Transformation of Food Systems is to Ensure Food Security, Nutrition, Health and Environmental Sustainability-Governor Otu

Iloke, Egbe 

The Cross River State Government has restate it commitment to the transformation of Food Systems to ensure food security, nutrition, health and environmental sustainability as a significant concern of Government, researchers and stakeholders across countries of the world.

The Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu represented by the State Deputy Governor, His Excellency RT. Hon. Peter Odey made the assertion while addressing the South South and South East States during a 2 day review meeting held at metropolitan Hotel Calabar. 

The Governor expressed delight to play host to States in the 2 geopolitical zones, while affirming that food systems actions affect people's health, nutritional status, livelihoods, environment, economy, climate and other social activities that make up a society. 

In his words, in CRS since the inception of the administration we have taken frantic efforts to address food system actions across implementing sectors by addressing basic constraints leading to food availability, accessibility, affordability and desirability. Adding that, we are intentional about key objectives of this administration which aims to make Cross River State a State with the healthiest citizens in Nigeria by the year 2027. That institutional framework and policies are currently working to review regulations which aim to guide the process.

According to the Governor, the administration is aware of the prevailing adverse statistics on food and nutrition indicators and is more determined to reduce those ugly indices to the barest minimum. Speaking further, he affirmed the openness of the State to support collaborations from partners and other States in the zones, expressing his believe in the State team work which will improve efficiency of food systems while creating the intended impacts across the zones. 

He also expressed the hope given the caliber of persons in attendance, the meeting will inform better strategies and innovations that will shape conversations around food systems transformation and transitions that are sustainable for the betterment of our people.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer CRS Planning Commission, Dr Bong Duke informed that SPC is please to have delegates in attendance and for the safe travels. Stating that SPC is a parastatal with the mandate to formulate development plans as well as coordinate sectoral policies for the State and mandated to coordinate food systems actions in the State while ensuring that other food systems actors implement actions that contribute to the transformation agenda in a timely and efficient jointly and collaboratively.

According to the VC CEO in Cross River State efforts are ongoing to transform the State food systems particularly since the takeoff of Prince Bassey Edet Otu led administration has brought innovations and strategic ideas poised to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, create access to safe and nutrition foods in an environment ally sustainable manner that will improve the health and wealth of Cross River.

Some of the topics discussed during the event were: Review of food systems transformation implementation strategies, meeting objectives and expectations by the SPC Permanent Secretary Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio, implementation progress by each State, financing and resource mobilization for food systems transformation and interactive session to draft next steps for implementation and coordination.

Some of the guest speakers were Dr. S. O. Faniran, national convenor of food systems in Nigeria, Prof. Toyosi Idowu, Joyce Akpata and Nkem Eyong Ubana from SPC.

Dignitaries in attendance were from all the States in the South South and South East zones in Nigeria and featured goodwill messages from stakeholders across the line MDAs, group photograph and a communique from the meeting.

UNICROSS ALUMNI WANTS PERMANENT SOLUTION TO VARSITY LEADERSHIP CRISIS

The University of Cross River State Alumni Association commends Governor Bassey Otu, the Visitor to the University, for his consistent commitment and support to the institution since taking office. Notably, despite the nation's challenging times, the Governor has prioritized the university's needs, including ensuring steady salary payments, approving the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine, and successfully relocating the Obubra Campus to the Okuku satellite campus, thereby streamlining campus operations.

Despite remarkable efforts, the University has been embroiled in a crisis surrounding the legitimacy of its leadership. A contentious issue has been the tenure of the current governing council, with internal members having exceeded their statutory four-year term, as stipulated in the University Establishment Law, by over a year and getting to two years. This protracted tenure has created a logjam, preventing the congregation, Senate and Convocation from holding elections to replace or re-elect outgoing members, as their terms are tied to that of the governing council.

