CS-SUN in Collaboration with SCFN Commences Tracking of 2025 Budget Performance by MDAs

Iloke Egbe SPC 

The Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria, in Collaboration with Cross River State Committee on Food and Nutrition has commenced tracking of 2025 Nutrition Budget performance by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the State Civil Service with the aim of adopting empirical and more results oriented approaches in handling and implementation of Nutrition sensitive activities as captured in the State Budget by implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

In an interface with the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Budget Office Dr. Peter Uklala in his office. He admitted that the Nutrition Budget and activities have been substantially very successful in the first and second quarter of the year compare to previous years.

According to the Perm Sect, there is high possibility that the 3rd quarter will be more engaging with activities as the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has given his words on the scalability of budget releases in favour of Nutrition sensitive programmes. He assured the CS-SUN and SCFN that the Budget Office is ready to give necessary support to the committee and advised the committee to reach out when the need arises.

In his words, the State Director of Budget Mr. Benjamin Williams Ubi welcomed members of the committee, stating that Budget Office will always be willing to support CS-SUNN and SCFN in tracking and monitoring releases to ensure accountability. 

At the Ministry of Information, the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong advised that proper tagging on Nutrition Information, Education and Communication or publicity activities should be made in conjunction with all the officers that are involved in Budget preparation to avoid conflicts with general orientation activities or rejection by the Budget Office. 

The following Ministries, Departments and Agencies have 2025 budget approvals to carry out Nutrition activities with many gotten budget releases and have successfully implemented some activities from the Budget. There are Ministry of Health, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Ministry of Agric, Ministry of Environment and State Planning Commission. 

Others include Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youth Development, Ministry of Commerce, Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, Ministry of Education while Ministry of Information have join to increase awareness creation through strategic information dissemination, Education and Communication to key stakeholders in the Nutrition ecosystem.

Across section of members of CS-SUN and the State Committee on Food and Nutrition were in attendance led by the State chairman CS-SUN, including the Permanent Secretary SPC, Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio and members of SCFN.

Gov. Bassey Otu Chairs State Council on Nutrition

Iloke, Egbe SPC 

The State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has been inaugurated chairman, State Council on Nutrition.

Performaning the inauguration at the Executive Council Chambers of the State, Governor's office complex Calabar, the Governor expressed delight with the efforts of the State in the Nutrition ecosystem, stating that the requirements to be number one in the Country is achievable aspirations. He informed that the State is happy with the commitment of the Federal Government on the program. He informed that the State doesn't lack the political will to reverse the few weak scores which prevented the State to be at top but it's a process that must be followed.

According to the Governor before his assumption in office the Health and Education sectors were in bad shape  but a lot has changed positively with the inclusion of school feeding program that will commence once school resumes. He admitted that the State has increased in budgetary provisions but releases are slow while assuring more funding will be effected without delay.

The Governor affirmed that his administration is focus, in his words, we know where we are going, we need more support from the Federal Government as many of the program intertwined with Federal Government programmes. 

Other members of the Council include the VC CEO State Planning Commission Pastor Dr Bong Duke, vice chairman of the Council, RT. Hon. Hilary Obi Bisong, chairman House of Assembly committee on Health and food Security and nutrition member, State chairman of Association of Local Government Chairmen and chairman Yakurr LGA member,  Commissioner for Health Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, also included are Commissioner for Agriculture, that of Education, Commissioner of Finance and Women Affairs. 

Others are Commissioner for Information Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Water Resources, that of Environment Hon. Moses Osogi including SA budget and SA Food Security while the Permanent Secretary SPC Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio is to serve as Secretary of the State Nutrition Council.

Highlights of the inauguration was a PowerPoint presentation by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health and Focal Person Nutrition Office of the Vice President Mrs. Uju Rochas Anwukah.

Dignitaries in attendance were across section of members of the State Executive Council, Secretary to Government of the State, the Head of Service including the Deputy Governor RT. Hon. Peter Odey and some members from Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Nigeria Governor's forum.

