NG-CARES Coordinator, Chief Henry Egbelo, Reaffirms Governor Otu’s Commitment to Postgraduate Students and Economic Empowerment

The Cross River State Coordinator of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), Chief Henry Egbelo, today received a delegation of postgraduate students from across the state in a warm and cordial visit at his office, where he reaffirmed the administration of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, CON, commitment to education, youth empowerment and improved livelihoods under the Governor’s “People First” mantra.

Chief Egbelo warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the students for their initiative, noting that their engagement reflects the inclusive and people-centred approach of the present administration.

The Coordinator further emphasized the Governor’s commitment to providing quality educational infrastructure through the NG-CARES programme. He particularly highlighted interventions being implemented through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) platform of NG-CARES, including the provision of standard science laboratories to schools across the state. According to him, such interventions are designed to improve the quality of teaching and learning while providing students with the facilities required for practical-based science education.

Chief Egbelo also drew the attention of the postgraduate students to the opportunities available under NG-CARES for economically active citizens. He encouraged students who are engaged in small-scale businesses, as well as those involved in smallholder farming, to consider organising themselves into viable cooperatives in line with FADAMA guidelines and NG-CARES implementation requirements.

He explained that participation through properly constituted cooperatives could position eligible groups to benefit from relevant interventions under the programme, particularly in areas relating to agricultural inputs, productive assets, livelihood support and economic empowerment.

“NG-CARES is not only about providing immediate support; it is also about building resilience, strengthening livelihoods and creating opportunities for people to become economically productive. I therefore encourage our postgraduate students who are already engaged in businesses or farming to explore the cooperative model in line with FADAMA guidelines,” Chief Egbelo stated.

Speaking further, the Coordinator assured the delegation of his continued support, both personally and in his official capacity, stressing that the NG-CARES office remains open to constructive engagement with students and other vulnerable and economically active groups across the state.

He acknowledged the financial and academic challenges confronting postgraduate students and reiterated that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to creating an enabling environment where citizens, particularly young people, can pursue education, develop sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

“His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, has consistently demonstrated that his administration places the people at the centre of governance. Education, empowerment and improved livelihoods are central to that vision. As NG-CARES Coordinator, I will continue to support initiatives that advance these objectives and ensure that eligible citizens are adequately informed about opportunities available under the programme,” he said.

The delegation expressed appreciation to Chief Henry Egbelo for the warm reception, valuable insights and reassurance of his support. They commended the strides of the Otu administration in education and economic empowerment and described the engagement as an important step towards strengthening collaboration between postgraduate students, government institutions and the NG-CARES programme.

Chairman of Assembly Service Commission Congratulates Members of Elders Advisory Council and CRS Consultative Executive Forum for their Inaugural Meeting and Communique Issued

Iloke Egbe 

The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon has congratulated the leadership of the Elders Advisory Council and Cross River State Executive Consultative Forum and members on their Inaugural Meeting  held at Mary Ekpiken hall, channel view hotel Calabar. 

The meeting which had in attendance over 200 hundred eminent Cross Riverians drawn from the three Senatorial Districts was chaired by a former Governor of the State, His Excellency Chief Clement Ebri CON with Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo Chairman, Cross River State Consultative Forum, Dr. Ochim Julius Okputu Secretary, Cross River State Consultative Forum and deliberated on far reaching issues and agreed on terms of reference for the forum which aimed to give the enlarged forum a strategic operational framework.

Ntufam Okon expressed excitement that the Elders Council is made up of men and women with visible track records in life and their attendance in the meeting is an indication that they are willing to continue their contributions and support to the development of the State.

According to him, the place of the elders advisory Council and consultative forum in the matrix of State development is like pillars in a building and backbone in human life. As it brings stability, inclusiveness and people centered policies and programmes implementations. 

He expressed his appreciation to the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for approving the constitution of the Elders Advisory Council  and the consultative Forum to serve in the Council and forum to advance value addition in service to the people. Adding that he believes the council will continue in unity courtesy of the leadership of His Excellency Chief Clement Ebri who has demonstrated the capacity and wisdom to coordinate the Council and forum.

