CRVY HAILS AYADE'S LEADERSHIP STYLE, PLEDGE SOLIDARITY FOR HIS CONTINUITY IN 2019

A body called the Cross River Visionary Youths has hailed the State Governor, Senator (Prof.) Ben Ayade’s visionary leadership style and pledged unshakable solidarity to the governor’s second term ambition. The CRVY made this known through its Director-General, Mr. Eric Azogor, during a meeting held recently in Calabar. Azogor said the meeting was aimed at swaying and garnering support for Governor Ayade, maintaining that “for a man who has creditably and remains indeed bent on taking Cross River State to an Eldorado, through distinguishable projects littered across the State; a second term in office for him remains a sacrosanct priority for every Cross Riverian. The DG held that Ayade-led administration’s infrastructural development, industrial revolution of the State, employment benchmark, gender-sensitive and youth-friendly disposition, which culminated in over six thousand (6, 000) indigenes (youths, women and widows alike) gainfully engaged in the service of the State; has made Governor Ayade a darling and a source of pride for Cross Riverians and beyond. He further averred that humongous (completed and yet-to-be-completed) projects like the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company, the Calabar Rice City, Bakassi Deep Seaport, Ikom-Calabar-Katsina-Ala Dual Carriage Super Highway, Calabar Garment Factory, Nfom-Yala-Bekwarra-Obudu Highway, the Boki Ring Road, Odukpani Banana Plantation/Processing Plant, Calapharm, Calas Vegas, Bakassi Resettlement Social Housing Project, Dualization of Calabar-Odukpani Highway, Calabar Virgin City, Ikom Cocoa Processing Industry, Ogoja Rice Processing Industry, Calabar Rice City, Calabar Power Plant, Canadian Model Secondary School, Obudu, have made Cross River State an industrial, economically prosperous, educationally inclined and a tourists haven of Nigerian. The DG called on Governor Ayade not to be deterred by detractors and naysayers who attack and question his vision, but remain focused on his resolve to make the State envious among the comity of Nigerian states. He admonished Cross Riverians and residents of the State to continue to support the Ayade-led administration in order for it to work harder and keep delivering the democratic dividends to the people, hoping that come 2019, Governor Ayade will continue with the good work he is doing for the State. It will be recalled that recently, the State witnessed ‘Ayade 2019 Endorsement’ spree, with notable groups and well-meaning Cross Riverians calling on Governor Ben Ayade to come for a second tenure in 2019.

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Bloodshed in Offa, Kwara State

BLACK THURSDAY IN OFFA, KWARA STATE. Offa under siege of fully armed men as sporadic firing rented the air yesterday afternoon. According to information reaching detaingcrossriver about 50 bandits fully armed to the teeth attacked a police station and some banks leaving blood in their trails. They left through Igosun axis of Offa in 7 to 8 vehicles convoy. Details of casualties yet to be ascertained as the city of Offa remains deserted till this morning. The perpetrators of such act should be brought to face the law and Nigeria as a country needs more man power to tackle security problem in Nigeria. The killing and bloodshed in this administration is nothing to write home about. Even as we pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.

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Bloodshed in Offa, Kwara State

BLACK THURSDAY IN OFFA, KWARA STATE. Offa under siege of fully armed men as sporadic firing rented the air yesterday afternoon. According to information reaching detaingcrossriver about 50 bandits fully armed to the teeth attacked a police station and some banks leaving blood in their trails. They left through Igosun axis of Offa in 7 to 8 vehicles convoy. Details of casualties yet to be ascertained as the city of Offa remains deserted till this morning. The perpetrators of such act should be brought to face the law and Nigeria as a country needs more man power to tackle security problem in Nigeria. The killing and bloodshed in this administration is nothing to write home about. Even as we pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.

