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.

C’River LG Recruitment: An Appeal Not to Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater

A few weeks ago, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr Darlington Bassey Eyo, resigned after findings of gross misconduct and widespread employment racketeering came to light. Governor Bassey Otu swiftly accepted the resignation, suspended the entire recruitment exercise, and dissolved the commission’s board.

Since assuming office, Governor Otu has established a reputation as a no-nonsense leader with zero tolerance for corruption and incompetence. He has consistently relieved or reassigned aides and appointees found wanting, keeping everyone on their toes to either deliver excellently or step aside. The decisive action against the Local Government Service Commission is a classic example of this principled governance, and it deserves full commendation for restoring discipline in public service.

However, while the government is right to sanitise the process, the fate of the recruitment exercise must be handled with caution so that innocent job seekers are not punished alongside the guilty. Some applicants secured their slots purely on merit; others, driven by desperation in a country where unemployment has become a nightmare, felt compelled to pay bribes simply to put food on the table. The Governor’s ultimate goal is to guarantee equal opportunity for every Cross Riverian, but we must acknowledge the harsh reality that many felt that parting with money was the only path to survival.

Bribery is clearly criminalised under Nigerian law. Section 8 of the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Act punishes anyone, public officer or private citizen who corruptly solicits or receives a benefit in relation to official duties, while Section 9 criminalises the act of corruptly offering or giving such benefits. In Southern Nigeria, Sections 98 and 98A of the Criminal Code address the same offences; in the North, Sections 115 and 116 of the Penal Code do likewise. Ignorance of the law is no defence, but we must ask honestly, did most of these job seekers truly have another choice? In a system where “no connection, no job” has almost become a national proverb, many graduates who have languished for years at home saw inducement as the only door open to them.

I was moved by a story I recently read of a 92-year-old woman arraigned in a Western country for stealing medicine. She explained that her husband of 60 years, nearing 100, was terminally ill. They had exhausted their savings on his drugs, only for the price to triple overnight. With no money left, she stole the medication rather than watch the love of her life die. The judge acquitted her and ordered lifelong free medical care and stipends for the couple. Similarly, the late Judge Frank Caprio of Rhode Island was known for tempering justice with mercy. In one case, a 90-year-old man charged with speeding explained he was rushing his terminally ill 62-year-old son to hospital. Despite the clear traffic offence, the judge discharged him. Compassion considered context.

Many victims of this racketeering borrowed money or took loans believing salaries would soon follow. Some have already relocated to remote villages, rented accommodation on credit, and furnished homes, all in anticipation of pay that may never come. The suspension of the exercise has left their hopes hanging by a thread.

My passionate appeal to the People’s Governor is therefore is that, if the recruitment is to be cancelled outrightly, government should facilitate full refund of monies paid by applicants who can provide evidence of payment, sparing them the double tragedy of losing both money (often borrowed) and the job.

Alternatively, a fresh, transparent recruitment exercise should be conducted in which those already issued appointment letters from the suspended process are granted right of first refusal. This will preserve slots for the genuinely qualified among them before the exercise is opened to the general public should they not exhaust the available slots.

Unarguably, the Governor’s decision is generally to protect the integrity of public service. But that protection must not come at the cost of pushing desperate Cross Riverians deeper into debt, depression, or despair; consequences of the very systemic failures he’s fighting. The real culprits are those who enriched themselves through corruption; the ultimate losers must not be the poor citizens who saw bribery as the only way to earn a living and feed their families.

This is a heartfelt appeal for justice tempered with mercy so that in cleansing the system, we do not crush the very people the system was meant to serve and protect. With every sense of humility and responsibility, I appeal to the People’s first Governor not to throw the baby away with the bathwater.

Bong Duke joins the Calls for An End to Violence Against Women and Girls.

The Cross River State Planning Commission today joins the global community to reaffirm its commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls. Although the world commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls yesterday, November 25, the Commission issues this official statement today as we fully align with the global launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from November 25 to December 10.

The 2025 global theme,

“UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,”

highlights the rising threats faced by women and girls across digital spaces—ranging from cyberstalking and impersonation to online harassment, hate speech, and the non-consensual sharing of personal content. Technology-facilitated violence is real, harmful, and deeply connected to broader issues of gender inequality.

This campaign serves as a compelling reminder that no society can achieve sustainable development where violence, discrimination, and fear persist. When women and girls are unsafe—online or offline—their ability to participate in education, governance, innovation, and the economy is hindered, ultimately slowing collective progress.

In keeping with this year’s theme, the Commission emphasizes that digital safety, gender equality, and human rights remain central to the development agenda of the Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu–led administration. Guided by the PEOPLE FIRST mandate, the State Government continues to prioritize:

• Human capital development

• Social protection and community wellbeing

• Strengthened institutional mechanisms for preventing and responding to GBV

• Inclusive digital participation, literacy, and cybersecurity awareness

These pillars form the foundation for building a safer, more resilient, and equitable Cross River State—one where women and girls can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.

As the 16 Days of Activism commence, the Commission calls on all stakeholders—government institutions, civil society, traditional and community leaders, development partners, the private sector, the media, and individual citizens—to unite and:

• Promote safer and more respectful digital environments

• Challenge harmful gender norms and discriminatory attitudes

• Provide support and protection for survivors of GBV

• Strengthen reporting, justice, and accountability mechanisms

• Empower women and girls to participate confidently and equally in all spheres of life

Ending violence against women and girls is a shared responsibility, and together we can build a Cross River State that is safe, inclusive, and just for all.

NUJ Cross River Council Calls for Stronger Protection of Women and Girls as 16 Days of Activism Begins

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, joins the global community to mark the commencement of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a renewed call for collective responsibility, stronger protection systems, and increased accountability in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls.

As a professional body committed to promoting justice, transparency, and human rights, the NUJ reiterates that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a major threat to development, peace, and social stability in Cross River State and across Nigeria. The Union notes with concern the rising cases of domestic abuse, sexual violence, harmful cultural practices, and economic exploitation impacting women and girls, especially in rural communities.

Comrade Achibong Bassey, Chairman of the Cross River State Council, stated that the media has a critical role to play in breaking the culture of silence that protects perpetrators and isolates survivors.

“As journalists, we are the voice of the vulnerable. We must report responsibly, expose abuses, challenge harmful norms, and amplify efforts that promote justice and protection. The NUJ will continue to use its platforms to advocate for safer communities, stronger institutions, and accountability for every form of violence against women and girls,” she said.

The Council commended the People’s First administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu for its ongoing efforts in social protection, community safety, and women’s empowerment, while urging Government Agencies, security institutions, Civil Society, and traditional leaders to scale up their involvement during the 16-day campaign and beyond.

Comrade Bassey emphasized that GBV is not a “women’s issue” but a societal challenge requiring united action.

“We call on men, community leaders, youth groups, and faith-based organisations to stand against all forms of violence. Protecting women and girls strengthens our homes, our communities, and our State,” she added.

The NUJ Cross River Council reaffirms its commitment to ethical reporting, survivor-sensitive communication, and continuous advocacy for justice and equality. The Union urges all media practitioners in the State to intensify their coverage of GBV-related issues throughout the campaign period of November 25 to December 10 and remain consistent in the fight for human dignity all year round.