2019 WPD: SOHEALTHI JOINS FIGHT AGAINST LEADING CHILD KILLER DISEASE

By Kingsley Agim

In commemoration of the World Pneumonia Day, the Society for Health Enlightenment Initiative (SO-HEALTHI), a non-governmental organisation, yesterday, joined the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia to  fight PNEUMONIA, the number one  killer of children under 5 years old.

Speaking at the event, the NGO's Team Lead, Barr. (Mrs.) RoseMary Archibong, stated that SO-HEALTHI was borne out of passion to contribute to health awareness creation and interventions, while adding a literary component to its activities to encourage creative writing, with this year's edition held in the Conference Hall of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

Mrs. Archibong said SO-HEALTHI has in ten years  strengthened advocacy and created awareness about Pneumonia - a treatable and preventable disease, which according to the United Nations, has killed more children from 0-5 years than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined.

According to un.org, "Nigeria has seen the worst of the problem, with 162, 000 child pneumonia deaths in the last year – that’s an astonishing 443 on average, each day. India is India is not far behind at 127, 000, Pakistan at 58, 000, the Democratic Republic of Congo at 40, 000, and 32, 000 deaths in Ethiopia."

"These five countries alone were responsible for more than half of the lives pneumonia claimed in 2018." 

"The disease can be prevented with immunization, and easily treated with low-cost antibiotics if properly diagnosed, but tens of millions of children are still going unvaccinated."

"Globally, 32 per cent of children suspected of having pneumonia are not taken to a health facility, and the number rises to 40 per cent in poor and low-income countries."

The well attended event featured lecture presentations on Pneumonia, it's causes and prevention by Dr. Genevieve Barnaby of the AyadeCare Home Healthcare and Dr. Effioanwan Archibong, a Registrar at UCTH.

A special goodwill message was given by Associate Professor Atana Ewa, who commended SOHEALTHI for her consistency, noting that she has been with the NGO from her pioneer outing on PNEUMONIA in 2009.

Seven select Secondary Schools, namely Word of Promise High School, Holy Trinity College, Margaret Ekpo Secondary School, Seven Angels University Secondary School, Community Secondary School, Ikot Ewa, Akpabuyo, Aye High School and Government Secondary School, Akim, all in Calabar took part in the 2019 edition of  SO-HEALTHI Essay Competition on Pneumonia.

The Essay Competition, with the topic "Pneumonia: Causes and Prevention," saw little Eyong Praise of Margaret Ekpo Secondary School, clinched the the first prize, while Michael Iyechukwu Austin of Seven Angels University Secondary School and Abigail Eyo Hogan of Government Secondary School, Akim, came second and third respectively.

Consolation prizes also went to Loveth Abit - Word of Promise High School; Paul Liyel Bassey - Holy Trinity College; Princess Nathaniel - Aye High School; and Timothy Solomon Akpan of Community Secondary School, Ikot Ewa.

In a related development, the SO-HEALTHI team earlier paid a courtesy visit on the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, with the NGO's Team Lead, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong receiving plaudits for her contributions, notably, during her stint as Director of Administration of UCTH, her efforts towards health awareness creation with SO-HEALTHI and  service  to humanity.

The UCTH boss also pledged his hospital's readiness to partner with NGOs and other relevant bodies in ensuring effective healthcare service delivery to the people.

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2019 WPD: SOHEALTHI JOINS FIGHT AGAINST LEADING CHILD KILLER DISEASE

By Kingsley Agim

In commemoration of the World Pneumonia Day, the Society for Health Enlightenment Initiative (SO-HEALTHI), a non-governmental organisation, yesterday, joined the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia to  fight PNEUMONIA, the number one  killer of children under 5 years old.

