MIDC in Collaboration with UNFPA Hold's Second Quarter State-Level Quarterly Programme Coordination and Review Meeting with Implementing Partners

Iloke Egbe MIDC 

The United Nations Population Funds Cross River State Office has urged  implementing partners to adopt due diligence in the execution of their projects and to cultivate timely reporting culture as a way of enhancing their delivery credibility. The Head of office and program coordinator Cross River Dr Andrew Kirima represented by program specialist Reproductive Health Dr Yakubu Aliyu asserted this during a one day second quarter State-Level Quarterly Program Coordination and Review Meeting held at the conference Hall Ministry of Women Affairs Calabar. 

Mr. Kirima alluded that for over a decade of their operations in Cross River this is the first they have received canterpart funds to support their interventions in the State therefore they are encouraged to do more for the State and no implementing partners should be found cutting corners which will dents the image of the State.

 He informed that Cross River State has received above the trachhold $100.000 and necessitate external auditor's visit from the national office to assess the level of compliance to financial rules and United Nations protocol.  Emphasizing that some of the expectations from a meeting are recommendations and next steps for actions which revolves around new ideas and used the occasion to appreciate MIDC for a wonderful coordination of development partners ecosystem.

In his remarks the Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Lukpata made it clear that UNFPA is interested in a system that will help scale up development using sectorwide approach to leverage moneys and support from a wide range of stakeholders to implement programmes. 

He called on implementing MDAs to bear in mind that accountability supported by timely reports is very important as UNFPA value timelines in each projects. Adding that delay in meeting up process is an indication of incompetence on the parts of implementing MDA. 

The Commissioner expressed his appreciation to UNFPA reiterating that the Governor His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is ready to address any perceived challenges of development partners even beyond the payment of canterpart funds for projects that require it, while advising participants to take the deliberations very serious.

Highlights of meeting was paper presentations on topics which include overview of UNFPA CRS workplan for 2025, implementation of 2025 activities - compliance, retirements and reporting with supporting documents. Prevention of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, questions and answers and group photograph. 

Dignitaries in attendance were the State Statistician General Dr. Josephat Ogar, Mrs. Ekaete Oku Director of Administration MIDC while Jacque Karungi, UNFPA gender specialist, Dr. Sola Toye Cross River State Programme officer and FP/RH specialist and Mr Richard Idiong of MIDC served as resource persons. Others in attendance were participants from implementing MDAs which includes Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Ministry of Education, National Population Commission, State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Humanity Without Border a Non-governmental Organizations Operating in the State etc.

Obanliku Chairman Hon. Sunny Ayang Honoured as Otue-Ikwen 1of Obanliku by Basang Nation

Iloke Egbe 

In a colourful and culturally rich ceremony held in honour of the Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Chief. Dr. Sunny Ayang, JP, as a mark of appreciation and conferment of a revered traditional title of 'Otue-Ikwen 1 of Obanliku' by the Basang Nation. 

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Comr. Emmanuel Kayang who affirmed that the honour was in recognition of the Council Chairman's remarkable contributions to community development and pragmatic  governance.

According to Mr Kayang the event, took place at Bayalele Community Hall, and drew dignitaries from across the Local Government Area and beyond. In attendance was the Chairman’s wife, Mrs. Josephine Ayang, the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Amb. Glory Awowoh, the Leader of Council, Hon. Sunday Elam, Supervisors and other political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups and enthusiastic residents.

That the traditional rite's was performed by the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Ambassador Amos Item, who bestowed the chieftaincy title to the Chairman, while commending Hon. Ayang for his dedication to improving infrastructures, uplifting the lives of Basang indigene, and fostering unity and peace across the Local Government.

