L-R: Chairman of APC in CRS, Barr Alphonsus Eba, the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey and the State Commissioner for Works Mr. Pius Ankpo at the ceremony.

By Anietie Akpan

Cross River state government has reiterated her commitment to make infrastructure and social development Initiatives a priority.

In this regards, the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, said his administration’s commitment to provision of access roads to foster socioeconomic advancement and promote agriculture development in the state is not negotiateable.

The Governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, while speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of 5km road in Ukelle, Yala Local Government Area, on Friday emphasized that the road project has been strategically planned and approved by his administration to not only boost commercial activities in the area but also signify the commencement of vital relief efforts for the populace.

A press release from the Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, said this initiative aims to improve connectivity and accessibility for local communities in the Northern Senatorial District of the state.

After the completion of the first phase of the project, Otu assured the people of Yala that the state government would not delay commencement of the second phase, urging them to continue in their support to this current administration which prioritizes the welfare of her people.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Dr Hippolatus Lukpata hailed Governor Otu’s administration for approving the construction of the 5KM Ukelle-Benue road.

He emphasized that once completed and commissioned, the road will not only alleviate the longstanding hardships faced by the agrarian people of Ukelle but also enhance infrastructure, unlock economic potential, bridge gaps, and improve access to healthcare, education, and investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Hon. Brian Odey, representing Yala I, and Hon. Dr. Martin Achadu, representing Yala II state constituencies, praised the governor for boldly initiating and presiding over the ground-breaking ceremony for this crucial road construction project. They also acknowledged his administration’s unwavering determination and commitment to the welfare of the people and expressed confidence in Senator Otu’s leadership alongside his supportive deputy, Rt. Hon. Odey.

They urged the governor to extend his administration’s social and developmental initiatives to other communities within Yala Local Government Area.

On his part, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Alphonsus Eba, expressed gratitude to the ‘People First’ Governor Otu, his deputy and others for their sincere commitment to initiating this commendable project aimed at addressing the area’s infrastructure needs.

He urged royal fathers and residents to give the needed support to the current government and contractor of this historic project to ensure the timely completion of the project’s first phase.

On his part, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Pius Ankpo, intimated that the first phase of the road being kick-started will be completed within 18 months, noting that the development is set to transform Yala LGA and enhance transportation in line with the governor’s ‘People First’ mantra and Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured of Governor Otu’s dedication to completing not only this project but also others underway across the state. He urged the contracting firm, ‘Coastbound’, to prioritize quality and timely completion.

Royal fathers and other stakeholders from the area reaffirmed Ukelle Nation’s support for the governor in advancing the state’s socioeconomic development efforts.

Governor Bassey Otu 

By Anietie Akpan

11 Cross River communities are beneficiaries of the Section 3A Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

This was announced the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu in his appreciation letter to President Bola Tinubu dated 1st July, 2024 as contained in the press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Nsa Gill.

The governor, in his appreciation letter, dated July 1,  said, “Section 3A of this Project traverses 11 communities in Our dear State namely: Okpoko, Ikot Efiok-Ekpenyong, Ikoneto, Obot Eyo, Obot Akpang, Ekpri Adiabo, Ifako Okoyong, Ikot Eno, Aru Unayama, Njahasang, Okoyong Usang Abasi with a total length of 38KM and we are grateful that 92KM from the Calabar- Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway falls within Cross River State.”

Governor Otu  appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his directives to commence work on the Calabar axis of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as well as his gracious approval for the construction of Calabar- Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway as major signature projects of his ‘Renewed Hope Administration.’

Otu inferred that the two super projects will greatly improve the connectivity and accessibility of the region, boosting economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for citizens and, above all, reform the economy for inclusive growth, enhance agriculture, transportation and governance for effective service delivery, which he maintained, are the tenets of the ‘Renewed Hope’ policies and programmes.

“Your commitment to infrastructure development is laudable, and we are grateful for the positive impact it is going to have on our communities. I am glad that despite the difficulties of all kinds on all fronts, Nigeria remains characterized by its great capacity for resilience.

“I most profoundly felicitate Your Excellency for your administrations interventions in the critical sectors of the economy. Thank you for your dedication to nation-building. Please accept, Your Excellency, my highest regards and that of the good people of Cross River  State,” the governor concluded.

