Detailing Cross River

By: Anita Ekpenyong

The Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Dr Betta Edu has called on the populace to practice frequent hand washing using soap and water in order to prevent spreading of diseases.
Dr Edu made the call recently during a Coordination meeting with the State Emergency Preparedness Team at Moore road, Calabar.

She observed that most health related problems are associated with poor hiegene adding that, if people inculcate hand washing as a habit, most health challenges would have been reduced to barest level.

The Commissioner commended the State Emergency Preparedness Team, Health Care Workers, World Health Organization (WHO), the Police, Navy, Army and other stakeholders for being proactive and supportive towards the fight against the anticipated disease outbreak by encouraging environmental cleanliness to wade off vermin especially rats and rodents; vectors of Lassa fever that is currently affecting some states in Nigeria.

Dr Edu urged people to be vigilant and observe any sign of disease outbreak and report immediately to the nearest health facility for prompt action, explaining that early diagnosis of diseases can help to prevent their spread and other problems associated with them.

She informed that Ministry of Health in collaboration with Emergency Preparedness Team is going round to sensitise people on prevention and control of Lassa fever if it occurs, hinting that already, the State has received some commodities, PPEs Equipment, Ribavirin among other things and that they have started distributing them to health facilities across the State.

The Director General, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Jane Ekpeyong disclosed that the Agency has trained and sensitised Primary Health Care Coordinators, visited some Stakeholders in Communities and had advised them to step down the training to community leaders and other stakeholders to keep many people abreast with the problem and how to manage it if it occurs.

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Mrs Inyang Ekpeyong said surveillance and sensitization have been scaled up in the State, reiterating that there's no confirmed Lassa fever case in Cross River State and therefore, appealed to the government to provide IEC materials to enable them share to people for more information and necessary guidance. She also called for the supply of hand washing facilities and hand sanitizers. She later thanked the Emergency Preparedness Team for their love and selfless service.

In a presentation, the World Health Organization State focal Person, Mr Bernard Ntui disclosed that WHO is supporting Countries having disease outbreaks with guidelines on how to manage the diseases, train them on risk communications and surveillance, work with Global networks of researchers and experts to deliver accurate, updated information, developing diagnostics, SARS protocols among others.

While lamenting on China's high risk of 844 confirmed cases on Corona Virus, 25 deaths,16 health Care Workers testing positive, Mr Ntui advised people on hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene by covering of mouth and nose with a medical mask, tissue or a sleeve when coughing and sneezing.

He warned people to avoid unprotected and close contact with anyone developing cold or flu- like symptoms, fever, cough or difficult breathing as possible.

Dr. Betta kick start the Ayade's 1000 free eyes surgeries

Gov Ayade says no one should be visually impaired or blind due to Preventable & treatable causes. He has officially started the 1,000 Free Eye Surgery Across the 18 LGAs

It was flagged off today in Akamkpa Local Government Area by the Hon commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu. The camp which was massively attended. 213 Akamkpa LGA Residents already Benefiting at the eye camp.

Residents of Akamkpa LGA are short of words expressing their gratitude to Governor Ben Ayade as they today benefited from the ongoing Sen Ben Ayade's 1,000 Free Eye care Services/Surgeries as all billed for Eyes Surgery will be attended to without any charges.

The flag off event had in attendance the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu, the tradition ruler of Akamkpa LGA Ntufam Barr. Paul Ogar, Project Manager of Tulsi Chanrai Mr Richard, Dr Steve Agbor Director Eye Care Management, Dr Buchi Ndukwe chairman Association of Optometrist in CRS, Akamkpa PHC Coordinator Mr Felix Abang, and a host of others.

flagging off the campaign, Dr Betta Edu thanked Governor Ben Ayade for always putting Cross Riverians first with well thought out programs that change lives, she thanked the various partners Tulsi Chanrai foundation, Brien Holden Vision Institute and everyone who has made the event a success. "Cross Riverians I must say are blessed to have a compassionate leader like Sen Ben Ayade. Beside the fact that he's a super intelligent leader, he's very compassionate, and interested in the welfare of humanity. He'll give his all to ensure that cross riverians are happy and comfortable."

