Pillar Today

  • Abandoned Ifako: Locals Plead For Government Intervention Amid Lack Of Basic Amenities

    Abandoned Ifako: Locals Plead For Government Intervention Amid Lack Of Basic Amenities

    Gov.  Bassey Otu

    By Ita Williams, Calabar

    The people of Ifako village in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State have cried out against the lack of government presence and basic amenities in their community, pleading for urgent intervention from the state authorities.

    During a fact finding visit by Pillar Today, to asertain the extent of development in the area on Tuesday, the indigenes of Ifako painted a grim picture of their long-neglected community, where essential infrastructure and social services remain elusive.

    “It is very disturbing to note that we have been cut off from the national grid for more than nine years now,” laments Obon Ita Okon, the Chairman of the Okoyong Traditional Rulers Council. “We have been living in darkness, only seeing electricity when we travel out of our community. This is very distressing, and we have endured it for too long.”

    Okon’s concerns are echoed by the dire state of the community’s road network and education system. “We have no good motorable roads in our villages,” he says. “Our people can’t take their agricultural products to the township, which is very disheartening. As we speak, we have no secondary schools, and our children have to trek to other villages to attend school.”

    Deno Okon Akiba, a retired state civil servant, corroborates Okon’s statement, highlighting the additional challenge of primary school tuition fees despite the state government’s policy of free education.

    “It is no more news that since the state governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu , announced free tuition for children in primary schools from 5-10 years, our children still pay normal school fees in Ifako,” Akiba said. “We don’t sleep with both eyes closed, as we have no police post in our area.”

    Akiba pleaded for the establishment of a police station and a healthcare center in Ifako-Okoyong, to enhance the community’s security and access to medical services.

    “I wish to use this opportunity to call on the police authority to as a matter of urgency, do the needful and establish a police post in Ifako-Okoyong to help check the excesses of insecurity in our community,” he said, adding “I also wish to use this chance to appeal to the state government to come to Ifako-Okoyong and establish a health center to enable our people to access quality healthcare and quick health services, as is the case in other communities across the state.”

    The lack of basic amenities has severely impacted the lives of the Ifako residents, particularly the farming community. Mrs. Edet, a farmer and petty trader, laments the ongoing theft of crops and properties due to the absence of a police presence.

    “Since there is no police post in Ifako-Okoyong, theft continues on a daily basis, taking away people’s properties and crops from our farmlands,” she said. “I am therefore sending my humble appeal to the state police command to please come to our aid and put a police sub-station here so that we can live without fear of the underworld.”

    The community’s cries for help have fallen on deaf ears, leaving the residents feeling abandoned and neglected by the government they expect to serve them.

    “We have been under dark as we only seen electricity if we travel out of our community, this is very disturbing and we have condoned these for a long time,” Okon lamented stating that, “no good motorable roads in our villages, our people can’t take their agricultural products to township and this very disheartening, as we speak we have no secondary schools, our children trek to other villages to attend schools, we therefore use this chance to called on the state government to take action quickly to also improve our lives.”

    The poor situation in Ifako-Okoyong highlights the stark disparities in development and resource allocation across the state, where some communities appear to be left behind in the pursuit of progress.

    As the residents of Ifako continue to struggle with the lack of basic necessities, they remain hopeful that their cries for help will finally reach the ears of the state government, who they believe hold the power to transform their community and improve their quality of life.

  • 2024 May Day: C’River State Celebrates Workers, Pledges Improved Welfare

    2024 May Day: C’River State Celebrates Workers, Pledges Improved Welfare

     

