SOCU in Collaboration with NASSCO and NIMC Organizer's Stepdown Training for LGA Desk Officers,GRO's and Enumerators on SSR-NIM Integration.

Iloke Egbe 

The Cross River State Government has expressed his readiness to lift Cross Riverians above Poverty and all attributes associated with it through a careful implementation of projects, programmes and policies that will not just empower the people in a short term basis but that which will support them to live dignify life in perpetuity.  

The Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu represented by the vice chairman/chief executive officer Cross River State Planning Commission Pastor Dr. Bong Duke, stated this when he declared open a 3 day stepdown Training workshop organized by National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office Abuja in collaboration with National Identity Management Commission and Cross River State Government held at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim Calabar. 

He said the State Government is looking forward to see a social register with clean and credible data which can be use for planning and development strategy, adding that Government will not politicize poverty as the present administration is working to ensure that in few years to come the State will be deleted from the list of poor States in Nigeria. 

He used the occasion to assured participants that there are being trained by the best hands in the area of training and the State expect them to reciprocate by ensuring that objectives are met while appreciating the cooperation and level of comportment exhibited by enumerators. 

In his welcome remarks, the State Coordinator SOCU-CR Mr Bassey Effiong thanked participants and guests for honouring the invitation extended to them while magnifying the objectives of the workshop and the importance attached to the exercise by the Federal and State Government. He used to medium to solicit the cooperation of participants, stating that wrong data can derral good intentions of Government while good one would help Government to implement it's policies, projects and programme and promote good governance for the people, reiterating that the stepdown for Desk officers, LGA graviance redress officers, enumerators on SSR-NIM Integration Exercise is at the heart Government good intentions. In his words, participants should take the training seriously because it will guarantee benefits to reach intended beneficiaries and reduce errors and leakages. It will ensure more accurate and update to date database for planning and evaluation as well as increased transparency in implementation of policies, projects and programme.

Adding his voice, the national programme manager, national social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office Abuja represented by the Zonal Targeting Officer Mr. Shadrach Ibabu Kumusu inform that the stepdown on MIN Integration into the State Social Register initiative is a critical policy drive of the President Bola Tinubu administration aimed at providing identity to the unlettered, poor and vulnerable households across the country. 

Mr Kumusu said the use of NIMC devices for enrollment, kobo collect for data collection and the subsequent updating of household information will ensure that the correct data are captured to help in providing the necessary support to those who need it most. While acknowledging that the role of community based targeting team and enumerators is crucial to the success of the process from beginning to end. 

Highlights of the event was paper presentations and field trip for practical session, questions and answers, group photograph. Some of the topics for discussion include overview of NASSP-SU, National Social Register update and NIM integration exercise. Gender and social inclusion, legal and compliance services, security management Plan. Household tracking form and household roster update. 

Other topics discussed were Enrollment software and hardware presentation, technical and hands-on device and field operations and procedures, importance and qualities of credible data while field work was also carryout in Calabar and Odukpani LGA. 

Some dignitaries that graced the event were Mr Muhammad Nasiru Hamma, Data analyst and Mr Olufemi Makiwa Communication Specialist from NASSCO Abuja, the State Coordinator National Identity Management Commission Cross River, Mr BobManuel Agala and some management staff, the Coordinator NG-CARES and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development Mr. Chris Anake and Staff of Socu Cross River State.

Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition Inaugurated in Calabar South

Iloke Egbe 

As part of the strategic policy thrust of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu the Governor to make Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027 and to address the challenges of food insecurity in the State, Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition has been Inaugurated in Calabar South LGA. 

Performing the inauguration at Anantigha the headquarters of the Council by the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Planning Commission, Pastor Dr Bong Duke represented by the State chairman Food and Nutrition Committee and Permanent Secretary SPC Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio who informed that the Governor is a man of his word that is determined to positively change the policies and the living standard of Cross Riverians, hence the people oriented Programmes. That the Inauguration of the committee is to ensure that the policy is understood by the people and they participate by contributing their quarter in the implementation process in order to bring good governance more closer to the people who need it most. 