"We want to change the story of over 1,000 cross riverians knowing very well how important the eyes are to us. We have decided to bring this services to your door steps to show you how dedicated and concerned your Governor is about you all. For anyone who's billed for eye surgery am assuring you that it will be done free of charge because your digital and dynamic governor has already cleared all the bills and has instructed that we give you the best at your door steps and the best you'll get I assure you."

She reiterated that the State under the governance/leadership of Sen Ben Ayade is taking the center stage in providing medical tourism in eye care services as over 38,000 eye surgeries have already been recorded with clients coming from other states to CRS just for eye surgeries.

She ended by noting that the state will partner with Brien Holden for schools eye care program across in all LGA where we will focus on our children.

Before the flag off of the event, Dr Agbor the Director Eye Care Services appreciated the Governor and the Health Commissioner for making this program a reality as this has cleared any disparity between the rich and the poor; those without money can have this opportunity to get treated at their door step.

The Project Manager of Tulsi Chanrai who praised the compassionate Governor Ben Ayade “this has made a lot of impact in achieving vision 2020, since we are out of time. they declared their willingness to carry out surgeries for anyone who's billed for that as the PHC coordinator of Akamkpa LGA expressed his joy for Sen Ben Ayade always having the vision of ensuring that humanity is given every necessary attention especially knowing how important the eyes are to man.

Ntufam Barr Paul Ogar, the traditional ruler of Akamkpa LGA thanked Sen Ben Ayade for showing great love and concern to the Akamkpa people as he has already given them three indigenous commissioners as well as a dynamic, sound, vibrant and young health commissioner whose appointment remains one of the best as its a round peg in a round hole. He charged his people to come all out and utilize this opportunity.
He enjoin them to continue to support the administration of Governor Ben Ayade as that's the only way they can thank and appreciate him for all the things he has been doing for them. Many beneficiaries expressed their joy and gratitude.

Dr. Betta kick start the Ayade's 1000 free eyes surgeries

CROSS RIVER RESTATES COMMITMENT TO AGRO-INDUSTRIALIZATION, WELCOMES PARTNERSHIP FROM USAID

BY Ekanem, Ekanem-Faith

Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Ntufam Okon Owuna, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to partner with development partners to achieve the vision of the State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade on Agro-industrialization potentials.

The Commissioner made the commitment during a courtesy visit paid him by the team from Feed the Future Nigeria Agri Business Investment; a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project.

The Agric Commissioner expressed delight at the visit by the USAID project team, noting that their visit and offer of partnership with the state government, through the Agriculture ministry in the different field of agriculture was at the center of the policy thrust of Governor Ayade-led administration.

“Cross River State Government is committed to Agro-industrialization which is indeed one of the comparative advantages the state can boost of among the comity of states.”

Ntufam Owuna added that the best thing that has happened in Cross River was the Government’s decision to focus on agriculture and development the natural endowments of the state and look away from dependent on the nation’s oil production economy.

He called on development partners such as USAID, World Bank and others working in the agricultural sector to partner with the State Ministry of Agriculture to see how to grow food not only to feed the citizens in the state and the country but to also feed the world.

In his address to the Commissioner, the Chief of Party, Feed the Future Nigeria Agri-Business Investment, Mr Adam Saffer explained that the Feed the Future project of USAID is focused to raise money and also establish a good working relationship with the ministry and make a difference in the state’s Agricultural sector.

He said their presence in the states is to help the ministry review its agricultural policy and also figure out ways to maximize the benefits of the Rice Mill and Rice Seedling factory in the state.

He further disclosed that the on the 27th of February, 2020 there will be ‘‘an agri-business investment summit’’ which will be held at the Calabar International Conference center.

Also speaking, the Senior Technical Advisor Agricultural Division, Dexsi Consulting Group, who was also in the team, said that their goal is to review the Agricultural policy and make it implementable.