Speaking at the event, the NGO's Team Lead, Barr. (Mrs.) RoseMary Archibong, stated that SO-HEALTHI was borne out of passion to contribute to health awareness creation and interventions, while adding a literary component to its activities to encourage creative writing, with this year's edition held in the Conference Hall of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

Mrs. Archibong said SO-HEALTHI has in ten years  strengthened advocacy and created awareness about Pneumonia - a treatable and preventable disease, which according to the United Nations, has killed more children from 0-5 years than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined.

According to un.org, "Nigeria has seen the worst of the problem, with 162, 000 child pneumonia deaths in the last year – that’s an astonishing 443 on average, each day. India is India is not far behind at 127, 000, Pakistan at 58, 000, the Democratic Republic of Congo at 40, 000, and 32, 000 deaths in Ethiopia."

"These five countries alone were responsible for more than half of the lives pneumonia claimed in 2018." 

"The disease can be prevented with immunization, and easily treated with low-cost antibiotics if properly diagnosed, but tens of millions of children are still going unvaccinated."

"Globally, 32 per cent of children suspected of having pneumonia are not taken to a health facility, and the number rises to 40 per cent in poor and low-income countries."

The well attended event featured lecture presentations on Pneumonia, it's causes and prevention by Dr. Genevieve Barnaby of the AyadeCare Home Healthcare and Dr. Effioanwan Archibong, a Registrar at UCTH.

A special goodwill message was given by Associate Professor Atana Ewa, who commended SOHEALTHI for her consistency, noting that she has been with the NGO from her pioneer outing on PNEUMONIA in 2009.

Seven select Secondary Schools, namely Word of Promise High School, Holy Trinity College, Margaret Ekpo Secondary School, Seven Angels University Secondary School, Community Secondary School, Ikot Ewa, Akpabuyo, Aye High School and Government Secondary School, Akim, all in Calabar took part in the 2019 edition of  SO-HEALTHI Essay Competition on Pneumonia.

The Essay Competition, with the topic "Pneumonia: Causes and Prevention," saw little Eyong Praise of Margaret Ekpo Secondary School, clinched the the first prize, while Michael Iyechukwu Austin of Seven Angels University Secondary School and Abigail Eyo Hogan of Government Secondary School, Akim, came second and third respectively.

Consolation prizes also went to Loveth Abit - Word of Promise High School; Paul Liyel Bassey - Holy Trinity College; Princess Nathaniel - Aye High School; and Timothy Solomon Akpan of Community Secondary School, Ikot Ewa.

In a related development, the SO-HEALTHI team earlier paid a courtesy visit on the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, with the NGO's Team Lead, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong receiving plaudits for her contributions, notably, during her stint as Director of Administration of UCTH, her efforts towards health awareness creation with SO-HEALTHI and  service  to humanity.

The UCTH boss also pledged his hospital's readiness to partner with NGOs and other relevant bodies in ensuring effective healthcare service delivery to the people.

Read More

CROSS RIVER ASSEMBLY SEEKS AMENDMENT OF CRUTECH LAW

By Itam offor

The State House of Assembly has commenced the process of amending the law establishing the State University with a view to changing the institutions nomenclature from Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) to University of Cross River State.

A  Majority of the lawmakers voted  for the second reading of the bill tagged, University of Cross River State   Bill 2019 after which it was committed to the House Committee on Education for indepth
study with a mandate to report back in a forth night.

Earlier, Member representing Ogoja state Constituency and Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey who sponsored the bill, made a strong case for the proposed amendment arguing that there was urgent need to repeal the existing law and change the institution from a University of Technology to a conventional University.

Odey explained that, as a conventional University, the institution will easily get accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for non technical courses and also commence new courses like Medicine and surgery, Law, Banking and Finance, History amongst others.

In separate remarks members who spoke for the amendment noted that it will provide an avenue for more Cross Riverians to have access to University Education while preventing the delisting of several non technical courses including, Management, Educational and Accounting courses.

On his part, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams directed the Education Committee to ensure participation of all stakeholders at the public hearing stage of the bill.