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Modelling For Cash: Face of Arise Africa Pageant 2018 Holds in Imo

The stage is set for the 2nd edition of Face of Africa  Beauty Pageant scheduled to holds July 2018 at Rockview Hotel Owerri ,Imo state. The organizer of the program,Mr Ik Anyanwu, Ceo Face of Arise Africa  made this disclosure while fielding question from newsmen in Owerri recently  . He explained  that  the entertainment industry is set to witness a re-branding with the 2nd edition of “Face of Arise  Beauty Pageant, he noted that the show  is  the biggest scholarship pageant competition in Nigeria. Last year we had over 30 contestants who were equipped with various skills. The organizer  pointed out that the  Beauty Pageant ,themed : Creativity & Style is designed for every young person between the ages of 18 -28 years old,even as he noted that application forms  are now on sale till May   20th. While the Audition comes up June 2018. He maintained that the Face of Arise Africa Beauty Pageant is a program aimed at organizing  young ladies and men towards a new order of projecting Nigeria Image and creating a platform for general entertainment According to the young and vibrant Arise Africa Boss "this is not just another beauty pageant, but a show  tailored towards inspiring and nurturing young, talented models as we seek to raise the beautiful continent of Africa. It is also another season to celebrate people, places and values during this season as special recognition will be given to distinguished personalities during the show . Face of Arise Africa Beauty Pageant will also afford the organizers opportunity to choose a brand Ambassador who will run charitable projects within and outside Nigeria and also represent Nigeria in International competitions." Anyanwu further explained that the Face of Arise Afrika is an answer to the quest among most youths to explore their talents and be identified as celebrities but due to the non availability of adequate platforms in Africa for self discovery, most youths never get to fulfill this dream" he opined. Anyanwu  avarred that the winner of the pageant shall embark on charitable works, awareness campaign in a show of appreciation and give back to the community ,stressing that  just 5,000 form one can achieve his  dream,as we are poised to "REDEFINING AFRICA TO THE WORLD."he said. For participation, Sponsorship call 08037512288 Visit www.ariseafrika.com Facebook page: Face of Arise Africa Username: Gcfnconsult

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Modelling For Cash: Face of Arise Africa Pageant 2018 Holds in Imo

The stage is set for the 2nd edition of Face of Africa  Beauty Pageant scheduled to holds July 2018 at Rockview Hotel Owerri ,Imo state. The organizer of the program,Mr Ik Anyanwu, Ceo Face of Arise Africa  made this disclosure while fielding question from newsmen in Owerri recently  . He explained  that  the entertainment industry is set to witness a re-branding with the 2nd edition of “Face of Arise  Beauty Pageant, he noted that the show  is  the biggest scholarship pageant competition in Nigeria. Last year we had over 30 contestants who were equipped with various skills. The organizer  pointed out that the  Beauty Pageant ,themed : Creativity & Style is designed for every young person between the ages of 18 -28 years old,even as he noted that application forms  are now on sale till May   20th. While the Audition comes up June 2018. He maintained that the Face of Arise Africa Beauty Pageant is a program aimed at organizing  young ladies and men towards a new order of projecting Nigeria Image and creating a platform for general entertainment According to the young and vibrant Arise Africa Boss "this is not just another beauty pageant, but a show  tailored towards inspiring and nurturing young, talented models as we seek to raise the beautiful continent of Africa. It is also another season to celebrate people, places and values during this season as special recognition will be given to distinguished personalities during the show . Face of Arise Africa Beauty Pageant will also afford the organizers opportunity to choose a brand Ambassador who will run charitable projects within and outside Nigeria and also represent Nigeria in International competitions." Anyanwu further explained that the Face of Arise Afrika is an answer to the quest among most youths to explore their talents and be identified as celebrities but due to the non availability of adequate platforms in Africa for self discovery, most youths never get to fulfill this dream" he opined. Anyanwu  avarred that the winner of the pageant shall embark on charitable works, awareness campaign in a show of appreciation and give back to the community ,stressing that  just 5,000 form one can achieve his  dream,as we are poised to "REDEFINING AFRICA TO THE WORLD."he said. For participation, Sponsorship call 08037512288 Visit www.ariseafrika.com Facebook page: Face of Arise Africa Username: Gcfnconsult

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Archibong Bags Trans-Africa Awards