    Gov. Bassey Otu at the Labour Day celebration on Wednesday.
    By Ita Williams, Calabar
    On International Workers’ Day, the people of Cross River State came together to celebrate the contributions of its workers and hear from government leaders on plans to address their concerns.
    The event, held at the UJ Esuene Stadium, was attended by Cross River State Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey E. Otu, labor leaders, civil servants, and members of the public. The theme for this year’s celebration was “The People First,” which aligns with the governor’s mantra.
    In his address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Cross River State Council, Comrade Gregory Olay, highlighted the challenges facing workers in the state. These include:
    – Non-implementation of promotions, especially for local government staff, primary school teachers, and primary health workers since 2015.
    – Delayed payment of gratuity to retirees since 2013.
    – Non-payment of annual incremental steps and wage awards to civil servants.
    – Delays in remitting deductions from workers’ salaries, such as union dues and loan repayments.
    – Failure to implement the 27.5% Teachers’ Salary Adjustment (TSA) and restore tax exemptions for teachers
    – Non-collection of check-off dues by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
    – Lack of implementation of the 30% Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) increase for health workers
    – Inadequate capital grants and subventions for the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS)
    – Non-implementation of financial autonomy for state legislative staff.
    Olay appealed to the governor to address these issues to ensure industrial harmony in the state.
    In his response, Governor Otu acknowledged the workers’ challenges and outlined several measures his administration has taken to address them. He said:
    “Since my assumption of office, the payment of monthly salary and pension to workers and pensioners has remained a first-line charge in every month’s expenditure. I am morally inclined to give them this priority attention.”
    The governor also disclosed that his administration has directed the State Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion interviews to upgrade deserving workers up to 2023.
    He added that the government will implement all genuine promotions for state and local government workers, with effect from May 2024.
    On the issue of employment, Governor Otu said the state government is conscious of the need to employ qualified youths into the civil service to bridge the manpower gap created by retirements.
     He has directed the relevant agencies to expedite action in determining the actual manpower gap to enable the commencement of employment from Grade Levels 03 – 09.
    Regarding the implementation of the new national minimum wage, the governor announced that the least-paid worker in the Cross River State civil service will now earn a living wage of N40,000 per month.
    He also revealed plans to constitute a State Produce Marketing Board to control prices and ensure farmers get competitive rates for their produce.
    The governor further stated that the renovation of some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) is ongoing, and the provision of office furniture and equipment will be implemented in the second phase. He also acknowledged the lack of electricity supply in many MDAs and directed the relevant agencies to address the issue.
    While commending the government’s efforts, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Sir Comrade Monday Ogbodum, urged the governor to expedite the payment of outstanding gratuity to retirees and the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
    Ogbodum also called for the proper implementation of promotions, particularly in the local government service, and the release of deductions from workers’ salaries that have been withheld for several months.
    In his goodwill message, Governor Otu emphasized the importance of workers to the development of the state, saying, “Workers in the State are always held in high esteem to achieve good results.”
    The governor also challenged the workers to reciprocate the government’s gestures by doubling their efforts in their assigned duties, warning that the administration may resort to ways of evaluating workers’ benefits vis-a-vis their output if productivity remains low.
    The International Workers’ Day celebration in Cross River State was a platform for the government and labor leaders to engage on the welfare of the state’s workforce.
    The governor’s commitments and the labour leaders’ demands signal a renewed effort to address the long-standing challenges facing civil servants in the state.
  • Cross River To Use AI, Other Cutting-Edge Technology Fight Insecurity

    Cross River To Use AI, Other Cutting-Edge Technology Fight Insecurity

    Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu in a handshake with Evelyn Kwasau FSI, the Team leader of Syndicate 4 from the National Institute of Security Studies’ Executive Intelligence Management Course 17.
    By Anietie Akpan
    Cross River state government is to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technology to fight insecurity in the state.
    The Governor Senator Bassey Otu made this known on Monday during a meeting in his office with members of Syndicate 4 from the National Institute of Security Studies’ Executive Intelligence Management Course 17.
    During the meeting, the Governor reiterated his dedication to improving the state’s security framework by incorporating cutting-edge technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, to combat criminal activities.
    He underscored the significance of intelligence gathering in upholding security within the state, particularly around solid mineral sites and other areas where potential threats may arise.
    Governor Otu assured Syndicate 4 members that the state government is fully committed to collaborating with intelligence agencies to safeguard the well-being and security of Cross River State.
    The visit provided an opportunity for the participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 to engage in insightful discussions with the Governor regarding the course theme and the implementation of AI in governance within Cross River State.
    Leader of the team, Evelyn Kwasau FSI, who disclosed that the course theme is “Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects”,
    expressed sincere gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception and the chance to delve into security dynamics within the state.
    Kwasau emphasized the team’s dedication to providing valuable insights to enhance the state’s security framework, assuring that findings of the team will be shared with the State.

