C'R. Govt. The Carter Center and UNICEF Conclude Strategies to Knock Out NTD in the State

ILOKE EGBE 

The Cross River State Government and some of her partners working on the elimination of Neglected Tropical Disease have concluded plans to traverse the nocks and crannies of the State including the hard to reach areas for the distribution of onchocerciasis medicines meant to eliminate the disease that has the potential to slow down the growth and progress of school age children.

Following a two day strategic meeting with relevant Stakeholders held at Cross River Community Hall, University of Calabar aimed at reviewing the distribution protocol, logistics and reporting template. The meeting was also aimed to analyze the peculiarities of each Local Government to achieve total coverage of the affected areas mostly the hinterlands of the State. 

In an interview with the Acting State Coordinator NTD Mr. Godwin Omeji, who  informed that the meeting brings all stakeholders in the Neglected Tropical Disease project to brainstorm on the best strategies to adopt in the yearly implementation program. 

According to Mr. Omeji, it is very important that the meeting hold, and given the premise that failure to plan altomate planning to fail. In his words "we have come to see those areas that were weak or had elements of error, for possible adjustments and to forge ahead" 

That with better approaches for 2026 implementation of NTD across the 16 endemic LGAs shall witness massive improvement,  while appealing to the State Government to help in the timely releases of budgets to increase the percentage of program delivery. 

He called on the communities to support officials during the distribution exercise where necessary, adding that the medicine is safe and certified by relevant authorities. He expressed his appreciation to all partners and stakeholders.

On her part, the immediate past State Coordinator NTD Cross River, Pastor Mrs. Veronica Mark who is now a consultant with The Carter Center following her meritorious retirement from the State Civil service said the State is endemic to onchocerciasis and other NTD's, the treatment is yearly to some LGAs while some are twice.

She informed that, the target for the distribution is 💯% for geographical coverage and 90% therapeutic and rated the success of the meeting as well attended and very progressive. That nobody is expected to pay for the medicine since it's been supplied by the Carter Center for free to the State and called on Cross Riverians to accept the medicine.

Adding his voice, the Clan Head of Bashua Community in Boki LGA, His Royal Highness Bekom David Akom described the meeting as very encouraging, that he is supporting the programme based on field performance. He admitted that the distribution campaign has been very effective in his community and called on the State Government to come to the aid of his community which is 3km to Cameron villages, that as a border community it will be better if the government formally extends the programme to the Republic of Cameron to reduce cross border migration which comes with negative effects on the State resources.

Highlights of the event was presentation of certificate of meritorious service to some Stakeholders and the celebration of birthday by the immediate past State Coordinator, Pastor Mrs. Veronica Mark, presentation of papers on different topics, group assignments, etc. 

Dignitaries at the event include delegations from Federal Ministry of Health, State Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, DG. State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, non governmental organizations like WATCH, Cross-Cut,  Volunteers, etc.

FAO, UK-PACT Present Certificates of Comprehensive Training to 50 Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in Five LGAs of Cross River South

Iloke Egbe 

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition (UK-PACT) has presented certificates of comprehensive training to fifty (50) multipurpose Cooperative Societies in five (5) Local Government of Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Odukpani respectively.

The certificate presentation which took place at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim Calabar, marks the climax of multiple activities and training on governance, leadership and accountability structures, as well as roles and responsibilities of multipurpose Cooperative Societies managers and aimed to sustain alternatives livelihood for communities within the Cross River Mangrove forest as direct process of reducing pressure on the Mangrove Ecosystem through other economic activities for the communities.

Declaring the event open, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata represented by the Director, planning Research and Statistics Mr Ukam Edadi acknowledged the impactful contributions of FAO UK-PACT in the State mostly as it has to do with manpower development in the Agricultural sector and the protection and restoration of Cross River Mangrove Ecosystem.