In a similar development the Commissioner for Agriculture also received a team from Blossom Allied Input Limited who made a presentation, also seeking for partnership with the State government on the development of high productivity Oil Palm Seeds varieties and clones.

The delegation from Blossom Allied Input limited was led by their Chairman, Mr. Ejiofor Ezekwe accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil Palm Arch John Bassey.

CROSS RIVER RESTATES COMMITMENT TO AGRO-INDUSTRIALIZATION, WELCOMES PARTNERSHIP FROM USAID

CRS Health Commissioner Emerges Vice Chairman/ South South Coordinator

The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu has just been elected the national vice Chairman; Nigeria Health Commissioner’s Forum and S’south chairman/ coordinator by the Nigerian Health Commissioners.

This election is coming barely three months after she was appointed commissioner of Health in Cross River State by the state governor Sen Ben Ayade
A statement made available to newsmen shows that she is to deputise Dr. Abba Umar of Jigawa; chairman of Nigeria Health Commissioners forum to ensure effective and efficient management and administration of the sector.

Responding to the development, Nigerian Governors Forum secretariat, the Honorable minister For Health and the Honorable Minister for Health State, sent felicitations to the new leadership.

Others who sent their congratulations are; the National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Executive Director, Development partners and other key stakeholders in the health sector. They implore the new leadership to deliver on mandate to restore the sanity and dignity of the health sector.

According to them, “together we will build a strong health system and achieve universal health coverage for all, we remain auspicious that the health sector will begin to receive full support and attention it deserves.

They pleadged their unwavering support to the new chairman and Vice to take the sector to a higher level however reminded them that to whom much is given to you more is expected

Congratulations Honourable Commissioner.

CRS Health Commissioner Emerges Vice Chairman/ South South Coordinator

C’R SUBEB COMMISSIONS 9 CLASSROOM BLOCK, LIBRARY AND OTHERS IN IKOM

By Uchino Amatey

The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB) has commissioned a borehole, a 9-classroom block, comprising of library, lavatories, and offices at St Thomas’s R.C.M Primary School, Edor, Ikom LGA.

Commissioning the projects, the Executive Chairman CR-SUBEB, Dr Stephen Odey congratulated members of the community for being one of the beneficiaries of the whole school model approach, which he reiterated was to ensure a more conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.

Dr Odey thanked pupils and members of the community for the warm reception, and assured them of the State government’s commitment to continuously improve the quality and standard of education in the State.

“On behalf of his Excellency, prof. Ben Ayade, I thank you for coming out to receive us despite your busy schedules, you have sacrificed your time and other engagements to be here today. I can tell you it is very difficult for any community member to stand up to raise a building like this alone, but government can do it for you. In the past, people believed that the only way for government to do projects like this for you is when you have people in government who will push for them. But, I want to say that under the Prof. Ben Ayade’s administration we do not wait for people in government to push for projects for their people, what we have constantly done is to seek out communities that require attention and provide projects such as these and we will continue to do more,” he said.

He called on traditional rulers, members of the community and staff of the school to compliment government’s efforts by protecting school facilities against theft and vandalism. Dr Odey added that the only way to attract more facilities from government is by safeguarding and utilizing existing ones.

“As you are requesting for more things from us, ensure that you take care of the things we are going to provide for you, secure them. It is the duty of Community leaders, Community members and staff of this school to protect what you have, traditional rulers should discipline anyone caught stealing or destroying any school property. By the time we procure more tables and chairs we are going to ensure that this school receives some so that pupils will be comfortable in this accommodation. Do not allow anybody carry any school property away from the school, that is the only way we can do more for you. No matter how beautiful this school premises is now, if it’s not maintained it is going to get bad in the next couple of years,” he emphasized.

Presenting an address on behalf of the Clan Head of Abangork, HRH, Ntol Ferdinand Ekpando, the Chairman, Clan Council, Mr Daniel Ngore commended the State Government for siting the project at Edor and revamping the school environment.

