Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Healthy Billionaires Seek NUJ Support for Unity, Sustainable Development Walkathon



The Healthy Billionaires, led by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Samuel Usoro, has solicited the support of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Cross River State Council, for its forthcoming Calabar Walkathon aimed at promoting unity and sustainable development.

Usoro made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the Healthy Billionaires to the NUJ Cross River State Council, where he disclosed that this year's walk would focus on breaking political, ethnic, religious and tribal barriers while encouraging citizens to unite and demand sustainable development from government and other stakeholders.

According to him, the walk is particularly significant as the country approaches another election cycle, a period often characterised by political divisions and competing interests.

He stressed that while citizens have the right to support and vote for candidates of their choice, such political differences should not destroy the unity of the society.
"People are allowed to choose who they want and vote for who they want. But the most important thing is to be united before and after the elections," he said.

Usoro explained that the Healthy Billionaires were using the annual walk as a platform to start conversations around issues affecting society and to encourage government, corporate organisations and citizens to pursue initiatives capable of producing lasting impact.

He said this year's theme, "A Walk for Unity and Sustainable Development", was designed to bring people together irrespective of political affiliation, tribe, religion or ethnicity.

"We are going to break all those barriers of division and then speak with one voice, asking people in authority, corporate leaders and even ourselves to do things that are sustainable for our economy and society," he said.

He appealed to journalists to amplify the message of the walk and help take the advocacy beyond Calabar, stressing that the media remained central to public advocacy and social mobilisation.

"We have come to the NUJ because we know we cannot do without you. The whole concept of advocacy comes from you guys. We are asking you to lend your voice and amplify what we want to do," Usoro said.

He disclosed that the walk would commence at 7am on Saturday from Millennium Park, with participants proceeding along the designated carnival route before returning for the wind up. He also hinted at the possibility of a post event press conference to highlight the outcomes and impact of the initiative.

Usoro said the Healthy Billionaires had, over the years, used its activities to draw attention to pressing social issues and stimulate conversations that could lead to government action.

He cited previous campaigns on drug abuse, mental health, autism and neurological disorders as examples of initiatives through which the organisation had brought government agencies, stakeholders and the media together to address societal challenges.

According to him, the organisation's advocacy on drug abuse helped draw attention to the absence of adequate rehabilitation facilities in the region, while its campaign on autism and neurological disorders also highlighted the need for specialised services such as speech therapy.

He explained that the organisation did not necessarily have the resources to directly solve every problem it identified but used its platforms to connect relevant stakeholders, generate public awareness and encourage those responsible to act.

"We start the conversation and bring the players into the same circle. We bring the media spotlight and the people saddled with the responsibility of making those things happen together. We start the discussions and hopefully it metamorphoses into a result," he said.

Usoro added that the group also monitored developments after its interventions and used available data to assess progress and determine areas requiring further action.

He said military and paramilitary formations had also been contacted ahead of this year's walk and were expected to participate and provide public enlightenment on issues relating to responsible citizenship, the consequences of destroying public property and other actions that could lead to criminal prosecution.

He further emphasised that the walk would be deliberately non partisan, with participants expected to set aside political differences and unite under the common objective of building a better society.

"We are opening our doors to everybody. You might see people from different political divides walking alongside one another. We are not talking politics that day. We are simply going to walk for unity and ask for sustainable development," she said.

Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey commended the Healthy Billionaires for consistently using its annual activities to draw attention to important issues affecting society.

The NUJ Chairman noted that sustainable development could not be achieved through government action alone, stressing the need for citizens to understand their responsibilities and contribute to building a better society.

She called for greater unity, trust and public reorientation, particularly at a time when social media continues to influence public discourse and shape perceptions.

She also raised questions about the need for follow up mechanisms to ensure that the conversations generated by the annual walks translate into measurable and sustainable outcomes.

During the interaction, attention was also drawn to concerns surrounding overcrowding in correctional facilities, the high number of awaiting trial inmates and the absence of adequate juvenile correctional facilities.

Victoria Omini, who participated in the discussion, shared observations from a recent visit to a correctional facility, where she said she was informed that the facility, originally built to accommodate about 450 inmates, was housing approximately 784 inmates.

She also raised concerns over the large number of awaiting trial inmates and the possibility of minors being held alongside adults due to the absence of appropriate juvenile facilities.

