Stakeholders Gather in Calabar for One Day Workshop on Translating Evidence, Community Voices into Political Commitment for Onchocerciasis Elimination and Accountable Primary Healthcare

Iloke Egbe 

In an effort to push back the frontiers of ignorance, myth on the negative impact of some Neglected Tropical Disease that is endemic in the State, Stakeholders gathered in Calabar to brainstorm on the best approach and protocol to address challenges hindering the speedy elimination of some neglected Tropical diseases in the State.

The one day Workshop held at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim Calabar and sponsored by Nigeria Health Watch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health outcomes in Nigeria in partnership with the Cross River State Government brought relevant stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the State Ministry of Health, CRS Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Neglected Tropical Disease Unit, the Carter Center, Development Partners and the traditional institution. 

Also in attendance were local government and community health officers, Civil Society Organizations, religious leaders, etc. and featured goodwill messages from partners,  plenary and panel discussions and the release of 21 points resolutions through a Communique on the next steps.

The programme which is at the pilot stage currently operates in Akamkpa, Etung and Boki Local Government Areas of the State due to the endemic nature of their locations and features of the areas characterized by Forest, high current running waters and their borderline with the Republic of Cameron which makes the Local Government Areas very fertile for the breeding and spreading of the Onchocerciasis commonly known as River blindness and lymphatic disease.

In her remarks, the Cross River State Coordinator Nigeria Health Watch, Ms Hannah Achu asserted that the programme is also in collaboration with Global Institute for Disease Elimination, and Nigeria Health Watch is an advocacy and communication organization while the project is currently running advocacy on the elimination of Onchocerciasis in the State. Adding that the State is of serious concern on the Onchocerciasis map due to many borders which stretch to Cameron where there is a report of recrudescence disease.

She expressed satisfaction with the quality of deliberations and participants in attendance, pointing out that the Communique reached can be adopted for further action.

While the clan head of Etung urban- Ekiem, His Royal Highness, Elder. Malloy Erem expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the workshop, the sincerity and seriousness witness in activities carried out by Health Watch organization, adding that the workshop has opened a new chapter of community participation in the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases.  Also, Dr Ekpo Ofem a public health epidemiology admitted that the engagement was very important as it seeks collaboration with experts to identify gaps in the field and build Synergies to overcome the challenges. 

While the State coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases Mr. Godwin Omeji admitted that the event added more value as it has to do with sensitization and it will enhance improved community participation and reduce challenges where health workers bring medicine to a community and some community leaders expect the health workers to attach some incentives in the name of tradition. He acknowledged the good governance the State is enjoying courtesy of the Governor, and appealed for more funding,  "let the State Government support interventions in this sector through funding" he added.

Some of the sub-topics presented include evidence base-findings from GLIDE and KAPB baseline assessment, key findings on NTD knowledge. Listening to communities - insights from integrated community engagement and closing the coverage gap through PHC and community health systems. Other topics presented were Community perspective - Enablers and barriers to Onchocerciasis Elimination and quality PHC services and action planning and co-creation, from evidence to commitments.

Nigeria at 66th Reassuring Unity and Growth

66 years is an indication of stability, growth and development and we are blessed to have Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as Governor that has made the State an embodiment of good governance.

As Nigerians celebrate 66th years of steady progress and development as a sovereign, independent and democratic nation, being able to overcome challenges and crises of varied degree with visible achievements.

The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon on behalf of the commission has congratulated the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Vice President, Senator Kashim Ibrahim Shetima CFR. 

The State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, His Excellency RT. Hon. Peter Odey PhD, The Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Elvert Ayambem. The State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme and Honourable members of the House of Assembly. 

Members of the State Executive Council and all Cross Riverians. 

The task of nation building is a collective responsibility. Let's continue in the unity we are known for.

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Long live Cross River State!!

Long live the State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Ntufam. Hon. Victor Okon 

Chairman, 

Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission

CSDA, Agricultural and Loan Board Explore Partnership to Boost Community Development in Cross River

The Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) and the Cross River State Agricultural and Loan Board (ALB) are exploring areas of strategic collaboration aimed at deepening community development and expanding economic opportunities for beneficiaries across the State.

