Cross River Govt. Reflects False Narratives on NDDC Projects Commissioning in Calabar

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government has firmly rejected misleading reports surrounding the recent commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, describing the narratives as inaccurate and politically motivated.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Mr. Nsa Gill on Friday, June 13, 2025, refer to the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, who officially commissioned several NDDC projects in Cross River State, which included a newly acquired office complex now serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the State, Agricultural equipment, and a road project at Idang Street in Calabar South. That the event was conducted peacefully and broadcast live on TVC, contrary to certain media reports suggesting controversy or disruption.

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was ably represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo P. Edet and that no point was the event disrupted, either by the Governor or any other State official. Affirming that Governor Otu is a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and remains committed to supporting Federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the State.

According to Mr Gill, it's worth noting that Cross River State, was the first APC-governed State in the South-South region and continues to benefit significantly from Federal Government projects. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the Federal Housing Scheme, among others. The State Government reiterated that no level of “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists would succeed in straining the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government, which share a common progressive ideology.

Among the projects listed for commissioning was the Nyaghasang Community Road, which was eventually postponed. The State clarified that this particular road project was not initiated by the NDDC but by the Cross River State Government.

Speaking on the matter, Hon. Pius Ankpo stated, “The Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded by the Cross River State Government. We have completed the drainage, concrete works, and channelization of the area, with construction still ongoing.”

He explained that the NDDC was never formally involved in the planning or execution of the project, and emphasized the importance of coordination when implementing infrastructure projects within the State. According to Edet, the NDDC has been advised that, going forward, it must engage the State Government, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and adhere to State construction standards before undertaking any project.

The Cross River State Government reiterated its openness to development partnerships but emphasized that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated for the greater good of the people.

“We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any Federal Agency,” clarified Hon. Ankpo Edet. “However, for the sake of public trust and historical accuracy, it is important to state unequivocally that the NDDC projects were commissioned peacefully, and without any form of disruption.”

Supporting the government’s position, the Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Mr. Iso Bassey Edim, recalled that Governor Otu had personally pledged to address the road infrastructure in the community during a health center commissioning in July 2024. “True to his word, work began on the roads just three weeks later, led by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure,” he said.

Edim noted that while work was ongoing, the NDDC appeared to have intervened by asphalting certain sections of the road, only to later return and announce a commissioning. “We advise the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, to align and synergize with the State Government to avoid duplication and confusion,” he cautioned.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, confirmed that the project contract had already been awarded by the State and was actively in progress before the NDDC’s involvement. “What we need now is constructive collaboration between the NDDC and the State Government. Projects should not be initiated or claimed without proper consultation,” he stressed.

Senator Jarigbe Voted 2025 Hero of Democracy

By  Uwem Ansa

As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day in honour of the historic June 12, 1993 elections, THE BEAGLE NEWS has announced Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as the recipient of its maiden prestigious 2025 Hero of Democracy award in Cross River State.

The award, which celebrates outstanding commitment to democratic values and impactful public service, was conferred on the senator following a rigorous editorial review and an independent opinion survey among readers across the state.

In a formal notification dated June 10 and signed by the newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Judex O. Okoro, and Executive Editor, Dr. Anthony Bassey Ekpo, the editorial board praised Senator Jarigbe for his “resolute defence of democratic principles,” “remarkable contributions to human capital development,” and “numerous empowerment initiatives” that have uplifted lives, particularly in Cross River North Senatorial District.

“This honour reflects your continued efforts to foster inclusive and participatory governance, championing policies and programmes that prioritise the people,” the letter read in part.

THE BEAGLE NEWS described the award as part of its broader effort to highlight exemplary leadership and encourage the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to grapple with challenges to transparent and accountable governance.

Senator Jarigbe, who currently represents Cross River North in the National Assembly, has been widely commended for his grassroots-oriented approach to legislation and advocacy. Under his leadership, numerous development projects, education scholarships, and youth empowerment programmes have been initiated across his constituency.

