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

Iloke Egbe 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iloke Egbe 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iloke Egbe 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iloke Egbe 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iloke Egbe 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C.River Govt. Flag off 2026 School Based Deworming Exercise, Calls for More Stakeholders Involvement

Iloke Egbe 

To advance the implementation of the peoples first mantra of his Excellency the Governor using healthcare as a unit of spreading good governance, and to protect children which are the future, the Cross River State Government has flagged off 2026 school Based Deworming Exercise to prevent the negative implications of worm in children.

Flagging off the program at Government Technical School Mayne Avenue Calabar South, the Governor, represented by the Director General, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr. Mrs Vivian Otu asserted that worms in children age five to fourteen is like a cancar worm and if not properly treated can result into complications that will slow down the growth and development of a child.

She informed that, the flagoff exercise is a demonstration of Government commitment to the eradication of Neglected Tropical Disease which worm is one of the most common amongst children. That the Government under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is totally committed to the eradication of NTD's and improvement in healthcare delivery to residents of the State. 

She expressed her appreciation to the management and Staff of Ministry of Health, NTD unit,  the team from the Federal Ministry of Health and Evidence Action, describing them as reliable partners. She called on parents across the State to allow their children to take the tablets as it is safe and certified by relevant authorities.

Adding his voice, the senior manager Evidence Action Ambassador Eustace Toichi Ohaji described the flagoff exercise as very successful and strategic in the intervention. He said attendance in the event by Government officials is a clear indication that there are functional synergies amongst key actors in the State and the Federal.

Mr. Ohaji thanked the State Government for the cordiality that characterized their partnership with Evidence Action, adding that the State commitment is very encouraging.

Speaking on behalf of the Local Government Education Authority, Elder Offiong Effiom from the Quality Assurance Unit advised the children to inform their parents that Government has given them worm tablets to avoid a double dose of related medications.

In her words, the State program coordinator Neglected Tropical Disease Pastor Veronica Mark, described the flagoff exercise as very successful, that Government is on its feet and the eradication of NTD's is a must win war. While Mr Andrew Ushie coordinator Evidence Action also expressed satisfaction with the unity and cooperation exhibited by stakeholders. 

Highlights of the event was the administration of the deworming table to students of Government Technical School Mayne Avenue by the DG-PHCDA on behalf of the State Government.

C/River Govt. In Collaboration with Evidence Action Commence Five Days Deworming Exercise

Iloke Egbe 

Stakeholders in the Health and Education sectors have intensified advocacy and media engagement ahead of the commencement of the 2026 School Based Deworming Programme in Cross River State, with experts stressing the urgent need to protect children from the harmful effects of intestinal worm infections.

The engagement took place during a one day stakeholders’ workshop organised by Evidence Action at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Calabar, bringing together journalists, health professionals and Development Partners to strengthen public awareness and improve Media coverage of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Evidence Action, a Global non profit organisation that has been registered in Nigeria since 2016, provides Technical Support to Federal and State Governments to implement large scale deworming programmes aimed at reducing the burden of intestinal worm infections among school age children.

The organisation works in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Primary Health Care Development Agency and the State Universal Basic Education Board to deliver treatment across thousands of schools and communities.

Globally, intestinal worm infections remain a significant public health concern. Health experts estimate that more than 1.5 billion people are infected with soil transmitted helminths, representing about 24 percent of the world’s population. Over one billion children require treatment for these infections while more than 128 million children are in need of treatment for schistosomiasis.

Speaking during the workshop, the Cross River State Programme Officer for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Veronica Mark, said the deworming campaign was designed to improve the health and academic performance of children by eliminating worm infections that often affect their growth and concentration in school.

According to her, the programme targets children between the ages of five and fourteen years and will be implemented in schools and communities where the diseases are endemic.

In her words, "this activity is mainly for children from the ages of five to fourteen years. We want them to take this medicine so they can be free from worm infections and be effective in their various schools and perform well in the future. A child that is heavily infested with worms will not do well in class and sometimes may even stay away from school,” she said.

She emphasised that the medicines to be administered during the exercise are safe and completely free, urging parents, school authorities and communities to cooperate with health workers and teachers who will be visiting schools to administer the treatment.

