Gov. Otu Inaugurates NG-CARES 2.0 Steering Committee, Charges Members on Effective Implementation

The Cross River State Government has inaugurated the State CARES Steering Committee (CR-SCSC) for the implementation of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) 2.0 programme.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday at the Government House, Calabar, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, charged members of the committee to put in their best to ensure the effective implementation of the programme in the overall interest of the state and its people, in line with his administration’s People First agenda.

The Governor commended the State NG-CARES coordinating team for the successful implementation of the first phase of the programme, assuring the newly inaugurated committee of the state government’s continued support to enable it to achieve its mandate.

He noted that NG-CARES was designed to strengthen existing social safety nets and provide interventions in areas including livelihood support, agriculture value chains, and other measures aimed at improving the economic resilience and wellbeing of vulnerable citizens.

According to him, the selection of experienced and competent individuals into the committee was informed by the administration’s commitment to ensuring effective management and successful implementation of NG-CARES 2.0 in Cross River State.

Governor Otu urged the committee to approach its responsibilities with diligence, accountability and a strong sense of service, stressing the importance of ensuring that the benefits of the programme reach the intended beneficiaries.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Michael Odere, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for selecting the members to serve on the strategic committee. He assured the Governor that the committee would ensure prudent management of resources and strict compliance with the objectives and guidelines of the NG-CARES programme.

He pledged the committee’s commitment to effectively delivering on its mandate, ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of NG-CARES 2.0, and making the state proud.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of NG-CARES and Secretary of the Steering Committee, Chief Henry Egbelo, highlighted the state’s performance under the first phase of the programme, noting that Cross River ranked second nationally and first in the South-South. He disclosed that the state recorded ₦49.43 billion in total earnings and ₦32.52 billion in reimbursements under NG-CARES 1.0.

He explained that the programme supported vulnerable households through social protection interventions, engaged vulnerable youths and street sweepers under the Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW), supported farmers across major value chains through FADAMA, implemented community infrastructure projects through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), and provided grants to eligible micro and small enterprises.

Egbelo expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for its support and for creating an enabling environment that contributed to the successful implementation of the first phase of the Federal Government-World Bank initiative in the state. He said the achievements recorded under NG-CARES 1.0 demonstrated the state’s capacity to effectively implement development programmes targeted at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable citizens and strengthening economic resilience.

The committee has the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, as Chairman. Other members include Dr. Helen Isamoh E., Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; Barr. Odum-Iyom Ukam, Commissioner for Youth and Skills Acquisition; Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development; Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata, Commissioner for Internal Donor Coordination; Cyril Asuquo, Board Chairman, Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA); Dr. Bong Duke, Vice Chairman/CEO, State Planning Commission; Dr. Glory Effiong, Accountant General; Mr. Effiong Asuquo Ita, Auditor General; Dr. Peter Uklala, Permanent Secretary, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation Department; and Chief Henry Egbelo, State Coordinator, State CARES Coordinating Unit, who serves as Secretary.

GOSSA '94 Donates 40 Desks To Alma Mater, Urges Students To Shun Cultism, Immorality

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_By Iloke Egbe_

Service to humanity has been described as the true essence of existence as the 1994 set of Government Secondary School, Akamkpa (GOSSA '94) donated 40 writing desks to their alma mater in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The gesture, according to the set, was borne out of the need to give back to the institution that moulded their character at the formative stage of their lives.

The set also used the opportunity to counsel students to shun cultism, gangsterism and sexual immorality, urging them to uphold good morals while focusing on their academics.

The delegation that represented the set included the Coordinator, Dr. Joyce Ekpo Egim, Treasurer, Dr. Glory Aya, and Secretary, Dr. Charity Ayara.

Responding, the Principal of the school, Mr. Arorim Esere Arorim, and the Vice Principal, Mr. Ogban Inyang Kanu, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it will to a large extent support learning as the available desks in the school were grossly inadequate.

They prayed for God's blessings upon all who contributed to the success of the visit and called for sustained collaboration with the 1994 set of GOSSA.

The representatives also commended other alumni members whose contributions made the initiative a huge success, including Mrs. Rosemary Arikpo Eni, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Mrs. Jacqueline Kelvin and Mrs. Gladys Silas.

In an interview, the coordinator of the set, Dr. (Mrs.) Joyce Ekpo Egim said the school remains the foundation of their academic attainment and other achievements in life, adding that a reflection on their time in the school and its present status calls for support.

