C/River State Govt in Collaboration with Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria Celebrate World Statistics Day

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government through the State Bureau of Statistics celebrate world Statistics Day in Calabar with the theme, the power of data for sustainable and inclusive Cross River State.

The one day event featured awareness creation and rally from the SBS office new Secretariat to eleven eleven and back to highlight the indispensable role of statistics in governance, development and accountability.

In her remarks, the acting Director of Statistics in the Bureau Mrs. Akedoh James informed that statistics is more than just numbers, it's the invisible thread that connects policy to performance, strategies to impact and development vision to measurable outputs.

That without accurate, timely and reliable statistics, Government can't plan effectively, track progress or deliver results that truly meet the needs of the people.

According to Mrs. James, the State is making deliberate efforts to place data at the centre of governance through the exceptional leadership of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and has recorded some achievements which includes.

Strengthening of administrative data systems to ensure credible and harmonized information across MDAs, produce strategic statistical publication such as the statistical yearbooks, fact and figures about Cross River State and the State SDG tracking report 2024.

Others include support for the conduct of CRS Gross Domestic Product in collaboration with the World Bank. Integrate statistical evidence into State Planning and budgeting process. Build the capacity of data producers and users in collaboration with development partners to enhance the quality of the State statistical output.

That this aligned with global recognition that data is the lifeblood of development in today's changing world where Government faces Complex Economic and social challenges. Reliable data is what helps in navigating uncertainty, make informed decisions and respond quickly to emerging needs.

Adding his voice, the State chairman Chartered Institute of Statisticians Cross River Dr. Imoke Etorti emphasized that the celebration of World Statistics Day is not just a ceremonial event, that it's a strategic reminder of our shared responsibilities as it challenges stakeholders to invest more in data systems and statistical capacity to foster inter-agency collaboration.

That this will ensure data coherence, credibility, and strengthen transparency and accountability through open data initiatives while leveraging on digital technologies for real-time data collection, analysis and dissemination.

Also highlighted was the challenges face while trying to meet target and recommendations as way forward.

NASSCO, World Bank in Collaboration with SOCU Intensify Public Enlightenment of Communities on NIM, NSR Integration in Calabar South

Iloke Egbe 

Some officials from National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office Abuja, and representative of the World Bank including Staff of the State Coordinating Unit SOCU have visited some communities in Calabar South to ascertain the ongoing field activities regarding the update of National Social Register and integration of National Indentification Number into household data of poor and vulnerable persons.

Addressing the people of Musaha Community, NASSCO representative and Head of Operations SOCU Cross River, Mr Godwin Ador explained the essence of the visit which centered on the need for communities to believe in Government programmes, policies and to participate actively to enable them benefit maximumly.

Mr. Ador reference the Rapid Response Register that a lot of people are benefiting from, including the Cash transfer that a lot of people are already benefiting from, urging them to speak about it successes to their neighbours and not to keep it to themselves making it look like Government policies and programmes are not empirical from it's concept or working.

According to Mr. Ador, Federal Government doesn't want related names to create confusion during payment which may cause genuine individuals to missed their opportunities to benefit from interventions therefore, the request for NIM integration is for the good of every stakeholder. That going forward every interventions must be accompanied with NIM details and it's free from start to finish as Government takes responsibility for the cost implications.

In his contributions, the Councilor for the Ward 12, Hon. Moses Edet expressed excitement on the visit by the join team stating that his people feel neglected by many interventions which there are not made to benefit from, adding that the number of beneficiaries are too negligible that the essence of the programme is almost lost completely given the number of persons that have made applications.

He appeal to the Federal Government to intervene in the gulley erosion that has become a disaster and has claimed many lives and property's running into billions as the community have lost a whole market, buildings and landmass spaning over 1000 km in length with a depth of  19ft and 12ft wide. According to Hon. Eyo the community also needs health Centre, portable Water and improved electricity supplies.

The same feedback was received from  Richard Henshaw in Ward 8, while in Anderson Ward 4 the Councilor of the Ward, Hon. Williams Cobham also thank the team for a thoughtful visit adding that it will be better if there is a feedback mechanism, because people are benefiting, but names of beneficiaries should be published for people to know who the beneficiaries are. 

According to him there is a lot of under dealings in cash transfer as beneficiaries are not allowed to withdraw the money at their convenience, a times you can't withdraw the money even when the money is in the account and after a while the money is no longer found in the account and the affected doesn't know how to seek redress on the matter, while urging investigation and redress for the affected. He appeal that the number of beneficiaries should be increased to accommodate more persons.

Highlights of visit were enrollment update by enumerators, Nim integration, questions and answers including group photograph.

Other communities visited include and visited were Anantigha Ward, Efut Ikot Ekpe and in all the Wards the Councilors mobilized their people including chiefs to receive the team and also participated actively in the exercise.