Omini said the situation deserved further attention and suggested that the issue of judicial delays and juvenile detention could become the focus of future advocacy efforts.

The Healthy Billionaires acknowledged the concerns, noting that sensitive issues involving correctional facilities would require careful consideration, stakeholder engagement and adequate preparation before being taken up publicly.

The group maintained that its annual walks were designed not merely as physical exercises but as platforms for advocacy, public enlightenment and the promotion of collective responsibility.

The 2026 Calabar Walkathon is expected to bring together citizens, government officials, corporate organisations, security agencies, civil society actors and other stakeholders in a symbolic demonstration of unity and a collective call for sustainable development.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Governor Bassey Otu Commend State Committee on Food and Nutrition for Topping Southern Nigeria States in Performance


Iloke Egbe 

The Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has commended the State Committee on Food and Nutrition for best performance in the whole of Southern part of Nigeria. That the activities and coordination efforts of the committee has made the State very proud at the national, while asserting that more support and funding will be to all line Ministries, Departments and Agencies for nutrition specific activities.

The Governor represented by the Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Planning Commission, Pastor Dr. Bong Duke stated this when he declared open the 3rd quarter meeting of the committee held at the State Planning Commission building, New Secretariat Complex Calabar.

Mr Duke informed that, the President Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has invited the His Excellency the State Governor to join the vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria on high power delegation tour to Addis Abbaba in Ethiopia courtesy of activities of the State committee on Food and Nutrition which has showcase the State positively with massive human potentials and material resources to enhance coordination efforts.

He said, going forward all line MDAs shall experience improve level of funding of their activities to consolidate the State position and all the milestones that are red or yellow shall change to green because the State has the capacity to close all gaps, while emphasizing the need for the committee to do more and control in unity  and focused on the objectives of the committee.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio thanked the Governor for providing the needed environment for the committee to perform their functions and the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer of SPC for steering the ship of the committee, extending to members of the State committee on Food and Nutrition for their understanding, unity and commitment to the work of the committee. He appealed that members should continue with the solidarity spirit for the growth and development of the State.
Adding her voice, the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs Nkem Eyoung Ubana, reminded members to send their report on time pointing out that every activity of nutrition is rated and has timelines for actions. That as a leading State, it's not good to present report at the national late. She used the occasion to express her appreciation to all stakeholders.

Highlights of the meeting were presentation and adoption of the 3rd report, presentation of progress reports on annual operational plans and proposed next steps.
In attendance Directors and Nutrition Officers from all implementing MDAs, members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition whose membership spanned from all relevant MDAs.

Monday, September 14, 2026

Ukong Efut Omaleko and John Achot Okon join in Holy Matrimony


Iloke Egbe 
It was a moment of ecstasy and unlimited joy for parents, friends, colleagues and well wishers as the son of the former clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Ntufam John Okon, Mr John Achot Okon Junior take the only daughter of Rev. Efot Joseph Omaleko retired to the altar for the  solemnization of their Holy Matrimony at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria old Town parish no 33 MCC road Calabar.

Delivering his sermon with the theme, love and submission, the pillars of successful marriage, the minister in charge, most Rev. Etok Nyong Okon admonished the couple to put the Word of God above their personal interests in all situations, that love and submission are the first order given by God to all those who choose to enter the first institution ordained for man, adding that no condition is attached, therefore, in all circumstances the man is to love the wife while the wife is to submit with humility to the husband as unto God.
Rev. Okon who shared his personal experience with the family of Rev Efot Joseph Omaleko described the father of the bright as a disciplinarian who took time to bring up his children in the fear of the Lord and draw the Bible reading from the book of Ephesians five verses 24 to 33, adding that the groom is a serious Christian with the fear of God. That the couple should always seek God's position because God who instituted it has the answers to every situation.

On his part, the chairman of the occasion, RT Hon. Dr. Emil Inyang, current member representing the people of Akamkpa Biase Federal constituency encouraged youths to emulate the couple's style of marriage celebration, asserting that the marriage was simple, straightforward without unnecessary items or delays which demonstrate the respect the couple have for invited guests.
Hon. Inyang commended the couple and congratulated them for choosing a simple format of celebrating their marriage despite the social standing of their parents who are very successful in their respective careers with intimidating profiles with each reaching the peak of their endeavours.