According to her, the task of progress and development is not for government alone, as citizens must demonstrate patriotism and support critical infrastructure with high development potential, stressing that government cannot do it all alone.

 The school prefect mr. Ofa Patrick Itesor who spoke during the event thanked the team for remembering the school and for the donation of the desks which he also described as grossly inadequate and of serious need, adding that the donation is a big relief for both the school and students.

Highlights of the event were the distribution of the desks to different classes and a counselling session with the students.

Birthday Is An Act of Gratitude To God - MIDC Commissioner Tells Staff At 3rd Quarter Celebration

_Iloke Egbe_

The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata, has congratulated Staff of the Ministry whose birthdays fall within the 3rd quarter of the year, describing birthday celebration as an act of appreciation and understanding that life is a gift from God who has the power to give and take at any time.

The Commissioner, represented by the Director of Administration, Princess Ekaete B. Oku, admonished Staff to continue with the spirit of thanksgiving as a way of appreciating God's benevolence in their individual lives and as a Ministry.

She noted that the policy of celebrating Staff birthdays is a deliberate attempt to acknowledge the love and kindness of God in the lives of Staff and to return glory to God who is the sole sustainer and provider of the resources that support life.

According to her, "We are thanking God for none is missing amongst us, we also enjoyed good health with a conducive working environment which many are seeking for. It can only be God's hand in action."

She thanked the Commissioner whose fatherly disposition, she said, has instilled a great sense of harmony, understanding and team spirit amongst Staff.

In her remarks, the Welfare Committee Chair, Lady Esther Dan, said the Ministry's cherished tradition of quarterly birthday celebrations was successfully held in honour of July, August, and September celebrants, marking the Third Quarter Birthday Celebration.

"All glory and gratitude to Almighty God for using our dear father and leader, the Honourable Commissioner, to continually provide us with this wonderful opportunity to come together, unwind, ease the pressures of work, and strengthen the bond of unity and togetherness among colleagues every three months.

"Today's celebration was indeed a success, filled with joy, laughter, love, and beautiful moments. May God continue to bless our Hon. Commissioner with wisdom, strength, and good health as he sustains this beautiful tradition," while wishing happy birthday to all July, August and September celebrants.

Adding his voice, the Director, Scientific, Mr. Chris Ettah Esq., pointed out that it is very refreshing for Staff to celebrate good times and that it is a healthy culture that has been cultivated by the Ministry courtesy of the Commissioner's visionary disposition with Staff.

On his part, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Ukam T. Edadi, said the celebration serves as a morale booster as it offers Staff the opportunity to reflect on the journey of their lives and to make adjustments where necessary, adding that with life there is hope and with God there is bigger hope for gracious progress.

Highlights of the celebration were prayers for the celebrants, prayers for the Ministry and the State, cutting off the birthday cake and dance.The celebrants for the 3rd quarter 2026  includes Lady Esther Dan Orem Mr. Chris Etta Esq  Mr.Raphael Ogon, MS Kayoye Ikpi  Ukam

Mrs. Ekaette Choice Elemi

Mr. Iloke , Egbe.

BCS Women Groups Award Scholarships To 250 Pupils, Empower 37 Others In Calabar

Iloke Egbe 

Two women groups of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), the Universal Women’s Fellowship (UWF) and Mansion of Blessedness (MOB), have awarded one-year scholarships to 250 pupils and students drawn from nursery, primary and secondary schools.

The groups also provided skills training and welfare support to 37 women as part of efforts to improve their livelihoods and economic wellbeing.

The initiatives were unveiled during a weeklong tripartite celebration organized by the International President of UWF, Matriarch Christ Shepherd Mmama Obele, and the Head of MOB, Matriarch Christ Shepherd Glory Oho.

The events, held from September 28 to October 3, 2026, featured the Holy Mother's Glorification, its 25th anniversary celebration and the consecration of a new set of female priests known as Eminences.

Chairman of the International Organising Committee, MCS Rita Godwin Ibanga, said 13 women received training in tailoring, poultry farming and hairdressing and were provided with starter packs to begin their own businesses.

Ibanga disclosed that 10 elderly women also received cash welfare packages, while another 10 women involved in the sale of fried wheat and soya beans, locally known as "chunks," were given financial support to expand and sustain their businesses.

