Strategic Investment of Governor Bassey Otu in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Ecosystem Value Chains, Remain the Pillars of the State Economy - Elder Lukpata

Iloke Egbe

The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata has described the strategic Investment of the State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu in the Agriculture, Forestry and the Fishery Ecosystems value chain as the main pillars of the State economy, adding that it has created significant employment which has reduced unemployment amongst the State population.

He asserted this when he declared open a three day Training Workshop organized by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and United Kingdom Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition (UK-PACT) for multi-layer stakeholders at Jorany Hotel, Asari Eso Calabar.

He acknowledged that there are many necessary tools that are brought together in the workshop and the intention is to mobilize resources, skills and innovations on a large scale to shape Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Ecosystem sub-sectors to provide a platform for dialogue which will facilitate effective business negotiations for the establishment of Public-private Partnership that strengthen and promote sustainable development in the sectors.

He admitted that the theme of the workshop which is Facilitating Business Negotiation, Market Linkages, Access to Production Resources, Contract Farming, Value Chain Financing, and Public-private Partnership for Agricultural Development in Cross River State as pivotal in consolidating the already economic access created by the present administration.

The event brought together Stakeholders from fifty communities within the five (5) Local Government around the State Mangrove Forest belt, some Banks, Insurance companies, Corporate Affairs Commission, CRS Forestry Commission, relevant Ministries,  Departments and Agencies.  Others were the private sectors include Civil Society Organizations and Cooperative Societies, members of the Traditional Rulers Council and the academia to speak together and foster measures to de-risk Agriculture and reduce the challenges associated with Agriculture loans.

He expressed his appreciation to FAO and UK-PACT for organizing the workshop while urging participants to should interest through their comportment during the proceedings and participate actively in all sessions of the training, adding that attendance indicates serious work done by the organizers.

In her remarks, the State Coordinator, UK-PACT Dr. Nifesimi Ogunkua chronicled the progress of the project since its inception emphasizing on the contributions and achievements recorded. She called on Cross Riverians to preserve their God given inheritance which includes the Mangrove Forest to enhance carbon sequencing which will be of great benefit to the State. 

She reiterated that the importance of Cross River Mangrove Forest to the world can't be overemphasized hence the provisions of alternative livelihood support programs to the immediate communities to reduce pressure on the Mangrove Forest, adding that more training and empowerment will be rolled out to include beefarming, mushrooms and snails farming all at no cost to the beneficiaries.

According to Mrs. Ogunkua, the globe is a one world and whatever happens to one part of the world affects other parts and the people, therefore, it's important to protect the Mangrove Forest, stating that Mangrove absorbs carbon five times higher than the normal tree or Forest, while assuring that in the nearest future the State will start receiving payment from carbon as fifteen thousand hecters of land has been restored and it's ongoing efforts.

Some of the lead facilitators were Prof. Adebayo Shittu, Prof. Emmanuel Attoe, Mr. Emmanuel Orok, Chief Ndem Effiong, Mr. Ekanem Okon Asuquo, Mr George Ogbe, Mrs. Christiana Ebebe Adinye. Others are Dr. Mojisola Kehinde, Mr. Kuffreh Jackson Ibagha, Dr Okon Asuquo and Mr. Effiom Otu Effiwatt. And featured paper presentations, technical sessions, breakout sessions and plenary.

C/River Govt. Mark World Neglected Tropical Disease Day with Road Walk

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health Neglected Tropical Disease unit (NTD) in collaboration with Donor Partners working in the State to eliminate NTD has carried out a road Walk exercise to create more awareness on the prevalence and implications of NTD in the State.

The theme of this year's celebration is Unite, Act, Eliminate NTD's Towards Achievement of the UHC and SDG'S. Commencing the road Walk from the NTD Office, 17 Marian Road to Marian market and  back through Rabana roundabout by IBB road terminating  at the Office, featured distribution of fliers with different inscriptions and samples of the manifest effect of the diseases, announcement of the types of NTD's and preventive methods by Mr Evalsam Azogor. 

Commenting on the outing, the State Coordinator NTD Cross River, Pastor Veronica Mark, expressed satisfaction with the turn out and the success of the campaign which is to increase public awareness on the negative implications of NTD in the State. In her words, we are celebrating NTD's World Day,  2026, which is Neglected Tropical Diseases World Day. It's a celebration that is ongoing in the entire world. Cross River is endemic to about four of these diseases. Lymphatic fluriasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, and the Soil-transmitted Helmatitis.

We are trying to create more awareness because there are lots of persons who are still not familiar or who do not actually know that this disease is affecting persons in Cross River State. And that's why you can see us walking across the streets of Calabar and distributing materials to individuals to see how persons can go through the manuals and understand what we are actually doing.

We want this disease completely out of Cross River State, complete elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases. You may not be too familiar with this disease, but a visit to our various communities, will offer you opportunities to see people suffering, especially in locations where they don't have good roads, no water, and all of that. That's why it's called the disease of the poor.  Some persons have several complications resulting from not taking the medicines that are supposed to be taken.

