72hrs PHC makeover: PHCDA Boss mobilizes volunteers to fix dilapidated PHC in ITO

The Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), Dr. Betta Edu has mobilised volunteers for the immediate overhaul of the primary health care centre in Ito community.

Dr. Edu who spoke to newsmen on arrival said:

"Ito health centre is one of the facility selected for the 72hrs PHC makeover. We are bent on fixing our weakest link under the primary health care revitalization. We are identifying those facilities that have the worse in the state and L.G.A's. We asked people to send in entries of health facilities in their villages and we pick out the worse to rejuvenate and this facility pictures were sent and in Odukpani LGA, Ito primary health centre was selected."

The DG further stated that over 10,000 people are living in Ibo Ito, Idem Ito, etc, with just one poorly-staffed facility serving them.

She admonished community leaders and residents of Ito to take ownership of the facility and promised to strengthen the workforce of the health centre to make for effective service delivery. 

The DG also quipped that the ripple effect of upgrading the facility and strengthening of personnel will be extended beyond the immediate community.

Receiving the team of volunteers to the facility, Mrs. Blessing Ita, who is also a community health worker in Ito health centre, said she had been bitterly saddened by the level of dilapidation at the health centre. 

She express gratitude to Governor Ben Ayade, whose clairvoyance has yielded a turnaround for the facility.

She added that the beautification and standardization of any medical facility have psychological effect on the wellbeing of a patient. 

Mrs. Ita however lamented the dearth of personnel at the health center only mid-wife in the facility said in the case of emergency she refers her and appealed to the State Government for more health workers in the facility.

Confirming the myriad of traditional birth attendants in the area, Mrs. Ita said there have not been cases of maternal and infant mortality in the area. 

She advised those still patronizing the untrained birth attendants to desist forthwith and rather access quality health care services from the facility, notwithstanding their traditional and cultural inclinations.

Responding, the Clan Head of Ito North and South, His Royal Highness Etiyen Edet Okon Ebita said: "The exercise was marvelous, I was amazed at the sight of this beautiful accomplishments."

The royal father gave kudos to the initiator of the project and promised to set up a vigilante group as security to the facility.

Etinyin Ebita, who further pointed out that assessments of health care in the area before now was a major concern, stated that the new facility, if staffed as promised going to be will serve as a veritable conduit for attending to the health care needs of Ito and its neighbouring communities.

Decrying the alarming rate of traditional medicine practice in the area, the Clan Head urged his cabinet members to rise up to the occasion of luring residents of the area to access health care needs at the health facility in order to minimize patronage of quack traditional medicine practitioners. 

He commended Governor of Cross River State Prof Ayade and Dr. Beta Edu for bringing such project to his community and pledged allegiance to the Ayade-led administration for bringing such laudable project to Ito.

In another responses the  Youth representative Etubom Bassey E. Etim commended the DG for the intervention on the dilapidated facility within short notice, while thanking Governor Ben Ayade for placing premium on the health of the citizenry.

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72hrs PHC makeover: PHCDA Boss mobilizes volunteers to fix dilapidated PHC in ITO

The Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), Dr. Betta Edu has mobilised volunteers for the immediate overhaul of the primary health care centre in Ito community.

Dr. Edu who spoke to newsmen on arrival said:

"Ito health centre is one of the facility selected for the 72hrs PHC makeover. We are bent on fixing our weakest link under the primary health care revitalization. We are identifying those facilities that have the worse in the state and L.G.A's. We asked people to send in entries of health facilities in their villages and we pick out the worse to rejuvenate and this facility pictures were sent and in Odukpani LGA, Ito primary health centre was selected."

The DG further stated that over 10,000 people are living in Ibo Ito, Idem Ito, etc, with just one poorly-staffed facility serving them.

She admonished community leaders and residents of Ito to take ownership of the facility and promised to strengthen the workforce of the health centre to make for effective service delivery. 

The DG also quipped that the ripple effect of upgrading the facility and strengthening of personnel will be extended beyond the immediate community.

Receiving the team of volunteers to the facility, Mrs. Blessing Ita, who is also a community health worker in Ito health centre, said she had been bitterly saddened by the level of dilapidation at the health centre. 

She express gratitude to Governor Ben Ayade, whose clairvoyance has yielded a turnaround for the facility.

She added that the beautification and standardization of any medical facility have psychological effect on the wellbeing of a patient. 

Mrs. Ita however lamented the dearth of personnel at the health center only mid-wife in the facility said in the case of emergency she refers her and appealed to the State Government for more health workers in the facility.