Democracy Day, celebrated annually on June 12, commemorates the 1993 presidential election widely considered the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, and honours the sacrifices of those who fought for the return of civilian rule.

As the South-South-based community newspaper marks the day with this recognition, it called on public servants across the nation to draw inspiration from Senator Jarigbe’s example and deepen their commitment to the democratic ideals of transparency, accountability, and service.

The official date for the presentation of the 2025 Hero of Democracy award will be announced soon, according to the editorial board of THE BEAGLE NEWS.

Governor Otu signs Nine Bills into Law, Earns CRSHA Endorsement for outstanding Two-year Performance.

Iloke Egbe Calabar 

In a bold legislative stride aimed at repositioning Cross River State for inclusive growth, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has signed nine bills into law and received a unanimous endorsement from the Cross River State House of Assembly for his sterling performance during his two years in office. The legislators, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, used the opportunity of the audience with the Governor to formally pass an endorsement motion supporting the Governor for a second term in office, come 2027. 

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Nsa Gill chronicle the nine bills signed into law by the Governor which span critical sectors such as water, health, security, infrastructure, and environmental research, reflecting the administration’s push to modernize State governance and address pressing developmental needs.

The new laws are as follows: 

* The Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5, 2025, which guarantees citizens' access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It also sets up a regulatory framework for the sector. 

* The Cross River State Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law No. 4, 2024, which enhances emergency response operations and contributes to increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.

* The Cross River State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law No. 6, 2024, which empowers the Governor to appoint a qualified person as chairman to lead the Fund, ensuring better focus on the state's security challenges. 

* The Cross River State Scraps Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 9, 2025, which aims to curb the activities of scavengers and vandals targeting public and private property.

* The Cross River State Rural Access Road Authority Law No. 8, 2025, which seeks to prevent the neglect of vital rural routes, particularly those linking farming communities. 

* The Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 4, 2024, which clarifies key functions and addresses revenue-related overlaps, particularly in motor vehicle licensing.

* The Cross River State Records and Archives Bureau Law No. 7, 2024, which establishes an agency to manage and archive critical state documents. 

* The Cross River State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Law No. 10, 2025, which strengthens the supply of medical essentials to both public and private healthcare facilities while encouraging public-private partnerships.

* Rounding out the list is the Cross River State Forestry Research Institute (Establishment) Law No. 6, 2024, which creates an institution dedicated to forestry and environmental research, supporting both academic development and sustainable resource management.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu commended the legislature for its dedication and responsiveness over the past two years.

In the words of the Governor “We assumed office in a tough economic climate marked by inflation and limited access to funds, yet we’ve managed to stay focused. These laws will directly improve governance and service delivery. We've ordered three new fire trucks, unlocked ₦4.5 billion for rural roads, and restructured the security trust fund for better oversight. Each of these laws pushes Cross River forward.”

Adding his voice, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, praised the Governor’s performance and confirmed the Assembly’s endorsement of his second-term bid. 

The speaker praised the Governor saying “Your leadership has been exemplary. In just two years, the 10th Assembly has passed 30 bills and 87 resolutions, with more than half implemented. The 9th Assembly couldn’t match that. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and fully endorse your re-election.”

The endorsement motion was moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and supported by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Davis Ettah, symbolizing a strong partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.

In attendance were the State Deputy Governor, chief of staff to the Governor and across section of principal officers of the State House of Assembly.

NG-CARES in Collaboration with the World Bank Organize A 3 Days Stepdown Training on GBV and GRM for Stakeholders in Cross River

Iloke Egbe - SOCU 

The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Cross River Cares Coordinating Unit in collaboration with the World Bank Organize's Stepdown Training Workshop on Gender Based Violence and Grieviance Redress Machinism for stakeholders in the State. 

Declaring the training open at Dannic Hotels Ekorinim Calabar the Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata amplified importance of the workshop which seeks to bring all critical stakeholders in the projects at the same level of knowledge on the negative effects of Gender Based Violence and Grieviance Redress Machinism as it relates to World Bank projects and programme Staff. 