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CROSS RIVER ASSEMBLY SEEKS AMENDMENT OF CRUTECH LAW

By Itam offor

The State House of Assembly has commenced the process of amending the law establishing the State University with a view to changing the institutions nomenclature from Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) to University of Cross River State.

A  Majority of the lawmakers voted  for the second reading of the bill tagged, University of Cross River State   Bill 2019 after which it was committed to the House Committee on Education for indepth
study with a mandate to report back in a forth night.

Earlier, Member representing Ogoja state Constituency and Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey who sponsored the bill, made a strong case for the proposed amendment arguing that there was urgent need to repeal the existing law and change the institution from a University of Technology to a conventional University.

Odey explained that, as a conventional University, the institution will easily get accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for non technical courses and also commence new courses like Medicine and surgery, Law, Banking and Finance, History amongst others.

In separate remarks members who spoke for the amendment noted that it will provide an avenue for more Cross Riverians to have access to University Education while preventing the delisting of several non technical courses including, Management, Educational and Accounting courses.

On his part, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams directed the Education Committee to ensure participation of all stakeholders at the public hearing stage of the bill.

Read More

Meet Prof. (Mrs) Adaobi Obasi, First Female Vice Chancellor, Imo State University Owerri

Professor Victoria Adaobi Obasi was born to the Family of Chief Fred and Ezinne Felicia Nnoham of Ogboko, Ideato South Local Government Area, of Imo State. She is married to Sir Chief Charles Obasi, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor of Dim-Na-Nume Isu, Nwangele Local Government Area and they are blessed with Children.

She had her Primary Education at Holy Rosary Primary School, Oguta. She gained admission into Holy Rosary Secondary School, Ihioma Orlu and came out in flying colours in 1971. She proceeded to the Prestigious Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri for her Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) and completed her Youth Service in 1981.

Her unquenchable thirst for academic excellence saw her enrolling into the famous University of Hull England where She obtained B.A. (Ed) 1984, M.A 1985 and capped it with a Ph.D. in 1989.

She has authored many books and journal articles in reputable National and International Journals.

As a Scholar par excellence and repute, she won the University of Hull Bursary award for excellence for three consecutive times during Her Ph.D programme.

 Her effective academic productivity, dignity and decorum never went unnoticed by Imo State Government who appointed her Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development.

She was elected the best Commissioner of the year 2012 in Imo State. She is today a Member of the Nigerian Academy of Education (MNAE), Fellow of the Curriculum Organization of Nigeria (FCON), a Fellow of the Gender Studies Association of Nigeria (FGSAN), a Member of Senate, External Examiner to many Universities and other Higher Institutions etc.

Professor Victoria Adaobi Obasi who is a consummate and accomplished Administrator is also a Lady of the Knight of St. Christopher and today the first female Vice-Chancellor of a State University East of the Niger and again the first female Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University.

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Meet Prof. (Mrs) Adaobi Obasi, First Female Vice Chancellor, Imo State University Owerri

Professor Victoria Adaobi Obasi was born to the Family of Chief Fred and Ezinne Felicia Nnoham of Ogboko, Ideato South Local Government Area, of Imo State. She is married to Sir Chief Charles Obasi, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor of Dim-Na-Nume Isu, Nwangele Local Government Area and they are blessed with Children.

She had her Primary Education at Holy Rosary Primary School, Oguta. She gained admission into Holy Rosary Secondary School, Ihioma Orlu and came out in flying colours in 1971. She proceeded to the Prestigious Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri for her Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) and completed her Youth Service in 1981.

Her unquenchable thirst for academic excellence saw her enrolling into the famous University of Hull England where She obtained B.A. (Ed) 1984, M.A 1985 and capped it with a Ph.D. in 1989.

She has authored many books and journal articles in reputable National and International Journals.

As a Scholar par excellence and repute, she won the University of Hull Bursary award for excellence for three consecutive times during Her Ph.D programme.

 Her effective academic productivity, dignity and decorum never went unnoticed by Imo State Government who appointed her Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development.