The commission chairman also acknowledged the contributions of the Chief of Staff to the Governor Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar for playing a critical role by providing the necessary support for the forum operates smoothly. That the Governor has a dependable Chief of Staff who knows his jobs and is serving with humility. On the eight points Communique Issued at the end of the meeting, Ntufam Okon described it as the best position taken by the Council and has given a direction of where the council is focusing. That it will go a long way to reduce conflicts and promote political stability as the Governor in consultation with the Council and the forum will continue to express the State position even on national issues.

The Communique read in part: We, the members of the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council, a distinguished body of elder statesmen, former political office holders, and respected leaders drawn from the three senatorial districts of Cross River State - Central, Northern, and Southern - operating under the auspices of the Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF), having been duly inaugurated on Thursday, 11th December 2025, by His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State. RECOGNISING:

The critical role of the Council as the Chief Adviser to the Government of Cross River State, charged with providing strategic guidance, wise counsel, and constructive feedback to foster inclusive governance, sustainable development, and enduring peace across the state; ACKNOWLEDGING:

The imperative of a formal framework to guide the operations, functions, and responsibilities of the Council in the discharge of its advisory mandate;

COGNISANT: of the need to ensure clarity, transparency, and accountability in the Council’s engagement with the government and the people of Cross River State; NOW THEREFORE:

After exhaustive deliberations at its inaugural formal session held on this day, the Cross River State Elders Advisory Council hereby issues this Communiqué as follows:

Commenting on the endorsement of the President and Governor for a second term in office respectively, the chairman admitted that both the President and the Governor have done extremely well and they deserve a second term to consolidate their achievements, adding that the Governor is the answer to the quest for meaningful development in Cross River State, therefore, there is no option and no vacancy in Government House, that he is very proud of the bold steps and resolutions reached as it points that members of the committee are avest with the plight of the State.

Chairman House of Assembly Service Commission Congratulates Speaker and Members of the 10th Assembly

Iloke Egbe 

The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission, Ntufam Hon. Victor Okon has congratulated the speaker and members of the 10th Assembly for their successful end 3rd legislative year of quality legislation and oversight functions which has made the 10th Assembly very unique in the history of the State. 

Ntufam Okon disclosed this in his office, Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Complex Calabar while on a meeting with the commissioners and management staff

  in his office, stating that the House of Assembly Service Commission has enjoyed  relative peace and good working relationships with the leadership of the house and members.

The chairman thanked the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his fatherly role in the State which has enhanced the growth of the house businesses, He attributed the peace witness  across the State to the people oriented governance.

On the significance of the 3rd year  and racess embarked on by Honourable members of the House,  he informed that it's constitutional and members should used the period to reconnect with their constituents while those having oversight functions could used the period to carryout results based interface with those that are involved in the implementation of Government policies and programmes.

He advised Honourable members to also find time and rest and interact with their constituents as it would help them generate the needed feedback, adding that he is really happy with the speaker for his coordinative efforts and working harmoniously with members.

Adding his voice, the commissioner in charge of administration,  Sir Leonard Anyogo expressed excitement on the mutual relationship between the Honourable members and the Commissioners of the Assembly Service  Commission while thanking the Governor for providing a conducive atmosphere to them to work without friction. All Commissioners in the House of Assembly Service Commission were in attendance.

Security: Gov. Otu’s Most Underrated Achievement

Dr. Inyali Peter 

The most underrated measure of effective governance is peace. Governor Bassey Otu’s administration in Cross River State has achieved something worthy noting in the security sector. The administration has restored security and tranquility across the state but this achievement remains frustratingly underrated and constantly overshadowed by discussions of other development initiatives when people assess his tenure.

Before Otu assumed office, the State’s historic reputation for peace had shattered. Kidnappings terrorized major routes like the Calabar-Ikom highway, Itu-Akwa Ibom corridor, Akpabuyo region, UNICAL, Author Jarvis University, etc. The serene Calabar waterways became danger zones. Communal clashes erupted between villages. Cult clashes were on rampage. Militia violence gripped Calabar South, Bakassi, Boki. The state was synonymous with insecurity.

