Commissioner of Education Commend CS-SUNN and State Committee on Nutrition for Impactful Coordination

Iloke Egbe, Patricia Oli

The Commissioner of Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey has commended Civil Society scaling up nutrition in Nigeria CS-SUNN and State Committee on Food and nutrition for their commitment at ensuring that Cross Riverians get the right information on the critical role nutrition plays in the growth and development of the human family as a means of improving nutrition outcomes.

Senator Odey affirmed the support of the Ministry to the committee during a courtesy visit to his office, Ministry of Education, old Secretariat Complex Calabar.

He described the objectives of the State committee on food and nutrition as an integral mantra of the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet and the partnership with CS-SUNN as a conscious alignment for effective service delivery, adding that the people first mantra is in practical term through the activities of the State committee on food and nutrition and the Civil Society as the coordination efforts and policy has made it possible for nobody to be left behind.

In his words, the educational component shall be provided as it's a priority for this administration to ensure that Cross Riverians enjoy good governance irrespective of ones location, adding that the multi-layer Stakeholders the committee has across the 18 Local Government Areas is a strong platform to improve the living standards of the people which is the essence of government.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration for improved nutrition outcomes in Cross River State, led by the CS-SUNN Cross River State Head Mrs. Nkem Ubana, who also serves as the State Nutrition Officer, that the essence of the visit was to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Education and nutrition stakeholders in promoting school-based nutrition interventions. 

According to Mrs Nkem, the Nourish CR Project, is a nutrition initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups through school-based nutrition education, community engagement, clinical nutrition support, and educational assistance.

 The advocacy further sought the Ministry's support in strengthening nutrition governance, integrating nutrition into the education sector, and advancing policies and programmes that will improve the nutritional status and educational outcomes of children across Cross River State.  

 Adding her voice Mrs. Margaret Ekpo Head of Nutrition department in the Ministry presented the Nourish CR Project, explaining that it is designed to improve the nutrition and well-being of children and vulnerable populations in Cross River State.  He explained that, following consultations with key stakeholders, seven Local Government Areas across the three Senatorial Districts had been selected for the first phase of implementation.  

 and highlighted the major components of the initiative, including:  

 Establishment of three Clinical Malnutrition Centres, one in each Senatorial District, to strengthen the identification, referral, and management of malnutrition cases.  

 School-based nutrition education to promote healthy dietary practices among learners.  

 Establishment of Nourish Clubs in participating schools to provide continuous nutrition education and empower students to promote healthy nutrition practices within their homes and communities.  others were ​provision of educational support, including scholarships and school fee assistance for eligible vulnerable children. In attendance were members of the State committee on food and nutrition, CS-SUNN and management staff of Ministry of Education.

 ​

C'R Govt. in Collaboration with FAO GEF 7 FOLUR-NG Organize Train the Trainers Workshop for Extension Service Delivery

Iloke Egbe 

The desire to ensure that farmers make optimum use of the different Agricultural seasons available to the State and that farmers get the right information to manage their crops in respect of the crop production protocol, the Cross River State Government in collaboration with Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, Global Environmental Facility Fund 7 and FOLUR-NG has organized train the trainers workshop for extension service delivery on sustainable and climate-smart cocoa, oil palm and food production.

Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development Hon Johnson Ebokpo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Elder Dr. Odey Joseph Ikongha who asserted that the Ministry is pleased with the partnership between the State Government and FOLUR-NG and the support provided by FAO GEF 7 which has enabled stakeholders the needed capacity's through regular training and expressed the belief that with the train the trainers workshop for farmers and extension agents there will be improved results during harvest.

He used the occasion to thank the Governor,  His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for providing the needed environment for partners to perform their businesses without friction or conflicts, adding that the Ministry will continue to promote cordiality with partners.

Highlights of the event were goodwill messages from the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata who took time to thank the Governor for providing purposeful leadership to the State, stating that the goodwill from the Governor has brought a lot of progress to the State in many areas, and that the train the trainers event was very timely.

Some of the topics presented were climate change and global warming, climate change impact on agriculture and food security. Basics of adaptation and mitigation in AFOLU sector against climate change. Others include climate smart cocoa and oil palm agroforestry system, achieving gender equality in climate change and agri-food system and gender, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse policy. 

Dignitaries in attendance were the national project coordinator FOLUR-NG Prof. Oladapo Akinyemi, the project chief technical advisor Prof. Adebayo Shittu and the State project Coordinator FOLUR-NG Mr Cletus Ogbidi while facilitators were drawn from Cocoa Research institute of Nigeria CRIN, Nigeria Forest Research NIFOR and from different Universities, farmers and community groups from the eight local Government of the State where the project is operating.