By Kingsley Agim The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Effiom Archibong has been honoured by with an award as “Amazon of Nation Building in Africa by the Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative.” The award was presented to her in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Information and Orientation on Wednesday, 4th April, 2018. Receiving the award, Mrs. Archibong thanked the Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative for the award and expressed delight in what the body is doing across Africa, saying “it is a thing of joy to see young Africans rise up to project their continent in a very positive manner. Archibong commended the young Africans for mainstreaming their youthful exuberance into participation in governance, urging them to withdraw from the hackneyed cliché of ‘youths are the leaders of tomorrow,’ but see themselves as a contrived bunch of young Africans leaders prepared to take the baton from the older ones. The Commissioner decried the toll cultism and drug abuse are taking on the youths, calling on the students’ body to become agents of change and fight against vices that debase the moral fabric of the society, assuring them of the Governor Ayade’s supportive disposition towards youths and activities that engender societal development. The Information and Orientation boss expressed renewed hope in the youths and wished that their collective contributions will evolve for all, the new Africa of our dream. In his remarks, the Team Leader, Hon. Kossi Austine from Ivory Coast, expressed delight at the pedigree of the Honourable Commissioner whose nomination for the award took place at their Ghana Conference in 2017. He added that the impactful leadership qualities of Mrs. Archibong contributed in raising the profile of Cross River State. Also speaking, the body’s Head of Operations in Nigeria, Comrade Musa Abdulrauf stated that Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative seeks to find role models, institutions and those who have contributed meaningfully to the society in accordance with the Pan-African ideology. This, he said was the basis for the choice of Mrs. Archibong for her outstanding contributions to societal development. Abdulrauf said the Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative is a Pan-African driven initiative, birthed in 2012 at the All-African Students’ Resolution, tasking the upcoming generation to contribute to the development of Africa of our dream. The Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative team comprised of members from Ivory Coast, Cameron, Ogun State, Niger State and Cross River State.

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Archibong Bags Trans-Africa Awards

By Kingsley Agim The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Effiom Archibong has been honoured by with an award as “Amazon of Nation Building in Africa by the Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative.” The award was presented to her in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Information and Orientation on Wednesday, 4th April, 2018. Receiving the award, Mrs. Archibong thanked the Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative for the award and expressed delight in what the body is doing across Africa, saying “it is a thing of joy to see young Africans rise up to project their continent in a very positive manner. Archibong commended the young Africans for mainstreaming their youthful exuberance into participation in governance, urging them to withdraw from the hackneyed cliché of ‘youths are the leaders of tomorrow,’ but see themselves as a contrived bunch of young Africans leaders prepared to take the baton from the older ones. The Commissioner decried the toll cultism and drug abuse are taking on the youths, calling on the students’ body to become agents of change and fight against vices that debase the moral fabric of the society, assuring them of the Governor Ayade’s supportive disposition towards youths and activities that engender societal development. The Information and Orientation boss expressed renewed hope in the youths and wished that their collective contributions will evolve for all, the new Africa of our dream. In his remarks, the Team Leader, Hon. Kossi Austine from Ivory Coast, expressed delight at the pedigree of the Honourable Commissioner whose nomination for the award took place at their Ghana Conference in 2017. He added that the impactful leadership qualities of Mrs. Archibong contributed in raising the profile of Cross River State. Also speaking, the body’s Head of Operations in Nigeria, Comrade Musa Abdulrauf stated that Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative seeks to find role models, institutions and those who have contributed meaningfully to the society in accordance with the Pan-African ideology. This, he said was the basis for the choice of Mrs. Archibong for her outstanding contributions to societal development. Abdulrauf said the Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative is a Pan-African driven initiative, birthed in 2012 at the All-African Students’ Resolution, tasking the upcoming generation to contribute to the development of Africa of our dream. The Trans-Africa Students’ Initiative team comprised of members from Ivory Coast, Cameron, Ogun State, Niger State and Cross River State.

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Info-Quiz: Obase Emerges this week's Winner

By Kingsley Agim Mr. Abraham Ayuk Obase, a student of the prestigious University of Calabar, has emerged winner of this week’s edition of the Info-Quiz Competition. The prize presentation which was done by the Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Effiom Archibong took place today, during the “Good Morning Cross River” CRBC TV live. Mrs. Archibong congratulated Mr. Obase for his interest in activities, programmes and projects of the Ayade-led government, adding that apart from the financial benefits of winning the competition, the exercise also helps participants intellectually. The Information and Orientation Commissioner expressed satisfaction in the clever responses by participants in this week’s Info-Quiz which centred on the Carnival Calabar and Cultural/Harvest Festivals on the State, calling on Cross Riverians to participate more in the competition. She maintained that her Ministry through the Info-Quiz Competition will continue to get citizens to play active role in governance through the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing and disseminating information, especially about the achievements of Governor Ayade administration. She hinted that questions for next week’s edition will be released on Monday, 9th April, 2018 and called on all and sundry to participate in subsequent weekly editions to stand a chance of winning amazing prizes. Receiving the N10, 000 cash prize, a joyful Abraham Ayuk Obase thanked the Commissioner for the opportunity to prove his mettle through the Info-Quiz Competition, adding that “as a patriotic citizen, it behoves one to always keep tabs with the goings-on in the State. He pointed out that Governor Ayade’s developmental projects, littered across the State are an indication that he is working, calling on the governor to do even more to ensure that Cross Riverians pride in the mandate they gave him in 2015.