Confirming the myriad of traditional birth attendants in the area, Mrs. Ita said there have not been cases of maternal and infant mortality in the area. 

She advised those still patronizing the untrained birth attendants to desist forthwith and rather access quality health care services from the facility, notwithstanding their traditional and cultural inclinations.

Responding, the Clan Head of Ito North and South, His Royal Highness Etiyen Edet Okon Ebita said: "The exercise was marvelous, I was amazed at the sight of this beautiful accomplishments."

The royal father gave kudos to the initiator of the project and promised to set up a vigilante group as security to the facility.

Etinyin Ebita, who further pointed out that assessments of health care in the area before now was a major concern, stated that the new facility, if staffed as promised going to be will serve as a veritable conduit for attending to the health care needs of Ito and its neighbouring communities.

Decrying the alarming rate of traditional medicine practice in the area, the Clan Head urged his cabinet members to rise up to the occasion of luring residents of the area to access health care needs at the health facility in order to minimize patronage of quack traditional medicine practitioners. 

He commended Governor of Cross River State Prof Ayade and Dr. Beta Edu for bringing such project to his community and pledged allegiance to the Ayade-led administration for bringing such laudable project to Ito.

In another responses the  Youth representative Etubom Bassey E. Etim commended the DG for the intervention on the dilapidated facility within short notice, while thanking Governor Ben Ayade for placing premium on the health of the citizenry.

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2018 IDGC: PUF PARTNERS OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO EMPOWER YOUNG FEMALES

In a bid to build capacity for the girl child and bridge gender gap, Perpetua Ugbang Foundation (PUF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), recently partnered other relevant organizations to empower young adolescent girls from various secondary schools in Calabar to mark the International Day for the Girl Child (IDGC).

Speaking at the event, the Executive-Director of the Foundation, Ms. Perpetua Ugbang stated that PUF is committed to support and provide quality education, health care, leadership development and stakeholder advocacy to better the lots of the girl child in the society.

The 2018 IDGC which came with the theme "With Her: A Skilled Girlforce," Ms. Ugbang called on government, CSOs and well-meaning individuals to help entrench Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by kicking out girl child illiteracy, human trafficking, as well as expanding the frontiers of knowledge for the girl child to make for an egalitarian and better society for all.

Also speaking, Mr. Godfrey Akwo, a representative of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Cross River, spoke of the imperative of empowering the young female, noting that the girl child is always at the receiving end, especially during crisis situations.

He emphasized that by empowering the girl child; the society is one step ahead of getting better and will be even better if all hands are come to deck to enhance the capacity of the child.

 Mrs. Sharon Simpa, Capacity and Organizational Advisor of HIFASS LOPIN3, also re-echoed the importance for a "skilled girlforce" and further pointed out that it is only through empowerment of such magnitude that the standard of the girl child can be uplifted. 

The event that was laden with goodwill message by partners and representatives of participating schools also featured talks on Gender-Based Violence by HIV and Gender Advisor – HIFASS LOPIN3, Mrs. Mary Umoh.

The Perpetua Ugbang Foundation partnered the Nigerian Red Cross Society, HIFASS LOPIN 3, Second Chance Initiative, CRIMMD, PDF and Back-To-School Africa, in delivering such laudable project.

The event climaxed with distribution of sanitary pads to over a 100 girls, motivational books presented to best participating students and a Spelling Competition; with Government Secondary Scool, State Housing emerging winners, while Government Secondary School, Big Qua and Fruitful Vine International School came second and third respectively.

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2018 IDGC: PUF PARTNERS OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO EMPOWER YOUNG FEMALES

In a bid to build capacity for the girl child and bridge gender gap, Perpetua Ugbang Foundation (PUF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), recently partnered other relevant organizations to empower young adolescent girls from various secondary schools in Calabar to mark the International Day for the Girl Child (IDGC).

Speaking at the event, the Executive-Director of the Foundation, Ms. Perpetua Ugbang stated that PUF is committed to support and provide quality education, health care, leadership development and stakeholder advocacy to better the lots of the girl child in the society.

The 2018 IDGC which came with the theme "With Her: A Skilled Girlforce," Ms. Ugbang called on government, CSOs and well-meaning individuals to help entrench Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by kicking out girl child illiteracy, human trafficking, as well as expanding the frontiers of knowledge for the girl child to make for an egalitarian and better society for all.

Also speaking, Mr. Godfrey Akwo, a representative of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Cross River, spoke of the imperative of empowering the young female, noting that the girl child is always at the receiving end, especially during crisis situations.