The Capacities of Women are Amazing and the Menfold are Beginning to Understand this - MIDC Commissioner

Iloke Egbe MIDC 

The Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata has affirmed that the Capacities of Women are Amazing and the manfold are beginning to understand this position by the way women are now accommodated through policy framework and in the social spaces. He stated this when he granted audience to a representative from the UN Women led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, in his office MIDC.

He said the manfold need to sit down and analyze the content of a woman to fully understand how valuable they are, pointing out that Africans are beginning to appreciate the burden women carries in managing the home front for the family.

He appreciated the UN Women efforts and advised that for sustainability, there is need for the Governor to be fully briefed through due process to enable the required institutions that would showcase activities which will develop the care economy in the State, adding that the Governor have already put in place the enabling framework with the appointment of SA. Gender Mainstreaming.

Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Governor's Office, Hon. Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke  pointed out that a lot of care services are done by women, like market, children and family attention, work, etc, therefore there is need for a care Policy and the Ministry to handle it is MIDC. She also chronicle efforts and activities carried out touching on the technical working unit and the position of Cross River as the first State in Africa to join Global Alliance for Care.

In her contributions the UN Women National Programme  Associates, Mrs. Aisha Bellow, informed that Cross River State is known for domestic care services which is honest and honourable job as people even travel abroad like USA, UK etc, seeking for such opportunities, but it's looked down at home.

According to the Mrs Bellow, if data of domestic workers are made available, people from other parts of the world can source it and it would be recognized as a formal sector that can contribute directly to increased the State GDP. Adding that research has been carried out with results pointing out the potential in the sector which can generate 11 million jobs for Nigerians.

She further informed that Cross River State is the only State in Africa to join Global Alliance for Care and the State received a congratulations from UN Women headquarters. She said her office would continue to work and include more none governmental organizations as to create more opportunities while appealing that a coordination mechanism be put in place to enable their efforts be more results oriented

Adding her voice, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Helen Bessong expressed excitement on the success already achieved for recognizing efforts of women in managing the family, pointing that some have love for their country to the extent that they reject opportunities to travel abroad. She advised that their efforts should be spread to all parts of the State. 

Other highlights of the visit include a vote of thanks by the Deputy Director Administration in the Ministry, princess Ekaete B. Oku and group photograph.

Governor Bassey Otu Empowerment Train Arrives Ikom Council for a 3 Day Training and Empowerment Programme for the People of Ikom, Boki and Etung Council Wards

Iloke Egbe 

The Training Programme organized by the Cross River State Government in Collaboration with InterWave Solutions International USA through the Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development has arrived Ikom Local Government Council venue for the training of Cross Riverians from Ikom, Boki and Etung Local Government Areas respectively.

In his remarks the Commissioner, Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development,  Hon. Kingsley Egumi affirmed to participants that, Cross River State Government is thrilled to see so many motivated individuals from Ikom, Boki, and Etung here today who are ready to embark on the exciting journey of becoming masters of their economic empires.

Hon. Egumi informed that  the purpose of the programme is to equip participants with the essential tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable and successful Businesses in life. He acknowledged  the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his Humanity and Passion for the people of Cross River State, most especially the people of Central Senatorial district.

The training centered on

How to be self reliance in business and how to apply the 6 Ps of business which are; Planning, Product, Process, Price, Promotion and Paper work. How to make and keep commitment and implementation of money management strategies. How to make a home quality of life plan, Planning to be involved in community service.

Others include how to set powerful goals, how to know what to sells and how to separate business money from personal money. Also discussed was how to pay themselves salary, or commission, how to save regularly and how to make and follow personal budget in business. How to keep records, record income and expenses at the point of sales and how to create income statement and to avoid selling on debt, etc.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Anake admitted that, it is indeed commendable to note the ongoing InterWeave Master of Business Training is designed to take place across the 196 wards in the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State. That  the InterWeave Master of Business Training is carefully designed to equip participants with the fundamental principles of business management in today’s competitive environment. Its primary objective is to empower trainees with practical knowledge and essential skills required to attract and retain prospective customers, buyers, and clients.

While alluding that the overarching goal of this program is to make participants productive, self-reliance, and enterprise-driven. That the Master of Business on the Street approach, in particular, has proven to yield more tangible results than many conventional business degree programs, as it emphasizes hands-on learning, real-life application, and measurable impact on the participants’ livelihoods and expressed his sincere appreciate to the Governor and the Hon Commissioner for embracing the InterWeave Solutions Project and for its strategic collaboration with the Ministry.

Adding his voice, the Director of Training in the Ministry, Mr Louis Ibok encouraged participants to see the opportunity as an answer to prayers, while the State Director InterWave Solutions International USA Ambassador Chris Albert Okoi called on participants to be free to express themselves where necessary as the objectives of the programme is for participants to benefit maximumly from the engagement.

