Mental Heal – The Scour of Substance Abuse among Youths; the Role of School Mental Health in Stemming the Rising Incidence of Mental Illness among Young People; Mentorship as a Driver of Mental Wellbeing among Young People; and the Role of NGOs and Community-Based Organizations in Mental Health Care Services.

The event also featured panel discussions, reactions and question and answer session by participants.

Read More

ARCHIBONG LAUDS GOV. AYADE’S YOUTHS INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE *DESCRIBES IT AS AN ELIXIR AGAINST DEPRESSION*

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has lauded the inclusiveness of young people in governance by Governor Ben Ayade as a panacea for improving quality of life and preventing depression that could cause mental disorders among the young ones.

Mrs. Archibong, who made the commendation at the 2018 World Mental Health Day, held at Transcorp Hotel, yesterday in Calabar, pointed out that exemplifies youth engagement in activities of leadership and service delivery have in turn provided a means of livelihood for the youths, reducing problems tantamount to mental health to the barest minimum.

The Information and Orientation Commissioner also called on parents and guardians to maintain close family relationships with their kids and wards as a panacea for checking the mental wellness of their children/wards.

Mrs. maintained that since the home is the first point of a child's education, good family bond will keep at bay mental related issues like depression, substance abuse and other vices that are inimical to the society.

The Information and Orientation boss also discouraged discrimination for victims of mental illnesses, calling on the society to show empathy for such victims, while promising to propagate mental health education through the information machinery of the State.

Articulating her views, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong described the theme for the 2018 World Mental Health Day, "Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World," as apt and a step in the right direction.

Dr. Asibong said in a world where young people are influenced by peer pressure, the internet and high rate of substance abuse, the Cross River State Government has an Adolescent Training Centre where mental health is mainstreamed and psychosocial support is given to youths.

The Health Commissioner also stated that quipped that in getting the youths a means of livelihood, the present administration is kicking round the clock to ensure employment through the YESSO Programme, the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and a host of other industries littered across the State.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu, emphasized on the need for proper mental health care for Cross Riverians, and assured of domestication of mental health programmes to the primary health facilities across the State.

Speaking on "Mentorship as a driver of Mental Wellbeing among Young People," Dr. Nsikak Ntia stated that half of all mental illness begins at the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated.

Dr. Ntia said harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs is a major issue and can lead to risky behaviours like unsafe sex, dangerous driving and eating disorders, with suicide the second leading cause of deaths among 15-29-year-olds, while depression is the third leading cause of diseases among adolescents.

He adjured parents, guardians and mental health professional to take mentorship of young people seriously, maintaining that it will go a long way in reducing issuies of mental illness.

The 2018 Mental Health Day in Calabar featured discussions by competent specialists in the mental health profession, which included: Mental Heal – The Scour of Substance Abuse among Youths; the Role of School Mental Health in Stemming the Rising Incidence of Mental Illness among Young People; Mentorship as a Driver of Mental Wellbeing among Young People; and the Role of NGOs and Community-Based Organizations in Mental Health Care Services.

The event also featured panel discussions, reactions and question and answer session by participants.

Read More

INFO BOSS EXPRESS SHOCK OVER JOHN ODEY’S DEATH

BY BEN OKACHE

The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has expressed shock over the news of the death of the former Minister of Information, Chief John Ogar Odey, who passed on last Sunday at a Dubai Hospital.

Mrs. Archibong, who spoke in Calabar, noted that the late John Odey, who was a former Minister of Environment and National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be sorely missed in view of his remarkable contributions to development of the State and the Nation in general.

The Information and Orientation Commissioner extolled the virtues of the late Yala born Politician, who served the State as Commissioner for Agriculture and State Treasurer of the PDP, emphasizing that his death came at time that his wealth of experience would be most needed to move the Nation democracy forward.

Mrs. Archibong, on behalf of her family, Management and Staff of the Cross River State Ministry of Information and Orientation condoled with his dear family, the Yala Nation and indeed the whole of Cross River State and urged them to take solace in God Almighty in bearing the loss of Mr. Odey.