Gov Otu Rejigs Cabinet, Charges Exco to Raise Performance

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Tuesday, reshuffled his cabinet in a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating governance and positioning his administration for greater efficiency as it enters the electioneering phase. The decision, announced at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, saw some commissioners redeployed to new ministries while others retained their portfolios in recognition of their outstanding performance. The Governor described the exercise as a deliberate recalibration of government machinery to consolidate the gains of his administration and accelerate the delivery of his People First agenda.

Addressing members of the Executive Council, Governor Otu emphasized that the reshuffle was neither punitive nor a reward system but a necessary leadership instrument designed to align talent with evolving governance priorities. "Government is a living institution; it must constantly adjust to new realities. This exercise is about injecting fresh energy, maximizing individual strengths, and ensuring that every member of this cabinet remains focused on the larger vision of transforming Cross River State. We have crossed the threshold of foundation-laying; this is the season of consolidation and accelerated delivery," the Governor declared.

The Governor reminded council members that with the administration approaching another electoral cycle, the expectations of citizens had become even higher, insisting that only measurable performance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service would define the legacy of his government. "Electioneering must never distract us from governance. The people will judge us, not by slogans, but by roads constructed, hospitals revitalized, schools improved, jobs created, and the quality of life we have enhanced. Every commissioner must see his or her ministry as a performance centre. There is absolutely no room for complacency," he charged.

Governor Otu further urged members to regard their new assignments as opportunities for renewed service rather than personal victories or setbacks, stressing that collective success remained the administration's ultimate objective. "There are no superior or inferior ministries. Every portfolio is strategic because every ministry touches the lives of our people. Whether you have been reassigned or retained, your mandate remains unchanged—to serve with integrity, discipline, creativity, and absolute loyalty to the people of Cross River State.

History will remember results, not titles," he stated.

The Governor also called for stronger collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies, noting that the complexities of modern governance demanded teamwork rather than institutional rivalry. "This administration must continue to speak with one voice and work with one purpose. Let us eliminate bureaucratic silos, deepen inter-ministerial cooperation, and pursue every policy with urgency and accountability. The confidence of our people is our greatest political capital, and we must justify it every single day through visible, impactful governance," he said.

Members of the Executive Council welcomed the Governor's decision, describing the reshuffle as timely and reflective of his determination to strengthen governance ahead of the next phase of the administration. The renewed cabinet configuration is expected to inject fresh momentum into policy implementation, reinforce institutional efficiency, and sharpen the government's development agenda, as Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to building "a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Cross River where performance remains the only enduring currency of public service.

Of New Aircraft, Highway Repairs and Gov. Otu’s Drive To Tackle C’River’s Transport Woes

By Inyali Peter 

The challenge of accessing Calabar, the capital city of Cross River, either by air, road, or sea, has been a recurring theme in many agitations in the State. The difficulties of traveling to and from Calabar have become a nightmare, with limited flight options, impassable roads, and security concerns on waterways, creating huge concerns for residents and visitors alike.

Frustrated with a long trip to Calabar after flying to Uyo, I published an article on the 14th of June, 2025 calling on the state government to either fast track the establishment of the proposed state owned airline, CallyAir or engage existing airlines to increase their flight schedules to Calabar to alleviate the stress and exploitation faced by passengers, who endure high costs and limited options on this route. 

Previously, I’ve also written articles urging governments to consider fixing failed highways in the state rather than waiting for the federal government as there is no federal citizen. 

Interestingly, while it is encouraging to note that Ibom Air, an airline owned by neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, has recently increased its flight frequency to Calabar to once daily, it is even better to see that Cross River is not only working hard to join the aviation revolution going on in the country with plan to launch its own airline but is addressing the persistent transport woes facing the state with a more holistic approach. 

It was just recently that news broke out that the Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu had approved the reconstruction of the failed Awi-Uyanga-Ikom corridor of the Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja federal highway. And yesterday, it was reported that the state took delivery of the widely anticipated two new Bombardier CRJ1000 aircraft, with more expected in the coming days. This has brought the state’s fleet to four, including two Boeing 747 purchased by the previous administration under Governor Ben Ayade. 

According to government sources, Aero Contractors will continue to operate the Boeing 747, while ValueJet will manage the new Bombardier CRJ1000s until Cross River secures its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Once obtained, the AOC will enable the state to launch CallyAir as an independent airline, a monumental achievement for the Otu administration that deserves resounding commendation. 