In his words, "this project, supported by the FAO and UK PACT, is not merely about administrative registration, by granting these cooperatives legal recognition and operational legitimacy, we are laying the groundwork for resilient institutions that will drive socio-economic development across Cross River State" "Our mangroves are more than just trees, they are the lifelines for our fisheries and forest dependents communities" he added.

In her remarks, the Coordinator UK-PACT Dr. Mrs. Nisifime Ogunkua chronicled the objectives and contributions of the project to the State and nation, urging the State to preserve and protect what she has for the future and benefits of generations to come, adding that the certification is to further empower the community by creating more access to funding opportunities.

 She informed that UK-PACT is ready to support and empower the communities with life long sustainable programmes that will bring real value to the communities to enable support the protection and restoration of the State mangrove Forest till when the cash benefits of the Mangrove start coming to the State.

The event drew wide attendance from relevant MDAs, community representatives from ten (10) communities each from the five (5) LGAs including the traditional institutions, Civil Society Organizations, international partners and non-governmental organizations.  

In an interview with some of the recipients who expressed excitement with the programmes of UK-PACT, admitted that the management of UK-PACT has demonstrated sincerity and transparency in the way activities are handled and presented to them, that this is what is called practical empowerment. While others also promised to sustain the process through value addition as a way of appreciating UK-PACT for the good programmes brought to them for free. 

Some of the presentations were, Cooperative Movement as a model of ecological equilibrium by Dr. Nisifime Ogunkua, principles of cooperative governance, leadership skills and participatory decision making by Mr. Simon Ewa. Roles and responsibilities of elected officials in cooperative Societies by Mrs. Bassey Umo. 

Also discussed was accountability, transparency and financial stewardship, record keeping, reporting and documentation practices. The event also featured goodwill messages from key Stakeholders.

Nations that seek Peace Must first Seek God - Olumba Olumba Obu

Iloke Egbe 

The leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu has declared that those who pursue global peace must first look for God, who has now dwells with man in human as leader Olumba Olumba Obu. That if men seek first the kingdom of God, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star,  then every other thing shall be added unto them including peace and security as taught in Matthew 6:33.

His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, represented by the BCS Spokesman, Patriarch Christ Shepherd Dr. Amah Williams disclosed this during a press conference to announce the universal celebration of the 25th anniversary of the physical coronation of the King of kings and the Lord of lords, held at the State library complex Calabar.

That peace without God is like one building a house on sand which will stand for a while but cannot endure, as true peace comes from God, the giver of peace and the world must return to Him because where God takes precedence peace can endure.

According to the spokesman, it's important to note that over the past 25 years, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu has remained a beacon of truth, unity and salvation, guilding millions across nations towards the part of Godliness and universal brotherhood. His reign has borne visible fruits within the fold and has impacted globally. 

In his words, "we celebrate 25th years of coronation that fulfills scripture and reveals the risen Christ in glory" that we celebrate a reign that has brought growth, order, development, outreach and transformation, that the world urgently needs love for the poor, justice for the oppressed, responsible leadership, peace through God, and Brotherhood under the supreme eternal God, the Ancient of days, Great leader Olumba Olumba Obu.

In an interview with across section of participants, the BCS Secretary, general affairs, PCS. Senator B. W. Degi affirmed that most Cross Riverians don't know what they have in Olumba Olumba Obu and BCS remains one of the private organizations that have impacted positively to the development of the State. 

That like the State of Israel where the Christian population is negligible but through tourism Christianity is sustaining the economy of the country by bringing in pilgrims. He alluded religion through personal experience with God and acknowledged the cordiality between the State Government and BCS, adding that there is something inside BCS which the public needs to come and see. 

On his part, The BCS Director of Events, PCS Ogar Osim reminded journalists that their Responsibilities are divine as recorded in the book of revelation 21 verse one to eight.

In attendance were members of the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists led by the Council chairman, Comr Archibong Bassey and members of the public.