Read More

INFO BOSS EXPRESS SHOCK OVER JOHN ODEY’S DEATH

BY BEN OKACHE

The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has expressed shock over the news of the death of the former Minister of Information, Chief John Ogar Odey, who passed on last Sunday at a Dubai Hospital.

Mrs. Archibong, who spoke in Calabar, noted that the late John Odey, who was a former Minister of Environment and National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be sorely missed in view of his remarkable contributions to development of the State and the Nation in general.

The Information and Orientation Commissioner extolled the virtues of the late Yala born Politician, who served the State as Commissioner for Agriculture and State Treasurer of the PDP, emphasizing that his death came at time that his wealth of experience would be most needed to move the Nation democracy forward.

Mrs. Archibong, on behalf of her family, Management and Staff of the Cross River State Ministry of Information and Orientation condoled with his dear family, the Yala Nation and indeed the whole of Cross River State and urged them to take solace in God Almighty in bearing the loss of Mr. Odey.

Read More

Governor Ayade redeploys DOPT Boss to CUDA

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has approved the immediate redeployment of Mr Emmanuel mbora, Special Adviser, Department of Public Transportation to the Calabar Urban Development Authority as Director.

The governor's order, which was conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Agbor, said the redeployment is with immediate effect. 

The release stated that Mbora is to hand over all government properties to the Permanent Secretary, DOPT, pending the appointment of a new Special Adviser by the governor Ayade.

Read More

Governor Ayade redeploys DOPT Boss to CUDA

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has approved the immediate redeployment of Mr Emmanuel mbora, Special Adviser, Department of Public Transportation to the Calabar Urban Development Authority as Director.

The governor's order, which was conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Agbor, said the redeployment is with immediate effect. 

The release stated that Mbora is to hand over all government properties to the Permanent Secretary, DOPT, pending the appointment of a new Special Adviser by the governor Ayade.

Read More

AYADE COMPLETES MORE ULTRA MORDEN PHC CENTERS ACROSS THE STATE. AKPABUYO PHC COMMISSIONED LAST WEEK, 3 MORE TO BE COMMISSIONED NEXT WEEK... ITO, ADADAMA AND PHC OGOJA!

EMPLOYMENT OF HEALTH WORKERS TO COMMENCE SHORTLY!!!

The Director General Of the Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr Betta Edu in a press briefing today congratulated His Excellency Sen Ben Ayade on his well deserved victory at the PDP Primaries. The international Award winning DG praised Governor Ben Ayade for his investment in the health sector and the unprecedented success achieved in the health sector.

She said PHC Edem ODO was commissioned last week and there will be more commissioning of ultramodern health facilities accross the state in the coming week. 

She noted that part of the challenges the face in the health sector was paucity if man power which the current administration of Sen Ben Ayade is addressing speedily. " the process will soon commence, we are working on the portal and we will announce specific openings soon".

She commended UNICEF and other partners for their support to Immunisation and asked every one to get ready for the Maternal neonatal Tetanus Eradication campaign coming up in two weeks. The campaign will improve effort geared towards eradicating tetanus in the state and the nation at large.

Read More

AYADE COMPLETES MORE ULTRA MORDEN PHC CENTERS ACROSS THE STATE. AKPABUYO PHC COMMISSIONED LAST WEEK, 3 MORE TO BE COMMISSIONED NEXT WEEK... ITO, ADADAMA AND PHC OGOJA!

EMPLOYMENT OF HEALTH WORKERS TO COMMENCE SHORTLY!!!

The Director General Of the Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr Betta Edu in a press briefing today congratulated His Excellency Sen Ben Ayade on his well deserved victory at the PDP Primaries. The international Award winning DG praised Governor Ben Ayade for his investment in the health sector and the unprecedented success achieved in the health sector.

She said PHC Edem ODO was commissioned last week and there will be more commissioning of ultramodern health facilities accross the state in the coming week. 

She noted that part of the challenges the face in the health sector was paucity if man power which the current administration of Sen Ben Ayade is addressing speedily. " the process will soon commence, we are working on the portal and we will announce specific openings soon".