She added that two women, Adaku Eminike and Oluchi Nwachukwu, donated N100,000 and a furnished apartment to an elderly homeless woman who had been living on the streets of Calabar.

According to her, the gesture was part of the groups' efforts to identify with vulnerable women and children and provide practical support to improve their living conditions.

Another highlight of the celebration was a craft competition, which produced four winners: Victoria Enang, Josephine Frank, Emem Uzoka and Unwana Sunday.

In a related development, a cosmetic scientist and Principal of Imani Aesthetic and Laser Institute, Dr. Imani Silas, offered to train five girls free of charge in beauty therapy and skincare business.

Dr. Silas said the training would equip the beneficiaries with foundational skills to build careers in the beauty, skincare and aesthetics industry and enable them to earn income with relatively low start-up capital.

She described the initiative as an empowerment programme aimed at providing the girls with practical skills that could help them secure employment or establish their own businesses and achieve financial independence.

Coordinator of the celebration, MCS Winifred Okafor, said the empowerment initiative was in continuation of the legacy of the Holy Mother, Elizabeth Esu Olumba Obu, who was the brain behind most humanitarian and infrastructural initiatives within the BCS as well as in neighbouring communities.

Northern Cross River Stakeholders Validate Otu's Second-Term Bid, Seek Bloc Votes For Tinubu in 2027

Stakeholders from the five Local Government Areas of Cross River State's Northern Senatorial District have validated Governor Bassey Edet Otu's second-term bid, reaffirming their support for his administration and calling for bloc votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made during an engagement held at the Ogoja Local Government Council Headquarters. The meeting was preceded by a sensitisation walk from Ajengnle Junction to the Council headquarters, drawing political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women and other stakeholders from Ogoja, Obanliku, Obudu, Yala and Bekwarra Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, Chief Clement Ebri, said the tour, organised by the Cross River State Consultative Forum, provided an opportunity for both the Elders Advisory Council and the Consultative Forum to obtain first-hand assessment of the Otu administration from the people.

Ebri, a former Governor of the state, described the exercise as primarily fact-finding, noting that the team would also engage stakeholders privately to hear concerns that might not be expressed publicly before briefing Governor Otu. "We are more like a fact-finding team," Ebri said, adding that the Governor had asked the Council to give him good advice and was willing to make amends where genuine lapses were identified.

He urged the people to remain patient with the administration as it tackles infrastructure deficits and other challenges accumulated over the years, while commending Governor Otu's efforts to restore Cross River's oil-producing status. On the 2027 elections, Ebri urged the Northern Senatorial District to mobilise massively for both Governor Otu and President Tinubu and ensure their votes count, stressing that the state needed to give the President a strong bloc vote to strengthen the Governor's recognition and bargaining power at the national level.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, said the Ogoja engagement was the Forum's first outing in the Northern Senatorial District and thanked the people for their consistent support for the Governor. He stressed that the gathering was not a campaign rally but an opportunity for stakeholders from the five LGAs to deliberate on the future of the state.

Ekpo said the response from the stakeholders represented a strong endorsement of Otu's second-term bid, urging them to sustain mobilisation for the Governor and President Tinubu ahead of 2027. He also called for fact-based assessment of government performance and peaceful political engagement.

On his part, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ugana Lukpata, commended the stakeholders for their commitment and called for intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Etta said the party must mobilise both members and non-members, declaring that "we cannot record anything below five over five" in support of APC candidates.

He highlighted ongoing projects across the Northern Senatorial District, linking the restoration of Cross River's oil-producing status to the improved relationship between the State and Federal Government. According to him, the state now has 46 oil wells in its coffers with exploration and exploitation already commenced, adding that continued support for Otu and Tinubu would help sustain the gains.

At the end of the engagement, a communiqué was issued acknowledging ongoing projects and other interventions under the Otu administration, affirming stakeholders' support for the continuity of President Tinubu and Governor Otu, and calling for the completion of ongoing projects and sustained attention to development needs across the district.

The stakeholders further resolved to intensify grassroots mobilisation, sustain peaceful political engagement and continue consultations with communities and political stakeholders, while reaffirming support for Tinubu, Otu and other APC candidates at national, state and local levels.

The communiqué was unanimously adopted and signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo; Secretary of the Forum, Dr. Julius Okputu; Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ntufam (Barr.) Fidelis Ugbo and Secretary, Prof. Michael Okom.

