Cross River State Government Organize's a 2 Day Workshop on Training Needs, Facilitations and Learning Assessment for Departmental Training Officers in State Civil/Public Service

Iloke Egbe - MET&P

The Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions has organized a 2 day Training on Training Needs, Facilitations and Learning Assessment for Departmental Training in the State Civil/ Public Service held at Gomays Plaza Hotels, 90 Atekong Drive, Calabar.

Declaring the Workshop open, the Secretary to the Government of Cross River State Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh acknowledged that the Civil Service is a very critical institution and Civil Servants are the backbone of development. He charged participants to take the workshop very serious as a time of reckoning will come when diligent Staff will be recommended for higher responsibilities. According to the SGS, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu places premium on the people's first mantra.

In her remarks, the Commissioner, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions and host, Hon. Mrs. Lawrencia E. Ita informed that, the training is to rejuvenate and reposition the State Civil/Public Service to regain its lost Glory and also to respond to the changing needs which are essential to equip Staff with necessary skills and knowledge.

According to Mrs. Ita, Departmental Training Officers are at the heart of capacity building as they play a crucial role in enhancing Staff capacity and improve performance to drive Organization's  success in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies. She charged the DTOs to identify training needs and design effective learning Programmes, evaluate training outcomes as they impact on efficiency and productivity of the service. While acknowledging that designing and delivering effective training Programmes can be challenging, the Commissioner reiterated the importance of the workshop which seeks to equip the DTOs with the knowledge and skills to assist them perform their functions.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and VC/CEO, Cross River State Planning Commission, Pastor Dr. Bong Duke affirmed that human capital development remains the cornerstone of the present administration. The Governor, he emphasized, is totally committed to the strategic revitalization of the Civil Service to regain its pride of place. He added that the workshop is designed to identify areas of training needs and to technically provide a structure that will enhance routine training and also provide a robust framework for learning and sharing of knowledge.

Some of the topics discussed were, Basic functions of Departmental Training Officers, Development and Analyzing of a Training Plan/ Training Policy, System Approach to Training, Organizational Training Gaps/ Writing of Training Objectives, Managing difficult participants, Programme and Module Design/ Facilitations Designs, Psychology of Adult Learning, Learning Assessment/ Evaluation, Job and Organization Analysis.

Highlights of the training workshop included, goodwill messages by the Head of Service, Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng and the State Accountant-General, Dr. Mrs. Glory T. Effiong. A 7- man Communique drafting Committee headed by Mrs  Ekanem Okpa from Office of Auditor-General of the State, was constituted while the Resource persons included, Elder Chief Bassey Offiong Kooffreh,  Mr. Emmanuel Ogar Etta and Elder Egu Omini all retired Permanent Secretaries.

Dignitaries in attendance were; the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Barr. Peter S. Bisong, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Gertrude Odu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Establishment Matters, Dr. Mrs. Victoria Eyong and heads of training in the various MDAs in the State.

Unicross Alumni Celebrates Emergence of Ndifon, Ilok as Governing Council Members

Iloke Egbe 

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has congratulated Dr. Victor Ndifon and Comrade Ukam Ilok on their election as members of the university's Governing Council, representing the congregation.

In a statement signed by the Association National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peace Egbai the Association expresses delight at the emergence of the duo, who are proud products and good Ambassadors of the institution.  “We are particularly thrilled with their election because it signifies that products of the University have come of age and are now ready to take their rightful place in the decision-making process of the institution,” the release stated. 

According to Mrs Egbai, the election, which held across the three campuses of the institution on March 26, saw Dr. Ndifon, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, affirmed as the sole candidate from the teaching category with 452 votes. While Comrade Ukam Ilok, representing the non-teaching category, defeated three other candidates with 366 votes to emerge victorious. 

Announcing the results, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, Chairman of the Election Committee who announced the results noted that Dr. Emmanuel Etta, who contested from the teaching category, was disqualified based on a court order restraining him and others from participating in the election.

The Association is confident that Dr. Ndifon and Comrade Ilok will bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in their new roles by contributing meaningfully towards the growth and development of the university.

In his congratulatory message, the Chairman Board of Trustees of UNICROSS Alumni Dr. Barr. Ukam I. Ngwu on behalf of the board described the development as a very laudable achievement in the history of the Association. "We join our National Executive body to celebrate our worthy Ambassadors and wish them a successful tenure in office" he maintained.

Unicross Alumni Celebrates Emergence of Ndifon, Ilok as Governing Council Members

Iloke Egbe 

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has congratulated Dr. Victor Ndifon and Comrade Ukam Ilok on their election as members of the university's Governing Council, representing the congregation.