In over three years at the helm, Governor Otu has dramatically altered this trajectory. Kidnappings have plummeted on previously dangerous corridors. Communal tensions have eased significantly. Cult and militia activities have been substantially reduced. The waterways are safer. These aren’t speculative claims but observable changes that have restored confidence among residents and investors alike.

Unfortunately, when people discuss Otu’s administration’s achievements or asked what he has done, security rarely enters the conversation. It’s shocking how quickly transformative results become invisible in political discourse. This oversight is unfair and inappropriate because no achievement matters more to citizens than their ability to live safely.

Nevertheless, no society is completely crime-free; pockets of isolated incidents will inevitably occur. But the overall current reality is that Calabar, and indeed Cross River State have regained the status of one of  Nigeria’s safest cities and states. Governor Otu deserves is flowers for returning peace where chaos once reigned, for restoring the most valuable commodity any government can offer; security.

You are Contributing to Make our Cross River a Better Place State - Commissioner MIDC

Iloke Egbe 

As part of the objectives of coordinating Development Partners in the State which are to ensure the reduction in duplication of interventions by Development Partners and to aligned implementation of programmes and projects with each projects annual operational plan in line with the State priorities to serves as roadmap. 

The reporting process also serves as a strong evidence of the project implemented according to the workplan which demonstrate compliance to sets objectives. Beyond reporting compliance, presenting your workplan and achievements before stakeholders in the forum also speaks to the level of Synergies with related partners.

The dynamics of the forum made it easy for gaps to be identified where it exists and the right approach adopted to advance quality service delivery. This are some of the characteristics of the development partners forum.

The event held at FAO office, opposite Navy Field, State housing estate Calabar had 36 Development Partners operating in the State in attendance.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Dr Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata reiterated the importance the State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu emplace on development partners. He reminded partners that they are contributing to make Cross River State a better place therefore, there is need for more Synergies amongst development partners.

On his part, the alternate chairman and program Analyst UNFPA Dr. Shola Toye pointed out that contritions made by partners through technical assistance, financial resources, knowledge, innovation and programme implementation continues to complement Government efforts towards improving lives and well-being of our people.

Soliciting that presentations made should provide an opportunity to better understand what is achieved, the challenges being encountered and where collective actions may be required.

In his words, Mr. Toye said "as development partners, our effectiveness depends not only on the resources we mobilize, but also coordination, transparency, accountability, evidence based decision making and alignment with priorities of the State Government" he further encouraged all partners to use the forum to openly share lessons, identify areas of convergence, minimize duplications and explore opportunities for joint planning and resource mobilization and expressed his appreciation to MIDC and the Governor for providing credible leadership to partners.

In her contributions, the State Nutrition Officr Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana informed that Cross River State is set to launch food bank program and the State is first in the South South region of the country courtesy of His Excellency the Governor support. While the State Director of project REDD Dr. Donatus A. Adie appealed to partners to get them involved as some of their interventions helps in the reduction of Green House gases but are not well reported.

Highlights of the event were presentation of up to date project report by United Nations population fund

SUBEB Permanent Secretary Bow out of Service with Thanksgiving Mass

Iloke Egbe 

The Permanent Secretary Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Mr. Inyang Eyo Etta has bowed out of the State Civil Service after spending over thirty four active years with a thanksgiving mass held at St Anthony Catholic Church, Basin Satellite Town, Ikot Enebong 8 miles Calabar.

Advancing the essence of the Thanksgiving Mr Inyang Eyo Etta asserted that God has been very kind to him in the course of his career in the service which saw him ascending to different levels gracefully and hold vital positions of responsibilities successfully.

Reflecting on his humble beginnings and his journey in the service, Mr Etta admitted that he is retiring at the peak of the service cadre as Permanent Secretary and expressed his deepest appreciation to God Almighty who used the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as His instrument to uplift him.