He emphasized that by empowering the girl child; the society is one step ahead of getting better and will be even better if all hands are come to deck to enhance the capacity of the child.

 Mrs. Sharon Simpa, Capacity and Organizational Advisor of HIFASS LOPIN3, also re-echoed the importance for a "skilled girlforce" and further pointed out that it is only through empowerment of such magnitude that the standard of the girl child can be uplifted. 

The event that was laden with goodwill message by partners and representatives of participating schools also featured talks on Gender-Based Violence by HIV and Gender Advisor – HIFASS LOPIN3, Mrs. Mary Umoh.

The Perpetua Ugbang Foundation partnered the Nigerian Red Cross Society, HIFASS LOPIN 3, Second Chance Initiative, CRIMMD, PDF and Back-To-School Africa, in delivering such laudable project.

The event climaxed with distribution of sanitary pads to over a 100 girls, motivational books presented to best participating students and a Spelling Competition; with Government Secondary Scool, State Housing emerging winners, while Government Secondary School, Big Qua and Fruitful Vine International School came second and third respectively.

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2018: A SKILLED GIRLFORCE... 800 Girls supported in Cross River State. ***IT'S TIME TO CORRECT THE WRONGS ----------DR. BETTA EDU***

This year's International Day of the Girl Child 2018 with the theme: 'A Skilled Girlforce' emphasises on education and skill enhancement required for the girl child today so that she enters the workforce fully skilled, up-to-date with the technology and digitalization.

As per United Nations, out of 1 billion young people globally, 60% adolescent girls will be ready to embark their careers and join the workforce in the next 10 years. However, a whopping 90% of these children living in developing countries will have to work in the informal sector due to lack of employability in the technologically advanced future.

As Cross River state join the world in commemorating this year's International day of the Girl child, the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu has charged students of Federal Girls College, Calabar to take their studies very serious  so that their future and aspirations can be guaranteed.

Beside education which is the bedrock of any society, Dr. Edu encouraged FGGC students to also learn skills that would help them to cope with the societal demands, especially in this digital era where technology has taken over the space.

"Young girls like you are beginning to use internet to provide solutions to societal problems rather than using internet to chat or watch pornographic.

Be the solution architect to your society! It is truism that the Girl child has been deprived of certain things as well as rights in life and now  it is time to correct these abnormally in our society.

The informal sector makes the female workforce vulnerable to low pay parity, exploitation of labor and workplace harassment/abuse. The idea is to draw attention of all stakeholders, the global organizations and community to come together and address investment needs and opportunities for the girl child to pave way for their smooth transition to a happy and fulfilled work life!

As part of activities for this year's international girl child day, leadership and personal hygiene talks by The Bridge Leadership Foundation, and National Women and Medical Women Association was presented to the students.

It climaxed with the distribution of sanitary pads, detergents and bathing soaps to students.

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2018: A SKILLED GIRLFORCE... 800 Girls supported in Cross River State. ***IT'S TIME TO CORRECT THE WRONGS ----------DR. BETTA EDU***

This year's International Day of the Girl Child 2018 with the theme: 'A Skilled Girlforce' emphasises on education and skill enhancement required for the girl child today so that she enters the workforce fully skilled, up-to-date with the technology and digitalization.

As per United Nations, out of 1 billion young people globally, 60% adolescent girls will be ready to embark their careers and join the workforce in the next 10 years. However, a whopping 90% of these children living in developing countries will have to work in the informal sector due to lack of employability in the technologically advanced future.

As Cross River state join the world in commemorating this year's International day of the Girl child, the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Betta Edu has charged students of Federal Girls College, Calabar to take their studies very serious  so that their future and aspirations can be guaranteed.

Beside education which is the bedrock of any society, Dr. Edu encouraged FGGC students to also learn skills that would help them to cope with the societal demands, especially in this digital era where technology has taken over the space.

"Young girls like you are beginning to use internet to provide solutions to societal problems rather than using internet to chat or watch pornographic.

Be the solution architect to your society! It is truism that the Girl child has been deprived of certain things as well as rights in life and now  it is time to correct these abnormally in our society.

The informal sector makes the female workforce vulnerable to low pay parity, exploitation of labor and workplace harassment/abuse. The idea is to draw attention of all stakeholders, the global organizations and community to come together and address investment needs and opportunities for the girl child to pave way for their smooth transition to a happy and fulfilled work life!

As part of activities for this year's international girl child day, leadership and personal hygiene talks by The Bridge Leadership Foundation, and National Women and Medical Women Association was presented to the students.

It climaxed with the distribution of sanitary pads, detergents and bathing soaps to students.