  • Managing Political Disappointments: Lessons From Akwa Ibom State

    OPINION
    By Etim Etim
    An impressive collection of dignitaries gathered at the Worship Center, Uyo, on Wednesday for a thanksgiving service to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
    There were songs, prayers and speeches from many, but it was Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, who surprised the crowd the most with her profound philosophical rendition.   One after the other, she recognized the dignitaries and had something nice to say about them. Gov. Eno; former Governor Udom Emmanuel; former President Goodluck Jonathan; political leaders, clergies, business leaders and traditional chiefs were all present. Gaily dressed women added a peculiar hue to the colourful event.
    When she got to the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Mrs Akpabio went spiritual and philosophical, drawing both laughter and applause from the audience.
    ‘’I am here to represent our leader, our father, the father of Gabriel Udom Emmanuel’’, she said, referring to her husband, adding, ‘’and by extension, I am the mother of Gabriel Udom Emmanuel’’. There were laughs and applause.
    In 2015, Gov. Akpabio invited Udom Emmanuel, then an executive director at Zenith Bank, into partisan politics and made him governor of the state in a typical Nigerian succession politics. She continued, ‘’I want to thank you, your excellency, our immediate past governor, Gabriel Udom Emmanuel, for propelling us to go to the center. If you had not propelled us; if you had not moved, Akwa Ibom people would not have been at the position they are today. So, I greet you Sir. God ordered your footsteps’’.
    Mrs. Akpabio was essentially recalling the frosty relationship between her husband and Mr. Udom Emanuel remain bless in the lord travel , and how that turned out to a blessing for Akpabio.  She was therefore grateful that God used Udom Emmanuel to ‘’propel’’ her husband out of Akwa Ibom politics into national politics.
    Now, soon after Udom Emmanuel succeeded Akpabio as governor the relationship between the two broke down, something not uncommon in our politics. Akpabio had contested and won election to the senate in 2015, and so, the two men managed to keep their rancour from public knowledge for the first two or three years.
    In August 2018, Senator Akpabio decamped from the PDP to the APC, leaving his godson, Gov.  Udom Emmanuel in the PDP. A big political turmoil erupted in the state, leading to Akpabio’s failure to win a reelection to the senate in the 2019. He became minister in 2019 and the political gulf between the two widened more and more. In 2023, he contested again for the senate, telling Akwa Ibom people that he would be the Senate President if he won. He won and, to the surprise of many, became Senate President, under APC while Eno became governor, succeeding Udom Emmanuel, under PDP.
    Things now began to work differently. Eno discarded politics of war and quarrel, and reached out to Akpabio and others in APC, creating a never-seen-before political harmony in the state. Last year, Eno attended Akpabio’s inaugural ceremonies as senate president and since then, has been very deferential of the senate President. Akpabio has also reciprocated the gestures from the governor and yesterday, his wife represented him at Eno’s birthday celebration.  This rearrangement of the contours of politics in the state therefore afforded Akpabio’s wife the opportunity to go spiritual yesterday.
    Mrs Akpabio’s assertion that it was Udom Emmanuel who ‘’propelled’’ her husband to return to the senate and eventually become senate president is therefore correct, and reflects the depth of her spirituality. It’s a testament to an adage that says that when one door is closed, another is open.  If Akpabio and his successor had not fallen out, maybe he would still have remained in the PDP and would not have become Senate President.
    The quarrel catapulted Akpabio to seek relevance in national politics. It is a classic case of turning a disappointment into a blessing. An English adage says that. ‘’If life gives you a lemon, turn it into a lemonade’’. My own favourite saying which I have on my WhatsApp profile is, ‘’If you stumble on the dance floor, make it part of the dance’’. The Bible expresses it differently. ‘’And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good…’’ (Romans 8:28).
    I was very pleased to hear Mrs. Akpabio, a devout Catholic, express her thoughts in this spiritual context. She had come to understand that her husband’s fight with his successor was his stepping stone to a higher responsibility. That’s why she told Udom Emmanuel yesterday, ‘’God ordered your footsteps’’. Many people have their own experiences of how personal disappointments have turned out to be a blessing. I have mine.
    Whatever the disappointment that you face, look carefully, another door is open, or ajar. I will therefore advise Barr. Nyesom Wike and Mallam Nasir el Rufai to turn their quarrels with their successors into opportunity to do nobler deeds. There are other open doors for everyone out there!
    Etim is a Journalist and a Political Analyst based in Abuja.
  • Governor Otu Inaugurates 50,000-Hectare Rice Farming Initiative Revolution