In a statement signed by the Association National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peace Egbai the Association expresses delight at the emergence of the duo, who are proud products and good Ambassadors of the institution.  “We are particularly thrilled with their election because it signifies that products of the University have come of age and are now ready to take their rightful place in the decision-making process of the institution,” the release stated. 

According to Mrs Egbai, the election, which held across the three campuses of the institution on March 26, saw Dr. Ndifon, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, affirmed as the sole candidate from the teaching category with 452 votes. While Comrade Ukam Ilok, representing the non-teaching category, defeated three other candidates with 366 votes to emerge victorious. 

Announcing the results, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, Chairman of the Election Committee who announced the results noted that Dr. Emmanuel Etta, who contested from the teaching category, was disqualified based on a court order restraining him and others from participating in the election.

The Association is confident that Dr. Ndifon and Comrade Ilok will bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in their new roles by contributing meaningfully towards the growth and development of the university.

In his congratulatory message, the Chairman Board of Trustees of UNICROSS Alumni Dr. Barr. Ukam I. Ngwu on behalf of the board described the development as a very laudable achievement in the history of the Association. "We join our National Executive body to celebrate our worthy Ambassadors and wish them a successful tenure in office" he maintained.

Unicross Alumni Celebrates Emergence of Ndifon, Ilok as Governing Council Members

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has congratulated Dr. Victor Ndifon and Comrade Ukam Ilok on their election as members of the university's Governing Council, representing the congregation.

In a statement signed by the Association National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peace Egbai the Association expresses delight at the emergence of the duo, who are proud products and good Ambassadors of the institution.  “We are particularly thrilled with their election because it signifies that products of the University have come of age and are now ready to take their rightful place in the decision-making process of the institution,” the release stated. 

According to Mrs Egbai, the election, which held across the three campuses of the institution on March 26, saw Dr. Ndifon, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, affirmed as the sole candidate from the teaching category with 452 votes. While Comrade Ukam Ilok, representing the non-teaching category, defeated three other candidates with 366 votes to emerge victorious. 

Announcing the results, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, Chairman of the Election Committee who announced the results noted that Dr. Emmanuel Etta, who contested from the teaching category, was disqualified based on a court order restraining him and others from participating in the election.

The Association is confident that Dr. Ndifon and Comrade Ilok will bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in their new roles by contributing meaningfully towards the growth and development of the university.

In his congratulatory message, the Chairman Board of Trustees of UNICROSS Alumni Dr. Barr. Ukam I. Ngwu on behalf of the board described the development as a very laudable achievement in the history of the Association. "We join our National Executive body to celebrate our worthy Ambassadors and wish them a successful tenure in office" he maintained.

CR/State Committee on Food and Nutrition Hold's First Quarter Meeting, Present Field Report.

Iloke Egbe - SPC 

The Cross River State Committee on Food and Nutrition has held it's first quarter 2025 meeting in accordance with the provisions of the State policy on Food and Nutrition. 

The meeting which was at the instance of the State Chairman Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio was an aspect of the policy design for the committee to reflect on their performance which enhance adjustment where necessary. 

Declaring the meeting open Mr Eyibio expressed satisfaction on the attendance during the meeting while emphasizing the essence of the meeting which is assessed Performance of members, share ideas and lessons learnt. He highlighted on the structure of the committee from Federal, State, Local Government and the ward.

According to him the State Planning Commission has the mandate to coordinate nutrition programmes, mobilize resources for implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies, carryout advocacy amongst key stakeholders and also carryout monitoring and evaluation for proper reporting to the Nigeria Governor's forum and national Council on nutrition and use the occasion to welcome members of the committee.

Highlights of the meeting was a review of the Food systems work plan to ascertain implementation by MDAs by the State Nutrition Officer Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana and PowerPoint presentation of reports from MDAs. Questions and answers and ratification of resolutions from last meeting. 

Some of the MDAs that presented their reports include the State Planning Commission, CRS Community and Social Development Agency, CR Agric Development Project, Ministry of Health. Others are Ministry of Water Resources, CRS Rural Water and Sanitation Agency RUWATSSA, Ministry of Agric and Irrigation Development, CRS Primary Health Care Development Agency. Included are Ministry of Youth Development, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education. 

In attendance was the special adviser to the Governor on cassava Venerable Referend Aqua, Prof. Mrs. Margaret Agiang, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment Mrs. Rosemary Onah, the project coordinator CR ADP Mr Emogor Bassey, Desk Officers from all the line MDAs. 

