Detailing Cross River

The Nigeria Air Force has revealed the identity of the killer of Nigeria's first female combat helicopter pilot.

At a briefing in Abuja, Ibikunle Daramola, air force spokesman, gave the name of the person who drove the car that killed Arotile as Nehemiah Adejoh.

He said he is an ex-classmate of the deceased who died at the age of 24.

“Mr Nehemiah Adejoh, Mr Igbekele Folorunsho and Mr Festus Gbayegun, drove past her in a Kia Sorento SUV, with Registration Number AZ 478 MKA,”. Daramola said while giving a report on the preliminary investigation.

“It is noteworthy that Messrs Adejoh, Folorunsho and Gbayegun are all civilians who live outside NAF Base Kaduna, but were on their way to visit one Mrs Chioma Ugwu, wife of Squadron Leader Chukwuemeka Ugwu, who lives at Ekagbo Quarters on the Base.

“Upon recognising their schoolmate, Arotile, after passing her, Mr Adejoh, who was driving, reversed the vehicle, ostensibly in an attempt to quickly meet up with the Deceased, who was walking in the opposite direction. In the process, the vehicle struck Flying Officer Arotile from the rear, knocking her down with significant force and causing her to hit her head on the pavement. The vehicle then ran over parts of her body as it veered off the road beyond the kerb and onto the pavement, causing her further injuries.”

See Photos of the killer of first Nigerian Female Combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile

AKOROKPOR LINUS WRITES APPRECIATION LETTER TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE

19July, 2020

Your Excellency Sir, I send auspicious greetings and salutations and hope that this missive meets your personage in fine fettle.

Sir, first and foremost the intention of this letter is not to flatter you but to show my profound appreciation, and that of my family for the magnitude of your benevolence, contributions and support towards the down trodden in cross river State and beyond.

Secondly, I am happy and proud to identify myself with a profoundly good man, a kindhearted and selfless leader, a man of peace and compassion, a man that history has already vindicated, a charismatic and a remarkable academician a man of taciturnity like you whom many have described variously as a man of purpose and foresight, a man who have silently and successfully inspired youth and humanity, a mentor for all, a dynamic Nigerian and an advocates for peace and justice, a revolutionary politician as well as consummate administrator, and above all, a God fearing person.

Sir, indeed you are a blessing to the good people of cross river State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Your Excellency sir, I have been following your exploits as a long standing public servant, a one time chairman of Ecological fund, chairman of international institute of Environmental Research subsequently member of strategic policy Advisory council , member Association of petroleum Engineers, member of cross river state poverty Alleviation board, Nigeria senator in 2011, Vice Chairman Senate committee of Environment and Ecology, also a member of a committee such as petroleum Downstream, Education, Drug's /Narcotic /crime etc. and now the Governor of cross river State with keen interest and honestly you have done something worthy of appreciation.

Your Excellency Sir, pondering on your deeds and actions towards the poorest in our society, leaves one with a feeling that indeed you are not only touching lives on earth but you are also building wealth in God’s kingdom and paving way to heaven because you have actually fulfilled the conditions written in the Bible in the book of Mathew 25 : 35 “For I was hungry, and ye gave me food; I was thirsty and ye gave me drink; I was naked and ye clothe me; I was without a shelter and ye shelter me; pass into my father’s glory”, You will agree with me that through your passion, actions and deeds several scriptures have been fulfilled indeed because you have given more than enough foods, clothes, drinks and shelters to the needy and these acts keeps your path shining and shining unto victories.

Your Excellency Sir, I therefore wish to commend and appreciate you for having so eminently served cross river State and Nigeria in deference capacity.

Admittedly, your remarkable experience, marked by dedication,strong commitment and enthusiasm has brought you to this point in life.

While serving now as the Governor of cross river State, you have distinguished your self as the most cohesive, progressive, respected, dynamic and focused Governor in Nigeria today.

As an oasis of good hope, a connector of the past to present, an astute pro-people politician and unrepentant democrat, a cheerful giver of both self and resources, people’s politician and an indefatigable academician / elder statesman of repute.

I therefore, without reservations extends my hands of fellowship, collaboration and pledge my unalloyed support to you and ready to partner with you in projecting the “GOOD IDEOLOGY” of Governor Ben Ayade which is an embodiment of justice, fairness, honesty, sincerity, equality, accountability, fearlessness, prudence, transparency, discipline, perseverance and endurance.