While the governing tenure remains a contentious issue, the alumni Association is also deeply concerned about the legitimacy of the current management, particularly in light of Section 3(3) of the First Schedule of the University's Establishment Law. This provision stipulates that in the event of a vacancy in the Vice Chancellor position due to death, incapacitation, or removal from office, the Visitor to the University shall appoint an Acting Vice Chancellor to serve for a period not exceeding six months.

However, the current Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. David Abua Ogar having served a six- month tenure in Acting capacity as stipulated by law, initially from November 17, 2019, to May 6, 2020, one would have expected that he should have been re-appointed in a substantive capacity as he has all the credentials to lead the institution as its substantive Chief Executive Officer. His reappointment in an acting capacity on August 31, 2024, raises questions about the governing council vis-a-vis the government’/ adherence to the institution's laws.

The alumni had initially perceived his reappointment in acting capacity as a misstep or the activation of the doctrine of necessity by the governing council because of the leadership crisis in the university at the time therefore opted to remain silent to avoid exacerbating the already tense atmosphere. However, with the former substantive Vice Chancellor's suspension exceeding six months and the current Vice Chancellor's re-appointment also exceeding three months (nine months all together), the government's silence has become increasingly concerning. The association had anticipated a clear directive from the government regarding the former Vice Chancellor's fate or an advertisement for a substantive replacement at least from the date the current VC clocked three months, but the prolonged silence has only added to the uncertainty.

Unequivocally, the interpretation of section 3(3) of the UniCross Establishment law is simple; on no condition should a particular person serve for more than six months. But it can be less but not more. For instance, Prof. Emmanuel Ingwu was appointed Acting VC of UniCross for just one day before. Both Professors Joshua Akon and Prof. Augustine Angba were appointed Acting VCs for initial period of three months. Although they were both eventually reappointed after finishing their initial three months, on announcement, the governor stated clearly that their appointments were for three months. This lay credence to the fact that one can act for less than six months but no more on no account.

Given the foregoing, it has therefore become imperative for the association to remind the governor about the uncertain leadership situation at the university. As we've previously stated, stability is important for the university's growth, particularly in aligning with the Governor’s People's First agenda. However, the lingering question mark over the leadership's legitimacy hinders this stability. While some argue that the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor in between can justify the reappointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor who previously exceeded the legally allowed term, the facts remains that this reasoning contradicts the University Establishment Law and the Nigerian Universities Miscellaneous Act (1993).

This argument is fundamentally flawed, suggesting that a former governor or president who has served the maximum eight-year term can recontest if there have been intervening administrations. For instance, it implies that His Excellency Mr. Donald Duke, who previously served as Governor of Cross River State, could run again simply because two governors have held office since his tenure. This reasoning not only defies logic but also contravenes the explicit provisions and underlying principles of the institution's founding laws. There’s also the question of the reasoning behind considering Prof. Ogar only good enough for acting appointment and not substantive. 

Nevertheless, it is the alumni's considered opinion that the governor should scrutinize the records to determine if the current council is legally qualified to oversee the appointment of a new substantive Vice Chancellor, having also exceeded the legally allowed four-year term without extension or reconstitution. If found to be qualified, in line with the law establishing the institution, he should direct the council to advertise for a new VC immediately, where Prof. Ogar can be confirmed as substantive VC or another qualified person appointed for the stability of the institution. However, if the council's tenure is deemed illegitimate, the association urges the governor to constitute a new council promptly, ensuring the university's progress through the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor.

We urge the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice to provide a clear interpretation of the university laws to the Governor, ensuring that all decisions align with the existing laws. Specifically, we request guidance on the suspension and appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor, which we believe exceeded the legal authority of a governing council, or was ultra vires, tenure of office of an acting Vice chancellor and other principal officers, etc. A citadel of learning like UniCross cannot afford to perpetuate errors, as the consequences would be dire for the institution. The alumni association particularly fears that if the legitimacy of the university's leadership were challenged in court, key decisions - including promotions and the validity of certificates - could come under serious scrutiny, jeopardizing the university's reputation and the future of its students.

e-Signed:

Comrade Inyali Peter, Ph.D.