He took time to thank the Governor for his selfless service to Cross Riverians citing fundamental reforms carried out and the Governor's goodwill in advancing initiative aimed at stabilizing and repositioning the Civil service. He used the occasion to thank the Management and Staff of SUBEB for the cordiality during his days and his family members for the support and understanding.

In his words, on my retirement I feel fulfilled that I started a career and ended with flying colours and I give God the glory.

"the privilege granted me by His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to serve as the Acting Chairman of Cross River SUBEB which really exposed me nationally and internationally and even within the State,  it was an elevation beyond my imagination. I was equally appointed Board Secretary and Permanent Secretary a rare opportunity for a single person. I am eternally grateful to his Excellency"

In an interview with the Officiating priest of St Anthony Catholic Church, Padua quasi parish, Ikot Enebong 8 Miles Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bassey stated that the initiative to thank God is an indication that he appreciates what God has done for him, that it also shows the connection between him and God. According to Rev Bassey, God will never abandon him because he is a good mixer that knows his boundary.

While the Director General,  Cross River Signage and Advertisements Agency CRISSA, Mr Ubong Sam described the celebrant as a devoured Christian who believes solely in God as symbolized in the return of the glory to God with a thanksgiving mass. He used the occasion to wish Mr Etta well in his future endeavors.

Adding her voice Mrs. Lawretta Anake, described Mr Etta as a humble gentleman, that his retirement will not deter him from the good works he is known for. On his part, a retired Director of administration from the Ministry of Information chief Thomas Atem stated that Mr Etta is not arrogant and his humility brought him to the level of permanent secretary, adding that Mr Etta is a humanitarian though quite, he is very hospitable.

Also Mr Simon Ntol, a parishioner asserted that Mr Etta hittarto is a good man, very accessible and helpful. That he demonstrates gentleness and God fearing.

While a retired Permanent Secretary in the State Mr. Chris Anake admitted that Mr Etta is a very committed human being in all his endeavors despite his simple and unassuming disposition. He affirmed that Mr Etta will not have issues and wished him well in good health. While the church public relations officer Mr Mgbado Chris described the celebrant as a very humble and active person who relates with people freely and appealed that Mr Etta should still make himself available to the Government.

Highlights of the event were prayers for the retired Permanent Secretary and family, thanksgiving offerings, dance and praise session and a retirement luncheon at the residence of Mr. Etta. Dignitaries in attendance were the Head of Service Mr. Bassey Orok Okon, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB Board, Fidelia Okpo Ene (Esq) in the company of all the Board members. Permanent Secretaries both retired and serving, friends, family members, parishioners and other well wishers.

Staff Welfare is a Priority to the Governor - Assembly Commission Chairman

Iloke Egbe 

The chairman, Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Ntufam Hon Victor Okon has asserted that Staff welfare remains a priority to the administration of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as the Governor has made himself accessible with a listening ear to the plight of the commission.

He gave the information during an interface with Staff in his office, House of Assembly Service Commission Complex Calabar while assuring that in no distance time the challenges noticed shall disappear one after the other, adding that any promise given by the Governor is like a bank note. 

In her contributions, the Permanent Secretary of the House of Assembly Service Commission Mrs. Jacqueline Banku Akpanke echoed the position of the chairman, adding that the Governor's promise is  a strong source of motivation, therefore,  Staff should put in the best and be patient as all that are seen as challenges shall be a  thing of the past.

Adding his voice, the Commissioner one in the commission Sir Leonard Anyogo reiterated that there is no reason for Staff to feel demoralized as the commission under the leadership of the chairman with the support members that are working as a team, the welfare of Staff is giving the required attention. That the Governor has been fully briefed on the status of the Commission and nothing shall cut short Staff expectations.

He assured Staff of the Governor's favourable disposition on matters that affect the commission. Other Commissioners also took time encouraged Staff to accept the position of the chairman as a team work which is for the good of the commission. Highlights of the meeting were questions and answers. 

In an interview with some Staff who were in attendance who alluded that the chairman is a man of his words, that under his administration there is evidence of progress as the myriad of challenges are reducing by the day.