According to him “in 1946 our forefathers through the support of the Christian Missionaries had the vision of acquiring western education in a small thatch hut with a population of 12 pupils and 2 teachers. Currently the school has grown to a population of 1077 pupils, 24 teachers and 5 non-teaching staff. The state government through SUBEB and UBEC are worth commending for making the dreams of our forefathers come true by transforming the small thatch hut in to a beautiful and conducive teaching and learning environment. As history is being made today we gather here to witness the official commissioning and handing over of this gigantic project, we say a very big thank you.”

Mr Ngore further appealed for the construction of Assembly hall, staff quarters and the completion of the school perimeter fence to check trespassing, stealing and vandalism.

Presenting the welcome address on behalf the Head teacher, Mrs Julina Egigor, a primary 5 pupil of St Thomas’s RCM Primary School, Anita Nkpa extended gratitude to the Board Chairman, Dr Stephen Odey for his dedication and inspiring leadership style which she said has brought about unimaginable transformation in the basic education sector.

Stating that the siting of the 9 classroom block in Edor is strategic as it will lead to enrollment explosion, Nkpa said “the siting of this project will change the narrative that public primary schools are dumping grounds for the rural poor.”

She further stated that the model school structure with state of the art facilities will put St Thomas’s RCM Primary School at the forefront of quality teaching and learning thereby enhancing academic excellence.

Several pupila of the school thanked the Board for giving the school a facelift, they pledged to put the facilities to good use and abstain from vandalism.

C’R SUBEB COMMISSIONS 9 CLASSROOM BLOCK, LIBRARY AND OTHERS IN IKOM

NPCU LAUDS CR-SLOGOR FOR EFFICIENT PROJECT DELIVERY

By: Kingsley Agim

The National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU) of State and Local Governance Reforms Project (SLOGOR) has lauded the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) of the Project for its strides in projects delivery in the Cross River State, especially in the area of State Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (SIFMIS).

The NPCU Team which was in the State for a Monitoring and Evaluation visit gave the commendation during a meeting with the SPCU of CR-SLOGOR, held recently, in the Conference Room of SLOGOR in Calabar.

The Team, which had earlier embarked on inspection of SIFMIS Project Sites, led by Mr. Felix Okonkwo, also expressed satisfaction with the overall achievements of CRSLOGOR, pointing out that Cross River and Kebbi are now the best performing States amongst the six SLOGOR participating States.

After thumbing through the Monitoring and Evaluation Template for SLOGOR participating States, Mr. Felix Okonkwo lauded CRSLOGOR for being up-to-date in terms of reports up to the 3rd quarter, while urging for speedy action on 4th quarter report.

The NPCU six-person Team sued for adequate publicity of project activities to aid the European Union and World Bank make informed decisions about the Project, harping on new innovations in publicizing Project deliverables. The Team Leader also admonished the Project Implementation Unit (PIU)on timely reports to the NPCU for consolidation ahead of Project closure date.

In his welcome remarks, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Imbufe, after a warm welcome, briefed the NPCU Team on series of meetings held with the new Commissioner for International Development Corporation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, aimed at smoothening operations of the Project in the State.

He also told the Team that the Project SIFMIS ICT Consultant was handling other technical hitches for the Project; while request has been made to the World Bank to address the cooling system faced by SIFMIS Project.

Mr. Imbufe informed the Team that CRSLOGOR is awaiting a response from the World Bank regarding the State Executive Council’s approval of the framework on: ‘Potential Areas of Improvement of Functions to Local Government Areas and Roadmap for Improved Service Delivery of Authority by State/Agencies for Local Governance in Cross River State,’ earlier submitted to the Bank.

He assured the team of the State Government’s readiness towards partnerships that would engender development for Cross River and the nation at large.

SIFMIS is a sub-component which seeks to support the states to improve efficiency in financial transactions, personnel and payroll controls through the utilization of simple but robust State Integrated Financial Management Information Systems.