Adding his voice, the chairman, Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Honourable Ntufam Victor Okon congratulated the couple for the bold steps taken to distinguish themselves, that the decision to get married is a demonstration of maturity of the mind as marriage is not for feeble minds.
Ntufam Victor expressed the belief that given the solid background of the couple parents which coincidentally clocked 50 years each in peaceful and blessed marriage life, the new couple is blessed with such rich heritage to emulate, while asserting that the galaxy of very important personalities who honour the event is a reflection of the parents credibility and standing in the society.

The marriage was conducted according to the tradition and practice of the Presbyterian Church, while the reception was held at the doom, Calabar Municipal Council with a sea of dignitaries from the church, both families, the political class, House of Assembly staff, members of the Brotherhood of the Cross River State, friends and well wishers.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT, DATA BOYS MOVEMENT FOR PRINCE OTU EMPOWER SOME ARTISANS


In his continued drive to put smiles on the faces of Cross Riverians and reduce poverty at the grassroots, the National President of Data Boys Movement for Prince Otu, Hon. Evang. Orbon Abednego Okon has once again demonstrated his large heart of service.

Today, Hon. Abednego Okon empowered Five (5) Cross Riverians with brand new POS Machines loaded with Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) each as start-up capital to begin their own businesses.

This is not just empowerment, this is giving people a means of livelihood, a source of daily income, and a path to financial independence.
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For many years, Hon. Abednego Okon has been consistent in empowering market women, students, youths, old women and the vulnerable. From cash support, to school materials, to business support - he has proven that his love for the people is not just in words, but in action.

In his words Hon. Okon said my happiness is to see our people smile and become self-reliant. This is in line with the People First Agenda of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. If we must build a prosperous Cross River, we must empower our people at the grassroots. This is just the beginning, more is coming.

The beneficiaries, who could not hide their joy, prayed for God to bless and increase Hon. Abednego Okon for remembering them in this difficult time. They described him as a man with a good heart, a man who carries people along, and a true youth humanitarian in Cross River State.

The Data Boys Movement for Prince Otu remains proud to have such a compassionate leader who believes that when you empower one person, you empower a family, and when you empower a family, you empower a community.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Chairman Civil Service Commission Commend Group for Their Sense of Gratitude


Iloke Egbe 

The Chairman, Cross River State Civil Service Commission, Sir. Maurice Effiwatt ksji has commended Progressive Vanguard, a group of Civil Servants Recruited by Governor Bassey Otu from 2024-2025 for mobilizing themselves to Support  the Governor's Reelection in 2027 and for cultivating the spirit of thanksgiving by recognizing what the Governor has done for them. 

He disclosed this during a courtesy visit to him at his office, State Civil Service Commission building New Secretariat Complex Calabar where he informed that the Governor has established it clearly that master Jesus Christ is the boss of the State and he has demonstrated it by reaching out to those that feel abandoned, neglected or rejected.

According to the chairman, all the casual Staff in Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, State Internal Revenue Service, and many Ministries Departments and Agencies where some have worked for over 16 years as casual Staff were all ratified and absorbed into the Civil Service courtesy of the Governor benevolence.

He promised to take their message to the Governor and pledge his support when necessary. He advised them to take their duties schedules seriously, adding that it takes one man to change the cause of history and that is what the Governor has done in their lives.

The progressive Vanguard body led by its Director General Sir. Edwin Orok-Edet Duke ksji asserted that it was a historic reality that the dream of being a Civil Servant which many of had buried was resurrected by His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu visionary leadership. That not less than 3500 Civil servants recruited by the Government between 2024 to 2025 have put themselves into a body known as Progressive Vanguard to support the reelection of Governor Bassey Edet Otu come 2027 and more have indicated interest to join the group. 

Mr Edwin said the Progressive Vanguard is a nonpartisan assembly of Civil Servants who were successfully recruited in the State Civil Service from 2024 to date and has expanded its members to other senior Civil servants that are willing to support the reelection of the Governor, adding that the structure of the ground is present in the 18 LGAs and the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

According to Mr Edwin, the objective of the body is to give back to the Governor  their votes as an appreciation for his people's oriented governance believing that the reelection of the Governor will not only consolidate the developmental gains already made but will also open doors for more Cross Riverians to be employed into both the State and Local Government services.