She was elected the best Commissioner of the year 2012 in Imo State. She is today a Member of the Nigerian Academy of Education (MNAE), Fellow of the Curriculum Organization of Nigeria (FCON), a Fellow of the Gender Studies Association of Nigeria (FGSAN), a Member of Senate, External Examiner to many Universities and other Higher Institutions etc.

Professor Victoria Adaobi Obasi who is a consummate and accomplished Administrator is also a Lady of the Knight of St. Christopher and today the first female Vice-Chancellor of a State University East of the Niger and again the first female Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University.

Read More

Mr. Speaker, CRS House of Assembly, Eteng Jones Williams replies Mr. Iwara

After calling out the Speaker of the CRS House of Assembly and drawing his attention to the plight of the Agoi Ibami community in Yakurr LGA, which incidentally is in his State Constituency, just minutes ago this Sunday evening, he sent me this message:

"Good evening IWARA. I appreciate the issues you raised about the Agoi Ibami community in my constituency. It is sincerely painful that the road, awarded to the construction firm, John Davis Construction Company in 2012 by the Liyel Imoke administration, was POORLY done. I have recently been lobbying a few of my highly placed friends to help capture this road contract and have it successfully executed. Please let me not mention their names here so I do not jeopardise a process already in place.

Secondly, a nine class room block, staff room, reception and sixteen toilets, are presently under construction in the Agoi Ibami Secondary School. I have attached photographs and can humbly tell you that as at this evening, work on the building has reached window level. Feel free to cross check this information with the reliable sources I know you always have on hand.

I am indeed grateful IWARA."

Over to you guys!!!

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Mr. Speaker, CRS House of Assembly, Eteng Jones Williams replies Mr. Iwara

After calling out the Speaker of the CRS House of Assembly and drawing his attention to the plight of the Agoi Ibami community in Yakurr LGA, which incidentally is in his State Constituency, just minutes ago this Sunday evening, he sent me this message:

"Good evening IWARA. I appreciate the issues you raised about the Agoi Ibami community in my constituency. It is sincerely painful that the road, awarded to the construction firm, John Davis Construction Company in 2012 by the Liyel Imoke administration, was POORLY done. I have recently been lobbying a few of my highly placed friends to help capture this road contract and have it successfully executed. Please let me not mention their names here so I do not jeopardise a process already in place.

Secondly, a nine class room block, staff room, reception and sixteen toilets, are presently under construction in the Agoi Ibami Secondary School. I have attached photographs and can humbly tell you that as at this evening, work on the building has reached window level. Feel free to cross check this information with the reliable sources I know you always have on hand.

I am indeed grateful IWARA."

Over to you guys!!!

Read More

Eid-El Maulud: Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams Urges Muslim Faithfuls to Live Exemplified Life of Peace and Unity

Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly on behalf of himself and all members of the Cross River State House of Assembly felicitates with Muslim faithfuls on the commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

Eteng in a press release said Muslims should preach peace, unity, honesty, endurance as exemplified by the great Prophet Muhammad.

Further more, the Speaker promised that the 9th Assembly of Cross River State House of Assembly will continue to identify with the Muslim community in the state and contribute it's best through impactful legislation for betterment of their lives and properties.

"As you celebrate, remember to imbibe the qualities of Prophet Muhammad and his compassion and drive for peace and unity among humanity", Eteng emphasised.

Congratulations and Happy Celebrations Our Muslim faithfuls.

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Eid-El Maulud: Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams Urges Muslim Faithfuls to Live Exemplified Life of Peace and Unity

Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly on behalf of himself and all members of the Cross River State House of Assembly felicitates with Muslim faithfuls on the commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

Eteng in a press release said Muslims should preach peace, unity, honesty, endurance as exemplified by the great Prophet Muhammad.

Further more, the Speaker promised that the 9th Assembly of Cross River State House of Assembly will continue to identify with the Muslim community in the state and contribute it's best through impactful legislation for betterment of their lives and properties.