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Info-Quiz: Obase Emerges this week's Winner

By Kingsley Agim Mr. Abraham Ayuk Obase, a student of the prestigious University of Calabar, has emerged winner of this week’s edition of the Info-Quiz Competition. The prize presentation which was done by the Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Effiom Archibong took place today, during the “Good Morning Cross River” CRBC TV live. Mrs. Archibong congratulated Mr. Obase for his interest in activities, programmes and projects of the Ayade-led government, adding that apart from the financial benefits of winning the competition, the exercise also helps participants intellectually. The Information and Orientation Commissioner expressed satisfaction in the clever responses by participants in this week’s Info-Quiz which centred on the Carnival Calabar and Cultural/Harvest Festivals on the State, calling on Cross Riverians to participate more in the competition. She maintained that her Ministry through the Info-Quiz Competition will continue to get citizens to play active role in governance through the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing and disseminating information, especially about the achievements of Governor Ayade administration. She hinted that questions for next week’s edition will be released on Monday, 9th April, 2018 and called on all and sundry to participate in subsequent weekly editions to stand a chance of winning amazing prizes. Receiving the N10, 000 cash prize, a joyful Abraham Ayuk Obase thanked the Commissioner for the opportunity to prove his mettle through the Info-Quiz Competition, adding that “as a patriotic citizen, it behoves one to always keep tabs with the goings-on in the State. He pointed out that Governor Ayade’s developmental projects, littered across the State are an indication that he is working, calling on the governor to do even more to ensure that Cross Riverians pride in the mandate they gave him in 2015.

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Hon. Mike Etaba Million Naira Easter Surprised Package To His Constituency

HON. Mike Etaba took a tour to 21 wards under his constituency, Obubra/ Etung Federal Constituency to put smiles on the faces of families, and communities who are mourning their deceased. He went with money worth Millions of Naira and dozens of wrappers to the women to ease the pains of his people. During the visit Etaba said, the essence of my coming is to see the affected communities and damages caused by the war as being reported. In the spirit of Easter celebration Hon. Etaba donated the sum of twelve million naira (12, 000, 000); 6.5 million for Obubra Local Government Area while 6 million for Etung Local Government Area respectively. He also added 1 Million for the chiefs and 4 hundred thousand for the warring communities. He urges all those mourning to remain steadfast to the Lord, for He gives and takes. While disbursing the Money Hon. Mike Etaba also uses the opportunity to announce his unprecedented empowerment that will be coming up very soon. That the empowerment program is to appreciate his constituency for their tireless support towards him and to fulfill his campaign promises pledged in the last election. Adding that this one is just for Easter celebration. Commending the gestures so displayed by Hon. Mike Etaba, Chief Ebenyam Okpobong, Village Head of Ogurude community said " We thank you for coming to our aid at this wearying period and your coming is timely. All we agitated for is peace and you had promised us peace, we trust and believe in you as our own that is while we are strongly behind you come rain, come sun. Eric Azogor, DG, Cross River Visionary Youths appreciate Hon. Mike Etaba for his kind gesture, stating that the gesture that the constituency is receiving from Hon. Mike is unprecedented. And to him as a person, no house of rep member had being so close to his people like Mike. In his rating, he rated Hon. Mike as the best ever produced Rep since the democratic settings in Obubra/Etung federal constituency. The youth are overwhelmed that the House of Rep Member Hon. Mike is making the constituency proud despite the economic situation in Nigeria and pray for God to continue to bless and take him to a greater height. Eric reiterated that Mike would use his good position as a representative of his people to bring dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of his constituents. Some of the beneficiaries who reacted thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and promised their unalloyed support.