We are Confident N774 Programme Will Address the Root Causes of Malnutrition in Nigeria- Gov. Bassey Otu

Iloke Egbe SPC 

The State Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has expressed excitement with the achievements recorded by the Federal Government through Nutrition 774 Initiatives being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President. The Governor disclosed this when he Flagoff a two Train the Trainers workshop for members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition and Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition held at the Metropolitan Hotel-Calabar.

The Governor represented by the Deputy Governor His Excellency RT. Hon. Peter Odey who asserting that as a Government the administration is committed to the good health and well-being of the people and it's the reason for agenda of making Cross Riverians the healthiest people by 2027 by putting the first.

He admitted that the N774 programme aligns with his administration policy trust in health, environment and education sectors to make quality healthcare reliable, affordable and sustainable through various interventions in WASH, Nutrition, Education and subcentres of the economy.

According to the Governor in the past two years, the State has shown commitment to improving key enablers for improved implementation of nutrition activities in the State evidence by the creation of nutrition departments in line MDAs and the establishment of Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition a cross the 18 LGAs in the State.

He affirmed that the State was first to implement 6 months pay maternity in the Country and develop a multi sectoral nutrition strategic plan to guide and ensure adequate release of funds to drive the plan. He further pledge his support for N774 with strong political Will at all levels of governance to ensure efficient, effective service delivery at all levels of implementation. 

According to the Governor in the coming weeks he is committed to reinstating creshe and releasing additional 60% of the 2025 nutrition budget to implement nutrition programme across MDAs. He reiterated that In the Coming weeks he is committed to revitalization of the creche, establishment of food and Nutrition Surveillance systems.

In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on public health and Focal Person on Nutrition, Office of the Vice President Mrs. Uju Rochas Anwukah admitted that the leadership of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has made the State one of the best performing States in accordance with the National Nutrition Scorecard. 

That a malnourished person cannot function in full capacity, cognitive development is stunted, creativity is suppressed, workforce productivity is diminished and by extension the growth of the economy is also dropped.

Highlights of the event was opening remarks by the Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Planning Commission Pastor Dr. Bong Duke, paper presentations, group work, questions and answers and group photograph. In attendance were members of the State and Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition, representatives from Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Development, Nigeria Governor's forum, Civil Society Organizations and the academia.

We are Serving Our State, let's Make it Better for Our People - Commissioner MIDC to Development Partners

Iloke Egbe MIDC 

The Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Hippolatus Lukpata has asserted that service to the State is service to people and as such it must be intentional, well Plan and deliver timely according to specifications.

He stated this during the monthly development partners meeting held at CUSO International Office 43/44 Nsefik layout off Marian Road Calabar. 

He informed that the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has assented to the State canterpart funds bill into law to demonstrate his commitment to the even development of the State by providing the needs of stakeholders in the development space. He affirmed that those who serve the people are serving God therefore, the essence of the coordination meeting is to share ideas and experiences where necessary to avoid delay or duplication of efforts and resources.

He called on development partners to support MIDC coordination efforts by providing the needed data to enable the State Government see the contributions of each partner in their area of operations.

He used the occasion to appreciate partners, management of MIDC for their commitment to the cause of developing the State and described the ambience of the meeting as very matured and standard given the way members comport themselves during proceedings.

Earlier, the alternate chairman of the meeting Mr. Innocent Ugbin expressed mixed feelings about the meeting given the attitude of some partners in relations to attendance and time management. He appealed to members to take the monthly meetings more serious by attending on time and by majority of projects coordinators. He welcome everyone to the meeting and appealed to them to make their honest contributions.

Adding his voice during interactions, the UNPFA Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst Mr. Lanre Alabi expressed appreciation to Cross River State Government stating that since 2005 the programme commenced in the State only the Government of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu paid canterpart fund, adding that the State is first in Nigeria with such support to UNPFA and it has encouraged them to double their efforts and programme in the State. 

He reiterated that Development Partners have the responsibility to involve the State through Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Reporting also to build capacity for the State by using desk officers adequately.