CHIEF HENRY EGBELO BAGS ADVOCACY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL INVESTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

It was a moment of pride and celebration for Cross River State as the State Coordinator of NG-CARES, Chief Henry Egbelo, was honoured as an AWARDEE at THE ADVOCACY AWARDS 2026.

Chief Egbelo clinched the prestigious *Advocacy Award for Excellence in Social Investment and Community Development*, organized by ANLevents, held yesterday at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.

The award, themed _Honoring Impact, Celebrating Results_, is in recognition of Chief Egbelo's years of selfless service, quiet sacrifice, uncommon integrity and unwavering commitment to lifting the poor, empowering the vulnerable and restoring dignity to the forgotten in communities across the state.

As State Coordinator of NG-CARES in Cross River State, Chief Egbelo has not just coordinated a program; he has given it a human face. He has turned policy into impact, and impact into testimonies. Through his leadership, countless families have found relief, small businesses have found life, farmers have found hope, and youths and women have found a reason to believe again in the possibility of government intervention. He has proven that social investment is not just about figures and disbursement, but about people, compassion and results.

What makes the award more deserving is the character of the recipient. Chief Egbelo is described as a leader who listens, a coordinator who cares, a chief who serves, and a public servant who understands that true greatness is measured by the lives we touch. His humility in the midst of accomplishments, his accessibility despite the weight of his office, and his consistency in delivering excellence are virtues that have set him apart.

As he mounted the podium to receive the golden symbol of impact and results, Chief Egbelo carried with him the prayers, goodwill and solidarity of all who have watched his journey of service.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Egbelo dedicated the prestigious award first to Almighty God, who is the source of his strength and wisdom, and secondly to the People First Administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for giving him the platform, trust and enabling environment to serve Cross Riverians and deliver impactful social investment.

The award has been described by stakeholders as not just a celebration of past achievements, but a divine announcement of greater doors, greater honours and greater platforms for service ahead.

Congratulations poured in from colleagues and the entire team of NG-CARES Cross River State, who hailed him as a star coordinator and an icon of service.

You have earned it. You deserve it. You dignify it. Congratulations, Chief Henry Egbelo!

Congratulations, our Star Coordinator!

C/River Human Capital Ministry Celebrates Retiring Perm Sec, ESV Gold Ita, for Meritorious Service

_By Iloke Egbe_

The Commissioner for Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development, Hon. Ntufam Emmanuel Anom, has described the retiring Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Estate Surveyor Gold Ita, as a reliable and committed technocrat who understands her duties and has demonstrated vast career experience in executing them.

Hon. Anom stated this during a send-forth ceremony organized in honour of Mrs. Ita following her meritorious retirement from the Cross River State Civil Service.

The ceremony, which was held at the Ministry's Conference Hall, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions Building, New Secretariat Complex, Calabar, was organized in recognition and appreciation of Mrs. Ita's contributions and the cordiality she fostered in her relationship with staff.

The Commissioner expressed mixed feelings, noting that barely a few months after his resumption as Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary is retiring when her service is most needed. He wished her the best of luck in her life after service and appealed to her not to turn down the Ministry whenever her counsel is sought.

In her remarks, ESV Gold Ita thanked the Ministry for the honour and cordiality she enjoyed since her resumption as Permanent Secretary. She said she enjoyed peace of mind, openness with staff and commitment to duty.

She added that staff of the Ministry are very respectful and demonstrate sincerity in their conduct.

According to her, she was filled with mixed feelings because the office ambience resonates with calmness and an accommodating spirit, adding that she will greatly cherish the relationship she built within the short time she spent in the Ministry.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mr. Ejemot Esu, described Mrs. Ita as a peaceful personality who is very progressive in her conduct, adding that she always leaves a positive impact behind in all the places she has served, a fact affirmed by staff of the Ministry.

Similarly, the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Egan Dien, said Mrs. Ita has a heart of gold towards her duties and staff, noting that she does not underrate any staff nor toy with official duties, and commits her time and personal resources to promote the work of the Ministry.

On her part, Mrs. Angela Etowa affirmed that Mrs. Ita is truly a reliable friend, a mother and a senior colleague. The event, which was moderated by the Director of Administration, Dr. Icha Mboto, was well attended by staff of the Ministry and other MDAs, including all Directors and Heads of Departments.

Highlights of the event were prayers for Mrs. Ita and presentation of gifts.