He expressed the State Government appreciation to the world Bank for the cordial atmosphere and mutual respect from both the Government and the Bank. Adding that the Governor His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is working on making the State most friendly and safe for development partners to operate. 

The Commissioner called on participants to take the training sessions very serious as it's meant to help deliver the projects according to specifications by promoting healthy relationships and mutual respect at the community level where the projects are being implemented as little misunderstanding can create frictions that can slow the pace of projects delivery.

Some of the topics presented during the training include NG-CARES program general overview, objectives of Grievance Machinism, an overview of legal framework supporting Grieviance Machinism under CARES, sex and gender and social issues on GBV/SEA/SH guidelines and protocol.

Other topics include effective grievance management, review of World Bank GBV/SEA/SH, Government designated institutions in NG-CARES, grievance Machinism principles and context in NG-CARES and survivor Centre approach in GBV/SEA/ SH and NG-CARES GBV/SEA/SH reporting channels and stakeholders eligibility to access Grieviance Machinism. 

Also presented was issues in submission, resolutions and communication of grievances and monitoring, evaluating, reporting and dissertation of program grievance management. 

Facilitators in the event were Mr. Temiope Adeniyi, Barr. Hannatu Dauda, Dr. Esther Awa, Chief Elendu and Mr. Ihie Adanna Oke, while other dignitaries in attendance were the State coordinator NG-CARES Dr. Chris Anake, and all projects delivery units under NG-CARES.

ECWES Present Complete Set of Portable Digital X-ral Machine to Cross River State Government

Iloke Egbe - MIDC 

Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECWES) an international development partner operating in the State has presented to the Cross River State Government a complete set of portable digital x-ral machine. Making the presentation at the Commissioner's Office, Ministry of International Donor Coordination on behalf of Dr. Andy Eyo, the Chief Party and CEO of the organization, Dr. Joe Umana inform that the machine is inbeded with artificial intelligence technology and the donation is in commemoration of the organization's 25th Anniversary.

According to Mr. Umana the machine operate with solar powered energy and doesn't need electricity from public power supply or generator and offer free service to every HIV patients  that may visit the facility. 

He added that ECWES is accelerating control of HIV in Nigeria and everything about the machine is at free cost to the State Government and data cloud officers and other important Staff from the locality have been trained to operate the system as part of the management team. 

Making his remarks, the Commissioner MIDC Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata acknowledged the contributions of ECWES to the State and expressed his deep sense of appreciation stating that the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is very happy with the development and prayed God to bless both the funders, Management and Staff of the organization as there are serving God through service to humanity.

In his words, the Commissioner said on behalf of the Cross River State Government I receive these items to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind. That the mutual relationship between the State and ECWES is a partnership that works.

Adding her voice, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Helen Besong thanked the organization for their kindness adding that the State is happy for the presentation but need more of such machines across other Senatorial Districts mostly the central part of the State. 

Highlights of the event was presentation of list of items and equipments that accompany the machine, inspection of the equipments and group photograph.

All heads of Departments and management Staff from ECWES and Directors and heads departments in MIDC were in attendance.

Gov. Otu Provides the Needed Environment for Economic Growth in the State, Commissioner MIDC

Iloke Egbe 

The Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Lukpata has affirmed that the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is Providing the needed environment for economic growth in the State. He asserted this when he declare a two day training workshop on project coordinator and results-based monitoring and evaluation for project personnel in key Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Cross River and Ondo States open. The training held at C6 Thompson Ishie Street State Housing Estate Calabar.

He admitted that the State Project Management team and the National team have shown commitment and enormous cooperation with the Cross River in respect of the Folur-IP and called on participants to make good use of the opportunity offered to them.

The commissioner pledge the continuous support and collaboration of the State with the project team while expressing gratitude to FAO GEF7 and Folur-IP.