Making his remarks the Chairman of the Basang Development Association, Hon. Sylvanus Anyawho, praised the Council Chairman for his impressive strides within his first 100 days in office. He highlighted landmark initiatives and achievements such as the Obanliku Riders Transport Service, the completion of the Obanliku Local Government Education Authority building, the supply of facility's at Utanga Community clinic, and Youth empowerment programs. He also appreciated Hon. Ayang’s inclusive leadership approach, particularly his appointment of Basang sons and daughters into strategic positions.

In the his words he said “today, we honour a man who has shown exemplary dedication to the progress of the Basang Nation. Hon. Sunny has not only contributed to the development of our Local Government but has also inspired many through his selfless service,” Hon. Anyawho remarked.

Visibly moved by the recognition, Hon. Ayang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Basang Traditional Rulers' Council and the good people of Basang while dedicating the honour to the collective efforts of his team, and reaffirming his commitment to sustainable development across Obanliku.

Speaking further the chairman said "this title is not just a personal achievements; it is a testament to the collective efforts of my team and the support of the Obanliku people. Together, we have made meaningful strides, and together we shall continue to push for progress,” he stated.

Mr. Ayang condemned in strong terms the recent community disputes, emphasizing his resolved to ensure lasting peace, especially between the Bishiri and Basang communities reiterating that he would not spare the rod and spoil the child and also expressed his resolved to bring lasting peace to the people. He used the occasion to encouraged hard work among youths and to denounced negative vices.

Also  honoured at the event was Dr. Don Clems Enamhe, a one time convener of ‘Who is Who in Cross River North’.

The ceremony was enriched with traditional performances and goodwill messages from community leaders, all echoing the call for unity and continued development in the Basang nation.

Other highlights of the event was a vote of thanks by BDA Chairman, Hon. Sylvanus Anyawho expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Ayang and his entourage, pledging the unwavering support of the Basang people to the current administration.

AUDA-NEPAD Organize One Day Capacity Training for Small Holders Farmers in Cross River

Iloke Egbe - MIDC 

African Union Development Agency which is an offshoot of New Partnership for African Development adopted by African Heads of States and Government of OAU in 2001 in Collaboration with the Cross River State Government holds one day capacity training for small holders farmers in Calabar with the theme Enhancing Agricultural Productivity amongst small-holder farmers. 

The event held at the Metropolitan Hotel-Calabar with objectives of eradicating poverty, promote sustainable growth and development, halt marginalization of Africans and empower women through identification of their needs as well as challenges, proffering way forward and avenues of solving their challenges.

The one day event featured paper presentations from eminent personalities including Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer  of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Prof. Michael  Okom, Prof. Susan Ohen, Dean faculty of Agriculture and Wildlife Resources Management University of Calabar.

Some of the topics for the training included improving the Agricultural Productivity and Livelihoods of Small-holder farmers in Cross River State Through Training and Capacity Building by Dr Emmanuel Eremi and Establishment, Management and Growth of Small-holder farm steads. 

Highlights of the event was welcome address by the State Coordinator AUDA-NEPAD Dr. Prince  Michael Nku Abuo, goodwill message from the wife of the Governor represented by Apostle Dr. Queeneth Eton, and the Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Lukpata, breakout sessions and group interactions, questions and answers.

Gov. Otu Unveils New State Mantra at Endorsement Dinner by Cross River Northern District Stakeholders

Iloke Egbe 

Cross River State Governor, Apostle, Senator Bassey Otu, has unveiled a new unifying mantra for the State: “One Cross River, One Love”, building on his administration’s established “People First” philosophy. The announcement was made during an Endorsement Dinner hosted in his honour by the Northern Cross River Coalition (NORTHCCO), a prominent socio-political group from the Northern Senatorial District of the State.