She informed that her office has the medicines that are required to prevent these diseases in the state and invite those who might need more information about these diseases to visit their office No. 17, Marian road Calabar by Lions Park.

She used the occasion to acknowledge the support of the State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Students from the University of Calabar and the University Cross River, the Qatar Centre, Evidence Action and UNICEF for their support.

The Poor, Vulnerable and Less Privileged are the Targets of Our Programmes – Chief Henry Egbelo

Iloke Egbe

The Cross River State Coordinator, Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, NG-CARES, Chief Henry Egbelo, has asserted that as a matter of strategy for effective and positive impact on the people, the poor, vulnerable and the less privileged in the society are the primary targets as beneficiaries amongst delivery units and not the drivers of the programme.

He stated this at Dannic Hotel, Ekorinim, Calabar, when he declared open a two-day training workshop for technical staff of the State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU) and other delivery platforms under NG-CARES.

He emphasized that the strength of any programme lies not only in its design but in the capacity of the people implementing it, and alluded that the theme for the workshop, which is *Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Results-Based Performance, Accountability and Sustainable Service Delivery*, aimed at bringing critical stakeholders to a round table for a proper reflection on the status of NG-CARES 2.0 and to update and energize all delivery units to execute their responsibilities timely in accordance with their project plans.

Some of the papers that were presented include: NG-CARES governance structure. Programme reporting, documentation and knowledge management. NG-CARES Independent Verification Agent (IVA) protocol and reimbursement.Tools and techniques for managing stakeholders in development projects. Environmental and Social Safeguard – principles and compliance. Financial Management System and retirement of advances. Public Sector Governance and Civil Service systems. Results-Based project Management and PforR Framework.

In an interview with some participants who admitted that the standard of the workshop was very satisfactory and that the resource persons were also very knowledgeable in the topics they handled, while others affirmed that they have gained much from the training.

The team of eminent facilitators includes a former Permanent Secretary in the State Chief Patrick Agida, Dr. Bethel Ewung, Mr. Fidel Udie, Mr Samuel Terrance and Mr Tony Atah who brought their wealth of professionalism and practical experiences to drive their presentations. 

Some of the delivery platforms that were in attendance were Labour Intensive Public Workfare, State Cash Transfer Unit, Community and Social Development Agency, FADAMA, Medium and Small Enterprises and State Operations Coordinating Unit. All heads of delivery units under NG-CARES were in attendance, as well as technical staff from the units.

Stakeholders Gather in Calabar for National Council of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

Iloke Egbe 

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Allocation in collaboration with the Cross River State Government Hold's a 3 day 1st Meeting of the National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction at Higgins Royale Hotel, State Housing Estate Calabar.

Declaring  the day one open, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Mr Olubunmi  Olusanya welcomed delegates and stakeholders invited for the meeting, assuring that the importance of the three days engagement is very critical to the progress of reducing multidimensional poverty in Nigeria. He expressed gratitude to the Cross River State Government, noting that the policies of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu are rooted in poverty reduction.

Mr. Olusanya also expressed excitement on the attendance and timely arrival of invited guests adding that in line with the theme of the event which is Beyond the national, strengthening sub-national and multi-stakeholders synergy for a unified approach to Humanitarian response and Poverty Reduction was carefully selected to emphasize the importance of States in the implementation of poverty reduction programmes.

According to Mr Olusanya, the high point of the first day event is the  planary  sessions for the technical exercise where critical reviews of each report with a clear resolutions reach and will thereafter be submitted to the National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for ratification.

In his contributions, the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mr. Andy Akpotu Adeshi informed that the technical session is a bottom top approach to make the policy a home-made that will truly touch the heart of the challenge and used the occasion to welcome every guest.

Highlights of the event was paper presentation on strengthening Social Protection Systems for sustainable poverty reduction in Nigeria by the National Social Investment Programme Agency. Planary and presentation of reports by the thematic group leaders. In attendance were delegates and stakeholders from line MDAs in Nigeria, International Development Partners, NGOs and Civil Society Organizations while NASSCO Abuja was represented by National Communication Officer Mr. Ifemayowa Makiwa and Mrs Amaka Asiegbu, Admin and Human Resource Manager.

CR. Govt. Present Achievements Report on Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis.

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Ministry of Health through the Department of Public Health, Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program in collaboration with Evidence Action present 2024 impact assessment report on Schistosomiasis (STH) and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis  (SCH) carried out in the 18 LGAs of the State.

The one day event held at the conference hall of Essential Drugs Program, Barrack's road Calabar aimed amongst others to update stakeholders on the achievements recorded within the period, opportunities available and the way forward and to elicit feedback from the public.

In a detailed power point presentation, the senior manager Evidence Action Mr. Tochi Ohaji, reflected on the background and baseline souvey which provided evidence from the program evaluation following a 7 years preventive chemotherapy which strongly suggested a significant rate of 48.5% reduction STH infections and 76.6% rate reduction in SCH among school children in the State.