The meeting climaxed with unit-by-unit oral reports on achievements, challenges and recommendations in their departments, with the PC pointing out few grey areas to be corrected by the NPCU Team.

NPCU LAUDS CR-SLOGOR FOR EFFICIENT PROJECT DELIVERY

Ayade begins immediate overhaul of Ugep general hospital; Obol lopon of Ugep praise him for ongoing work

The Cross River State Governor, Sir Benedict Ayade, has began immediate revamping and equiping of the ugep general hospital in the Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State with facilities to make the hospital more effective and responsive to the health needs of the people.

The Obol Lopon of Ugep HRM Obol Ofem Eteng; paramount ruler of Yakurr has lauded the Digital Governor Sen Ben Ayade on his outstanding performance in the state. He said that General Hospital Ugep is very strategic as it caters for health needs of over 500,000 persons in the central part of the state. He noted that this is one of our biggest referral health facility in the center part of the state and this intervention was timely “ Governor Ayade loves Yakurr people and he has always improved our lots over time. We sincerely thank him”

Governor Ayade at several instances had said that “My administration has shown commitment and the greatest support for health care and disease control. We have instituted preventive and control measures against the outbreak of diseases like Lassa fever, Cerebral Meningitis, cholera, diarrhea, among others.

“Support for maternal and child health; immunisation etc will be sustained in our communities, and we will ensure that the gains made in the area of public health is sustained and surpassed through the state health insurance scheme; which is a social scheme where a stronger brother gives a weaker brother a shoulder to lean on. We will not leave anyone behind, this is the true essence of humanity”

The Commissioner for Health, Dr.Betta Edu, said the Governor is committed to the upgrade of general Hospitals in final preparation for the roll out of Ayade care health insurance scheme.

Governor Ayade pledged to ensure the extension of health services to all nooks and crannies of Cross River State to reach the poor, vulnerable and down-trodden in furtherance of the administration’s policy thrust on health.

The Commisioner for Health confirmed that the state government in collaboration with partners will continue to participate in all national and state programmes, including advocacy campaigns, health promotion, immunisation plus days, integrated measles campaigns, malaria programs, maternal new born and child health weeks, as well as Other disease Eradication Campaign.

Dr.Betta said Governor Ayade’s intervention in the area of health attacking quick wins are already producing results, stressing that the state was moving towards the direction of medical tourism to attract visitors on health ground and boost the state’s economy, given the prevailing sanity and adequate conducive security situation.

Ayade begins immediate overhaul of Ugep general hospital; Obol lopon of Ugep praise him for ongoing work

CR ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF UNICROSS

By Itam Offor

The State Assembly has passed a bill for a law to establish the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS.

The passage of the bill is sequel to the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Education by it's Chairman, RT Hon. Itam Abang.

According to the report, the Bill which is sponsored by Member representing Ogoja State Constituency and Leader of the House, Rt Hon. Peter Odey seeks to repeal law no 6 of (2004) which established Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH) to change the nomenclature of the University from CRUTECH to UNICROSS.

The Committee chairman stated that, the Law which established CRUTECH known as Law no 6 of 2004 was passed by the State Assembly on August 5, 2004 and Washington assented to by the then Governor, Donald Duke adding that the Law was later amended in May 2008 and passed into law in September 26, 2008 having been assented to by the then Governor, Liyel Imoke .

She noted that even with the amendment, CRUTECH was limited in scope in terms of programmes and courses adding that the name restricts the University from offering courses that are not technologically based as well as hinders the National Universities Commission from accrediting courses in other fields of academics to carter for the needs of the teeming youths seeking admission in the State.

A majority of the Members voted for the passage of the bill noting that there was urgent need to repeal the existing law and change the institution from a University of Technology to a conventional university to provide better access to University education for more Cross Riverians and also prevent the delisting of non-technical courses by the NUC.

The Speaker, RT Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams thanked the Committee for their efforts and also commended Members for passage of the bill which is the very first one for the 9th Assembly.