She commended UNICEF and other partners for their support to Immunisation and asked every one to get ready for the Maternal neonatal Tetanus Eradication campaign coming up in two weeks. The campaign will improve effort geared towards eradicating tetanus in the state and the nation at large.

Read More

DG VOC Speak on Central Primaries and Congratulate Those Emerged

*Dear Central Constituents*, 

Election is process that direct the shift of leadership. 

Primaries have come and gone. I know many are aggrieved and angry with the intentions of leaving the party for another, or boycotting the election for whatsoever reasons.

To those whose outcome in the primaries did not favour, I wish to enjoin you all to take it in good faith and observe the spirit of sportsmanship. 

Today's setback could be a stepping stone for tomorrow's success. You must re-consolidate as a party men and women to ensure that PDP emerges victorious in 2019 so that posterity may also avail you a place in the near future. 

To our dear PDP, a party that has delivered in all form in our dear State and remained a dependable option since the advent of our democracy in 1999. I thank you for projecting vibrant and committed flag bearers ahead of the 2019 elections, tested and proven bunch of leaders who would take Cross River to its eldorado. 

Meanwhile let me Specially Congratulate;

His Excellency, the Commander in Chief of this digital Boat, Sen. Prof. Barr. Obol Ben Ayade for the victory which I see as a vindication of your stewardship in your first term in office and Goodwill's as a Governor that have touch lives across the breath of Cross River State.

Let me also say congratulations to Ntufam Dr. Sandy Onor  who emerged as PDP flag bearer of  Central Senate, 

Hon. Chris Agibe - Reps - Ikom/Boki,

Hon. Mike Etaba - Reps - Etung/Obubra,

Rt. Hon. (Barr) John Gaul Lebo - Reps - Abi/Yakurr,

Hon. Hilary Bissong - HOA - Boki 11

Hon. Item Abang - HOA - Boki 1

Hon. Hon. Fred Osim - HOA - Ikom 1

Hon. Elvert Ayambem - HOA - Ikom 11

Hon. Chris Njar-Mbu - HOA - Etung

Hon. Friday Okpechi - HOA - Obubra 1

Hon. Francis Sampson O. - HOA - Obubra 11

Rt. Hon. Eteng Williams - HOA - Yakurr 11

Hon. Nelson Ofem - HOA - Yakurr 1

Dr. Davis Etta - HOA - Abi.

These are crop of leaders that can take central to the enviable height. Once again congratulations as I  urge you all to embrace and reconcile with those you stood election with, and bring them close, seek their opinions and let them understand that the victory is for all which I see as a responsibility you owe the party, and to also set up a team of reconciliation at various levels, that alone will boast Central Senatorial District  for effective representation. 

Congratulations to Central Senatorial District!

Victor Bassey

DG Voice Of Central      

Read More

DG VOC Speak on Central Primaries and Congratulate Those Emerged

*Dear Central Constituents*, 

Election is process that direct the shift of leadership. 

Primaries have come and gone. I know many are aggrieved and angry with the intentions of leaving the party for another, or boycotting the election for whatsoever reasons.

To those whose outcome in the primaries did not favour, I wish to enjoin you all to take it in good faith and observe the spirit of sportsmanship. 

Today's setback could be a stepping stone for tomorrow's success. You must re-consolidate as a party men and women to ensure that PDP emerges victorious in 2019 so that posterity may also avail you a place in the near future. 

To our dear PDP, a party that has delivered in all form in our dear State and remained a dependable option since the advent of our democracy in 1999. I thank you for projecting vibrant and committed flag bearers ahead of the 2019 elections, tested and proven bunch of leaders who would take Cross River to its eldorado. 

Meanwhile let me Specially Congratulate;

His Excellency, the Commander in Chief of this digital Boat, Sen. Prof. Barr. Obol Ben Ayade for the victory which I see as a vindication of your stewardship in your first term in office and Goodwill's as a Governor that have touch lives across the breath of Cross River State.