Undoubtedly, you have what it takes to be a Governor and subsequently to lead cross river state to a better future.

Your Excellency Sir, I take note of your astuteness, brilliant political trajectory and preparedness for higher service.

May the blessings of God of heaven be vouchsafed to you in the plenitude of His grace now and always and may He grant you many more years of peace, health, joy and wealth.

From generation to generation your name shall be celebrated and history and posterity shall be kind to you.

Your star shall never dim and your legacy shall remain as solid as the rock of Gibralter far into the distant future.

Thank you for giving the people of cross river and Nigerians hope, courage and strength. Thank you for your constant concern, love, compassion and kindness.

Yours faithfully ,

(Akorokpor linus) 08066116478
linuscharles42@gmail.com

AKOROKPOR LINUS WRITES APPRECIATION LETTER TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE

COVID-19: Over 5,000 vulnerables, widows get Gov Ayade's Palliatives

Cross River State, Government has donated Palliatives to over five thousand widows, old and vulnerable persons as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic in the State.

The people who were full of joy, chanted and sang songs in honor of His Excellency, Prof Senator Benedict Ayade, saying, "we have never been gifted in this LGA by any Government".

While presenting the items on behalf of the the Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, and addressing Ward Counselors at Obanliku LGA, the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Honorable Blessing Egbara said it gives her Joy to see and know that People are Happy and cared for.

It should be noted that the exercise tagged "Operation Feed the Vulnerables and Aged" in the State" had held in Obudu LGA has put smiles on the faces of the Vulnerables and Aged rural dwellers.

According to Egbara, "this project reflects Governor Ben Ayade's true intentions for his people.

"The exercise which has seen thousands of relief materials being distributed to the Vulnerables, Aged and Widows in Obudu LGA, has now been moved to Obanliku LGA with over two thousand beneficiaries."

While assuring that, the Palliatives will be spread across all 5 local governments in the North Central, the Commissioner told the Ward Counselors, "now that we have the opportunity of relating with those who are down at the grass root, I think you should be able to provide a Data for the disabled so that we can provide wheelchairs to them"

Speaking on starting the Exercise in a new Local Government, the Honorable Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare revealed that indeed it is a great feeling to be able to hand over the palliatives to the Vulnerables, Aged and Widows themselves.

"As you can see, the turn out has been massive, ward by ward and the people are trooping out in their hundreds to receive the relief items", she added.

Findings have it that, despite the ongoing Communal crisis between the People Of Obanliku and Tiv, it still didn't hinder the project from reaching various Wards in Obanliku.

Earlier, Bendi 1, Bendi II, Bisie and Becheve wards all benefited from the Palliatives during Day-1 of the Excersise while in Obanliku, Day-2 saw the remaining 6 wards Covered, as the Ministry of Humanity and Social Welfare seeks to touch down Bekwara Local Government next.

Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Undieh David thanked the Governor, saying "I am short of words, in fact I have never come across such a thing like this, we only hear that things like this happen but it never gets to us, I am so happy today and I pray to God that where ever His Excellency laid his hands to provide this for me, I pray the Almighty God replenish him in double folds."

COVID-19: Over 5,000 vulnerables, widows get Gov Ayade's Palliatives

Woman Raped, Killed In Her House at Imo State

A middle-aged woman, identified as Mrs Uchechi Okafor has been slaughtered in cold blood in her house in ihitte Uboma, Imo State.

According to information gathered, her assailants are alleged to be some notorious youths who have reportedly been disturbing and terrorising the community.

Reports have it that they stormed her apartment on that fateful day, beat her up mercilessly and raped her. It didn't stop there, they proceeded to snuff life out of her, after which they took some of her body parts.

We also gathered that she wasn't alone in the house. Her daughter and her maid were with her during the attack. The perpetrators reportedly pouced on them as well.

As at the time of filling this report, both daughter and maid were in critical condition and have been taken to a hospital.

Copied from Nicole Kaima's blog

Woman Raped, Killed In Her House at Imo State

UNDIANDEYE ASSURES FORESTRY COMMISSION STAFF OF BETTER WORKING ENVIRONMENT

By Blessing Enagu

Staff of Cross River State Forestry Commission have been assured of better working environment for efficiency and maximum productivity.