Recall that on Sunday, June 30, the Minister of Works was in Calabar for a stakeholder engagement, where he informed Cross Riverians and other stakeholders that work on the Calabar axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will begin in August.

The Deputy Governor, Cross River State , Rt. Hon Peter Odey, (L) in a hand shake with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, at the ceremony on Sunday.

By Anietie Akpan

Construction of the Cross River state axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project will now start in August just as the state government has promised total support.

In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Nsa Gill, the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu pledged his commitment to supporting the successful execution of the project as it portends great economic benefits for the state as well as the southern and north-central regions of Nigeria.

The Governor spoke on Sunday at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, where the  Federal Ministry for Works convened a stakeholders engagement on the proposed alignment for sections 3A and design for about 97km Spur of the same road with a segment from Cross River State to South-east and North Central part of Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, at the stakeholder’s engagement, the Governor said his administration’s maximum cooperation and support towards the realisation of this crucial infrastructure development is inevitable, adding that the importance of good road network to the economic development of the state, region and nation at large cannot be overemphasized.

He directed the state Commissioner for Works to engage with the team from the Federal Ministry of Works and to ensure that nothing inhibits the smooth execution of the project, which is scheduled to begin in Calabar axis, in August this year.

He also assured the Minister of Works that the state government had secured the needed State Executive Council approval to pay compensation to ease the right of way for the contractors handling the Odukpani–Itu federal highway.

On his part, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project as a significant initiative of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth along the coastal regions of Nigeria.

“Once completed, the highway is expected to facilitate smoother transportation of goods and people, boost trade activities, and spur regional development,” he enthused.

He said the project is one of Mr. President’s legacies that would out-live his administration and many others to come.

Umahi disclosed that by the directives of President Tinubu, his ministry will be prioritising the completion of ongoing projects in the country in the 2025 budget rather than putting up new projects.

He explained that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway has section 3A, about 38km, joining from the Akwa Ibom axis through Cross River State, adding that there will be a spur of the same coastal highway, about 92km in Cross River State, making it a total of 130km to be constructed within Cross River State.

According to the Minister of Works, the  92km spur in Cross River State will cross Enugu State, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Abuja and Lagos states.

The Minister frowned at the poor handling of the existing contract of Odukpani-Itu federal road, directing that the first warning will be issued to contractors to return to the site or risk revocation of their contracts.

Many stakeholders across different strata, including National Assembly members, public servants, traditional leaders, professional groups, social and religious leaders in the state, attended the interactive engagement on the federal road project.

Akwa bom State Governor’s Wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, addressing women at the meeting. 

By Anietie Akpan

Women in Akwa bom state led by the Governor’s Wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno have started strategizing towards the upcoming Local Government (LGA) elections in the state.

Accordingly, she hosted female stakeholders, nominated LGA Coordinators and others to drive Gender inclusiveness in leadership.

According to a press release from the Media Unit, Office of the Wife of Governor, Akwa Ibom state, 31 women were selected as Coordinators of the Patience Umo Eno Support Group, to be known as Iban Patience Umo Eno, across the 31 LGAs, to drive the Gender inclusive structure approved by the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

Addressing Female Stakeholders drawn from all the LGAs at Government House in Uyo at weekend, the Governor’s wife, thanked them for their support, steadfastness and commitment  to the ARISE Agenda of the State Government, which in turn has attracted a larger space for the women in the polity.

The First Lady who commended her husband for creating more positions in leadership for the women to occupy in their various Local Government Councils, described as unprecedented and unparalleled, the Governor’s directive to the PDP for an increase in the number of female Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors, a development that has further endeared him to the people.

A cross section of women at the meeting.

“I want to thank my dear husband, for the kind of Governor he has been, since inception. What he is doing for the people and the state amazes me. If he has done all these things in one year, you can imagine what the remaining seven years will bring. On your behalf, I  specially thank Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for what he has done for the women. The calls I have received since the meeting where he made the pronouncement in favour of Akwa Ibom Women have been massive.

“Now that political activities have intensified, be mindful where you go and what you do. Be careful with your associations so you don’t get into trouble. It is also pertinent that Akwa Ibom women unite and choose credible women  in their various wards and Local Government Areas to present themselves for participation in the forthcoming congresses and Local Government elections”, the First Lady said.