"As you celebrate, remember to imbibe the qualities of Prophet Muhammad and his compassion and drive for peace and unity among humanity", Eteng emphasised.

Congratulations and Happy Celebrations Our Muslim faithfuls.

Read More

DR LINDA AYADE CHARGES PARENTS TO INSTILL DISCIPLINE IN THEIR CHILDREN

The wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State Her Excellency Dr Linda Ayade has charged parents to instill/enforce discipline on their children even while loving them. Speaking during the *6th LAFARGE AFRICA NATIONAL LITERACY COMPETITION*, an event which had in attendance many important dignitaries like the Emir of Kano HRM Sanusi Lamido, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Her Excellency Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the wives of the Ogun State and Gombe State Governors; Dr Mrs Olufunso Amosun and Hajiya Asma'u Yahaya, the Minister of Education; Mallam Adamu Adamu who was ably represented, the Chairman of LAFARGE; Mr Mobalaji Balogun, Competitors from six different States and their teachers and a host of others.

Her Excellency expressed her satisfaction for being part of an event graced by important dignitaries who've all gathered to celebrate children who have come to compete and show case their talents in pronunciation and spelling forms which has today formed the bedrock of learning in any language. She thanked and appreciated LAFARGE for their continued sponsorship of the values and literacy which has remained the key driver of sustainable development while helping to deviate from the disturbing trend where organization has placed a huge sum on price money for winners of games and pageantry based on luck and natural beauty rather than the mental prowess.

In her words; "The over 700,000 Nigerian children that have been positively motivated by LAFARGE AFRICA PLC in the past 6yrs will never forget the impacts that has been brought into their lives and I believe they'll replicate it in due time. You've contributed to the knowledge and economy of our great country and Nigerians appreciate you. I therefore throw a challenge to all our parents that are here today, i urge you to separate love from discipline as you can love your children and still enforce discipline in your home".

Dr Linda Ayade went on to advice parents to enforce strict adherent to age restrictions on their children for joining various social media groups as children who unfortunately are still within the impressionable age will be exposed to wrong values and negative tendencies and will turn out unproductive pupil or even become a threat to the society. She frowned at the fact that spellings and literary excellence has become a growing nightmare to many children in our today's society as the days when education was strictly the concern of parents and school teachers are gone and advised that children are greatly and negatively influenced by the friends they make on various social media.

The Wife of the Governor explained great strides achieved by her husband in the educational sector in the state with renovation of several primary schools building of model schools and even upgrading the quality of learning while employing several teachers to offer quality education to children. She said she will continue to support the literacy competition in the state as part of strategic move by Mediatrix Development Foundation to improve education.

She used the occasion to invite all present to the calabar carnival to unwind this December!


Speaking at the occasion was the Emir of Kano HRM Sanusi Lamido who frankly noted that federal Government has neglected education and has refused to prioritize it in their recent budget. His words; "Government in its recent budget has not made education a priority, if education especially that of the girl child was given priority the nation will find solutions to most of its problems. The Government on its own cannot do it alone, as such private organizations should emulate LAFARGE and invest in education rather than just infrastructure because it will be the innovative educated minds that can use and maintain this infrastructure".
Others who spoke were the Deputy Governor of Ogun state, other wives of Governors and Rivers state emerged national winners admits stiff competition by 16700 pupils at various stages and regions.

Read More

DR LINDA AYADE CHARGES PARENTS TO INSTILL DISCIPLINE IN THEIR CHILDREN

The wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State Her Excellency Dr Linda Ayade has charged parents to instill/enforce discipline on their children even while loving them. Speaking during the *6th LAFARGE AFRICA NATIONAL LITERACY COMPETITION*, an event which had in attendance many important dignitaries like the Emir of Kano HRM Sanusi Lamido, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Her Excellency Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the wives of the Ogun State and Gombe State Governors; Dr Mrs Olufunso Amosun and Hajiya Asma'u Yahaya, the Minister of Education; Mallam Adamu Adamu who was ably represented, the Chairman of LAFARGE; Mr Mobalaji Balogun, Competitors from six different States and their teachers and a host of others.