Other Highlights of the meeting was ratification of agenda, reading and adoption of previous minutes, presentation by MIDC Director of PRS Mr Ukam T. Edadi and a representative of the State Nutrition Office.. 

In attendance was project coordinators, MIDC Permanent Secretary Mrs. Helen Bessong and Mr. Chris Anake, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development, Civil Society Organizations, project Staff and Staff of MIDC.

NBS, World Bank in Collaboration with CR. Bureau of Statistics hold a 3 -Day Training Workshop on State Gross Domestic Product

Iloke Egbe-Calabar 

The National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank in collaboration with the Cross River State Government under the auspices of the Cross River State Bureau of Statistics (SBS) Hold's a 3- Day Training Workshop on the State Gross Domestic Product to  improve Staff capacity and knowledge on the compilation of the economic indicators.

Declaring the workshop open at the Conference Hall of Cross River Geographic Information Agency, the State Statistician-General Dr. Josephat Ogar informed that the workshop is intended to build the required skills of Staff in the computation of SGDP and economic analysis to support development planning and informed decision -making.

Dr. Ogar affirmed that SGDP enables the State to identify its economic potentials and areas of comparative advantage . He acknowledged His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of the State for supporting the State Bureau of Statistics to produce quality data for planning and data - driven policies . Besides, he urged the  Staff to take the opportunity very seriously to learn, and ask questions where necessary.

He used the occasion to appreciate the team from 

National Bureau of Statistics, the world Bank and the Cross River  Geographic  Agency for their support and collaboration.

The Statistician - General of the National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran represented by Mr. Simon Ode informed that the workshop on State Gross Domestic Product is a vital too for planning, stating that the workshop aimed to build Staff capacity to identify the 46 economic activities used by the National Bureau of Statistics in computation. Addressing the participants, he alluded that the workshop is first in the series of engagements aimed at helping staff to do their work with ease through capacity building. 

According to Mr. Ode due to economic dynamics occasioned by climate change activities and other development, Data should be updated regularly to meet the required standards and currency for usage. 

Some of the topics presented during the workshop include overview of State Gross Domestic Product, main principles and concepts of State GDP account. Method of State GDP computation. Allocation of GVA by industries, Country experience, peer review and practical cases, questions and answers including group photograph. 

Dignitaries in attendance were Mr. Chivuzor Eseilo Statistician from the NBS, Directors and heads of Departments and Staff of State Bureau of Statistics.

NUJ Commends Security Forces on Capture of Senior Ansaru Leaders

In a Media release by Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, National President.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) commends the Nigerian Government and its security forces for the recent successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking members of the Ansaru terror group.

The arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara'a) and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias Malam Mamuda), as announced by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, is a significant victory in Nigeria's fight against terrorism. Ansaru, a dangerous splinter faction, has been responsible for many of the country's most brutal attacks over the past decade.

This breakthrough, which was the result of sustained intelligence efforts, shows the bravery and professionalism of our security agencies. The digital evidence recovered from this operation is a valuable resource for dismantling terror networks and preventing future attacks. 

It also reflects a more advanced security strategy that prioritizes precision, intelligence, and long-term National Security.

The NUJ salutes the men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our country safe. We urge the Government to continue supporting our security institutions and ensure that justice is served quickly and transparently.

Terrorism threatens our peace, development, and democratic values. As Journalists and defenders of the public interest, the NUJ stands in solidarity with all efforts to restore lasting peace and security in Nigeria.

 We encourage all Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security efforts, and resist narratives that seek to divide us. Together, we will overcome.

Governor Bassey Otu begins Solar Electrification of 10,000 Homes in Cross River

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has launched an ambitious electrification project to power ten thousand (10,000) homes across the State using the Solar Home Systems. 

The initiative, which kicked off in Calabar South, Akpabuyo, Abi and Ogoja Local Government Areas is already recording remarkable progress, with installations rapidly taking shape across the communities.

Local Government Chairmen of the benefiting areas have lauded Governor Otu for what they described as intentional and people-centered leadership, commending his consistent efforts to place the welfare of Cross Riverians at the core of governance.

The Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency (CRSEA), Mr. Francis Ekpo, also expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and professionalism in the distribution of the solar systems. He assured that every LGA in the State will be covered, explaining that subsequent phases will extend the installations until all Local Government are reached.

Residents of the four pilot LGAs have welcomed the development with excitement, describing it as a life-changing intervention. They praised the Governor for prioritizing basic needs such as electricity and pledged their continued support for his administration beyond 2027.

The project is a collaboration between the Cross River State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abuja, with ASolar handling the installations. It is expected to improve access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy while boosting economic activities, Education and overall quality of life for rural households.

Gov Otu Signs ₦104bn Supplementary Budget into Law, Approves Roads, Electricity, Counterpart Funds Bills

Governor Bassey Otu has signed into law the Cross River State Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, injecting an additional ₦104 billion into the state’s budget and raising the total 2025 fiscal outlay from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the State Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar, Otu described the supplementary budget as a “strategic and deliberate intervention” to respond to shifting macroeconomic realities and seize new investment opportunities in critical sectors.

According to him, the new allocation will be deployed to fast-track the completion of key infrastructure projects, enhance agricultural value chains, strengthen healthcare and education, bolster security, and drive job creation through targeted investments.

“This supplementary appropriation will reposition our state for accelerated growth. Every kobo will be spent prudently for the benefit of all Cross Riverians,” the governor assured, while thanking the State House of Assembly for its speedy passage of the bill.

In addition to the appropriation bill, the governor also assented to three other laws, namely: the Cross River State Counterpart Funds (Amendment) Law 2025, which updates donor fund management structures; the Cross River State Roads Funds Law 2025, establishing a dedicated fund for rural and semi-urban road development; and the Cross River State Electricity Law 2025, providing a legal framework for state-level power generation and distribution following constitutional amendments.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the supplementary budget aligns with constitutional provisions and targets priority sectors across administration, economic growth, healthcare, justice, regional integration, and social services. He commended the governor’s fiscal discipline and pledged continued legislative support to drive the administration’s vision.

Hon. Osogi Conferred Obol Okammke 1 of Ugep Chieftancy Title

The Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Obol Okammke 1 of Ugep (Great Philanthropist) by the Ugep Community.

The title was bestowed upon Osogi by the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr and Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, during a ceremony at the Umor-Otutu Palace in Ugep on Friday.

Speaking during the installation, the Paramount Ruler stated that the conferment of the chieftaincy title was based on careful observation of Osogi’s lifestyle and activities, highlighting the numerous positive testimonies he had received about the Commissioner. 

"I have heard many commendable things about you, and it is clear that you are deserving of this revered historic title of Obol Okammke 1 of Ugep," he remarked.

The esteemed Monarch emphasized that Osogi has demonstrated through his actions that he is committed to sustaining his legacy as a philanthropist and helper. He prayed for the newly installed chief, proclaiming divine blessings, favor, guidance, and protection against all forms of evil.

In his acceptance speech to the honor, an evidently elated Osogi expressed gratitude to the paramount ruler of Yakurr and his cabinet for their acceptance and support. 

"Today is a special day ordained by God Almighty to reward my humanitarian gestures. Giving is an intrinsic part of my life that I embrace wholeheartedly, and I am overwhelmed by the title bestowed upon me," Osogi affirmed.

Describing the honor as historic, the newly conferred Obol Okammke 1 of Ugep, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Linda Moses Osogi, noted that the title symbolizes a strengthened bond between the Yakurr nation and the Anong Community, his hometown.

He thanked the Paramount Ruler and his cabinet for deeming him worthy of the prestigious chieftaincy title from the largest village in West Africa and promised to uphold the values associated with his title for the betterment of society.

The ceremony featured the reading of a citation by the Cross River State Commissioner for Transport, Pastor Ekpenyoung Cohbam, along with cultural dance presentations and goodwill messages.

The grand event attracted dignitaries from across the state, including members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, high-ranking government officials, women and youth groups, and staff from the Environment and Urban Development Authorities, as well as members of the Anong Community and others.