She also listed some  terms of reference for her Local Government Coordinators and this include : “You are not to work in isolation. You are to convene a meeting of other stakeholders in your LGA, to look for qualified women to serve as Councillors and Chairmen. Such women who should meet the criteria of the zoning arrangement, should show commitment and live up to expectations. They must show workings to justify those slots. We must be very careful who we choose to represent us. In specific terms, we must be sure of their character and integrity”.

A former Deputy Speaker in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Princess Felicia Bassey, the wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Obonganwan Mandu Abia, the Commissioner for Women Affairs Dr Ini Adiakpan and the Presidents of the Senatorial District Women Forums pledged their commitment to galvanize activities in their respective wards and Local Government Areas to make the process of selecting the women for political positions easier.

By Anietie Akpan

Southern Governors have thrown their weight behind the issue of fiscal federalism and devolution of power as they tinker with the idea of solid mineral control, establishment of state police and others.

This was contained in a 17 point communique endorsed by the Ogun State Governor and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Anambra State Governor and Vice- Chairman of the Forum, Prof Charles C. Soludo and 16 other governors after their meeting recently in Abeokuta, Ogun state to foster unity and common grounds of interest.

To drive home their agitation for fiscal federalism, and devolution of power, they unanimously agreed that, “the minimum wage should be reflective of the cost of living and that each state should be allowed to negotiate its minimum wage”.

Furthering their discussion on fiscal federalism and devolution of power, they discussed the issue of solid mineral exploration and exploitation which today remains on the exclusive list in the constitution.

The Southern Governors expressed concern over current practices where “minerals licenses are issued, and exploitation are undertaken without recourse to state governments.

“These continue to be carried out often attracting criminal activities and attendant negative environmental impact, ecological degradation with no remediation commitments, and no revenue accruing to both States and the Federal Government”.

They also resolved to “continue to advocate for the creation of state police against the success of community-based regional security outfits that have significantly helped intelligence gathering. It is believed that this will enable Governors to be Chief Security Officers indeed”.

While applauding the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conceptualizing and commencing the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, which cuts across eight states, the forum noted that this laudable project will create employment in the construction industry ecosystem, boost productivity by drastically reducing travel time, promote tourism, and open up and integrate all the Southern States to more investment opportunities.

They however advocated that, “the Federal Government should rehabilitate, repair, and reconstruct Trunk A roads and transfer roads to states that have expressed interest in taking them over.

“The Forum will commission a regional multimodal transport master plan that prioritizes connectivity by rail, road, air, and water to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate the interstate and intra-region ease of doing business”.

Being the economic and industrial hub of the country, the Forum highlighted the need to address the inadequate power supply in the region and to achieve 90,000 MW of electricity to adequately serve the estimated 90 million people in the Southern Region (using the rule of thumb of 1,000 MW per 1 million population), member states were encouraged to take advantage of the recent constitutional amendment that now allows states to regulate, generate, transmit and distribute electricity whilst also considering renewable sources of energy.

Hence they noted the pressing need for an alternative power infrastructure grid to reduce the impact of grid collapse in the region.

The Forum recognized the necessity of total PMS (petrol) deregulation and pledged support to the Energy Transition programme of Mr. President and urged member states to implement a quick transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a condition precedent to full deregulation to cushion effects on citizens.

The Southern Governors resolved to be more aggressive and intentional about food security and therefore enjoined all states “to intensify their agricultural resurgence/revolution initiatives based on the cash and food crops best suited for each region to achieve food sufficiency, self-reliance, and employment generation”.

In this regards, the States are encouraged to set up special agro-processing zones to extract the most value from the agro-value chain..

Members resolved to remain united and very committed to oneness of purpose noting that the physical boundaries that divide us do not compare to the strong bonds of enterprise, resilience, and culture that we share and unites us. Member States resolved to be deliberate about intra-region trade, partnerships, and investment facilitation and promotion which was agreed will require a structured and coordinated collaborative approach.

They resolved that the Southern States Development Agenda (SSDA) will be set up and will comprise a team whose primary responsibility is to outline a holistic plan to foster trade and investment, sustainable growth and development, economic prosperity, social harmony, and food security for the region. They will work hand in glove with individual states’ Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agencies, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and other multilateral agencies.