Statistician General of the Federation Commend Governor Bassey Edet Otu for Gender Mainstreaming

Iloke Egbe 

The Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran has commended the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his foresight in gender issues, that Cross River State stands out and very enviable in good governance and gender inclusion as can be seen in the number of women appointed at various strata of Government.

Mr. Adeniran disclosed this during his working visit to Cross River State aimed at advancing synergies between the Federal and the State Government given the importance of quality data in planning and implementation of policies and programmes.

The visit which held at the conference hall of the State Planning Commission, new Secretariat Complex Calabar had in attendance across section of members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, Director General of Agencies and Boards, the academia, zonal officers from National Bureau of Statistics and Development Partners.

Speaking on the essence of the working visit, Mr. Adeniran informed that Nigeria has made significant achievements with her timely and frequent updates exercises which have made Nigeria data most contemporary globally. 

He said, the multiple indicator cluster survey model collects data on social demographics and sometimes economic data on women and children, including adolescents and men in the household.

According to Adeniran, the ongoing survey is national and it's very important, in his words, "this survey is the only survey that has over 40 indicators that are contained in the Sustainable Development Goals, there are a lot of gains and indicators we are going to provide to the State" while soliciting the usual cooperation of the State.

He assured that the exercise is in conjunction with the State, the State is part of the process from inception to the end, the State will also validate her data sets before it is reported for public consumption, reiterating from training of personnel, development of instruments, presentation of data, analysis and validation, Staff of the State are included.

Earlier, the Governor, represented by the Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Planning Commission.  Pastor Dr. Bong Duke expressed excitement for the visit, stating that the visit of the Statistician General of the Federation is coming after two decades.

He acknowledged his efforts towards the development of National Data, stating that, the portal is getting better everyday, we have access to data, and the fact that you have paid so much attention to data, adding that, we can't go without data, therefore, the re-configuration and the new energy that are going into data development, data gathering, data storage and access in Nigeria is something that calls for commendation.

He spoke positively on the strides made to revive statistics, including the celebration of world statistics Day adding that, statistics have been institutionalized as a cadre in the State service thereby making it an enviable profession. 

In her welcome remarks, the State Statistician General Mrs, Akedoh Okoi Edet informed that, Cross River State is particularly proud to have hosted the South–South zonal implementation of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, implemented by the National Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund. This important survey remains one of the most comprehensive sources of household data for monitoring the wellbeing of women and children.

That findings from the 2021 Nigeria MICS provide valuable insights into key development indicators across sectors such as health, education, nutrition, child protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene, adding that available data shows that primary school completion in Cross River State is estimated at about 93 percent, while lower secondary completion stands at approximately 82 percent, reflecting encouraging progress in access to basic education.

However, the survey also highlights areas that require sustained policy attention. Only about 51.7 percent of the population in the State have access to basic drinking water services, while basic sanitation coverage remains around 18 percent, underscoring the need for continued investments in WASH infrastructure and services.

According to Mrs Edet, these statistics remind us that data is not merely for reporting but a strategic instrument for governance. Reliable and timely statistics enable the government to identify development gaps, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor progress toward national and global development priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Adding his voice, the UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Mr. Yojimmawork Ayalew informed that the quality of data coming out from Nigeria is very strong and makes the country very unique, adding that the ongoing survey is child centric which is a global standard survey and calls for the support of stakeholders. 

While the Director General, CRS Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr.Vivian Mesembe Otu expresses joy with the visit, that it demonstrates the readiness of the Statistician General to do the right thing. She also informed that at the PHCDA the use of quality, accurate and timely data is inevitable.

Others who also added their voices include the Commissioner Ministry of Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Erom, the Commissioner, Ministry of Health Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development Archbishop Prof. Margaret Ene-Ita who all agreed the approach of involving the State personnel is the best as data is central to planning and development.

While Prof. Mrs. Francis Obafemi, Prof. Lionel Effiom  and Mrs Florence oluohu asked questions on varied issues around data metrics, the Statistician General and a representative from the State Economic Adviser took time to respond to all questions, supported by the zonal controller NBS Pastor Emmanuel Otuk.

Ecotourism within the Cross River Mangrove Landscape is An Open Cheque, Can Attract Tourists Beyond Nigeria - Hippolatus Lukpata

Iloke Egbe 

The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata has affirmed that the State is blessed with one of Africa's largest and most ecologically important Mangrove ecosystems. That the Mangrove quietly performed extraordinary work by storing vast amounts of carbon several times more per hectare than many tropical forests.

He made the revelation while declaring open a workshop on sensitization and training for potential investors, commodity Associations, financial institutions and Government MDAs on economic opportunities in sustainable Mangrove ecosystems Management, held at NAKS Hotel, Marrian Road Calabar.

He reinforced the potential of Mangrove, stating that it protects the Coastlines from erosion and storm surges and supports biodiversity. They serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fisheries that sustain thousands of families across the Coastal communities.