The move followed a courtesy visit by the former Board Chairman of the CSDA and current Chairman of the Cross River State Agricultural and Loan Board, Sir Toni Ikpeme, to the Agency.

The visit, which took place at the CSDA Board Room, brought together the Chairman of the CSDA Board, High Chief Cyril Anthony Asuquo, and members of the Management Team, including the General Manager, Mr. Collins Edet; Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Dr. Josephine Ayuk; Finance Manager, Mr. Agbor Akwaji; and Operations Manager, Dr. Esther Awa. During the engagement, The team presented the Agency’s mandate and development approach, with particular emphasis on its Community-Driven Development (CDD) model. 

That the CDD approach places communities at the centre of the development process by enabling residents to identify and prioritise their most pressing needs. The CSDA then facilitates interventions in critical areas such as education, healthcare, water and sanitation, while promoting community ownership, participation and sustainability.

Mr. Ikpeme reflected on his tenure as Chairman of the CSDA Board and commended the Agency’s workforce for its professionalism, commitment and passion for delivering development interventions that positively impact communities across the State, stressing the importance of strengthening the link between agricultural interventions and existing community infrastructure. 

He noted that beneficiaries of agricultural programmes could maximise the use of CSDA-facilitated facilities within their communities to support their activities.

According to him, stronger coordination between agricultural programmes and community infrastructure would enhance the sustainability and overall impact of development interventions at the grassroots.

Mr. Toni also identified Calabar Bayside and Eniong Abatim communities as areas where further development needs could be assessed, urging the CSDA to consider engaging the communities to identify their priority needs and determine appropriate interventions.

He commended the agricultural transformation initiatives of the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, noting their potential contribution to food security and economic development in the State.

Responding, the CSDA Board Chairman, High Chief Cyril Anthony Asuquo, welcomed Sir Toni Ikpeme and expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two agencies.

Mr Asuquo acknowledged the positive reports concerning Sir Toni’s tenure as Chairman of the CSDA Board and expressed optimism that his current position at the Agricultural and Loan Board would provide an opportunity for both institutions to develop stronger areas of collaboration.

He noted that greater synergy between the agencies could create opportunities for communities and beneficiaries to benefit from their respective programmes and mandates, particularly through access to agricultural grants, loans and credit financing available through the Agricultural and Loan Board.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing inclusive development, strengthening community resilience and expanding access to basic social infrastructure and economic opportunities across Cross River State.

Both institutions expressed their readiness to explore practical areas of partnership and develop stronger institutional synergy that would translate into tangible benefits for communities, farmers and other beneficiaries across the State.

The collaboration, if effectively implemented, is expected to strengthen the connection between community infrastructure and agricultural development, while supporting the State’s broader efforts towards grassroots development, food security and improved livelihoods.

Independence: Otu Urges Nigerians to Embrace Self-Reliance, Dignity

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called on Nigerians to give deeper meaning to the nation’s 66 years of independence by transforming political freedom into self-reliance, human dignity and shared prosperity, urging citizens to look beyond the rituals of October 1 and embrace the patriotism, integrity, tolerance and collective responsibility required to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Otu who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the call in his Independence Day goodwill message to Cross Riverians at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, in which he described the anniversary as an opportunity for “solemn national introspection” and a renewed commitment to the ideals for which Nigeria’s founding nationalists sacrificed. He said independence should not be viewed merely as freedom from external rule, but as “the capacity of a people to determine their destiny, provide for their needs, protect their dignity and build institutions worthy of their aspirations.”

The Governor said the sacrifices of Nigeria’s nationalist generation were “deliberate, selfless and animated by an abiding faith in the possibility of a sovereign Nigeria”, stressing that their legacy imposed a responsibility on present and future generations to preserve the values for which they struggled. He specifically cited the national ethics enshrined in Chapter II, Section 23 of the 1999 Constitution, including patriotism, integrity, self-reliance and religious tolerance, as indispensable foundations for a stable and prosperous society.