    Governor Otu Inaugurates 50,000-Hectare Rice Farming Initiative Revolution

    Gov. Bassey Otu during the inauguration of the 50,000 hectares rice initiative at Ndek, Ogoja LGA. 
    By Anietie Akpan
    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has initiated a large-scale rice cultivation revolution project that can feed Nigeria and export for foreign exchange earnings.
    The project which was inaugurated at weekend in Ndok community, Ogoja Local Government Area of the state,
    spans 50,000 hectares and is supported by a credit scheme in which the state allocates N150 million monthly towards agricultural development initiatives.
    In a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, Governor Otu affirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to revolutionising the agricultural sector, emphasised the direct collaboration with rice farmers to cultivate the extensive 50,000 hectares.
    He said, “we are engaging with groups of farmers, as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava.
    “We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations.”
    Acknowledging the critical importance of food and energy security, Governor Otu also assured farmers of the government’s full support, saying, “we are committed to working along with every farmer, and ensuring the provision of essential resources.
    “I extend this assurance to the traditional leaders. I emphasise our long-term commitment to this course” as a credit-guarantee scheme has been established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers.
    Cross River governor highlighted the scheme’s independence from the government, underlining the monthly allocation of N150 million towards the initiative.
    He encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity to enhance productivity, emphasising the need for proactive engagement in agriculture.
    Governor Otu urged individuals to take action, rather than passively waiting for sustenance, while he noted that there were abundant resources bestowed upon the state by divine providence, and said there was the need for industrious efforts.
    The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mr. Johnson Ebekpo Jnr., earlier in his remarks, detailed the government’s strategic approach to agricultural development.
    He emphasised the importance of clear policies to attract private sector investments, and outlined Cross River’s commitment to making agriculture the cornerstone of the economy.
    Ebekpo said, “significant investments have been made in acquiring new tractors to enhance mechanisation efforts. The tractors, being distributed across the local government areas in Cross River State, will be managed by cooperatives, comprising men and women.
    “The initiative aims to empower the youths while supporting small-holder farmers in scaling up their operations.”
    A rice-cluster farmer, Madam Agatha, while also speaking, expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the initiative, and she highlighted the underutilization of the state’s rice mill, due to productivity constraints, while emphasising the potential for increased production.
    The Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association in Cross River, Emmanuel Anoh, projected a minimum rice yield of 6 tonnes per hectare, translating to 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare, while stressing that the significant increase in production capacity was poised to transform the food industry in Nigeria.
    Anoh also hailed Cross River state government’s dedicated efforts, and expressed confidence in the positive outcomes that would benefit the populace from the laudable initiatives.
  • Residents Groan Over Rising Cost Of Food Items, Others In Uyo Metropolis

    Residents Groan Over Rising Cost Of Food Items, Others In Uyo Metropolis

    By Emediong Dianabasi Okon, Uyo

    Food items are getting costlier for residents of Uyo metropolis in Akwa Ibom State as prices of goods climb higher, fuelling hunger and taking a big bite out of consumers’ wallets.

    According to a survey across major markets in Uyo, prices of food items have surged by more than 70 percent since January 2024.

    This also came on the back of lingering insecurity challenges such as ‘one chance’ robbery, cultism, internet scam and phone snatching among others.

    At the beginning of January and up to February 2024, garri, a major staple in Uyo, sold at N100 per cup, but now a cup of garri sells for N200.

    A wrap of Fufu, another staple, which sold for N50 during  the period, now sells at N150 and the quantity has reduced drastically.

    A 50 kg bag of foreign rice sold at N50,000 in December 2023, but now it sells for N80,000 a bag and N500 a cup.

    Beans, which used to sell at N50 a cup, now sells at N350 for the same measure.

    A bag of crayfish which sold for N60,000 or N70,000 per bag now sells for N125,000 per bag.

    A medium-sized tin of NAN Optipro baby milk was N 4,800 at the beginning of April, but right now a can of NAN Optipro baby milk sells for N8,000.

    Prices of groundnut oil, palm oil, maggi, cow meat, goat meat, chicken, iced fish, dried fish, toothpastes, body creams, other staples etc, have similarly increased astronomically, making it hard for an average resident to purchase them.

    Mercy Etim a market seller at Itam market said, “The transportation cost to get these goods are high.

    “A basin of garri used to be N5,000, but now a basin of garri is more than N15,000.

    “If I don’t sell at N200 a cup, I won’t make any profit and I will not be able to take care of my family.”

    A resident of Uyo, Victoria Ekpuma, said she went to Akpanandem market to buy goat meat for N500 and was threatened by the market woman with a knife, who said,  ‘When last did you eat meat, that you’re pricing my meat for N500’.

    She added that as she couldn’t get the meat she had to go home.

    A trader at Akpanandem market, Lucy Emeka, said it was not their fault that they sold at such marked up prices.