Let me also say congratulations to Ntufam Dr. Sandy Onor  who emerged as PDP flag bearer of  Central Senate, 

Hon. Chris Agibe - Reps - Ikom/Boki,

Hon. Mike Etaba - Reps - Etung/Obubra,

Rt. Hon. (Barr) John Gaul Lebo - Reps - Abi/Yakurr,

Hon. Hilary Bissong - HOA - Boki 11

Hon. Item Abang - HOA - Boki 1

Hon. Hon. Fred Osim - HOA - Ikom 1

Hon. Elvert Ayambem - HOA - Ikom 11

Hon. Chris Njar-Mbu - HOA - Etung

Hon. Friday Okpechi - HOA - Obubra 1

Hon. Francis Sampson O. - HOA - Obubra 11

Rt. Hon. Eteng Williams - HOA - Yakurr 11

Hon. Nelson Ofem - HOA - Yakurr 1

Dr. Davis Etta - HOA - Abi.

These are crop of leaders that can take central to the enviable height. Once again congratulations as I  urge you all to embrace and reconcile with those you stood election with, and bring them close, seek their opinions and let them understand that the victory is for all which I see as a responsibility you owe the party, and to also set up a team of reconciliation at various levels, that alone will boast Central Senatorial District  for effective representation. 

Congratulations to Central Senatorial District!

Victor Bassey

DG Voice Of Central      

Read More

SERI RE-INTEGRATES STREET KIDS TO FAMILIES, PROVIDE ASSISTANCE **GETS UNHCR PLAUDITS**

Social and Environmental Reform Initiative (SERI), a Non-Governmental Organization, on the 6th of October 2018  begun the reintegration of street children back to their respective families as well as providing financial assistance to their parents/guardians in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Speaking at the re-integration ceremony which held at Akim Community Town Hall, Calabar, the Executive/Programme Director, Mrs. Josephine Queen Okoh stated that part of her Organization's mission is to reintegrate street children back to their families, provide such households with minimal funds to start up a business or add to existing one(s), so as to enable them provide for the basic needs of their children for sustainability purposes. 

Mrs. Okoh said ten (10) children were involved in the first phase of the re-integration programme, where children were supported to go back to school or acquire skills (hair dressing, fashion designing etc.) based on choice in order to give them a new lease of life, means of livelihood and prepare them for the future.

The Executive-Director, who told newsmen that her Organization's activities were made possible with funding from the MARTIN JOHANNESSON AND FRIENDS FOUNDATION, and Leap Ink & Piercing in Norway, called on well-meaning Nigerians, Private organizations and Government Agencies to aid SERI with funding in order to sustain its laudable programmes and projects.

She further assured that her Organization will continue to partner with the Ministry of Sustainable Development & Social Welfare and other relevant Government Agencies in ensuring that street children are reintegrated back to their families.

Also speaking, the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Social Welfare, Mr. Francis Egette and Mrs. Offiong Oku, lauded the efforts of SERI and promised to offer necessary support to the organization, while also informing the parents of the street children present at the occasion, of the Child Right Law in the state. 

A representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Cecil S. Oba who was also present at the occasion, commended SERI for the great job of reintegrating the kids back to their families and giving them a sense of belonging and a vista of hope to life.

Mr. Oba, who decried the alarming increase of street children within the Calabar metropolis, and spoke on the organization's readiness to partner with humanitarian bodies such as SERI.

The event also featured a guidance and counseling session, ranging from good parenting and child upbringing by Executive Director of Enabled To Enable Foundation (Miss Eno Okpo) and a promise by representative of CRSACA, Mr. Ifere Obetan to support SERI with HIV testing of children being reintegrated any time they are called upon.

High points of the ceremony was handing over of cash to parents/guardians of reintegrated children to start or support existing businesses.

Read More

SERI RE-INTEGRATES STREET KIDS TO FAMILIES, PROVIDE ASSISTANCE **GETS UNHCR PLAUDITS**

Social and Environmental Reform Initiative (SERI), a Non-Governmental Organization, on the 6th of October 2018  begun the reintegration of street children back to their respective families as well as providing financial assistance to their parents/guardians in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Speaking at the re-integration ceremony which held at Akim Community Town Hall, Calabar, the Executive/Programme Director, Mrs. Josephine Queen Okoh stated that part of her Organization's mission is to reintegrate street children back to their families, provide such households with minimal funds to start up a business or add to existing one(s), so as to enable them provide for the basic needs of their children for sustainability purposes. 