CR ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF UNICROSS

Rt Hon Eteng Williams stresses the need for oversight functions

February 06, 2020 No comments:

By Itam Offor

The State House of Assembly has referred the request of the State Governor for approval for the acceptance of credit facility of fifteen Billion Naira (N15BN) from the United Bank for Africa Plc to its Committee on Finance and Appropriation for indebt study.

In a letter to the Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Tina Banku Agbor, observed that; ‘’in line with the desire to make Cross River State an industrialized State, Government has approached UBA for a loan facility of N15 bn (Fiften billion naira) for developmental and allied projects in the State’’ adding that, ‘’the facility is offered for 120 month tenor at an interest rate of 15% per annum’’.

The House which deliberated extensively on the request emphasized the need for more detailed information from relevant stakeholders including the SSG and Debt Management office and referred the request to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation to report back in two weeks.

Similarly, the House also considered the State Government’s request for approval for the withdrawal of one billion five hundred million naira (N1.5 b) from the State Reserved Fund for intervention in the Education sector to its Finance and Appropriation committee with a mandate for the committee to report back in two weeks.

The request was conveyed to the House through a letter signed by the secretary to the State Government and read on the floor of the House by the clerk, Elder Bassey Ekpenyong.

Members noted that the 8th Assembly had earlier approved the sum of 2.5 Billion from the Reserve Fund for the same purpose and mandated the Finance Committee to ascertain if the fund was judiciously used.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Rt Hon Eteng Williams stressed the need for House committees to carryout effective oversight functions and be up to date in the various ongoing projects under their Ministries Departments and Agencies.

Rt Hon Eteng Williams stresses the need for oversight functions

February 06, 2020 No comments:

C/R LAWMAKERS RESUME PLENARY, SWEAR IN RE-ELECTED MEMBER.

By Itam Offor –CRSHA

The State lawmakers have resumed sitting after a working recess of about 5 weeks which commenced December 31, 2019.

The House resumed plenary with the swearing in of Dr Francis Etta, Member Representing Abi State Constituency whose election was earlier annulled by an election tribunal which subsequently ordered for a rerun between him and his APC opponent.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams while administering the oath of allegiance on Etta expressed delight at his return to the Assembly and appointed him chairman, House Committed on Water and Sanitation as well as vice chairman of the Health committee.

Earlier, the Clerk of the House, Barr Bassey Ekpenyong informed Members that, Etta was declared winner of the rerun election which was conducted on January 25, 2020 and has since been given his Certificate of Return by INEC.

The newly sworn-in Member thanked his colleagues for their support while he was out of office. He also expressed appreciation to his constituents for their confidence in him.

C/R LAWMAKERS RESUME PLENARY, SWEAR IN RE-ELECTED MEMBER.

FTS 2018 BATCH AWARD GOVERNOR AYADE AND SUBEB BOSS

By Uchino Amatey
Participants of the 2018 Federal Teachers Scheme have presented a leadership award to Governor Ben Ayade and an award of service to the Executive Chairman, Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey.

The awards which were presented at the Conference hall of SUBEB, Calabar, was in honour of their contributions to the growth of basic education in the State and support to the FTS Cross River 2018 batch.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Dr Stephen Odey thanked participants for the gesture which he said will serve as a motivation to the administration in its strive for excellence in the education sector.

Applauding participants for their show of love, unity and commitment to duty, Dr Odey said “ your ability to come together to demonstrate oneness and your willingness to serve this State is something I take seriously. I must commend you for the love and unity amongst yourselves and of course extending that friendship to the Board. As some of you know I have been a teacher, so I take the teaching profession very seriously, which is why we embarked on a personnel audit exercise to ensure that we get the best for the state. For those who know me, I am a no nonsense person when it comes to doing your work, I always go for the best and I reward hard work. I do not do things based on sentiments or to impress anyone, I always tell people that I will prefer to be called a bad man for doing the right thing, than a good man for doing the wrong thing.”