The Folur-IP national Coordinator Prof. Oladipo Akinyemi expressed delight with the people oriented leadership style of the Governor, pointing that the creation of Ministry of International Donor Coordination in Cross River State is first in Nigeria and only in the State for now.

That courtesy of the Ministry coordination of Development Partners is yelding positive results on increasing momentum and has helped to improve working relationships between donors and the State Government.

Highlights of the training was an overview of the event by the Folur-IP Chief Technical Advisor Prof. Adebayo Shittu and objectives of the training by the project Desk Officer Mr. Egbe Iloke, and goodwill message by the Ministry Permanent Secretary Mrs. Helen Besong, questions and answers and group photograph.

Some of the topics presented during the workshop include introduction to results based project management, gender mainstreaming and beneficiaries protections against sexual abuse and exploitation in project by Dr. T. O. Olanrewaju, understanding projects theory of change and logical framework for effective coordination and M&E, digital survey instrument design for results based M&E data collection using mobile APPs and practical session using Kobocollect toolbox to design digital survey instruments by Dr Mojisola Kehinde.

At the end of the workshop, participants were able to expressed satisfaction on the positive impact of the training on them with some admitting that they have learned something new while others alluded that they have  refresh their knowledge.

2nd Year Anniversary, Govt. Otu Commission Remodel Governor's Office, First Lady's Office Unveils Administration Scorecard.

Iloke Egbe 

As part of activities marking his second Anniversary in office, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, commissioned the newly remodeled Governor’s Office and the Office of the First Lady. 

He also unveiled his administration’s scorecard at a town hall meeting attended by a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including members of the National and State Assemblies, the State Executive Council, political appointees, religious and traditional leaders, traders and elder statesmen.

In a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Nsa Gill, that Governor Otu expressed delight at the successful completion of the Governor’s Office remodeling, describing the edifice as a “symbol of dignity, service, and renewed commitment to the people of Cross River State.”

“affirming that the journey to this day has been long but worthwhile. At the temporary office, my Staff and I often worked until midnight. It was far from convenient, but we endured it because we were determined to deliver. Today, we unveil an edifice that reflects our ideals—service, respect, and a bold vision for the future of our State,” the Governor stated.

Governor Otu further assured that the upgraded office complex would enhance Government efficiency and inspire the administration to deliver even more on its promises.

In his words, “Without sounding immodest, we have successfully fulfilled up to 60 percent of our pre-election and campaign promises to the people,” he affirmed.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the administration’s institutional and infrastructural reform agenda.

“This is more than just a building,” Prof. Owan-Enoh said. “It is a symbol of structure, focus, and stability. The Otu-led administration is clearly committed to laying a strong foundation for a greater Cross River.”

Adding his voice, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, reflected on the challenges encountered and overcome in executing the project. He emphasized that strict oversight and accountability mechanisms were in place to ensure quality delivery.

“We monitored this project closely—day by daybecause we understood its significance. This office is the engine room of governance, and it now reflects the ambition and seriousness of this administration,” he said.

The Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Mr. Edem Bassey, who also addressed the gathering, assuring that a robust maintenance culture would be instituted to preserve the facility’s standard and utility.

Spiritual significance was added to the ceremony as the Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, led the Governor and dignitaries in a session of prayer and worship to dedicate the office complex to God.

In a related development, the fully remodeled Office of the First Lady was also commissioned. Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support, reaffirming her commitment to using the office as a platform for humanitarian and socially transformative programs.

In her words, "this office will not only serve as a workplace but as a hub of purpose. Over the past two years, we have devoted ourselves to the service of the vulnerable—widows, children, the elderly, and others in need. This space will help us scale up those efforts for even greater impact.

Later in the day, attention shifted to the Calabar International Conference Center, where the Governor unveiled his administration’s scorecard following a detailed PowerPoint presentation by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke. The town hall meeting drew a large audience of top Government officials, traditional rulers, civil servants, and members of the public—all of whom commended Governor Otu for his unwavering commitment to transparency, infrastructure renewal, and people-centered governance.