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Hon. Mike Etaba Million Naira Easter Surprised Package To His Constituency

HON. Mike Etaba took a tour to 21 wards under his constituency, Obubra/ Etung Federal Constituency to put smiles on the faces of families, and communities who are mourning their deceased. He went with money worth Millions of Naira and dozens of wrappers to the women to ease the pains of his people. During the visit Etaba said, the essence of my coming is to see the affected communities and damages caused by the war as being reported. In the spirit of Easter celebration Hon. Etaba donated the sum of twelve million naira (12, 000, 000); 6.5 million for Obubra Local Government Area while 6 million for Etung Local Government Area respectively. He also added 1 Million for the chiefs and 4 hundred thousand for the warring communities. He urges all those mourning to remain steadfast to the Lord, for He gives and takes. While disbursing the Money Hon. Mike Etaba also uses the opportunity to announce his unprecedented empowerment that will be coming up very soon. That the empowerment program is to appreciate his constituency for their tireless support towards him and to fulfill his campaign promises pledged in the last election. Adding that this one is just for Easter celebration. Commending the gestures so displayed by Hon. Mike Etaba, Chief Ebenyam Okpobong, Village Head of Ogurude community said " We thank you for coming to our aid at this wearying period and your coming is timely. All we agitated for is peace and you had promised us peace, we trust and believe in you as our own that is while we are strongly behind you come rain, come sun. Eric Azogor, DG, Cross River Visionary Youths appreciate Hon. Mike Etaba for his kind gesture, stating that the gesture that the constituency is receiving from Hon. Mike is unprecedented. And to him as a person, no house of rep member had being so close to his people like Mike. In his rating, he rated Hon. Mike as the best ever produced Rep since the democratic settings in Obubra/Etung federal constituency. The youth are overwhelmed that the House of Rep Member Hon. Mike is making the constituency proud despite the economic situation in Nigeria and pray for God to continue to bless and take him to a greater height. Eric reiterated that Mike would use his good position as a representative of his people to bring dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of his constituents. Some of the beneficiaries who reacted thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and promised their unalloyed support.

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Bukola Saraki: Am not Contesting the 2019 Presidential Election

Senate President Bukola Saraki on Monday dismissed reports that he intends contesting the 2019 presidential election. The report was refuted by his media aide, Yusuf Olaniyonu, in a chat with Independent. He said, “the report is false. If it is true that he is contesting, you would have seen the report in major dailies since last week Saturday when the news broke out on social media. But as you can see, there is nothing like that.” The Senate president gave the clarification in response to media reports that were triggered by comments attributed to veteran journalist Dele Momodu. Momodu had, over the weekend, said: “The Boss can exclusively reveal that Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has joined the 2019 Presidential race. “There is no doubt that he would be a formidable force that should not be ignored because only few politicians in Nigeria today have the pedigree, the experience, the clout and the connection of Senator Saraki. “Impeccable sources reveal that as he is plotting his move for the Presidency, he is said to be considering building alliances with all Nigerians of like minds. He is also considering using the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu as his running mate.”

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Bukola Saraki: Am not Contesting the 2019 Presidential Election

Senate President Bukola Saraki on Monday dismissed reports that he intends contesting the 2019 presidential election. The report was refuted by his media aide, Yusuf Olaniyonu, in a chat with Independent. He said, “the report is false. If it is true that he is contesting, you would have seen the report in major dailies since last week Saturday when the news broke out on social media. But as you can see, there is nothing like that.” The Senate president gave the clarification in response to media reports that were triggered by comments attributed to veteran journalist Dele Momodu. Momodu had, over the weekend, said: “The Boss can exclusively reveal that Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has joined the 2019 Presidential race. “There is no doubt that he would be a formidable force that should not be ignored because only few politicians in Nigeria today have the pedigree, the experience, the clout and the connection of Senator Saraki. “Impeccable sources reveal that as he is plotting his move for the Presidency, he is said to be considering building alliances with all Nigerians of like minds. He is also considering using the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu as his running mate.”

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HIV SUMMIT: AYADE ASSURES PARTNERS OF INCREASE FUNDING OF HIV/AIDS SERVICE IN CROSS RIVER STATE