Mr. Ohaji used the opportunity to call for increased sectoral collaboration to drive improvement in WASH across the State to sustain the high quality preventive chemotherapy which has generated greater gains in STH and SCH prevalence.

He recommended treatment strategies for 2026 onward while referencing World Health Organization recommendations in the reduction of prevalence, and stated some approaches appropriate to address Bakassi LGA which is the only LGA with negative indicators.

Adding her voice, the Program Manager, Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis Control and Elimination program in the Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Imaobong Umah, pointed out that WASH and basic hygiene including behavioral change are essential to maintain results already achieved to avoid reemerges of the ugly past and called for stronger synergies and collaborations amongst Stakeholders.

The presentation outline background, methodology, results and conclusion. Lesson learned and acknowledgement. And featured goodwill messages from critical Stakeholders. In attendance were the State Director, Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program Pastor Mrs. Veronica Mark, representative of the Commissioner Ministry of Health and that of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Jonah Offor represented by the Acting Director Public Health Mr Patrick Odu, Civil Society Organizations and none Governmental Organizations.

HOLY FATHER DELIVERS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF PEACE, LOVE, AND DIVINE REVELATION Calabar, December 25

The Leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and Lord of lords, has delivered a profound Christmas Message to the world, calling on humanity to embrace divine love, peace, and true Christian living as the essence of the Christmas celebration.

In his message, the Holy Father described Christmas as more than the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing it as the celebration of divine love made visible. 

He declared that the birth of Christ marked a historic turning point that ushered humanity into the full manifestation of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, setting in motion the eternal plan of salvation now consolidated in this generation.

His Holiness reminded Christians that the Supreme Father God, out of boundless love for humanity, offered Himself as the indispensable Christmas gift through His Beloved Son, in whom eternal life is promised and secured. He noted that Christ’s humility and incarnation redefined the relationship between God and mankind, revealing love as self-giving and sacrificial service.

Highlighting the continuing work of God in the present age, the Holy Father affirmed that the world has witnessed subsequent manifestations of the same God, first as the Son and now as the Promised Comforter, bringing humanity into a new phase of divine reconstruction, eternal dominion, and peace.

Addressing global challenges, His Holiness stated that in a world overshadowed by fear, darkness, and uncertainty, Christ remains the brightest light, embodying love, mercy, truth, and grace. He urged humanity to reflect deeply on the humility of Christ’s birth, warning that hatred, religious rivalry, and the pursuit of materialism contradict the true purpose of Christmas.

The Holy Father expressed concern that many misuse the season meant for love and holiness to perpetuate evil, calling on Christians everywhere to manifest genuine and selfless love, remember the poor and downtrodden, and extend compassion to those in need.

He further encouraged believers to recognize and worship Christ in His present manifestation, affirming that the Holy Spirit continues to guide the children of God in this dispensation. 

He empowered the faithful to boldly proclaim to the world that Christ has returned in glory, authority, and power—not to suffer or be opposed, but to rule and reign eternally over all realms of existence.

The Christmas Message concluded with blessings of peace, hope, and divine assurance, reaffirming the Holy Father’s call for humanity to return to the true meaning of Christmas—love, redemption, and unity under one God.

2026 Nutrition Budget Will Be Properly Tag for Easy Tracking of Performance across Implementing MDAs SA Budget

Iloke Egbe SPC 

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Budget, Mr Otu Otu Ita has asserted that by 2026 the State Nutrition Budget will be more robust and simplify when compare with past efforts for more clarity when tracking it performance.

Mr. Otu represented by the Director Budget in the office Mr Ubi, Benjamin Williams stated this when he granted audience to the State Technical Committee on Food Nutrition during a working visit to his office, Budget Department, Governor's Office Calabar.

Mr. Ubi informed that a lot of work has already been done and Cross River State is not one of the State lacking in the expansion and inclusive budgeting in respect of nutrition activities. He admitted that His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is solidly behind the advancement of nutrition reports and the support they received from the State House of Assembly. That by 2026 the State Nutrition Budget will have the right tags (Nut) indicating Nutrition in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies implementing nutrition activities, adding that they are well guided by the State Annual operational Plan.

Earlier, the Chairman State Committee on Food and Nutrition and Permanent Secretary,  State Planning Commission Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio reiterated that Budget tagging enhances transparency and accountability while expressing his appreciation to the budget office for the support and cordiality the committee has enjoyed from the office.

In his words, the chairman said we seek your usual support and collaboration to ensure proper tagging of nutrition activities in the Budget even beyond your office.

On her part the State Coordinator CS-SUNN Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana informed that as of today, the 7th of November 2025 only few States in the federation were able to do proper budget tagging of nutrition. That some Staff were trained on Budget tagging and appeal that all nutrition activities should be properly tagged. That tagging is one of the Mile stones to achieve in order to avoid having red flags on the State performance template. 

She used the opportunity to appreciate Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria and the State Governor for their support to the committee.

The visit featured questions and answers and group photograph. In attendance were members of the State Technical Committee on Food and Nutrition, officials of Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria, Directors and heads of Departments in the State Budget Office Calabar.