The event held at Hogis Royale Hotels in Calabar, featured the presentation of a communique from NORTHCCO’s General Assembly in Ogoja, where the group unanimously endorsed Governor Otu for a second term in the 2027 Governor ship race. They also passed a vote of confidence in both Governor Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, praising their “exemplary performance” less than two years into their administration.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr Nsa Gill indicate that declaring Otu as their sole candidate for 2027, the group stated that no aspirant from the Northern Senatorial District would contest against him. That they further pledged to fund the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form on his behalf, and also threw their support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to Mr. Gill, Governor Otu expressed deep appreciation to the political stakeholders and traditional rulers of the North for their unwavering support. Reiterated that his administration’s commitment to equitable development across all Senatorial Districts and emphasized ongoing efforts to recover looted State assets, citing the recent reclamation of a major Oil Palm Estate.

That the Governor adopted NORTHCCO’s slogan, “One North, One Love”, Governor Otu extended its sentiment to the entire State, declaring “One Cross River, One Love” as a new rallying call for unity and inclusivity.

Several key political and traditional leaders endorsed the Governor’s re-election bid, including NORTHCCO Chairman, High Chief Peter Higgins; the Board of Trustee chairman Chief Fidelis Ugbo, Director-General of the group’s Central Working Committee, Rt. Hon. Legor Idabo; Director of Mobilization, Hon. Martins Orim, Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Professor Zana Akpagu and Chief Peter Ojie.

 They also advocated for more developmental projects and increased political appointments for the Northern District.

The Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Utsu Ukandi Felix Ukudare, voiced concerns about growing insecurity in the neighborhing states to the district. In response, Governor Otu assured that security remained a top priority, stating that the state’s security architecture is well-prepared to counter external threats.

Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Chief of Staff Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and several elder statesmen from the Southern Senatorial District and the host northern Senatorial district.

The evening concluded with renewed calls for unity, development, and continued support for the Otu administration as the State prepares for the political road ahead. This position is shared by many stakeholders in central and southern Senatorial Districts given the credible performance of the Governor.

NASSCO, NIMC and SOCU Commences NIM Integration for Poor and Vulnerables

Iloke, Egbe - SOCU-CR 

The National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office Abuja in collaboration with National Identity Management Commission and State Operations Coordinating Unit(SOCU) has  Commenced NIN integration into the State Social Register in preparation for the 15 million targets beneficiaries by the Federal Government cash transfer programme. 

The Programme which is taking place Nation wide and in the 18 Local Government Areas of the State is aimed at updating the data of persons in the State Social Register to include NIN numbers for those who don't have and corrections of names and current addresses of persons to reflect their current status.

Speaking during a meeting of program Staff and the supervisory MDA which is the State Planning Commission, the State Project Coordinator SOCU-CR Mr Bassey Effiong stressed the importance of the exercise, informing all that the Federal Government is desirous of assisting the poor and vulnerable including youths and unemployed in the country using data from Social Register.

Mr. Effiong charged supervisors to ensure enumerators avoid cutting corners in the process, reiterating that any of such practices will show as the system is built to detect such. According to Mr Effiong the State data should be reliable, accurate and a true representation of the status of the beneficiary's, adding that a situation where data uploaded to National portal are rejected for lack of due diligent will not be accepted as it will affect the beneficiaries including the State.

He expressed hope that the experiences of the enumerators will fastrack reliable results to enable the State improve on the quality of her data. Adding his voice, the Head M&E/MIS Mr Nsed Akonjom informed that a team of supervisors will be dispatched to the field to supervise how the enumerators go about the update exercise with the Head of Operations Mr Godwin Ador supervising activities within the northern, central and southern senatorial districts.  

The team for each Local Government is made up of 3 enumerators, 1 NIMC Officer, 1 Graviance Redress Officer with the Local Government Community Development Officer. SOCU Staff and SPC were also deployed to each Local Government to supervise the process.

UNICROSS Alumni President Praise Gov. Otu for Implementation New Minimum Wage to Staff.

Iloke Egbe 

For years, former students, Staff, and students of the University of Cross River State have expressed concerns about Government neglect and lack of investment in the University, with Staff and students welfare being a major issue. However, under His Excellency Gov. Bassey Otu's leadership, things are gradually improving.