Otu said Independence Day should transcend ceremonial pageantry and official rituals, insisting that it should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey and the responsibilities of citizenship. “Independence Day must mean more to us than the ceremonial pageantry and official rituals that accompany it,” he said, describing the anniversary as “a solemn moment of national introspection” and an occasion to consider “the Nigeria we desire to bequeath to generations yet unborn.”

According to him, Nigeria’s progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, maritime development and other critical sectors demonstrates that nation-building remains a continuing enterprise requiring “patience, sacrifice, unity of purpose and the determination to transform our enormous potential into tangible prosperity.” He said Cross River, too, had remained “in motion”, progressively evolving economically, socially and politically while giving practical expression to the ideals of national independence.

The Governor highlighted Cross River’s tradition of religious harmony, social justice and inclusive governance, saying his administration had consciously translated the national ethics of patriotism, integrity, tolerance and self-reliance into the State’s ethos.

He pointed to the longstanding proximity and peaceful coexistence of the Calabar Central Mosque and the Apostolic Church along Mary Slessor Street, Bogobiri, as a vivid illustration that “faith need not be a source of division”, but could coexist with “mutual respect, fellowship and understanding.”

Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equity, human rights and the rule of law, declaring that “no one, regardless of social or economic standing, is above the law.” He added that no citizen, “irrespective of how modest his or her circumstances may be”, should be subjected to oppression, intimidation or injustice, stressing that “justice must remain the shield of both the weak and the strong.” He said his administration had opened the doors of public service to “well-meaning Cross Riverians, irrespective of political affiliation”, in keeping with its commitment to participatory and inclusive governance.

On economic empowerment, the Governor said his administration was investing in the capacity of young people through apprenticeship, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, while providing local entrepreneurs with training, institutional support and start-up assistance. He identified agriculture as a major pillar of the State’s self-reliance agenda, noting that government was supporting smallholder and large-scale farmers with loans and grants, improving rural feeder roads and promoting mechanisation. “Our ambition, however, goes beyond food sufficiency. We seek absolute food security,” he declared, adding that the revitalisation of agro-based cottage industries would help transform agricultural produce into semi-finished and finished products. “This is the meaning of Food Independence,” he said.

The Governor, however, stressed that the task of building a prosperous Cross River could not be accomplished by government alone, urging citizens to embrace unity, cooperation and collective responsibility. Comparing governance to an orchestra, Otu said: “As Governor, I am the conductor, responsible for setting the tempo and directing the symphony. But no conductor, however committed, can produce beautiful music if the instrumentalists refuse to play in harmony.” He called on Cross Riverians to reject “distrust, ethnic prejudice, needless division and every tendency that diminishes our collective strength”, insisting that “Cross River belongs to all of us” and that its future remains “a shared inheritance and a shared responsibility.” He urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding heroes by becoming “worthy custodians of the nation they envisioned”, while wishing Nigerians and Cross Riverians a peaceful, meaningful and rewarding Independence celebration.

Otu Presents ₦25m Each to 18 Victims of Calabar Mall Fire incident

Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Monday, presented cheques worth ₦25 million each to 18 business owners affected by the recent SPAR fire incident, describing the intervention as a critical lifeline to help the victims rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods. Governor Otu made the presentation at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Calabar, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across the state.

The Governor acknowledged that accidents were sometimes unavoidable, but stressed that the most important consideration was how government responded to people affected by unfortunate circumstances.

“I know that accidents happen, and there is sometimes little that anybody can do about them. But the important thing is how we respond to such unfortunate situations,” Otu said.

He explained that his administration places strong emphasis on supporting small businesses because of their contribution to the economy and the livelihoods of residents.

“This government believes principally in supporting small businesses, recognising their importance to the economy and the livelihoods of our people. That is why we are prepared to provide support in every way possible,” he stated.

Otu recalled the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Cross River State on September 1, 2026, for the launch of the South-South Zone of the National Community Food Bank Programme, noting that the visit produced positive multiplier effects beyond the immediate purpose of the programme. He expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her practical disposition and empathy, describing the intervention for the fire victims as a demonstration of compassionate leadership.