In his words, for many years, we have seen them primarily as environmental assets, but increasingly, the world has recognized them as economic assets and when properly managed, Mangrove represents real and practical investment opportunities. They are central to the growing global focus on nature based solutions and the blue economy.

Citing some examples, he pointed out that ecotourism offers enormous potential, like canoe trails through the serene mangrove channels, birdwatching experiences, cultural tours, community led hospitality services which can generate jobs, create alternative incomes and at the same time deepen conservation awareness.

According to the commissioner, there is also growing interest in the carbon market and blue credits as Mangrove stores an exceptional amount of carbon which can attract climate finance through voluntary and emerging carbon markets. That it provides a partway where environmental protection translates directly into revenue for restoration, protection and community development.

He thanked the organizers of the workshop FAO UK-PACT for their support to the State through integrated management of Mangrove Ecosystems and expansion of social protection for fisheries and forest dependent products.

Earlier, the project coordinator United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition, (UK-PACT) Dr. Mrs. Nisifime Ogunkua that the workshop is to sensitize and train relevant actors on the potential and opportunities in the Mangrove Landscape which the State is the most blessed with wonderful endowment. And to further build and strengthen the capacities of players.

She informed that, beyond the environmental benefits provided by Mangrove ecosystems, there are countless economic opportunities in the sector.

Some of the topics presented were climate change Resilient Infrastructure Development and Nature-Based Solutions in Cross River State. Nature-Based Finance, Ecotourism, Blue Carbon and Inclusive Livelihood. Financing Window and Credit Facilities for Green and Climate-Resilient Investments. 

Others include Scaling Nature-Based Livelihoods for Social Protection and Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem Management.

Export Financing Opportunities in Ecotourism, Carbon Trade and Nature-Based Livelihoods. Structuring Bankable Public-private Partnerships for Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem and Blue Economy Investments and Carbon Market Development in Nigeria, Barriers, Risks and Opportunities in Carbon Trading. 

Dignitaries in attendance were from the commercial Banks, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agric, the academia, traditional rulers, regulatory bodies, critical investors in the sector and members of relevant MDAs from Federal and State Government.

Stakeholders Gather in Calabar, Adopt National Social and Behavioral Change Strategy for Nutrition

Iloke Egbe 

In an effort to sustain the gains and achievements already recorded by the Federal and State Government with support from UNICEF Nigeria, multi-stakeholders gathered in Calabar the capital of Cross River State for a three Day domestication and validation meeting with focus on Social Behavioral Change Strategy for Nutrition across lifecycles.

The meeting, coordinated by the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in partnership with the State and Federal Ministry of Health, including Federal Primary Healthcare Development Agency held at Dannic Hotel, Ekorinim Calabar. And had attendance from relevant Stakeholders and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies including non-governmental organizations. 

At the heart of the meeting were presentations on the objectives of the meeting, overview of the nutrition situation in the State, goals, priority areas, baseline and targets guidelines for validation and domestication process. 

The event featured plenary on maternal nutrition for under five children, nutrition for school age children, adolescents nutrition and nutrition for elderly. Others include nutrition for special circumstances.

There were presentations, corrections with a voice vote on the clauses of the document to reflect the State priority with a communique reach affirming that the document reflects the consensus and interest of the State Government.

Also stakeholders from Line MDAs including the HCH, DG SPHCDA, DG SEMA, GM RUWATSA  and Permanent Secretaries from MoH, MoE   MoI and MoWA validated the document and alluded    that it should be adopted as a State Government document. This document moved the State ahead as one of the few Stares in Nigeria that are institutionalizing good governance across all sectors.

Govt. Needs to Know What your Project is Contributing to the State Development - Dr. Lukpata

Iloke Egbe 

As a way of achieving mutual cooperation from Development Partners operating in the State to deliver quality and efficient service to the citizens, the Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr Hippolatus Lukpata has reminded Partners of the need to demonstrate their knowledge of letting Government know the quality and percentage of what they are contributing to the development of the State at the different locations of their interventions.

He gave the charge when he declared open the March 2026 Development Partners meeting, held at CUSO International office, Nsefik layout off Marian Road Calabar. He called on partners to enhance synergies, share experiences and lessons learnt, given that with open discussions and timely reports, all challenges can be resolved for the interest of beneficiaries and the State.

He added that the success of the coordination efforts will be more effective when partners submit their annual work plan to enable the ministry to follow up the field work. Adding that the Government is very much interested in what it has achieved through each project operating in the State. He promised to make a presentation on the achievements recorded courtesy of few projects that have shown the commitment while pointing out that Civil Society Organizations need to understand what the Governor meant by people's first mantra.

In his update, the Technical Head, Labour Intensive Public Workfare, Mr Finan Okama informed that His Excellency,  the Governor has increased the salaries of those who sweep the street from 10,000 to 20,000 and has been implemented, stating that very soon workers will receive their personal protective equipment, with the gesture to be extended to Staff of other urban development centres at the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts.

