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.

Cross River State Partners with FAO to Revamp Coastal Management Policies

Egbe Iloke

 As part of conscious effort towards sustainable environmental management, the Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has convened a multi-stakeholder workshop aimed at reviewing and strengthening policies for Integrated Mangrove and Coastal Zone Management.

The workshop held at Naks Hotels, Calabar,  brought together policymakers, environmental experts, the  representatives from Federal, State and Local Government and civil society. 

The primary objective was to critically assess existing Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) policies and legal frameworks to identify gaps and opportunities for better mangrove conservation and sustainable use.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Ministry of International Development Coordination, Dr Hippolatus Lukpata said Cross River State house the largest Nigeria’s  remaining mangrove forests, which are vital for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and the livelihoods of local communities. However, these ecosystems face mounting pressures from deforestation, pollution, unsustainable agricultural practices, and urban expansion.

He said coastal protection is necessary against flooding and erosion, biodiversity conservation which serve as a nursery ground for fisheries that sustain the livelihood of of coastal communities.

According to him, mangroves are not only assets but lifeline for food security, income and resilience in the face of climate change pressure for fisheries and forest-dependent families.

He noted that the workshop is to develop a cohesive strategy for integrated  Mangrove Management to ensure that mangrove protection is embedded within broader land-use plan and agricultural development policies with a key expected outcome of the formulation of a draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Action Plan for the  State 

He added that the plan will provide a comprehensive roadmap for balancing ecological conservation with economic development along the State’s extensive coastline.

The Commissioner further stated that legal gaps, institutional issues, implementation hurdles and pressure from unsustainable practices in the existing policies pose a serious threat

Dr. Lukpata charge the participants to bring their expertise to bear while expressing hope that with open dialogue, collaboration and shared vision in advancing sustainable development a secured future of coastal ecosystems can be built for the State.

Also speaking,, Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Dr.  Oben Enche emphasized the State’s commitment for sustainable mangroves management. "Our mangroves are not just trees; they are life-support systems.

He expressed worries over mangroves loss through nypa palm invasion, depletion by coastal communities as source of fuel.

Dr E'tchi express gratitude to FAO towards restoring the State's Mangrove ecosystem already depleted with over 10,000 hectares reclaimed.

 This collaborative effort with the FAO marks a pivotal step in translating the State's political will into actionable, legally sound policies that will protect these treasures for generations to come.

The FAO National Project Coordinator, represented by the Climate Change Specialist, Mrs Nifesimi Ogunkwa stated that to cushion the effects of overdependence on mangroves for fuel and other sustainable use, the organization has provided coastal communities with energy stoves,  alternative livelihood support and restoration of degraded mangrove landscape.

She highlighted the strategic importance of the review workshop in about building a foundation for resilience.

 Mrs Ogunkwa advance that integrating mangrove management into formal agricultural and forestry policies, we are investing in food security, climate action, and sustainable development simultaneously with Cross River State model as a benchmark for other coastal regions in Nigeria.

The review workshop was climaxed with technical presentations on Review of AFOLU policies, Laws and Legal apparatus: observed gaps, recommendations and institutional mandate alignment with global best practices for mangrove management, Cross River Integrated Coastal Zone Management Action Plan; Observed gaps, recommendations and institutional mandate,  Alignment of Climate Change National Social Protection: recommendations and group discussion.

With this policy overhaul it is believed that it will not only safeguard critical ecosystems but also foster a new era of blue and green economic growth for the State. Other highlights include presentation of different topics and was moderated by Dr Asuquo Okon, who was also part of the organizers of the event.

We are Working Towards Elimination of NTD in CRS, Veronica Mark

Iloke Egbe 

The State Programme Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Disease Cross River NTD-CR, Pastor Veronica Mark has expressed excitement on the progress and achievements recorded in the fight towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Disease in the State. She disclosed this during a two day Programme Review and micro-planning workshop for 2026, held at the Conference hall, Central Medicine Store, Barracks Road Calabar. 

She informed that, the review meeting was very important to keep all Stakeholders focused on the strategic framework and goal of eliminating Neglected Tropical Disease in the State as a mechanism to support and improve the State economy, adding that a healthy economy is built by healthy people. 

She admitted that the State is endemic to four NTD, spread to 14 Local Government Areas while the micro-planning is to administer treatment for soil  transmitter Helminthiasis to eradicate worms related diseases amongst school children between the ages five, etc that good health is central to development and children remain the backbone of the future of any society, therefore, they need to be protected by preventing them from being vulnerable to preventable diseases that can impact negatively on their health and education. 

According to Mrs. Mark, the commitment of stakeholders in the eradication of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, and other NTD in the State through the support of Evidence Action has been very meaningful. She maintained that with the timely review and presentation of the Microplan for the deworming exercise, the year 2026 will record more success than 2025.

Adding his voice, the State team lead, Evidence Action, Mr. Andrew Ushie. Informed that the meeting provides them with opportunity to review the work done in 2025 and how best to improve on planning and implementation of activities. He expressed satisfaction for the commitment from all stakeholders as they are charged up for the next round of deworming exercise across the State.

The meeting featured presentation of reports LGA by LGA, discussion on templates for micro planning, agree on timeline for updated micro plan. Introduction to integrated data collection tools and reporting. Also presented was SBD MAM-STH LGAs level, SCH ward level treatment, 2026 SBD approach - use of HCWs/Education teams, and update on medicines or commodity supply chain management. 

In attendance were experts from the Federal Ministry of Health, relevant State Ministries, Departments and Agencies including Civil Society Organizations.