Her Excellency expressed her satisfaction for being part of an event graced by important dignitaries who've all gathered to celebrate children who have come to compete and show case their talents in pronunciation and spelling forms which has today formed the bedrock of learning in any language. She thanked and appreciated LAFARGE for their continued sponsorship of the values and literacy which has remained the key driver of sustainable development while helping to deviate from the disturbing trend where organization has placed a huge sum on price money for winners of games and pageantry based on luck and natural beauty rather than the mental prowess.

In her words; "The over 700,000 Nigerian children that have been positively motivated by LAFARGE AFRICA PLC in the past 6yrs will never forget the impacts that has been brought into their lives and I believe they'll replicate it in due time. You've contributed to the knowledge and economy of our great country and Nigerians appreciate you. I therefore throw a challenge to all our parents that are here today, i urge you to separate love from discipline as you can love your children and still enforce discipline in your home".

Dr Linda Ayade went on to advice parents to enforce strict adherent to age restrictions on their children for joining various social media groups as children who unfortunately are still within the impressionable age will be exposed to wrong values and negative tendencies and will turn out unproductive pupil or even become a threat to the society. She frowned at the fact that spellings and literary excellence has become a growing nightmare to many children in our today's society as the days when education was strictly the concern of parents and school teachers are gone and advised that children are greatly and negatively influenced by the friends they make on various social media.

The Wife of the Governor explained great strides achieved by her husband in the educational sector in the state with renovation of several primary schools building of model schools and even upgrading the quality of learning while employing several teachers to offer quality education to children. She said she will continue to support the literacy competition in the state as part of strategic move by Mediatrix Development Foundation to improve education.

She used the occasion to invite all present to the calabar carnival to unwind this December!


Speaking at the occasion was the Emir of Kano HRM Sanusi Lamido who frankly noted that federal Government has neglected education and has refused to prioritize it in their recent budget. His words; "Government in its recent budget has not made education a priority, if education especially that of the girl child was given priority the nation will find solutions to most of its problems. The Government on its own cannot do it alone, as such private organizations should emulate LAFARGE and invest in education rather than just infrastructure because it will be the innovative educated minds that can use and maintain this infrastructure".
Others who spoke were the Deputy Governor of Ogun state, other wives of Governors and Rivers state emerged national winners admits stiff competition by 16700 pupils at various stages and regions.

Read More

CRHA TO INVESTIGATE THE REVALIDATION EXERCISE WHICH REMOVED WORKERS NAMES FROM STATE PAYROLL

Abara Etop,

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, has assured that the revalidation exercise which removed names of workers from the State Payroll be investigated.

Williams, stated this when the affected Staff, under the umbrella of Tertiary workers, comprising, Polytechnic, College of Education and College of Health Technology, all in Calabar led a peaceful demonstration to his office to register their displeasure over the exercise.

The Speaker, observed that the exercise is not healthy, if it must keep Staff hungry, he emphasses the Governor's passion which is "to keep food on the table of Cross Riverians"

Williams, announced that a committee to look into the matter will be constituted immediately and will be headed by the leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, some labour leaders as well as Members of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Pettitions and public Service Matters to commence investigation into the matter.
..
Earlier, the spoke person for the group, who is also the State Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Polytechnics, Comrade, Emmanuel Enyogu, said, up to five Tertiary Institutions in the State are affected and over 150 staff across College of Health Technology, Association of Senior Staff Association of Polytechnics and Association of Colleges of Education Staff and their none Academic bodies are involved.

Comrade Enyogu, noted that the reason for the protest is to establish that the names of the affected Staff be returned back to the Payroll, while the Audit exercise continue.
The spoke person prayed the Governor, Sir, Sen. Prof. Ben. Ayade to recall all affected Staff and as well reinstate them to reduce the suffering.