Highlights of the event was questions and answers from participants and group photograph.

Elder Dr. Mary Julius Egbai Conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Ntunkae by the Ndidem of Qua Ejagham Nation

Iloke, Egbe 

The Commissioner  in the State Planning Commission in charge of Projects Inspectorate Department, Elder Dr. Mary Julius Egbai has been conferred  as Ntunkae by the traditional Council of the Qua Ejagham  in Calabar. The event which held at the Ndidem's Palace, Asim Ikang Street, Big Qua Town in Calabar Municipality was part of activities marking the 5th coronation Anniversary of the Ndidem of the Quas and Ejagham  Nation.

Her husband, Elder Ohbort Dr. Julius Michael Egbai was also installed as Ntufam on the occasion.

Presenting certificates of title, the Ndidem, His Royal Majesty Ndidem Dr. Eta Bassey Eteta lll, grand Patriarch of Ejagham Nation, Paramount ruler and president traditional rulers Council, Calabar Municipal read out the well worded writings in the certificate stating as follows

Qua Ejagham Nation, certificate of honourary Chieftancy Title. This is to certify that the grand Patriarch of Ejagham Nation, Ndidem of the Qua, Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality and president, Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council has Conferred the honourary highest Chieftancy Title of Ntufam and Ntunkae Oneng, (prestige) of Qua Ejagham Nation on Elder, Hon. Dr. and Elder Dr. Mrs. Julius Michael Egbai as a deserving Honour for excellence and meritorious services to the Qua Nation and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Highlight  of the event was role call on those to be installed as Ntufam and Ntunkae, moment with the Ndidem, traditional dance and group photograph. The event had in attendance family members, friends, and associates of the celebrant, including the Vice chairman / CEO Cross River State Planning Commission Dr. Bong Duke. The event  ended with a well attended reception.

C’River NUJ Felicitates Gov. Otu at 66, Hails Him as Media-Friendly Leader

iloke Egbe 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has felicitated Governor Bassey Otu on the occasion of his 66th birthday, describing him as a visionary and media-friendly leader whose administration has continued to transform the fortunes of the state.

In a goodwill message signed by the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, the union extolled the Governor’s calm but purposeful style of leadership, noting that his inclusive governance approach has rekindled public confidence and set Cross River on a steady path of development.

According to the statement, Governor Otu’s commitment to partnership with the media has created one of the most conducive environments for journalism practice in the country, earning Cross River the enviable reputation as the “Safest State for Media Practice in Nigeria,” as recognized by Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development.

“Your Excellency’s open-door policy, respect for press freedom, and continuous engagement with journalists have elevated the state’s media landscape and strengthened the democratic process,” the statement read in part.

While congratulating the Governor on his new age, the NUJ prayed for God’s grace, wisdom, and good health to enable him continue steering the affairs of the state with courage, compassion, and fairness.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Otu administration through objective and developmental reportage aimed at promoting good governance and public enlightenment.

Ahead 2027: APC Strong Enough to Manage Defections, Expectations — Gov Otu

Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most formidable political platform in Nigeria, capable of managing the wave of defections and the expectations of both new entrants and long-standing members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the quarterly meeting of the APC Governors’ Forum in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Governor Otu attributed the growing attraction to the ruling party to what he described as “the steady and deliberate revival of Nigeria’s economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“The attraction is simple,” he said. “The economy is growing, and it’s very clear that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is doing the right things. Everyone who truly desires progress and the growth of Nigeria is naturally gravitating toward that direction. People can now see a clear path of economic recovery and stability.”

The governor dismissed insinuations of internal tension within the party, assuring that the APC has the structure and maturity to harmonize interests between its founding members and new joiners. “From the day you join APC, you have equal rights,” Otu stated confidently. “The machinery put in place is such that there will be no issue. Our main agenda is not about internal politics but about delivering to Nigerians the dividends of good governance.”

According to him, the focus of the APC under President Tinubu remains the transformation of the national economy, deepening democratic governance, and ensuring that citizens feel the tangible benefits of reforms being undertaken at both federal and state levels. “It’s not about who came first or last,” he emphasized, “it’s about uniting to build a country that works for everyone.”

Responding to questions on the 2027 elections, Governor Otu said the performance of the administration and the trajectory of its policies already provide strong grounds for optimism. “The policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda are delivering real results,” he explained. “This meeting is for retrospection, alignment, and collaboration—to ensure that as governors, we are all moving on the right path of sustainable development.”

The Cross River governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress being recorded nationwide, citing improvements in key sectors. “From the indices and the physical results, we are doing very well. The country is moving in the right direction,” he asserted. “There’s visible improvement in almost all areas, and if you check today, agriculture has contributed even more than oil. That is a testament to true diversification.”