During a recent interview with Kelvo Podcast in Abuja, I noted  my admiration for this administration’s deliberate focus on development without playing politics with projects. Otu’s focus in security and infrastructure is gradually restoring Cross River’s reputation as a safe haven and a prime destination for tourists, reminiscent of its status as Nigeria’s “Camp David” years ago. With Otu, government has indeed, been a continuum.

Getting CallyAir away from billboards, social media and pages of newspapers to fly as independent airline would mean a lot more than just addressing flight crisis in the state. Akwa Ibom’s success with Ibom Air, which reported a N29 billion profit in its latest financial statement, demonstrates the lucrative potential of a well managed airline. For Cross River, a viable airline  would not only address access issues but would create jobs, boost tourism, and enhance the state’s IGR hugely. 

With limited flights to Calabar, many passengers are forced to fly to Uyo, and then connect to Calabar by road or sea at an additional cost of over N35,000. This arrangement diverts revenue, including VAT and other taxes, to Akwa Ibom, depriving Cross River of funds that should rightfully contribute to its economy. 

However, with the acquisition of the new Bombardier aircraft, the state now meets the fleet requirements for an AOC. And I’ve no doubt that in the coming days, the state will secure approval to commence independent operation of CallyAir. 

The Otu’s administration has shown great commitment to boosting economic prospects through infrastructural development and for this, deserves the full support and commendation of Cross Riverians.

MIDC Opens New Page in Donor Coordination, Train Donor-Desk Officers across the 18 LGAs

Iloke Egbe 

The need to showcase the massive achievements of the people oriented administration of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of the State through projects executed in the 196 political wards by development partners has brought a new dimension in the coordinator of Donor partners activities to ensure results based reporting through the newly accredited Donor Desk Officers.

This has become more important as it appears the achievements recorded by Donor partners in different locations across the State are under reported, therefore appointment and training of Donor project Desk Officers is part of the strategies adopted to achieve the mandate of the Ministry's coordination strides.

Declaring the event open at the Calabar Municipal Council Hall, the mayor of Calabar Apostle Hon. James Anam represented by the Council Secretary Comr. Iso Bassey Edim who affirmed that the move is to enhance effective monitoring of donor projects in different parts of each Local Government and charge participants to take the assignment very serious as the are now the eyes of MIDC in their various LGA. 

He pledged the readiness of the Council administration to support the initiatives since it's for the benefit of the State. 

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata reiterated the need for the appointed desk officers to take the opportunity very seriously as the initiative is new in the State and aimed at getting first hand information the independent of Donor management for comparison and if effectively carryout would promote effective and efficient programme execution according to specifications. 

The training of newly appointed Donor project Desk officers for the 18 LGAs in the State is segmented according to Senatorial Districts with South which comprises Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipal and Calabar South including Odukpani LGAs respectively. The training is billed to cover central Senatorial Districts with venues at Ikom Council Hall and Northern Senatorial Districts with the venue at Ogoja Local Government Council Secretariat Complex.

Some of the topics presented were Workshop overview and objectives, the role of Desk Officers in Donor Coordination, monitoring and evaluation of donor-assisted projects. Others include evidence-based report writing and Data capturing and reporting. The event was well attended by the officers concerned.

Nigeria Social Register, A critical programme for Multidimensional Interventions

Iloke Egbe 

With the renewed hope agenda of Mr President Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the People's first mantra of the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu which seeks to achieve the objectives of sustainable development goals by reducing poverty and vulnerability among Nigerians. 

The Cross River State Operations Coordinating Unit SOCU has Carried out sensitization amongst stakeholders in different communities focusing on parts of central and northern Senatorial Districts of the State. 

This has become very necessary to ensure that poor and vulnerable households are identified and registered into the national social register for social intervention using an empirical approach and in a sustainable manner.

As a way of addressing the challenges of poor participation by the target audience, proper information, education and communication with the people remain a vital strategy to achieve successes 

The objectives of the Sensitization amongst communities aimed at educating the public about the benefits the social register provides for Nigerians as an adaptive social register for poor and vulnerable persons at all times in preparedness for any emergencies given the reality of climate change and globalization in the economy and the critical role NIN number plays in the program as a unique identifier.

The interface with communities and their leaders, led by the State coordinator SOCU Mr. Bassey Effiom, the Head of Operations Mr. Godwin Ador, the Head M&E/ MIS Mr. Nsed Akonjom, the Information, Education and Communication Officer Mr Iloke Egbe and the MIS Mr Adie Idiege visited Usaja Eberibala in Ikpakapi ward, Lebulibulikom in Ijima in Ugep urban, Ekamasi-Nkpani in Mkpani-Agoi Ward in Yakurr Local Government Area. The team also visited Inam ward in Ikom Local Government.