Read More

THE BEAUTY OF HON. ELVERT VICTORY AT THE PDP PRIMARIES

``You already have every characteristic necessary for success if you recognise, claim, develop and use them''. Zig Ziglar

The above quote by Zig Ziglar describes the personality of Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the People's Democratic Party Candidate for Ikom 2 State Constituency who went into the race with the characteristic of emerging victorious.

Born in 1978 in Ikom in local government area of Cross River State, Ayambem was raised up in humble home of his parent, Mr and Mrs Sylvanus Ekom Ayambem in Nde Ward in Ikom.

He attended his primary school at the Presbyterian Primary School in Nde, before proceeding to the Secondary School in Nde where he obtained his West African Certificate Examination.

In his desire to acquire higher education, he was admitted to study Policy Studies at the Institute of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Calabar where he obtained a B.SC.

In his quest to enrich his versatility, the Ikom born humble personality further preceded to the Maritime Academy Oron, Akwa Ibom State, to help him source for a means of livelihood.

One interesting thing about his personality is the courage and integrity that he possesses. He is an adventurous young man, fearless and decisive. His desire to hold an elective position made him delve into the race for the Ikom Chairmanship, but unfortunately, the election was not conducted.

As the build to the 2019 general elections draw nearer, courageous Elvert immediately picked the interest/nomination form for Ikom 2 State Constituency. Leveraging from the overwhelming support and acceptance of his aspiration by the leadership and electorates, he emerged victorious as the PDP flag bearer for Ikom 2 State Constituency ahead of the 2019 polls.

His emergence has caused a serious threat and tension in the APC camp, leaving his opponent in steady jittery and confusing position.

Elvert is young and vibrant; he is a great voice to reckon with.  His emergence will no doubt, increase the chances of the PDP in winning the general elections by over 75 per cent in Ikom because he is widely loved by the old and young in his area.

He has a wide spread of supporters across the length and breadth of Ikom.

As the 2019 general campaign draw closer, it is important for the good people of Ikom 2 to weigh their support behind Elvert to ensure his victory at the polls.

A vote for Elvert is a vote for

Youthful Representation

Change

Constituency Development

Accountability, Transparency and Integrity

 

Elvert is a team player, a grass rooter, a faithful servant, a new face of hope, a face of the new generation and a game changer.

Read More

THE BEAUTY OF HON. ELVERT VICTORY AT THE PDP PRIMARIES

``You already have every characteristic necessary for success if you recognise, claim, develop and use them''. Zig Ziglar

The above quote by Zig Ziglar describes the personality of Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the People's Democratic Party Candidate for Ikom 2 State Constituency who went into the race with the characteristic of emerging victorious.

Born in 1978 in Ikom in local government area of Cross River State, Ayambem was raised up in humble home of his parent, Mr and Mrs Sylvanus Ekom Ayambem in Nde Ward in Ikom.

He attended his primary school at the Presbyterian Primary School in Nde, before proceeding to the Secondary School in Nde where he obtained his West African Certificate Examination.

In his desire to acquire higher education, he was admitted to study Policy Studies at the Institute of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Calabar where he obtained a B.SC.

In his quest to enrich his versatility, the Ikom born humble personality further preceded to the Maritime Academy Oron, Akwa Ibom State, to help him source for a means of livelihood.

One interesting thing about his personality is the courage and integrity that he possesses. He is an adventurous young man, fearless and decisive. His desire to hold an elective position made him delve into the race for the Ikom Chairmanship, but unfortunately, the election was not conducted.

As the build to the 2019 general elections draw nearer, courageous Elvert immediately picked the interest/nomination form for Ikom 2 State Constituency. Leveraging from the overwhelming support and acceptance of his aspiration by the leadership and electorates, he emerged victorious as the PDP flag bearer for Ikom 2 State Constituency ahead of the 2019 polls.

His emergence has caused a serious threat and tension in the APC camp, leaving his opponent in steady jittery and confusing position.

Elvert is young and vibrant; he is a great voice to reckon with.  His emergence will no doubt, increase the chances of the PDP in winning the general elections by over 75 per cent in Ikom because he is widely loved by the old and young in his area.

He has a wide spread of supporters across the length and breadth of Ikom.

As the 2019 general campaign draw closer, it is important for the good people of Ikom 2 to weigh their support behind Elvert to ensure his victory at the polls.

A vote for Elvert is a vote for

Youthful Representation

Change

Constituency Development

Accountability, Transparency and Integrity

 

Elvert is a team player, a grass rooter, a faithful servant, a new face of hope, a face of the new generation and a game changer.

Read More

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

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