Governor Otu maintained that the APC government’s economic reforms were not only stabilizing the macroeconomic environment but also promoting inclusivity across the federation. “Nigeria is on the proper path to recovery,” he reiterated. “It’s good for inclusive governance, and that’s why everyone should come together to deliver on this collective agenda.”

He concluded with a note of confidence and unity, urging Nigerians to sustain their faith in the Renewed Hope project. “We are actually doing it,” Otu declared. “The results are showing, and with continued collaboration, we will deliver the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Cross River Govt. Commences 2nd Phase Empowerment Programme with Training of Artisans in Central Senatorial Districts.

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government in Collaboration with InterWave Solutions International USA have commence 2nd phase Empowerment Training Programme for Artisans in the Central Senatorial Districts of the State.

The event which held at the Yakurr Local Government Council Secretariat Complex Ugep, was declared open by the Commissioner, Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development. Hon. Kingsley Egumi who admonished participants to see the opportunity extended to them to engage successfully in businesses of their choices by the Governor as an act of goodwill and should not be abused, as such privileges are not common.

He reiterated series of programmes and efforts by the Governor which aimed at changing the narratives that portray the State as Civil Service State whereas there are more opportunities for prosperity in businesses than politics. 

According to the Commissioner, it's wrong for many young graduates to see politics as their sole and first choice of careers when they can do so much for themselves to better their families, Communities and the State in general.

He described the partnership existing between the State and InterWave Solutions International USA as mutual, cordial and credible. That in the nearest future millionaires will spring up in all communities courtesy of the good work and plans of the Governor.

Adding his voice, the Country Director, InterWave Solutions International USA Ambassador Dr. Exodus Exuku, informed that one of the objectives of the programme is to help participants change their minds set to self reliance, and encouraged them to have open mind during the training, learn and ask questions where necessary, adding that InterWave Solutions International have been in Nigeria for over 15 years with good and visible records. 

On his part the State Director, InterWave Solutions International Ambassador Chris Albert Okoi stated that the mandate of his office is to move people from poverty to prosperity through neighbourhoods self reliance and affirmed that a lot of progress has been made. 

The theme of the training Programme is from poverty to self reliance, while some of the topics are How to identify business in your locality and how to put up a business plan. Financial Management in the course of doing  business. Others include Various approaches to customers, how to lure customers to buy your products.

Stock taking of daily sales, which enable business operators to forecast in the planning process.

The Ugep Centre for the training has participants from Abi, Yakurr and Obubra Local Government Areas. In attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Anake, the Director of Training and Development Mr. Louis Ibok.

South South Stakeholders Gather in Benin City for a 2 Day Zonal Consultative Meeting, Review of National Policy on Food and Nutrition

Iloke Egbe SPC Calabar 

Stakeholders in the 6 States of South South gather in Benin City, Edo State for a 2 Zonal Consultative Meeting and review of the national policy on food and Nutrition. The event held at Limoh suits, GRA, Benin City is to enable stakeholders make their contributions to the draft policy on Food and Nutrition to enhance buying in and participation by relevant stakeholders.

The draft policy has 5 chapters and spotlights background of the policy, food and Nutrition situation in Nigeria, national policy on food and Nutrition in Nigeria, Nigeria progress towards global nutrition targets, programmes context and social cultural and economic context.

Also in the draft policy are guiding principles of the policy, conceptual framework, vision, objectives and targets of the policy and theory of change of the policy. While chapter 3 deals with strategies, transform food systems to increase food security at all levels and promote ultimal nutrition in the 1st 1000 days of childbirth. 

Including increase access to nutrition sensitive, Water, sanitation and hygiene services. Institutional framework and implementation plan, partners and professional bodies, resource mobilization, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.

In an interview with some personalities and participates, Dr. Duro Clement Dolapo a consultant to Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning described the review meeting as very vital in creating a policy that will stand the taste of time and meet the people's needs and commend participants. While Mr Davidson Ogeh, from Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning expressed excitement on the progress of work done and the commitment of stakeholders. Dr. Esiese Efeomon, also expressed pleasure to organizers of the meeting adding that there is room for improvement. 

While chief Uwaifoh James, chairman Nutrition society Edo State chapter describes the event as very strategic and meaningful. According to him the Policy before now did not cover a wide range of vital aspects of concern respect of food and Nutrition, but it's now very focus and professional to address wide range of issues and challenges. He advised participants to see themselves as change agents due to their valuable contributions to the document which will bring about positive development.

Highlights of the event was a PowerPoint presentation of the draft policy overview and review process, breakout sessions and discussions, sharing of findings, clarification of issues, goodwill messages from Stakeholders, and group photograph.

In attendance were delegates from Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States. Others were from consultants, Civil Society Organizations and Staff from Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Abuja.