In a related development, the Cross River State Government has Inaugurated 9 additional Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition, with this development, CR State is the first State in Nigeria to Inaugurate LGCFN in all LGA in the State. 

Inaugurating the committee at the State Planning Commission, SPC building New Secretariat Complex Calabar. The VC CEO of SPC Pastor Dr Bong Duke reiterated the desire of the State Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to make Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027. He charged the committee chairmen to ensure that the good intentions of the Governor is implemented for the benefit of the people, adding that no Local Government should be the reason why the objectives are achieved. Adding that the Governor also wants to see the Local Government Areas that will help him achieve the objectives of his administration.

According to Mr Duke, CRSG has the best policies and structures on Food and Nutrition, has the highest number of MDAs with nutrition with nutrition budget and first in Nigeria to Inaugurate LGCFN in all the Local Government Areas of the State.

He acknowledged that with the abundant resources God has endowed the State with, Cross River State has nothing to do with Malnutrition and poverty.

Highlights of the meeting was the Inauguration of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition, presentation of the State policy on Food and Nutrition and the State action plan to each of the local governments vice Chairmen which by the State policy are automatic chairmen of the Committee in their various LGAs. 

The event also featured opening remarks by the State chairman of  Food and Nutrition committee Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio, presentation of the national Nutrition policy, organogram and reporting format by the State Nutrition Officer Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana, questions and answers and group photograph. 

The vice Chairmen and Local Government Areas Inaugurated are Hon. Egbung Odama Egbung, Vice Chairman Bekwarra. Hon Maurice Ndome, Ikom LGA, Hon. Obi Akan Law Boki LGA, Hon. Ekuma Ngwu, Biase LGA, Hon. Innocent Asam Amba Etung LGA, Hon. Ehie, Leonard Ogwu Obubra LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, Ogoja LGA, Hon. Katama Emilia Abang Akamkpa LGA and Hon. Rhoda Irung Ashong Obudu LGA. Also included was Hon. Glory Awowoh, Obanliku LGA.

Other dignitaries in attendance were Local Government head's of Administration, Council Secretaries, Local Government supervisors and members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition. Also in attendance was the Commission member in charge of Development Assistant coordination Prof. Amake, E. G.

CR. Youth Involvement is Very Strong in Nutrition Demography - Bong Duke

Iloke, Egbe - SPC 

The Chairman Chief Executive Officer Cross River State Planning Commission Pastor Dr Bong Duke, has disclosed that in Cross River, Youth are deeply involved in nutrition demography on the recognition that they are the future of the State. He made the assertion when he granted audience to youth wing of Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria CS-SUNN in his office, SPC building New Secretariat Complex Calabar. 

He acknowledged that youth present a fresh perspective and vibrant energy with the spirit of innovation and creativity which is very critical for the sustainability of Government policies and programmes. That Youth are also very influential at the community level which helps to drive behavioural change amongst their bracket.

He said to address youth specific issues, it is better to use the youth to talk to the Youth. He informed that the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is very proactive in his policies by  including the youth both in Agriculture, ICT, Small and Medium Enterprise and Education which can be seen in many Ministries like Ministry of Youth Development, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Health, Commence etc and the establishment of a full flesh University of Education all aimed at creating more space for the youths to be well integrated in the State scheme of things. 

He used the occasion to commend the youth wing of CS-SUNN for volunteering to be mentored on nutrition and it's related activities, adding that the Government doesn't want to leave any youth behind. 

Earlier the Coordinator of CS-SUNN Youth wing in the State Mr. James Agbor informed that 60 percent of Nigerian population is made up of Youth and the body has done much in terms of dialogue with stakeholders at different levels because many of the Youth segments don't know much about nutrition. 

Adding her voice, Lilian Okafor expressed her appreciation to the State for her leadership in the nutrition space through policies in other to reduce Malnutrition, and the inclusion of CS-SUNN in the State Committee on Food and Nutrition. She commended the Government for the 6 months extended pay maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers and informed that CS-SUNN is an international organization that picked Nigeria as a model, that in Nigeria Cross River and Bauchi States have made a lot of positive difference while soliciting for strong collaboration with CS-SUNN. 

The visit featured presentation by CS-SUNN group, questions and answers and group photograph.

In attendance were members of the State committee on Food and Nutrition including some members of the State Technical Working Group on Food and Nutrition.

CR/Govt, PILA, FAO GEF7 and Folur-IP Hold's First Multi-Stakeholder's Workshop, Adopt Communique in Calabar.