The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the people-centred focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the intervention would help alleviate the economic hardship faced by the affected families. "Besides, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is people-centred. The programme gives hope to the hopeless, succour to the suffering, and protection to the oppressed and vulnerable in society,” Otu said.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds productively, stressing that the financial assistance should translate into sustainable livelihoods and the rebuilding of their businesses. "It is important to mention at this point that the financial lifeline provided by Mr. President should be translated into productive lives and sustainable livelihoods, in order to justify his love, sacrifice and goodwill,” he said.

Otu further assured the beneficiaries that they would continue to receive encouragement and support as they work towards stabilizing and rebuilding their businesses.

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that it would go a long way in reducing the anguish and economic burden on the affected families.

“As a responsive and responsible government, my administration will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive, recognizing the informal sector as the engine room of our economy,” the Governor stated.

He also encouraged entrepreneurs in the state to take advantage of government-supported business advisory services, soft loans and grants available through the ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development. "The doors of the Ministry responsible for financing and enterprise development are always open to entrepreneurs seeking business advisory services, soft loans and grants. I therefore encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to grow your businesses and improve your livelihoods,” Otu added.

On his part, the Spar, Calabar branch Manager, Mr. Gbenga Ewarawon thanked the President and Governor for their unweaving commitment to the welding of the people and for giving hope to the affected businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AM Global, Andifonkan Samuel, expressed appreciation to the Governor, the Federal Government and other stakeholders for their intervention and support.

The representative noted that the presence of government officials and other stakeholders at the presentation underscored the importance attached to restoring hope to those affected by the incident. The beneficiaries also commended President Tinubu for his intervention, describing the support as an effort aimed at restoring hope and helping affected citizens return to productive economic activity.

Independence Anniversary: Otu Calls for Peace, Unity, Collective Nation-Building

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to peace, unity and national development, stressing that the responsibility of building a prosperous Nigeria rests on every citizen. Governor Otu made the call through the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Christian Central Chapel, Ikot Eneobong, 8 Miles, Calabar, to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Governor described the anniversary as more than a celebration of Nigeria's independence, saying it was an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation's founding heroes and recommit themselves to the task of building a country worthy of future generations.

According to him, “Independence is more than the remembrance of a date in our history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of those who came before us and of the responsibility placed on our generation to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.”

Reflecting on Nigeria's journey since independence in 1960, Otu acknowledged the challenges confronting the nation but noted that the resilience, enterprise and determination of Nigerians had continued to sustain the country's hope for a better future.

“Nigeria has travelled a long road since 1960. Yet, through it all, the Nigerian spirit has endured. Our people remain resilient, enterprising and deeply committed to the hope of a better country,” he said.

The Governor said his administration remained committed to policies and programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of Cross Riverians, particularly through youth empowerment, stronger education and healthcare systems, support for enterprise, infrastructure development and increased investment. Reaffirming his administration's People First agenda, Otu said the government would continue to work deliberately towards creating a state where citizens could live peacefully, work with dignity and approach the future with confidence.

“We will continue to work deliberately towards a state where our people can live in peace, work with dignity and look to the future with confidence. But the Government cannot do this alone,” he stated. He therefore called for greater collaboration among Government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector, civil society organisations, young people and citizens, stressing that sustainable development required collective responsibility. Otu also urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the anniversary to pray for wisdom for leaders at all levels, peace in communities, protection for security personnel and comfort for families facing hardship.

“As we pray for Nigeria today, let us pray for wisdom for our leaders at every level. Let us also pray for greater unity in our country,” he said. On Nigeria's rich cultural and religious diversity, the Governor urged citizens to see their differences as a source of strength rather than division. "Our diversity should not divide us. We may come from different ethnic groups, speak different languages and practise different faiths, but we share one country and one collective destiny,” he said. He called on Nigerians to reject violence, respect the rule of law, promote peaceful coexistence and remain hopeful and committed to the task of nation-building.