Giving the assurance during his visits to Charge Offices within the South West and South East Zones of the Commission, the Chairman, Chief Tony Undiandeye bemoaned the dilapidated office buildings and staff quarters, stating that work environments radiate lots of goodwill, and Staff are likely not to be productive under such deplorable conditions.

He commended staff resilience and efforts towards improving the facilities, noting that ingenuity in tackling the challenges was needed as the government is financially constrained.

The Chairman tasked them to think outside the box and device other legitimate ways of revenue generation which can be used to improve their working conditions as well as add to the state’s economy, pointing out that the sector has much potentials that can be harnessed.

Inspecting Akpet Charge which was gutted by wild fire, the Chairman empathized with the staff that have been displaced as a result of the incident and directed that arrangements should be made for the rehabilitation of the office.

He specifically commended the Akpet Charge Officer, Mrs. Rose Ayang for her impressive and outstanding performance, noting that her initiative, disposition and passion for service despite unfavorable conditions are worthy of emulation.

The Chairman challenged the Zonal Forest Officers to draw up workable plans to reactivate other revenue sources while also cautioning staff against compromising in the field, but implored them to live above board in order to regain the needed recognition in their jobs.

The Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Timothy Akwaji lauded staff’s dedication to duty and encouraged them to continue to imbibe the ethics of their profession as he would not hesitate to sanction any Staff found wanting.

Moved by their plight in Oban Charge, Mr. Akwaji announced his support of replacing all the broken windows in the office, thereby, receiving accolades from the staff concerned.

In their various Zones, the Zonal Forest Officers of South West, Mr. Patrick Ugbada and South East, Mr. Ibiang Essien took the Chairman through the rudimentary aspects of their offices, intimating him of their strengths and weaknesses.

The Officers informed that the Staff have worked in unison to maintain the offices and quarters to the present state and called on the management for intervention in critical areas.

They regretted that their jobs are limited by the many challenges which include security, mobility, external interference, burglary, lack of office accommodation while also recounting their ordeals in their line of duty.

They expressed hope of a better working condition and reassured the Chairman of their commitment towards achieving the Commission’s mandate.

The Chairman was accompanied on the visits by senior directors and principal officers of the Commission.

Offices visited were, Calabar, Oban, Awi, Akpet and Akpabuyo Forest Charges.

UNDIANDEYE ASSURES FORESTRY COMMISSION STAFF OF BETTER WORKING ENVIRONMENT

CRSFC CHAIRMAN VISITS ROYAL FATHER, SEEKS COLLABORATION ON FOREST CONSERVATION

By Blessing Enagu

In continuation of his working visits to forestry formations across the State, the Chairman of Cross River State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Undiandeye recently paid homage to the Paramount ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Ntufam Clement Ekpe Emayip, at his palace in Mfamosing, where he sought cooperation on sustainability and conservation of the forest resources within Akamkpa Local Government Area.

Chief Undiandeye noted that Akamkpa which used to hold the largest forests in the State and hosts endangered primates such as Chimpanzees and gorillas is fast depleting as a result of indiscriminate deforestation activities in the area. He added that beyond the adverse effects of global warming, wildlife is also going into extinction because of noise pollution generated from saw engines operating in the forests.

The Chairman also maintained that government will ensure strict compliance by the various companies operating in the area on their corporate social responsibilities, while assuring that the commission will work within its powers to ensure that Akamkpa benefits from her conservation efforts.

Applauding the Paramount Ruler for his leadership qualities, Chief Undiandeye expressed confidence that the synergy between his Commission and the Akamkpa traditional Institution will be result-oriented.

The Chairman debunked the alleged claim that government was responsible for selling forests and its products in the area, warning that those responsible were impostors who must be compelled to desist from such illegal acts. He further advised the people to always seek confirmation from the relevant authority.

The Paramount Ruler, Ntufam Clement Emayip, thanked the Chairman for reaching out to the community noting that it shows the value placed on the Local Government Area.

The royal father complained that Akamkpa Local Government Area is highly cheated by government despite being the Local Government Area with largest mineral resources base in the state.

He lamented that local communities in the area no longer receive royalties from government, and that their children were neither given scholarships nor gainfully employed. He, however, expressed hope that the renewed collaboration with the Commission will facilitate growth and development for the people of Akamkpa.

The Forestry Commission Chairman used the opportunity to visit Dansa Agro- Allied Company in Oban to inspect the farm and ensure that the company operates within the enumerated area without impacting on the Forests reserve.