Iloke Egbe - MIDC 

The Cross River State Government in collaboration with International Development Partners operating in Agricultural sector for the promotion of Cocoa, Oil Palm, Coffee value chain and Forest landscape restoration has held it's first Multi-Stakeholder's Workshop aimed at bringing everyone in one table to agree on the protocol that will best serve the international community and the home fronts where the produce are cultivated. 

The workshop held at Metropolitan Hotel Calabar was to enable the funders of Folur-IP which operates only in Cross River and Ondo States to meet with other stakeholders from the 2 States and Federal Government officials. Declaring the workshop open the Secretary to the Cross River State Government Prof. Anthony Owan Enor informed that the Government is ready to support the work of development partners by creating the needed environment and is opening 6 additional new plantations in different locations as away of empowering her citizens to participate actively in economic Programmes. 

According to Mr Enor the Government have invested so much in crop productions like Cocoa, Oil Palm and Coffee more than any State in the Nigeria and the State is hopeful that in the nearest future the South South region of Nigeria will be known for Agriculture than oil. He acknowledged that Cocoa and Palm Oil are gotten in commercials quality from the State, transported to other States and rebranded for export . That Cross River State produces Cocoa more than Ondo, Ogun and Oyo States but benefit very little in comparison, stating that His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is ready to change the narrative and used the occasion to thank the project funders, national and State project management committees and all stakeholders at all strata.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata expressed a sense of excitement stating that a reflection on the four components of the project  indicate that the project is structured by design to leave or have a lasting positive impact on the people and the environment. That this has enhanced the acceptance and participation of the stakeholders at the 8 Local Government and beyond. 

In his words, let me draw your attention to one of the silent pillars of the success of this project which is the organization of small farm holders that will be given land title documents which will enable them have access to funding from financial institutions to improve their farming activities. This is very fundamental and revolutionary to the progress of farmers in the State mostly the Cocoa, Oil Palm with the inclusion of Coffee, adding that the State Government is very happy with the performance and commitment of the national and State management team. 

He acknowledged that the project by design have consciously mainstream gender participation and has organized many training workshops to different segments of farmers through clusters using the farmers field schools model. This is wonderful and again I commend stakeholders for the design of the project and the national and State management committees. That worthy of note is the knowledge Management Monitoring and Evaluation strategy which is meant to communicate progress, challenges and prospects of the project to stakeholders timely and regularly. 

The Participatory Informed Landscape Approach PILA first Multi-Stakeholder's Workshop is in support of FAO GEF7 Folur-IP Nigeria Project to promote Integrated Landscape Management and Sustainable Food Systems in the Niger-Delta.

The workshop featured paper presentations which includes integrated landscape assessments, summary of results from geospatial analysis, followed by restoration opportunities. Innovative solutions forum, presentation on climate smart solutions for Cocoa, oil palm and forestry by NIFOR, CRIN, Olam, Tulip Cocoa and Agro perfect solution. Others are Synthesis of desktop review on enabling environment for Integrated Landscape Management and Agroecology. Participatory interpretation of PILA-TAPE results and PILA behavior change assessment. Developing a common vision of the desire future landscape. 

The event also featured technical sessions on visual narratives group work, visual narrative in response to peer review and participatory visioning outcomes. Also there was high level policy discussions on facilitating inclusive titling of customary rights of occupancy of farmland by Local Government Areas. The EU Regulations on Deforestation free products and discussions on mainstreaming EUDR compliance in Nigeria.

Other highlights include breakout sessions, group work and presentations. Questions and answers, group photograph, adoption of Communique from resolutions reached and a vote of thanks by Folur-IP national project Coordinator, Prof. Oladapo Akinyemi.

Dignitaries in attendance were the project National Chief Technical Advisor Prof. Adebayo Shittu, Across section of members of the CR, State Executive Council, chairmen from the 8 LGA in Cross River State, representatives from Federal Ministry of Environment, representative of the Deji of Akure in Ondo State, chairman CRS Council of Chiefs, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, president CFAN and OPGAN, representative of FAONG, the 2 State Coordinators from Cross River and Ondo States, CBN. NGO's, etc.

SOCU-CR in Collaboration with NASSCO and NIMC Organizer's Stepdown Training for LGA Desk Officers, GRO's and Enumerators on SSR-NIM Integration.

SOCU-CR in Collaboration with NASSCO and NIMC Organizer's Stepdown Training for LGA Desk Officers, GRO's and Enumerators on SSR-NIM Integration.