Mrs. Okoh said ten (10) children were involved in the first phase of the re-integration programme, where children were supported to go back to school or acquire skills (hair dressing, fashion designing etc.) based on choice in order to give them a new lease of life, means of livelihood and prepare them for the future.

The Executive-Director, who told newsmen that her Organization's activities were made possible with funding from the MARTIN JOHANNESSON AND FRIENDS FOUNDATION, and Leap Ink & Piercing in Norway, called on well-meaning Nigerians, Private organizations and Government Agencies to aid SERI with funding in order to sustain its laudable programmes and projects.

She further assured that her Organization will continue to partner with the Ministry of Sustainable Development & Social Welfare and other relevant Government Agencies in ensuring that street children are reintegrated back to their families.

Also speaking, the representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Social Welfare, Mr. Francis Egette and Mrs. Offiong Oku, lauded the efforts of SERI and promised to offer necessary support to the organization, while also informing the parents of the street children present at the occasion, of the Child Right Law in the state. 

A representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Cecil S. Oba who was also present at the occasion, commended SERI for the great job of reintegrating the kids back to their families and giving them a sense of belonging and a vista of hope to life.

Mr. Oba, who decried the alarming increase of street children within the Calabar metropolis, and spoke on the organization's readiness to partner with humanitarian bodies such as SERI.

The event also featured a guidance and counseling session, ranging from good parenting and child upbringing by Executive Director of Enabled To Enable Foundation (Miss Eno Okpo) and a promise by representative of CRSACA, Mr. Ifere Obetan to support SERI with HIV testing of children being reintegrated any time they are called upon.

High points of the ceremony was handing over of cash to parents/guardians of reintegrated children to start or support existing businesses.

Read More

APC PRIMARIES: RICKETTS WINS C'RIVER CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Obol Akin Ricketts has been declared winner of Cross River Central Senatorial District in the just concluded APC primaries and will represent the APC in the 2019 Senatorial elections. 

APC Returning Officer for the Central Senatorial District, Arc. Tata Ifere announced that Obol Akin Anderson Ricketts polled 12, 311 votes; while Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk polled 6, 520 votes; Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba polled 251 votes and Prof. Martin Obono polled 100, with total votes cast standing at 19, 092.

The Party's Chairman, State Collation Centre, Ntufam Emma Anom, who said with the primary election having met the APC regulations and Obol Ricketts polling the highest number of votes, he is declared winner.

Read More

APC PRIMARIES: RICKETTS WINS C'RIVER CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Obol Akin Ricketts has been declared winner of Cross River Central Senatorial District in the just concluded APC primaries and will represent the APC in the 2019 Senatorial elections. 

APC Returning Officer for the Central Senatorial District, Arc. Tata Ifere announced that Obol Akin Anderson Ricketts polled 12, 311 votes; while Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk polled 6, 520 votes; Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba polled 251 votes and Prof. Martin Obono polled 100, with total votes cast standing at 19, 092.

The Party's Chairman, State Collation Centre, Ntufam Emma Anom, who said with the primary election having met the APC regulations and Obol Ricketts polling the highest number of votes, he is declared winner.

Read More

58th INDEPENDENCE DAY: AYADE HAILS NIGERIANS’ CAN-DO ATTITUDE, UPBEAT ABOUT THE FUTURE

By Kingsley Agim

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade has hailed the can-do attitude of Nigerians and their unflinching resolve to remain united as one indivisible entity in spite of all  challenges and differences.

 Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu,Governor Ayade made the commendatio  on the occasion of Nigeria's 58th Independence Anniversary celebration at the main bowl of the Bragadier U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The Governor, who reflected on the Nation's journey so far, expressed optimism for a better Nigeria, saying: "while our today may not have found perfect synchronism with our great expectations as a people, there is no doubt that surely, we do have the energy, potentials to flourish and weave our determination to precision and berth a better tomorrow."