National President/Member of Council

Unicross the leadership challenge,why the Governor should act now

UNICROSS ALUMNI WANTS PERMANENT SOLUTION TO VARSITY LEADERSHIP CRISIS

 

Building Staff Capacity is our Priority - Commissioner of Health 

By Iloke, Egbe 

The Commissioner Cross River State Ministry of Health Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk has asserted that the priority of Government is the development of human resource by building their capabilities through periodic training and retraining to enhance the adaptability of Staff to current trends and technologies.

The Commissioner stated this while declaring open Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition Train the Trainers workshop held at Adsuits Hotels Ikot Effa off Parliamentary Calabar. The Commissioner affirmed that the strategy is to enable communities benefits from Government investments in critical sectors to better the lifestyles of Cross Riverians.

According to the Commissioner his presence at the event is a testament of the commitment of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to the improvement of the living standards of Cross Riverians. He acknowledged that nutrition plays a vital role in the health of children, stating that malnutrition is a significant global challenge with 2 million children in Nigeria suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

In his words 23% of children the experience stauntiness and that the good news is that Government is ready to reposition the State as the healthiest people in Nigeria. That in addition to what the State has done through budget provisions and release including the creation of nutrition developments in many line Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Government will provide the needed support to maternal Young infant and child nutrition.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Primary Healthcare Developer Agency Dr. Etim Ayi said the importance of nutrition cannot be over emphasize while quoting UNICEF that the first 1000 days of life from conception is very key and deserves protection as any complications that occurs within that period may not be easily reversed.

Dr. Ayi expressed excitement on the training, the caliber of persons in attendance and the interest demonstrated by participants and the team of resource persons while tagging participants as nutrition Ambassadors. Dr. Ayi expressed the believe that with train the trainers workshop, participants will help change the nutrition data, status and indices in Cross River State. 

The 8 day train the trainers workshop was jointly organized by the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, CRS Ministry of Health and had participants from line MDAs, the 18 Local Government in the State, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, the Media, NAFDAC and members of the States Technical Working Group on nutrition.

The event featured breakaway session, questions and answers, goodwill messages, distribution of workshop materials, group photograph and a vote of thanks by Dr Winifred Ogar the state nutrition Officer.

 We are Committed to Improve Nutrition Status in Cross River State - HoS

By Iloke, Egbe 

The Head of Service of Cross River State Dr. Innocent Eteng has asserted that the State is ready to support improve Nutrition and to complete the weeks to Make 6 months Status for the State maternity leave programme.  He stated this when he granted audience to the state steering committee advocacy meeting to his office, new Secretariat Complex Calabar.

The Head of Service said the six months maternity leave is already concluded left with legislation to give it the legal framework to sustain it implementation while assuring that the House Committee on health is to handle that aspect.  According to the Head of Service, his office is open, accessable and ready to support the course of nutrition programmes which he described as multisectoral adding that the inherite benefits has made it an area you cannot ignore.

Speaking further the Head of Service affirmed that the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is strongly committed to the welfare of Cross Riverians including the vulnerable groups in the State.That the State has taken measures to ensure that the Civil Service rule is revived with special attention given to food and nutrition and rendered his appreciation for the visit. 

Earlier, the Executive secretary of Civil Society scaling up nutrition in Nigeria CS-SUNN Nigeria Mr. Okoronkwo Sunday said out of every 100 children 22 of them will not get the proper development due to the drop in breastfeeding. That proactive measures should be taken as parents to revert to status. He called on the Head of Service to champion the cause of    6 months exclusive breast feeding and maternity leave with pay for nursing mothers. Mr Okonkwo expressed excitement on the work already done by the State on maternal leave and nutrition with many MDAs now having nutrition budget in their departments. 