We Recognize Key Gains Recorded by FOLUR-NG in the State - Hon. Johnson Ebokpo

Iloke Egbe 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambe Ebokpo has expressed satisfaction with the contributions and support the State is receiving from Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR-NG) project in the State. 

He affirmed this when he declared a two day consultative workshop of Cross River State FOLUR-NG multi-stakeholders platform held at April’s Hall, Plot C5 3rd Avenue, State Housing Estate Calabar. In attendance, were relevant development partners from TRACE, GIZ, PULA, SOLIDARIDAD, PROPCOM, PILA, FAO, relevant MDAs, across sections of implementing LGA chairmen, legal experts, private sectors in Cocoa and oil palm and the academia. 

According to the commissioner, FOLUR-NG has supported enhancement of capacity among farmers, extension agents, and Agricultural officers through targeted training and retraining programmes thereby boosting productivity and promoting sustainable practices, including restoration of degraded land in Akamkpa LGA.

He admitted that Cross River State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is fully committed to the partnership, and will continue to provide the necessary support, including co-financing obligations, enabling policies and conducive environment for effective project implementation. 

On his part, the National Coordinator of FOLUR-NG, Prof. Oladabo Akinyemi expressed excitement with the turn out of relevant Stakeholders and their contributions during the proceedings, adding that something different and positive will come through going forward.

Also adding his voice, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prof. John Sheyam described the event as very successful, that it will add more value to what the state has done and is currently doing.

The event featured report on overview of the FOLUR-NG projects, the role of MSP in project implementation, goodwill message from the commissioner MIDC, Elder Dr Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata,  panel discussion on the current status, barriers and needed actions, customary titling and title registration of Agricultural land, and presentation of Land Use Act, an overview, provisions on customary land titling by LGA chairmen.

Other dignitaries in attendance were the chief technical advisor, FOLUR-NG Prof. Adebayo Shittu, the State Project coordinator Mr Cletus Ogbidi and management Staff of the project.

C/R Govt. Express Satisfactions with UNFPA Interventions in the State

Iloke Egbe MIDC 

The Cross River State Government has expressed satisfaction with the intervention programmes implemented by United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) across the State. 

The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata disclosed this when he declared open a one day UNFPA quarterly programme coordination review meeting. 

The event held at the Honourable Commissioner's office, MIDC, new Secretariat Complex Calabar had in attendance UNFPA sub-implementing partners and aimed at reminding stakeholders of the standard, expectations and procedures of UNFPA programmes that every activity has a timeline for implementation and reporting, bearing in mind the implications of defaulting.

In his words, "we are very proud of the support UNFPA is giving to Cross River and let me convey the appreciation of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu who is very passionate about Development Partners" that looking at the monetary contribution, the State is very concerned about the progress made. 

He informed that the meeting is to examine the spot check recommendations which offers stakeholders the opportunity to X-ray challenges and opportunities in the implementation of projects looking at the future.

Accordingly, for the State to continue having funding, there must be transparency in the program implementation as every activity has a timeline.

Highlights of the meeting was a review of the 2026 workplan by Mr. Richard Idiong who informed that 15 activities have been earmarked for implementation in 2026 and fully funded by UNFPA.

There was also consensus and Presentation of workplan by sub-IPs  in respect of government counterpart cash contribution.

There were also presentations on Technical guidance and expectations for 2026 implementation, status of activities justifications and implementation timeline, challenges and support required from UNFPA.

Adding his voice, the Head of UNFPA Cross River State, Dr. Andrew Kirima, thanked the State Government and stakeholders for their support and cooperation, while advising that the vulnerable, women and girls are well integrated. That Cross River is the first State to provide counterpart funds. 

He charged sub-implementing partners to enshrined transparency and accountability, that the State has demonstrated commitment, therefore, there should be more impact on the people and projects should be implemented according to the timeline.

Other attendees from UNFPA include the State program Officer Dr. Sola Toye, the State Gender Focal Person, Ms. Jacque Karungi and Directors and heads of Departments from the Ministry.

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.