The team also visited Bebuabong, Bebua-Awafung, Ukwel-Obudu where 22 different communities gathered to receive the team in Obudu urban 2 while at Bekwarra LGA the team visited Ebua-Afen in Betam Ward, and Umuruya  Ishi-Nyima Umuruya Ward in Ogoja Local Government Area. Other Local Government visits include Yala and Obubra LGA.

Highlights of the visit were explanations of  the benefits acruing to individuals and families and the different interventions  already implemented by the State and Federal Government using the national social register to mine beneficiaries and the imperative of NIN in the Programme.

In an interview, with across section of participants, the youth chairman Umuruya community in Ogoja, Comr. Udey Aju appealed to the Federal Government to increase the percentage of beneficiaries as the low beneficiary makes it look as if the programme is not working, adding that there is a multiplicity of agents performing the same task but payment doesn't reach a significant number of persons.

 While chief Afenson Edward in Ayogoba community Gakem, Bekwarra LGA informed that this farming season it's difficult to gather people for Government officials during farming hours and appealed that the government should increase the frequency of their interventions to the people.

C'River SPC Moves to Strengthen Nutrition Financing Through Budget Advocacy

By Egbe Iloke

In a bid to track Nutrition budget and increase fund allocated for nutrition programmes across the State, the State Committee on Food and Nutrition in Collaboration with CS-SUNN has intensified advocacy efforts with the State Budget Office to track Nutrition Budget, releases and fund allocation for nutrition interventions. The advocacy visit held at the Budget Office in Calabar, led by the State Nutrition Officer (SNO) Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana who also doubles as the State Coordinator for CS-SUNN as part of their mandate.

In the engagement, the Nutrition Office called on the Budget Office to ensure nutrition budgets are tagged and collaborate with the team to ensure tracking of budget allocations and releases for nutrition activities across Nutrition Line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The team also appealed for adequate budgetary consideration for nutrition-focused MDAs in the ongoing revised State budget to ensure improved financing of critical nutrition interventions.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Budget Office Dr. Peter Uklala reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River State Government to improving nutrition outcomes, noting that Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to supporting nutrition programmes across the State. He assured the delegation that efforts would be made to increase budgetary allocations for nutrition in subsequent fiscal years.

He advised that the Nutrition Annual Operational Plan (AOP) should be submitted much earlier during the budget preparation cycle to facilitate effective planning, budget capture, and tracking of nutrition activities, and requested the prompt submission of a comprehensive nutrition budget proposal for consideration in the revised State budget.

The advocacy team also conducted a budget tracking exercise, which revealed that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies had received approvals and funding under the nutrition budget line for activities that were not captured in the approved Nutrition Annual Operational Plan. 

According to the SNO, the development undermines accountability, weakens effective monitoring of nutrition investments, and reduces the overall impact of public expenditure on nutrition programmes. To address the identified gaps, both parties agreed that representatives of the Budget Office would participate in future Nutrition Annual Operational Plan development processes.The move is expected to improve coordination, enhance budget accuracy, and ensure better alignment between approved nutrition plans and Government spending. 

The Budget Office also disclosed that while Government policy does not permit the creation of new budget line items during budget revisions, allocations can still be increased under existing budget lines. It noted that the State Planning Commission currently has the only approved memo for nutrition activities in the 2026 fiscal year.

The advocacy meeting concluded with renewed commitments from both the State Nutrition Office and the Budget Office to strengthen collaboration, improve nutrition financing, and ensure that future budgets provide greater support for programmes aimed at improving the nutritional well-being of citizens across Cross River State. 

Speaking further, the State Coordinator for CS-SUNN informed that the significance of the budget tracking is to ensure that the goodwill of the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to the people of the State through nutrition interventions are properly captured and reported as a way of appreciating the efforts and support of the Governor, which has made Cross River State a leading State in Nigeria with the best policy strategy and proactiveness.

Adding his voice, the Director of Budget at the Budget Office, Mr. Ekure Ekanem, also asserted that Staff of the office are ready to support nutrition programmes as it is a policy of Government, but it must follow due process to avoid embarrassment which will affect Government efforts aimed at stabilizing the gains recorded through hard work. In attendance were stakeholders from the nutrition ecosystem, including other chapter members of CS-SUNN, Directors and Heads of Departments from the State Budget Office.