In his sermon, titled “Using Your Past Testimonies to Unlock Your New Miracle,” the President of Christian Central Chapel International Faith Mansion World Centre, Archbishop Emma Gospel Isong, drew lessons from Exodus 15:22–27, recounting the experience of the Israelites at Marah after crossing the Red Sea. Archbishop Isong noted that although the Israelites encountered bitter water in the wilderness, God provided a way out through Moses, transforming their situation and turning what appeared to be a source of despair into sustenance.

He said the biblical account demonstrated the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in previous difficult circumstances as a source of strength and renewed faith when confronted with fresh challenges. The Archbishop urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, prayerful and confident in God's ability to transform difficult situations, while calling for continued prayers for the nation's leaders, peace across communities, protection for security personnel and greater opportunities for young people.

He also cautioned against divisive rhetoric and the indiscriminate criminalisation of political and public office holders, urging citizens to channel their grievances through constructive and solution-oriented criticism.

Rather than deepening divisions, Archbishop Isong encouraged Nigerians to promote unity, reject hatred and violence, and contribute positively to the development and image of Cross River State and Nigeria.

The thanksgiving service brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, members of the legislature, political stakeholders, civil servants and other citizens who joined in prayers of thanksgiving for Nigeria's 66 years of independence and the continued peace and progress of Cross River State.

Otu’s Adviser Unveils ‘Do the Right Thing’ Campaign for Environmental Responsibility

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, has introduced a social reorientation campaign, “Do the Right Thing,” aimed at promoting ethical conduct, civic responsibility and good citizenship among residents of Cross River State.

The initiative, which has received the approval of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, was presented by Gill on Monday during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, at the Commissioner’s Office, Ministry of Environment headquarters, Calabar, where he sought the ministry’s collaboration in taking the campaign’s message to the public.

Gill said the campaign was conceived to positively reinforce values such as integrity, honesty, respect, accountability and community spirit, stressing that it was “not a political campaign” and, at its initial stage, “not a punitive measure.”

According to him, the message is simple: “Do the right thing anywhere you are; on the road, in the office, in the car, at school, in the market and at all times.” He added that the campaign would encourage citizens to challenge wrongdoing constructively and become ambassadors of positive change.

Gill said the initiative would “largely contribute to the implementation of environmental regulations and programmes in the state” by improving public awareness and voluntary compliance, particularly on proper waste disposal, keeping drainage channels clear and avoiding activities that degrade the environment.

He therefore called for collaboration with relevant government agencies to deploy billboards, flyers, branded T-shirts, caps and other communication materials in markets, major public spaces and other strategic locations, saying the campaign would help create the consciousness required for effective implementation of government programmes.

Gill, while commending the ministry’s environmental interventions, particularly the desilting of drainage channels, said the measures had helped ease flooding in some areas previously prone to inundation.

Responding, Mensah welcomed the initiative and expressed the ministry’s readiness to support it, describing the campaign as “highly philosophical” and relevant to the task of restoring environmental consciousness among residents.

“We know what is right, but we deliberately don’t want to do it,” Mensah said, stressing that sustained reminders could help citizens become more conscious of their responsibilities and improve compliance with environmentalp regulations.

The Environment Commissioner called for the message to be taken to the public through billboards, social media and flyers, particularly in markets, citing a recent sensitisation exercise at Bogobiri where community leaders and traders responded positively after being reminded of their environmental responsibilities.

He urged residents to complement government’s efforts by properly disposing of waste and keeping their surroundings and drainage channels clean, noting that indiscriminate dumping contributes to blocked waterways and flooding. “Government still has to give you security, light and good roads,” he said, urging citizens to also support government by doing their part.

He further advocated consequences for persistent violations after adequate sensitisation, stressing that citizens who deliberately disregard environmental regulations should be held accountable. “We owe them duties to educate them, enlighten them,” he said, adding that persistent violations should eventually attract consequences.

The advocacy visit was attended by the Special Adviser on Environment, Hon. Effiom Otu; Director, Open Space and Development, Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), Mr. Francis Cobham; and Director, Environmental Quality Control, Mr. Akpa Agbo.