Again she said, “We want everybody to know that this medicine is not harmful and nobody is expected to pay for it. The medicines are free and will be administered by trained health workers and teachers. Our aim is to ensure that the information reaches every corner so that there will be no rejection or misinformation about the programme,” she added.

Veronica Mark disclosed that the intervention will cover several Local Government Areas in the State where the diseases are prevalent, noting that all eligible schools and communities in those areas will benefit from the exercise.

She also assured that the State Government is committed to reaching every eligible child, including those in remote communities.

According to her, "Cross River has many hard to reach areas but Government has made arrangements to ensure that every community that is supposed to receive treatment will be reached. Whether it is a hard to reach area or not, the teams will go there and administer the medicines to the children,” she said.

Also speaking, Senior Manager of Evidence Action Nigeria and South South Programme Lead, Ambassador Eustace Toochi Ohaji, said the deworming intervention forms part of a broader effort to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases by the year 2030 in line with Global Health targets adopted by the World Health Organisation and the Federal Ministry of Health.

He explained that the programme has already recorded significant impact in Cross River State since it began operations in 2016.

According to him, an impact assessment conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health revealed that the prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infections in the State has reduced by 48.5 percent while cases of schistosomiasis have dropped by 76 percent.

“This is a very laudable achievement for Cross River State and it shows that the efforts of the Government and partners are producing results. We are committed to strengthening our partnership with the State so that the gains recorded so far will continue and we can move closer to the elimination of these diseases by 2030,” he said.

Ohaji noted that the upcoming deworming exercise will focus primarily on soil transmitted helminth infections, with treatment for schistosomiasis scheduled for a later phase.

He explained that the exercise will run for five days, during which trained health workers and teachers will administer the medication to eligible children in schools and communities.

He disclosed that the State has mapped schools to nearby health facilities to ensure that any child experiencing mild side effects can easily receive medical attention.

“There is a clear difference between adverse events and side effects. Adverse events are life threatening conditions while side effects are expected reactions that are usually mild. For the deworming medicines we administer, there are no known adverse events. The mild side effects that may occur are already anticipated and health workers are on standby to manage them,” he said.

According to him, each school has been linked to a health facility within its catchment area so that any unexpected reaction can be handled immediately.

Ohaji also praised the Cross River State Government for demonstrating strong commitment to the programme, noting that the administration recently approved funding support for the intervention.

“For the first time since we started working in Cross River State, the Governor personally invited Evidence Action to discuss issues relating to the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases. During that meeting we presented a budget of sixty four million naira and the Governor approved it immediately and directed that the funds should be released,” he said.

He described the development as a major step forward in strengthening the sustainability of the deworming initiative in the state.

According to him, the current phase of the exercise will target hundreds of thousands of children across several Local Government Areas, with the intervention being implemented in phases.

He appealed to parents, school authorities and community leaders to cooperate with programme implementers in order to ensure that every eligible child receives treatment.

Also speaking during the workshop, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Cross River State, Comrade Archibong Bassey, commended Evidence Action and its partners for their efforts in improving child health across the State.

She noted that many parents sometimes forget to deworm their children regularly, making the school based programme an important intervention.

In her words, “This programme is very commendable because sometimes parents forget to deworm their children and that can have serious effects on their health and education. The Media will continue to support this effort by ensuring that the information reaches the public,” he said.

Bassey urged schools and communities to welcome the health teams when they arrive for the exercise.

“They are starting the exercise tomorrow and we want the people to cooperate with them. Schools and parents should embrace them because they mean well for the children. In previous years there were some challenges but we believe that with proper awareness people will understand the importance of this intervention,” she said.

Evidence Action currently supports deworming programmes that target more than six million school age children annually across Nigeria. The organisation also collaborates with Government Agencies to train over twenty eight thousand teachers, community distributors and health workers each year to administer treatment in schools and communities.

Through its programmes, more than forty four million school age children have been treated since 2016 at a cost of less than fifty cents per child, making the intervention one of the most cost effective public health initiatives globally.

Stakeholders at the workshop emphasised that sustained collaboration between Government Agencies, Development Partners and the Media will be essential in ensuring that no child is left untreated as efforts continue to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases in Cross River State and across Nigeria.