In a statement signed by the national President of the University Alumni Association Dr. Inyali Peter pointed that after months of discussions, the Government has commenced implementing the new national minimum wage for University Staff, a development that has been greeted with excitement among UNICROSS Staff.

That as Alumni Association, we commend Gov Otu and his team for prioritising the welfare and interests of our Staff. We take pride in having some of the most passionate and patriotic University Staff in the country, and this gesture will undoubtedly boost their morale and motivation.

In the words of the President, he said "we knew from the onset that Gov Otu's leadership would bring positive change to the University. Even before assuming office, he had demonstrated his commitment to the institution by facilitating the construction of the administrative block complex, which transformed the University's aesthetics and created a more conducive working environment"

While appreciating this development, we humbly appeal to the Governor to remain open to further requests, particularly regarding other pressing infrastructural needs such as road networks, Staff and student accommodations, lecture theaters, electricity, health facilities, etc.

He used the opportunity to appeal to affluent Cross Riverians to support the University's growth by investing in its development. The University is our collective heritage, and every hand must be on deck to propel it into a world-class institution.

Adding his voice, the chairman Board of Trustees of Unicross Alumni Association Dr Ukam Ngwu also alluded that the Governor has demonstrated compassion to the plight of Unicross Staff in confirmation of the saying, when the righteous rule, the people rejoice.

Gov. Otu, Wife and others Lead Jesus Carnival in Calabar

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government has officially introduced a new annual event into its tourism calendar. The event, titled “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise” — popularly known as the “Jesus Carnival” — will be held every Easter season.  

The maiden edition took place on Easter Monday in the state capital, Calabar, and was flagged off by the Governor, Apostle Senator Bassey Edet Otu, alongside his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu. The colorful and spiritually charged event, marked by splendor and cultural flair, is a spiritual offshoot of the globally celebrated Carnival Calabar, traditionally held every December.  

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Mr Nsa Gill indicate that organizers explained that the Jesus Carnival is designed as a moment of collective gratitude to God for the success of Carnival Calabar and the continued progress of the State. It blends faith, culture, and thanksgiving into a unique Christian celebration during the Easter season.  

According to Mr Gill, Governor Otu declared: “Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration. From inception, I declared this a Godly State, and Jesus the true Governor. Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You have brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the State in their prayers.”  

He called on more Christians to join the effort to pray for Cross River, emphasizing that “no investment in the things of God is ever wasted.” The Governor also thanked the large contingent of clergy who led their congregations in participating in the event.  

The parade route covered several strategic locations across Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, including Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout, before returning to the main carnival corridor. Prayers were offered at various roundabouts along the way, adding a spiritual dimension to the march.  

Governor Otu and his wife danced and sang alongside thousands of Christian faithful, with gospel music echoing through the streets in a jubilant expression of faith.  

Bishop Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, speaking before the flag-off, said the vision for the Easter event was inspired by a desire to dedicate a significant part of the tourism calendar to Jesus Christ.  

“While Carnival Calabar is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honor Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people,” she explained.  

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, described the Jesus Carnival as the brainchild of the First Lady, crediting her prayerful support for much of the administration’s success. He coordinated the parade’s logistics and highlighted its significance as a new attraction in the state’s growing tourism offerings.  

“With this spiritually uplifting addition to its tourism calendar, Cross River State has reaffirmed its identity as a place where culture and faith intersect—making Easter not just a religious observance, but a state-wide celebration of divine gratitude and praise,” he concluded.  

The celebration culminated with live gospel music performances, headlined by internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, whose electrifying performance left the crowd in awe.  

Prayers were led by prominent religious leaders, including the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. (Dr.) Takis Etim Caiafas; Bishop Josef Bassey; Bishop Emma Isong; Bishop Bassey E. Edem; Apostle Frank Umoh, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs; and several others across various Christian denominations.