In company of the Chairman were the Permanent Secretary, senior directors and principal officers of the Commission.

CRSFC CHAIRMAN VISITS ROYAL FATHER, SEEKS COLLABORATION ON FOREST CONSERVATION

Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile Was Mistakenly Killed By Her Ex~Schoolmate - NAF

Born on 13 December 1995 to the family of Mr and Mrs Akintunde Arotile in Kaduna, Flying Officer Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile, hails from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

She attended Air Force Primary School, Kaduna from 2000 - 2005 and Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna from 2006 - 2011 before she later gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna as a member of 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012. Flying Officer Arotile was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on 16 September 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Flying Officer Arotile was winged as the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force on 15 October 2019, after completing her flying training in South Africa. She holds a commercial pilot license and also underwent tactical flying training on the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter in Italy. Incidentally, she introduced the newly acquired Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, during the induction ceremony at Eagle Square in Abuja on 6 February 2020.

Flying Officer Arotile died on 14 July 2020 at the age of 24, when she was inadvertently hit by the reversing vehicle of an excited former Air Force Secondary School classmate while trying to greet her.

Before her untimely death, Flying Officer Arotile made significant and outstanding contributions to the war against terrorism, armed banditry and other forms of criminality in the Country, flying several combat missions. Flying Officer Arotile joined the Nigerian Air Force out of passion for the job. In her words “I joined the military simply out of passion for it. Being a military personnel has been a long time ambition, the carriage and what it stands for are simply exceptional”.

Gone too soon like a candle in the wind, she will be greatly missed by the entire Nigerian Air Force family. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the Service, consoles with the family of late ‪Flying Officer Arotile‬ over this irreparable loss. May her gentle soul continue to Rest In Peace.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
15 July 2020.

Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile Was Mistakenly Killed By Her Ex~Schoolmate - NAF

CRHA; CR SPEAKER ASSURES ON AMENDMENT OF LAW TO INCREASE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

Etop Abara,

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, has assured that, the House will do all within it's powers to support the State Investment promotion Bureau to increase investment opportunities in Cross River.

The Speaker, gave the assurance when members of the Bureau lead by the Director General Barr. Rosemary Tutu Ekeng, appeared before the Committee on Commerce, Industries, Public Private Partnership and Privatization to present a position paper on the recent challenges facing the Bureau.

Williams, maintained that there is an existing law covering the Bureau, haven been in the house since the 7th Assembly, but however assured that, the new request by the Bureau to include, the One - stop investment center, will be given due attention.

Also Speaking, the Leader of the House and member representiing Ogoja State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, sought to know why the state Bureau that has been on the leading role is at the bottom now.

The House Committee Chairman on Commerce, Industries, PPP and Privatization and member representiing Etung State constituency, Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar, admonished the Bureau to put in its best in woeing investors to improve on the Economic fortunes of the State.

The Clerk of the House, Barr. Bassey Ekpenyong, was of the view that the Bureau can go ahead with the planed One - stop investment center, while the amendment is being processed.

Earlier, in her presentation, the DG of the Bureau, Barr. Rosemary Tutu Ekeng, said the visit was to seek collaborations from the house to amend the existing law No4 of 2007, to include the One - stop investment center.

Ekeng noted that, the Bureau, was established in 2007, with the mandate to increase business/ investment activities in the State, as well as develop policies that will improve business environment.

She told Committee members that apart from investment promotion, the Bureau needs collaboration and cooperation with the multiple local and international steakholders with the approach to institutional synergies, through the one - stop shop center.

The Special Assistance of the Investment promotion Bureau, Barr Patricia Obim, appealled for, the amendment of law, which according to her will help facilitate relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to coordinate and provide efficient and effective services to potential investors in the state.

Other members present at the meeting, were, the member representating, Bekwarra and Chairmam Committee on SDG, Due Process and Anti Corruption, Hon. Edward Ajang, as well as the Obanliku member, and Chairman, Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Sunday Achunekang.

CRHA; CR SPEAKER ASSURES ON AMENDMENT OF LAW TO INCREASE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

Mother abandons twins at dustbin in Calabar

An unknown mother has abandoned her twins at Goddie by Mayne Avenue Extension in a dustbin this morning the 17th day of July 2020

It was brought to public noticed by Randy Emmanuel, that published it on his Facebook wall this morning.

The way young ladies are operating now is really bad and need urgent public interest.

Mother abandons twins at dustbin in Calabar