He used the occasion to express the group appreciation to the chairman of the commission Sir Maurice Effiwatt for his fatherly role during the recruitment exercise and his selfless service.

In attendance were members of the State executive, Senatorial coordinators and featured prayer and introduction of members and portfolios.

Friday, September 11, 2026

Anyogo Mobilizes Community for Governor Bassey Otu Reelection Bid


Iloke Egbe 

 A prominent Nigerian Lawyer from Yala LGA Sir, Leonard Anyogo has carried out sensitization and mobilization in support of the reelection of Governor Bassey Otu in his community to educate the people on the good governance the State currently enjoy including plans and performance of His Excellency the Governor while reiterating what the community stands to benefits with the return of Governor Bassey Otu to Government House in 2027. 

Sir Anyogo who is the Director General, Good Governance Advocacy International addressed his people at Alifokpa community and informed that the sensitization is commencing from the community as a take off base with continuation to other communities and all wards in Yala. That the policies of the Governor has both short and long term benefits for Cross Riverians,  therefore the community shall benefit more with Governor Bassey Otu than anyone that may promise what they can not deliver just to deceived the electorate.

According to Anyogo, the good performance of the Governor is impirical, evidence based and devoid of guesswork which recently led to the Governor's Epitome of Good Governance Award bestored on him at Channel View hotel Calabar courtesy of visible progress and development the state has enjoyed citing the revolution in the Agricultural sector and the peace witness across the State. Stating that Good Governance Advocacy International promotes good governance, community participation in governance, training of officials and government and corporate entities. 

He advised the community to understand that development is a process and requires planning, budgeting before executing, adding that the Governor have not forgotten about the community development needs which includes the Akreha bridge and the Alifokpa community road.
He caution the youths not to take to drugs as there is no future for whoever that is into drugs and it will be better for them to live healthy and mentally sound to witness and enjoy the positive development that are coming to the community courtesy of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu who's sweetness is for all Cross Riverians.

Responding, the youth leader Comr. Ife Dickson appealed to Sir Anyogo to remind the Governor of the need to speed up the social infrastructural development of the community to reduce their suffering, while the women leader Mrs. Janet Agu also alluded to the position of the youth leader, adding that Sir Leonard is their trusted leader who understands the matrix of Government while assuring that the election of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for second term is their priority.

In a related development, Sir Anyogo who is a stalwart of the APC and commissioner one in the CRS House of Assembly Service Commission took the Good Governance Advocacy International message to stakeholders and also held a very rewarding meeting with the Catholic priest in Matter Ecclesiae Parish, Rev. Fr. Raphael Moses in Alifokpa yache Yala LGA where the priest accepted to join the fight against drugs abuse to promote better society which will enhance peace election and grassroot development.

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Chairman House of Assembly Service Commission Inspect Newly Allocated Offices at the Nigerian Chronicle Complex


Iloke Egbe 

The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission, Ntufam Hon. Victor Okon has carried out an inspection visit to the new allocated offices at the Nigerian Chronicle Complex, Barracks road Calabar. 

The chairman and his team was received on arrival by the general manager of the corporation Mrs Kewu Edet who expressed the belief that the present Commission headed by Ntufam Okon has the capacity to make a great difference, adding that the visit is an indication that the commission will soon put the place to effective use, that she is happy to host the commission.

On his part, the commission chairman, Hon. Okon informed that the visit was to assess what is required to fix the office and make it ready for Staff to move in and perform their duties.

He thanked the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet for approving the office space for the commission, adding that when the office is fully partitioned and furnished it would enhance Staff performance. He thanked the general manager, Nigerian Chronicle for accepting the commission without reservations.

Adding his voice, the commissioner one, and head of administration in the commission Hon. Leonard Anyogo Esq, expressed satisfaction with the location of the office, stating that adjustments can be made with ease without distractions to the master plan and it will provide a comfortable ambience for staff.

Highlights of the visit was a tour around the office space. Others in the chairman team were Hon. Charles kutman, Chief Admin officer, Mr. Owai Omini and the information officer Dr. Iloke Egbe.

Healthy Billionaires Seek NUJ Support for Unity, Sustainable Development Walkathon

The Healthy Billionaires, led by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Samuel Usoro, has solicited the support of the Niger...