He said Cross River State has made them proud with the support they have given to nutrition programmes. The visit featured interactions and a vote of thanks by the Permanent Secretary State Planning Commission Mrs. Mbong Atu Ausaji and group photograph. Dignitaries that graced the visit includes SA to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr Mrs. Inyang Asibong, the CS-SUNN State Coordinator Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana

 We are Committed to Improve Nutrition Status in Cross River State - HoS

By Iloke, Egbe

The Head of Service of Cross River State Dr. Innocent Eteng has asserted that the State is ready to support improve Nutrition and to complete the weeks to Make 6 months Status for the State maternity leave programme. He stated this when he granted audience to the state steering committee advocacy meeting to his office, new Secretariat Complex Calabar.

The Head of Service said the six months maternity leave is already concluded left with legislation to give it the legal framework to sustain it implementation while assuring that the House Committee on health is to handle that aspect.  According to the Head of Service, his office is open, accessible and ready to support the course of nutrition programmes which he described as multi-sectoral adding that the inherite benefits has made it an area you cannot ignore.

Speaking further the Head of Service affirmed that the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is strongly committed to the welfare of Cross Riverians including the vulnerable groups in the State. That the State has taken measures to ensure that the Civil Service rule is revived with special attention given to food and nutrition and rendered his appreciation for the visit. 

Earlier, the Executive secretary of Civil Society scaling up nutrition in Nigeria CS-SUNN Nigeria Mr. Okoronkwo Sunday said out of every 100 children 22 of them will not get the proper development due to the drop in breastfeeding. That proactive measures should be taken as parents to revert to status. He called on the Head of Service to champion the cause of    6 months exclusive breast feeding and maternity leave with pay for nursing mothers. Mr Okonkwo expressed excitement on the work already done by the State on maternal leave and nutrition with many MDAs now having nutrition budget in their departments. 

He said Cross River State has made them proud with the support they have given to nutrition programmes. The visit featured interactions and a vote of thanks by the Permanent Secretary State Planning Commission Mrs. Mbong Atu Ausaji and group photograph. Dignitaries that graced the visit includes SA to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr Mrs. Inyang Asibong, the CS-SUNN State Coordinator Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana

 Cross River State, a Pace Setter in Laws and Regulations

- Justice Commissioner

Produce by:     Iloke, Egbe

The Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ededem Ani has affirmed that the State is noted as a pacesetter as it relates to laws and regulations to guide the operation and performance of it activities to the society. 

He stated this when he granted  audience to members of the CS-SUNN/SCFN who were on advocacy visit to his office, Ministry of Justice, new secretariat Complex Calabar. 

Speaking on the challenges that confront the implementation of nutritional activities in some Ministries, the Commissioner pledge his commitment and the readiness of his office to give 100% efforts in the advancement of nutrition programmes and up scaling of it support. In his words, he said I am committed 100% to improve  and also in like manner support extension of maternity leave for nursing mothers to enhance effective bonding between mother and child. Adding that, the visit was very timely given that the Civil Service rule is undergoing review to incorporate indices that will make it more contemporary.

Earlier, in her presentation, the policy advocacy lead in the commission and Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender mainstreaming Dr. Inyang Asibong intimated the Justice commissioner of the challenges hindering the desired progress in exclusive breast feeding and solicited support for improved funding for nutrition including speedy release of nutrition budget to enhance effective implementation according to plans.

Adding her voice, Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana the CS-SUNN STATE COORDINATOR informed that the policy made provisions for establishment of creches in strategic locations as part of the strategies to support breastfeeding after the first 6months and appeal to the commissioner to learned his voice amongst his colleagues in the State Executive Council to support the extension of maternity leave to 6 months with pay as it formed part of the foundational pillars required for a healthy and peaceful family.

Highlights of the visit was questions and answers and group photograph. Across section of stakeholders  in attendance include CS-SUNN Members led by the coordinator, representatives of the state committee on food and Nutrition ,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender mainstreaming and the special Adviser to the Governor on women mobilization