    “Viva plus detergent powder 850g was N1,100 as at February but it is now N1,800,” she said, adding that if they don’t sell at those prices, they won’t even get back their capital or made any profit.

    “With the constant surging prices, food alone now accounts for 70 percent of my monthly income,” said Patience Effiong, a private school teacher in Uyo, who is earning a monthly income of N20,000.

    “Food is life and we cannot afford not to eat, no matter the price.

    “Life in Nigeria is now characterised by the struggle to afford necessities such as food,” she added.

    “The continuous surge in prices has wiped off savings from my monthly salary. I cannot even save any more. I spend 60 percent of my income on food alone and the rest on transportation and accommodation,” said Timothy Chukwueze, a sales representative at Itam market.

    “The worst thing is that the prices won’t go back down, I haven’t seen anything that goes up and comes down again in this country,

    “There are many factors that can contribute to increasing food prices, including inflation, transportation costs, food scarcity, and more.

    “One can only hope the situation improves soon. It is also expected that those in the corridors of power will have the political will to provide the enabling environment that will make the necessities of life available to the rich and the poor in Nigeria. We can only hope. Yes, we can” ,  he added.

     

  • CAN S’South Zone Commends Otu, Prays For C’River

    CAN S’South Zone Commends Otu, Prays For C’River

    Gov. Bassey Otu 

    By Anietie Akpan
    The South-south zone of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), has commended Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River for his visionary leadership and strides recorded barely 10 months in office.
    In his address, the Zone’s Chairman, His Grace, Archbishop Ege Enivekenimi, described Otu’s emergence as the will of God for the political emancipation of Cross River State, pledging that the Christian community in the south-south will continue to support the Otu-led administration in prayers and otherwise.
    The Archbishop appreciated the governor for his practical demonstration of love towards the good people of Cross River which he said, is palpably evident in the ongoing renovation of the State Library, face lifting the Cenotaph and the 11/11 roundabout, remodeling of the Zoo Garden, adding that each project reflects a commitment to modernity and excellence.
    “The construction and opening of road network in over 36 streets in the Calabar metropolis, rejuvenating the aesthetic beauty of the State Capital City, improved street lighting, with additional solar options, and ensuring that traffic lights are fully operational, reconstruction of Bus Stops to enhance commuter experiences, curbing insecurity to its barest minimum.
    “Your administration has registered all secondary school students for their WAEC is also part of an ambitious reform policy”.
    He said that “within the few months of taking over governance, there is significant agricultural reforms, with the government committing resources to improve productivity.
    “The church applauds you for a comprehensive soil testing exercise which has been completed, and fertilizers are being distributed to farmers. Additionally, funds have been allocated for soil leveling exercises across farmlands to enhance yield and productivity,” he concluded his commendation.
    Earlier in his introductory remarks, the Chairman of the CAN, Cross River State chapter, Dr. Takis Caeifas said the religious body, which was in Calabar for its zonal meeting, deemed it necessary to visit and pray with the governor and the good people of the State.
    He lauded Otu for his warm reception and open-door leadership, which is greatly impacting on the citizens.
    Responding, Governor Bassey Otu, thanked the Christian body for visiting to pray for him and the state, reserving special praise for its support throughout the electioneering period and continuing.
    The governor informed the zonal officials of CAN that its Cross River chapter took full part in the election process in the state, while calling on the Christian community to become more interested in the political decision making and leadership of their regions and nation at large.
    He assured the contingent that his administration would look into their requests brought before him, especially building an ecumenical centre and a befitting secretariat for the association in the state.

    (more…)