His Excellency, Senator ( Prof ) Ben Ayade has assured partners and people living with HIV in the state of increase funding to HIV program in the state. This was the message from the just concluded HIV Summit organised by SACA. In her opening remarks, Director General of Cross River State Agency For Control of AIDS, Dr Rosemary Nyambi said the essence of the summit theme " Domestic Resource Mobilization for sustainability of Cross River State HIV response is for key stakeholders in the health sector to discuss and chart way forward for a sustainable affordable and effective response to HIV situation in the state. approaches and strategies for resource mobilization will be our focus. Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong said given the dwindling finances from external sources, it is was necessary for the State to step up HIV & AIDS funding and take leadership by increasing domestic funding of HIV & AIDS services in the State and Local Government level through domestic resource mobilization for sustainable HIV response in the State. Dr Asibong said in Cross River State there is a sustainability roadmap for HIV & AIDS as she launched the State HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan for 2017-2021 on behalf of the Governor. HIV sustainability program had started in Ikom by the directive of His Excellency, Senator ( Prof) Ben Ayade with a total 22, 929 persons currently receiving comprehensive ART care in the State. Earlier Speaking, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr Betta Edu said the state government would work hard to reduce the trend by training its workforce, collaborating with stakeholders and mounting aggressive sensitization campaigns across the State. She noted that already her Agency has taken sensitization campaigns to the Creeks in Calabar South Local Government Area were hundreds of teenage pregnant girls have been sensitize on family planning, use of condom and abstinence to stop spread of HIV. Also Speaking, Dr Olusoji from UNICEF noted that over the years and presently UNICEF has been supporting the State on PMTCT and will not relent their effort until the scourge of HIV defeated across the Country. UNFPA Head of Cross River State Office, Ken Ehouzou added that UNFPA and UNICEF in collaboration with key State Partners and over 15 NGOs notably Mediatrix Development Foundation hosted the first ever HIV & AIDS Prevention Campaign for young people and vulnerable population as part of popular Calabar Carnival which witness record breaking of over 5,000 people tested, 263,000 condoms distributed and 63,000 IEC materials disseminated. Other notable speakers were Head of FHI360 in Cross River State, Dr Henry Ayuk, Mr Ibiam Azu of Health Finance and Governance, Representative of Commissioner for Women Affairs, AHF, LOPIN3, Save the Children, ECEWS, Heartland Alliance In't, Interfaith and Moslem networks, CISHAN, CRINEPWHAN amongst others.

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HIV SUMMIT: AYADE ASSURES PARTNERS OF INCREASE FUNDING OF HIV/AIDS SERVICE IN CROSS RIVER STATE

His Excellency, Senator ( Prof ) Ben Ayade has assured partners and people living with HIV in the state of increase funding to HIV program in the state. This was the message from the just concluded HIV Summit organised by SACA. In her opening remarks, Director General of Cross River State Agency For Control of AIDS, Dr Rosemary Nyambi said the essence of the summit theme " Domestic Resource Mobilization for sustainability of Cross River State HIV response is for key stakeholders in the health sector to discuss and chart way forward for a sustainable affordable and effective response to HIV situation in the state. approaches and strategies for resource mobilization will be our focus. Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong said given the dwindling finances from external sources, it is was necessary for the State to step up HIV & AIDS funding and take leadership by increasing domestic funding of HIV & AIDS services in the State and Local Government level through domestic resource mobilization for sustainable HIV response in the State. Dr Asibong said in Cross River State there is a sustainability roadmap for HIV & AIDS as she launched the State HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan for 2017-2021 on behalf of the Governor. HIV sustainability program had started in Ikom by the directive of His Excellency, Senator ( Prof) Ben Ayade with a total 22, 929 persons currently receiving comprehensive ART care in the State. Earlier Speaking, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr Betta Edu said the state government would work hard to reduce the trend by training its workforce, collaborating with stakeholders and mounting aggressive sensitization campaigns across the State. She noted that already her Agency has taken sensitization campaigns to the Creeks in Calabar South Local Government Area were hundreds of teenage pregnant girls have been sensitize on family planning, use of condom and abstinence to stop spread of HIV. Also Speaking, Dr Olusoji from UNICEF noted that over the years and presently UNICEF has been supporting the State on PMTCT and will not relent their effort until the scourge of HIV defeated across the Country. UNFPA Head of Cross River State Office, Ken Ehouzou added that UNFPA and UNICEF in collaboration with key State Partners and over 15 NGOs notably Mediatrix Development Foundation hosted the first ever HIV & AIDS Prevention Campaign for young people and vulnerable population as part of popular Calabar Carnival which witness record breaking of over 5,000 people tested, 263,000 condoms distributed and 63,000 IEC materials disseminated. Other notable speakers were Head of FHI360 in Cross River State, Dr Henry Ayuk, Mr Ibiam Azu of Health Finance and Governance, Representative of Commissioner for Women Affairs, AHF, LOPIN3, Save the Children, ECEWS, Heartland Alliance In't, Interfaith and Moslem networks, CISHAN, CRINEPWHAN amongst others.

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