The SUBEB Boss informed them of the Governor’s vision of improving the standard of education in the State through the on-going construction of the West African Teachers Continuous Training Institute in Biase and the British-Canadian International School in Obudu, which he said will offer employment opportunities to Cross Riverians upon completion and advised them to take advantage of such opportunities when they present themselves.

According to him “The good news is that we are working day and night to commence academic activities at the West African Teachers Continuous Training Institute in Biase, and we are also striving to commence academic activities by September at the British-Canadian International School. So these are two potential institutions that will offer employment opportunities to Cross Riverians, when we advertise do not hesitate to send in your applications.”
While stating that the Board under his leadership runs an open door policy and ensures transparency in all its dealings, Dr Odey said “On a daily basis we receive death cases, retirement cases and so on, but as a Board we do not do replacement. If we want to employ, we will announce it so that those who are capable and qualified will apply, it has to be competitive. Feel free to contact us when there are opportunities, we do not collect money for employment purposes. Since the current management of SUBEB came on board, no money is collected from any teacher or contractor. We are not here for money making, but to render service to Cross Riverians and improve basic education in the state and the nation in general.”

He frowned on the use of fake certificates and maintained that the Board will always go after fraudsters in order to ensure that education remains the center of excellence.

In a welcome address, The Director of Administration CR-SUBEB, Mr Emmanuel Ojong, thanked participants for carrying out their duties diligently within the 2-years period of engagement. He added that, the Federal Teachers Scheme, which is an intervention by the federal government has been in existence for several years and Cross River State has benefitted from the scheme.

While stating that the Board has recently employed 2500 teaching and non-teaching staff to fill vacancies created by retirement and dearth cases, Mr Ojong said “From the details of the scheme you are expected to be on internship for a 2-year period, which you have just concluded and after that, if there is need to engage you further as a state the necessary procedures will follow.

You are aware that we just recently embarked on recruitment to fill the gaps that we had, I know that the gaps are always there as people retire. From what you have exhibited, this set will be an asset to the state government.”

He urged participants to remain resourceful and continue in the spirit of dedication wherever they find themselves in the future.

Speaking earlier, the Coordinator, FTS 2018 Participants, Uwase Uwase, thanked the Board and the State government for their support during the course of the programme.

Stating that the visit was to show their appreciation and also congratulate the Board Chairman on his re-appointment. Uwase said “we were happy when we heard of your re-appointment as the SUBEB Chairman, by Governor Ben Ayade. Your re-appointment did not come as a surprise to us, it was borne out of your dedication, hardwork, tenancity, discipline in terms of administration and everything that is going on in our schools.”

He commended the Board Chairman for his outstanding leadership quality and his passion for the basic education sector which he said was evident in the numerous achievements of the Board.

“We have noticed a whole lot of reforms in the state and that is courtesy of what you have been able to do, especially in our schools, we have witnessed massive infrastructural development, supply of furniture and so on. In your recent recruitment we saw a very transparent process that was different from anything else in the Country. We say thank you very much for setting the pace and setting a good blueprint for us as the younger generation to come and inherit.”

While appealing for employment opportunities into the State teaching service, Uwase further commended Governor Ayade for his outstanding vision and commitment to excellence in the State’s basic education sector.

FTS 2018 BATCH AWARD GOVERNOR AYADE AND SUBEB BOSS

Cross River State Celebrates 2020 World NTD Day in Okoyong Community of Odukpani LGA

The 2020 World NTD day celebration, a yearly event scheduled for every 30th of January to help eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) has been celebrated in Okoyong Community of Odukpani LGA of Cross River State.

Cross River State is known to be endemic to several of this tropical diseases which tends to affects the poorest and marginalized population in both rural and urban settlements thereby causing several diseases like anemia, blindness, malnutrition and other life threatening diseases.

The chief host of the event; the honorable commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu, who has been driving a more robust strategy to end NTDs was supported by the DG CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong, the HOLGA of Odukpani LGA Mrs Opara, the PHC director Mrs Lizzy Bullem, the NTD State coordinator Mr Patrick Odo, the clan head of Ikot Effiong Otop Denuenuo Asuquo Effiong and a host of many other dignitaries, mothers, fathers and children of the host community.