Highlights of the meeting were presentations by SelfHelp Africa and L-PRES, update by some Development Partners on progress work. In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Balingwo Ofegobi thanked participants for the quality resolutions reach and the high attendance which he said was a positive improvement. 

Over 28 Development Partners operating in the State were in attendance.

My Walk to Success is by God's Grace - Prof Patrick Ineji

Iloke Egbe 

In recognition of God's centrality in man's affairs and success in every human endeavours, Professor Patrick Ukim Ineji has attributed his achievements in life to the grace of God in his life. 

He disclosed this during a thanksgiving service in appreciation of his promotion to a substantive professor of Communication held at the Grace of God Chapel, University of Cross River Calabar. 

He stated that, his long walk to Success was an act of God who guided his steps as he reflected on his beginning days, parental support from his father and family members, while acknowledging his wife as a strong pillar that have stood by him in good and bad season.

Adding her voice, the wife of the celebrant, Dr Mrs. Bibiana Ineji thanked all attendees for honouring her husband, adding that the husband is a hard working man that doesn't cut corners in anything he puts his hand and heart on. She used the occasion to Thank God and acknowledge His kindness, protections and good health for the family while admitting that it's not been an easy journey but with God there is assurances of success.

Earlier, there was a church service at Grace Chapel which had in attendance colleagues from the University both teaching and non teaching, friends of the celebrant, family members and congregations from the church.

Delivering his sermon with the theme, the Weight of Grace, the presiding Priest, Rev. Godswill Ibiang Ibor drew his Bible reading from John 1 reading at verse 14 to 17. He admonished the congregants to cultivate the habit of thanksgiving as it attracts multiple blessings from God since it's an act of obedience to God's directives.

Highlights of the event was thanksgiving offering, prayer for the celebrant and family, reception at his residence, UNICROSS Staff quarters and goodwill messages from associates, colleagues and mentees.

Ecotourism within the Cross River Mangrove Landscape is An Open Cheque, Can Attract Tourists Beyond Nigeria - Hippolatus Lukpata

Iloke Egbe 

The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata has affirmed that the State is blessed with one of Africa's largest and most ecologically important Mangrove ecosystems. That the Mangrove quietly performed extraordinary work by storing vast amounts of carbon several times more per hectare than many tropical forests.

He made the revelation while declaring open a workshop on sensitization and training for potential investors, commodity Associations, financial institutions and Government MDAs on economic opportunities in sustainable Mangrove ecosystems Management, held at NAKS Hotel, Marrian Road Calabar.

He reinforced the potential of Mangrove, stating that it protects the Coastlines from erosion and storm surges and supports biodiversity. They serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fisheries that sustain thousands of families across the Coastal communities.

In his words, for many years, we have seen them primarily as environmental assets, but increasingly, the world has recognized them as economic assets and when properly managed, Mangrove represents real and practical investment opportunities. They are central to the growing global focus on nature based solutions and the blue economy.

Citing some examples, he pointed out that ecotourism offers enormous potential, like canoe trails through the serene mangrove channels, birdwatching experiences, cultural tours, community led hospitality services which can generate jobs, create alternative incomes and at the same time deepen conservation awareness.

According to the commissioner, there is also growing interest in the carbon market and blue credits as Mangrove stores an exceptional amount of carbon which can attract climate finance through voluntary and emerging carbon markets. That it provides a partway where environmental protection translates directly into revenue for restoration, protection and community development.

He thanked the organizers of the workshop FAO UK-PACT for their support to the State through integrated management of Mangrove Ecosystems and expansion of social protection for fisheries and forest dependent products.

Earlier, the project coordinator United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition, (UK-PACT) Dr. Mrs. Nisifime Ogunkua that the workshop is to sensitize and train relevant actors on the potential and opportunities in the Mangrove Landscape which the State is the most blessed with wonderful endowment. And to further build and strengthen the capacities of players.

She informed that, beyond the environmental benefits provided by Mangrove ecosystems, there are countless economic opportunities in the sector.

Some of the topics presented were climate change Resilient Infrastructure Development and Nature-Based Solutions in Cross River State. Nature-Based Finance, Ecotourism, Blue Carbon and Inclusive Livelihood. Financing Window and Credit Facilities for Green and Climate-Resilient Investments. 

Others include Scaling Nature-Based Livelihoods for Social Protection and Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem Management.

Export Financing Opportunities in Ecotourism, Carbon Trade and Nature-Based Livelihoods. Structuring Bankable Public-private Partnerships for Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem and Blue Economy Investments and Carbon Market Development in Nigeria, Barriers, Risks and Opportunities in Carbon Trading. 

Dignitaries in attendance were from the commercial Banks, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agric, the academia, traditional rulers, regulatory bodies, critical investors in the sector and members of relevant MDAs from Federal and State Government.