  • NSCC Takes Bold Step To Secure Funding For Programmes, Services

    NSCC Takes Bold Step To Secure Funding For Programmes, Services

    • Director General of NSCC, Emem Omokaro, and the Executive Director of Policy House International, Taiwo Akerele at the ceremony. 
    • By Anietie Akpan
    National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has signed agreement with a Nigerian firm, Policy House International for donor and multi-lateral funding of its flagship initiatives and projects.
    The Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications,
    Omini Oden in a statement at weekend said this is keeping with its mandate to identify the needs of senior citizens and cater for them inline with the NSCC Act 2017 on sourcing adequate funding for the Centre’s multi-sectoral programmes.
    Director General of NSCC, Emem Omokaro, Ph.D at the ceremony in Abuja said no matter how potentially impactful the Plan of Action is, adequate funding is required to implement planned programmes.
    She remained hopeful that the realization of the agreement’s objectives would accelerate the cascading of programmes to the sub-national levels, particularly the rural areas, where 70 percent of older persons reside.
    The DG said Policy House is now a part of the vision of NSCC of truly making Nigeria an inclusive society where older people have the right to a life that is dignified, happy, secured and have the opportunity to continue to participate and be valued.
    NSCC, Omokaro said, looks beyond government funding to realize set targets and its mandate geared towards improving the quality life of Older Persons and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current dispensation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    On his part, the Executive Director of Policy House International, Taiwo Akerele said, in the 15 years of Policy House involvement in executing agreements with organizations and sourcing funds, they are yet to see the level of passion, knowledge and depth of impactful sector-wide approach to programming, seen at the NSCC.
    Mr. Akerele said, there is in place at NSCC; established systems, mechanisms of engagement with stakeholders including older persons and dis-aggregated data on subject matter of programs interest in less than three years of existence as an agency of government.
    He gave the assurance that with the wealth of experience by Policy House and working with public sector in Nigeria for over 15 years they will abide by the terms of the agreement.
  • Calabar Port Manager Refutes Alleged Drought Of Container Vessels

    Calabar Port Manager Refutes Alleged Drought Of Container Vessels

    Calabar Port Manager, Mr. Olumati Festus,
    By Tina Ezin
    Calabar Port Manager, Mr. Olumati Festus, has debunked an allegation of drought of container vessels in Calabar Port for the past 25 years.
    Some publications in the media had recently credited the Port Manager with reports that that the Calabar Port has not received container vessels in the last 25 years.
    But Festus in a refutal on Saturday in an interview with some journalists in Calabar, said on October 22, 2020, the Port received a container vessel called UML Veronica and has received several project cargoes that came with containers.
    The Port Manager said they were also seriously working with huge liner vessels to come and pick cocoa products from Calabar Port.
    “We have held meetings with Cocoa Producers Association, Calabar Chamber of Commerce, and the Ministry of Commerce in the state to harmonised the process for the products to be shipped from Calabar Port.
    “We are currently appealing for the Calabar Port channel to be dredged to about nine mitres to allow bigger vessels come into the port but whether this is done or not we are working hard to attract more container vessels that are flat bottom,” he said.
  • Governor Otu Sets Target To Produce Healthier People In Cross River By 2027

    Governor Otu Sets Target To Produce Healthier People In Cross River By 2027

    Gov. Bassey Otu
    By Anietie Akpan
    The Cross River State’s policy on food and nutrition as well as its strategic multi-sector plan of action, has been formally launched  with a set target to produce healthier people by 2027.
    A press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill said that the event took place at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar on Thursday with the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu emphasizing that his government is committed to improving the health and well-being of its people.
    The governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Peter Odey, presided over the ceremony along with representatives from UNICEF and leadership of the State Planning Commission.
    He highlighted the set target to become a state with healthier people by 2027 through investments in food and nutrition programmes.
    He also acknowledged how poor planning, coordination, and implementation can lead to malnutrition stemming from various deprivations such as education, access to potable water, and poor health services among others which have short- and long-term consequences that hinder economic progress.
    He disclosed that to meet the proposed target by 2027 effectively; will require scaling up food and nutrition interventions within Cross River State which the State has provided a matching fund of N100 million for interventions.
    Governor Otu further disclosed that the State Planning Commission chaired by himself alongside Dr Bong Duke as Vice Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, will drive coordination efforts stipulated under the newly launched state policies towards achieving better nutritional indices across the board.
    He expressed gratitude to development partners who are partnering with the state towards improving nutritional indices while acknowledging UNICEF’s support in particular regarding this policy launch.
    Officer-in-Charge at UNICEF Nigeria Enugu Field Office, Dr Olusoji Akinleye in his remarks, revealed that “estimates show about 195,227 (23%) children below age five suffer acute malnutrition which is extremely dangerous and half of child mortality is attributable to malnutrition” .
     However, he was confident that the new policies would provide an over-reaching framework covering multiple dimensions aimed at improving nutritional status across all vulnerable groups including adolescents, women of reproductive age, elderly, etc by year-end 2025 inline with the Governor’s mandate targeting making Cross River one healthy state come 2027.
    Also speaking, Vice Chairman/CEO of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke explained how the multi-sector approach, where line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) implementing either nutrition-sensitive or specific programmes were involved in solving problems around malnourishment.
    He said improved nutritional standards throughout life cycles targeted majorly, the vulnerable groups, including children of aged less than five years old, adolescents, women between reproductive ages and the elderly.