Governor Ayade reminded Cross Riverians of his administration's resolve to "restructure and recalibrate the economy of Cross River State, adding that, "we have set about not only identifying our potentials, but also devising strategies to harnessing them in order to create a new horizon and callisthenic of hope for our people."

"In line with our philosophy, we have been able to create a new economy that is anchored on industrialization, that has seen thousands of our people gainfully employed," Governor Ayade averred.

The Governor, who expressed satisfaction with the upward swing of the State in the educational sector, said his administration has also ensured that the State's workforce remains a happy one through prompt payment of salaries, pointing that the investment-friendly climate created by his  government has continued to attract business concerns to our State.

"My beloved Cross Riverians, all hope is not lost. As a State and a nation, there is no way we can exist without challenges,emphasizing that one thing is certain and that is that we have a great future ahead of us and all that is required is to reach out and touch it. But we can only do that by staying united and working as a unit," Governor Ayade concluded.

The 58th Independence Anniversary celebration in Calabar was also attended by, notably, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Michael Edem, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly,Member of the State Executive Council, Service Commanders and the Diplomatic Corps.

Over 20 schools participated in the march past; with Hope Waddel Training Institute, carting home the first position, while Saint Patrick College, Ikot Ansa and Holy Child Secondary School came second and third respectively in the Secondary School category.

While in the Nursery/Primary category, Police Children School,Calabar came first, Sacred Heart Nursery School and Efio-Okoh Primary School emerged second and third respectively.

Building up to October 1st celebration, a Muslim J'umat Service was held on Friday, September 28th and Christian Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday, September 29, for prayers for both State and Country.

Read More

58th INDEPENDENCE DAY: AYADE HAILS NIGERIANS’ CAN-DO ATTITUDE, UPBEAT ABOUT THE FUTURE

By Kingsley Agim

The State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade has hailed the can-do attitude of Nigerians and their unflinching resolve to remain united as one indivisible entity in spite of all  challenges and differences.

 Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu,Governor Ayade made the commendatio  on the occasion of Nigeria's 58th Independence Anniversary celebration at the main bowl of the Bragadier U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The Governor, who reflected on the Nation's journey so far, expressed optimism for a better Nigeria, saying: "while our today may not have found perfect synchronism with our great expectations as a people, there is no doubt that surely, we do have the energy, potentials to flourish and weave our determination to precision and berth a better tomorrow."

Governor Ayade reminded Cross Riverians of his administration's resolve to "restructure and recalibrate the economy of Cross River State, adding that, "we have set about not only identifying our potentials, but also devising strategies to harnessing them in order to create a new horizon and callisthenic of hope for our people."

"In line with our philosophy, we have been able to create a new economy that is anchored on industrialization, that has seen thousands of our people gainfully employed," Governor Ayade averred.

The Governor, who expressed satisfaction with the upward swing of the State in the educational sector, said his administration has also ensured that the State's workforce remains a happy one through prompt payment of salaries, pointing that the investment-friendly climate created by his  government has continued to attract business concerns to our State.

"My beloved Cross Riverians, all hope is not lost. As a State and a nation, there is no way we can exist without challenges,emphasizing that one thing is certain and that is that we have a great future ahead of us and all that is required is to reach out and touch it. But we can only do that by staying united and working as a unit," Governor Ayade concluded.

The 58th Independence Anniversary celebration in Calabar was also attended by, notably, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Michael Edem, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly,Member of the State Executive Council, Service Commanders and the Diplomatic Corps.

Over 20 schools participated in the march past; with Hope Waddel Training Institute, carting home the first position, while Saint Patrick College, Ikot Ansa and Holy Child Secondary School came second and third respectively in the Secondary School category.

While in the Nursery/Primary category, Police Children School,Calabar came first, Sacred Heart Nursery School and Efio-Okoh Primary School emerged second and third respectively.

Building up to October 1st celebration, a Muslim J'umat Service was held on Friday, September 28th and Christian Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday, September 29, for prayers for both State and Country.

Read More