Read More

CRHA TO INVESTIGATE THE REVALIDATION EXERCISE WHICH REMOVED WORKERS NAMES FROM STATE PAYROLL

Abara Etop,

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, has assured that the revalidation exercise which removed names of workers from the State Payroll be investigated.

Williams, stated this when the affected Staff, under the umbrella of Tertiary workers, comprising, Polytechnic, College of Education and College of Health Technology, all in Calabar led a peaceful demonstration to his office to register their displeasure over the exercise.

The Speaker, observed that the exercise is not healthy, if it must keep Staff hungry, he emphasses the Governor's passion which is "to keep food on the table of Cross Riverians"

Williams, announced that a committee to look into the matter will be constituted immediately and will be headed by the leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, some labour leaders as well as Members of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Pettitions and public Service Matters to commence investigation into the matter.
..
Earlier, the spoke person for the group, who is also the State Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Polytechnics, Comrade, Emmanuel Enyogu, said, up to five Tertiary Institutions in the State are affected and over 150 staff across College of Health Technology, Association of Senior Staff Association of Polytechnics and Association of Colleges of Education Staff and their none Academic bodies are involved.

Comrade Enyogu, noted that the reason for the protest is to establish that the names of the affected Staff be returned back to the Payroll, while the Audit exercise continue.
The spoke person prayed the Governor, Sir, Sen. Prof. Ben. Ayade to recall all affected Staff and as well reinstate them to reduce the suffering.

Read More

Cally Air: Upheave Cross River State IGR fortune in challenging skies

By David Peter


Challenges facing the aviation sector notwithstanding, the Cross Rivers State Government, is set to sky rock its state-own airline.

Governor Ben Ayade, will be floating an airline, “Cally Air’’, the state government has completed plans to pilots its own airline as well as an airlifts line, as part of its tourism investment drive, efforts to increase revenue and lower dependence on federal allocation.


Governor Ayade acknowledge that, Cross River is creating a new platforms, new business opportunities that “will open a fresh horizon for young people to exploits”. He added, "it would increase the state Internally Generated Revenue and also generate employment opportunities for teaming unemployed youths in the state".


_David Peter Interviewing,_ Hon. Alhaji Hassan Tanimu, Chairman, Cross River State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, he expressed his galactic  efforts towards attaining the limelight of Cally air skyrocketing.


Alhaji Hassan speaking, "I, treasure the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Ben Ayade, for his intellectual capacity and industrial driven evidence to channel the state invest on aviation to help boost the state IGR as we are optimistic to launch  -Cally Air".


Hassan said, "I have contacted the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for an Airlift agreement to airlifts South South and South East Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and the quarterly Umrah activities".


On the interview, David Peter further asked, "Are there specific routes that have already been penciled down as the airline resumes operation? _Hassan,  responded in the affirmative “Yes._


"Initially, Cally Air will ply to Lagos, Abuja and even weekly flight to Malabor and Yaounde as this will leg up the state revenue" He said.


The Governor, Ben Ayade, who's optimism that the  state will become an industrial hub and lodestone on tourism and investors as keen a strong interest in the Airlift of South South/South East Pilgrims.


The Acting Chairman, CRS Muslim Pilgrims, Tanimu Hassan, distinct that, he shared reasonable values with Engr. Goni, The Director of Aviation, NAHCON, were he already assured the Cross River State Government on the possibilities in reference to the interest as desired.


On the peak to foster, Cross River State IGR, Alhaji Hassan, spoke with Mohammed D. Musa, Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to operate the Calabar airport for airlifts as an addition. Hassan was advised to inform His Excellency, Ben Ayade to discuss with Alhaji Yadudu, MD FAAN for an airlift as it will ameliorate the state IGR pending the completion of the Obudu International Airport" Yadudu said.