After a welcome address by the HOLGA of Odukpani LGA Mrs Opara, who welcomed the commissioner to Odukpani and went further to thank the State Governor for his numerous contributions in the health sector and Hon Dr Betta Edu for her tremendous contributions and outstanding legacies she's left so far in the health sector within and outside the state. The LGA coordinator for NTD Mrs Helen Ekpeme commended the State Government and the Health Ministry for putting in so much in the area of this neglected diseases as today over 820 communities in Odukpani LGA have been affected positively and over 2 million children and adult dewormed or treated already.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Health thanked his Excellency Governor Ben Ayade for his great leadership, strong political will, great efforts and achievements in the health sector. She went ahead to sensitize the host community on the causative agents, mode of transmission, treatment, targeted population and the preventive measures involved in Neglected Tropical Diseases. She elaborately carried out sensitization campaigns on Lassa fever, Corona virus, malaria and diarrhoea as the people of Odukpani were filled with joy and shout of praises for his excellency when she disclosed to them that CRS is Lassa Fever free.

Out of the 18 NTDs of public health importance, 4 are endemic in Cross River State, Lymphatic filariasis
Onchocerciasis schistosomiasis
Soil transmitted Helmetics is caused by instinal worms known as Ascaris (ascaris lumbricoides which includes; whiporous, hookworms and necta americanus

These diseases are transmitted from infected persons to uninfected persons via mosquito bites, black fly, contaminated pathogenic snails and contaminated soil that harbors parasitic worms.

Treatment is available, covering a population of about 2 million people in 820 communities. Preventive Chemotherapy is used as a mode of treatment in two phases, school based deworming (SBD) and Community based deworming (CBD). Treatment is done yearly through MAM involving teachers, health worker and CDDs.

Our target population is 5-14 years school children for SBD
5years and above for CBD
Those not eligible;
Children under the age of five (5)
Pregnant women
Lactating mothers within the first 7 days and seriously ill persons.

The DG CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong alongside other speakers charged mothers to always advice their children to imbibe the culture of regular hand washing, avoiding the exposure of edible food items and went further to charge health workers to continue to give in their best as the State Government is always ready to provide whatever the health sector needs to make the state a disease free one. She charged them to have a high level of suspicion for any case of Fever.

The indigenes of Odukpani LGA expressed their happiness with the State Government and the Health Ministry for always putting their children, mothers and their various communities into consideration and promised to double their support for his excellency and the new commissioner for health as they promised to carry out this sensitization campaign to the nooks and crannies of their various communities, market places, churches, etc.

Cross River State Celebrates 2020 World NTD Day in Okoyong Community of Odukpani LGA

Gov. Ayade's non-oil economy receiving impetus from all fronts - Archibong

By Kingsley Agim

Cross River State Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has stated that the non-oil economic drive of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration is receiving impetus as the State agro-industrialization strides continue to get massive attention.

Mrs. Archibong made this known at the just-concluded 3-day South-South Export Enlightenment and Engagement Forum, held in Asaba, Delta State Capital.

The Commerce Commissioner described the event as "expository and affirmative to the expediency of raising Cross Riverians' awareness on the enormous but untapped opportunities in the agro export sector," while commending Governor Ayade's far-sightedness in charting a course for economic prosperity of Cross River State.

Expressing delight over the sight of Cross River-born agro businessmen at the conference, Mrs. Archibong called on Cross Riverians to embrace the numerous opportunities to become green millionaires in the near future.

She hinted that her Ministry is in contact with the Export Promotion Council, South-South Region, to organise a sensitization activity in Calabar to acquaint the State's non-oil businessmen and women on agricultural export opportunities.

In the State contingent led by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., were Commissioners for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Okon Owuna, Commerce, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong, their Industry Ministry counterpart, Mr. Peter Egba, as well as other Cross Riverians.

Gov. Ayade's non-oil economy receiving impetus from all fronts - Archibong