The idea behind the tourists’ Programme (Calabar Carnival), South South and South East Pilgrims airlifts is to intensely market the state as the ideal destination for all tourism, social and corporate events, while also offering superior leisure activities. Cally Air is here to provide the much needed capacity, as well as ease of access to facilitate both the visitors and industrialisation programmes of the state.


With the airline now to be in place, the airport becomes hugely more viable, the MRO facility gets activated and Cross River State is well positioned to become the “centre of excellence” in the air transport industry in Nigeria.”


Justifying government’s decision to venture on  Bakassi Deep seaport- Maritime and Cally Airline, Professor Ayade reasoned that with the seaport trade and connectivity along the region, his administration is confident that the return on the investment would definitely be huge and contribute immensely to the budget of infinite transposition.

Read More

Cally Air: Upheave Cross River State IGR fortune in challenging skies

By David Peter


Challenges facing the aviation sector notwithstanding, the Cross Rivers State Government, is set to sky rock its state-own airline.

Governor Ben Ayade, will be floating an airline, “Cally Air’’, the state government has completed plans to pilots its own airline as well as an airlifts line, as part of its tourism investment drive, efforts to increase revenue and lower dependence on federal allocation.


Governor Ayade acknowledge that, Cross River is creating a new platforms, new business opportunities that “will open a fresh horizon for young people to exploits”. He added, "it would increase the state Internally Generated Revenue and also generate employment opportunities for teaming unemployed youths in the state".


_David Peter Interviewing,_ Hon. Alhaji Hassan Tanimu, Chairman, Cross River State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, he expressed his galactic  efforts towards attaining the limelight of Cally air skyrocketing.


Alhaji Hassan speaking, "I, treasure the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Ben Ayade, for his intellectual capacity and industrial driven evidence to channel the state invest on aviation to help boost the state IGR as we are optimistic to launch  -Cally Air".


Hassan said, "I have contacted the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for an Airlift agreement to airlifts South South and South East Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and the quarterly Umrah activities".


On the interview, David Peter further asked, "Are there specific routes that have already been penciled down as the airline resumes operation? _Hassan,  responded in the affirmative “Yes._


"Initially, Cally Air will ply to Lagos, Abuja and even weekly flight to Malabor and Yaounde as this will leg up the state revenue" He said.


The Governor, Ben Ayade, who's optimism that the  state will become an industrial hub and lodestone on tourism and investors as keen a strong interest in the Airlift of South South/South East Pilgrims.


The Acting Chairman, CRS Muslim Pilgrims, Tanimu Hassan, distinct that, he shared reasonable values with Engr. Goni, The Director of Aviation, NAHCON, were he already assured the Cross River State Government on the possibilities in reference to the interest as desired.


On the peak to foster, Cross River State IGR, Alhaji Hassan, spoke with Mohammed D. Musa, Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to operate the Calabar airport for airlifts as an addition. Hassan was advised to inform His Excellency, Ben Ayade to discuss with Alhaji Yadudu, MD FAAN for an airlift as it will ameliorate the state IGR pending the completion of the Obudu International Airport" Yadudu said.


The idea behind the tourists’ Programme (Calabar Carnival), South South and South East Pilgrims airlifts is to intensely market the state as the ideal destination for all tourism, social and corporate events, while also offering superior leisure activities. Cally Air is here to provide the much needed capacity, as well as ease of access to facilitate both the visitors and industrialisation programmes of the state.


With the airline now to be in place, the airport becomes hugely more viable, the MRO facility gets activated and Cross River State is well positioned to become the “centre of excellence” in the air transport industry in Nigeria.”


Justifying government’s decision to venture on  Bakassi Deep seaport- Maritime and Cally Airline, Professor Ayade reasoned that with the seaport trade and connectivity along the region, his administration is confident that the return on the investment would definitely be huge and contribute immensely to the budget of infinite transposition.

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

By Kingsley Agim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Kingsley Agim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inyali Peter

Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inyali Peter

Read More