He acknowledged that the issue of food and nutrition has for long been handled in an uncoordinated manner thereby resulting to poor outputs that are not measurable or reported. Stating that the State committee on Food and Nutrition has the mandate to coordinate activities of implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the State. The State committee also has the responsibility to build capacity of members, mobilize funds to support activities and carryout advocacy amongst stakeholders for their buy in.

In her acceptance speech, the Calabar South Council vice chairman and chairman of the LGA committee on Food and Nutrition, Lady Atim Martin expressed sense of excitement for the honour done her to be appointed chairman of the committee. Stating that she is most happy that the chairman of the Council is somebody she is sure of his support anytime on the committee work. 

According to the Mrs. Martin Calabar South is at the forefront of implementing His Excellency the Governor's policies and issue of Food and Nutrition is an area that needs strategic plan and well coordinated approach to ensure the target audience are not left behind, adding that she is please with the structure of the committee according to the organogram presented while thanking the State committee for a job welldone.

The Calabar South LGA Committee on Food and Nutrition has Lady Atim Martin as chairman. Other members are Mrs. Mbiet Isoni, Mrs Eme Archibong, Dr. Mrs. Bini Onen Ebri, Mrs. Arit Omini, Elder. Umoh Edet Etim, HRH. Chief. Engr. Ededem R. Henshaw, village head of Esiere Ebom, Mr. Ekpenyong Gregory Edet, also included are Mrs. Alice Ekanem Apeh, Mrs Abigail Uket Obono and Lydia Eleng Edege.

Highlights of the event was a PowerPoint presentation by the State Nutrition Officer Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana, presentation of the State policy on Food and Nutrition and the State Strategic Plan to the chairman of LG committee on Food and Nutrition, vote of thanks by the LG Holga, questions and answers and group photograph. 

In attendance was the Calabar South LGA Holga, Mrs. Mbiet Isoni, the Chief of Esiere Ebom village, HRH Engr. Ededem R. Henshaw, Local Government Staff and members of the State Technical Working Committee on Food and Nutrition.

C/R Govt to Collaborate with Industrial Training Fund on Staff Training

Iloke Egbe 

The Government of Cross River State has expressed her willingness to partner with the Industrial Training Fund for the Training of Civil/Public Servants in the State on areas of needs. The Commissioner Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions Hon. Lawrencia Ita affirmed this during a courtesy visit to her office, New Secretariat Complex by the Management of Industrial Training Fund Calabar Area Office. 

Hon. Mrs.  Lawrencia alluded that the collaboration with such a renowned organization like ITF is a welcome development and will be activated once opportunity presents itself. That the Governor His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is ready to create opportunities for Cross Riverians to have value and experience good governance, while thanking the team for their thoughtfulness which centered on positive partnership for the development of the State and by extension Nigeria. 

Earlier, the Area Manager ITF Calabar Office Engr. Gyang Y. Davou informed that the present administration in the State has demonstrated compassion with the citizens through people oriented policies, projects and programmes which has translated to the peaceful atmosphere in the State and steady progress. 

According to Mr. Davou ITF is a reputable organization and wish to be part of the State success story in the area of Staff training both for capacity building in critical areas or needs adding that the institute has the capacity and the experience to deliver creditably. He expressed optimism that the institute will be consider when such opportunity avail itself as it's for mutual benefits to both parties, stating that he feels encouraged by the warm ambience given to him and his team on the visit. 

Highlights of the visit was presentation of a souvenirs to the Hon. Commissioner, interactions and group photograph. In attendance was the Director Training in the Ministry Mr. Patrick Ibu, while Management Staff from the Industrial Training Fund were well represented.

C/R Govt. and Development Partners Gold's Monthly meeting, Rate Performance

 

Iloke Egbe 

The Commissioner Ministry of International Donor Coordination Elder Hippolatus Lukpata PhD has expressed the need for Development Partners operating in the State to synergize more with one another through information and experience sharing during meetings to strengthen the quality of service delivery to the State and to avoid duplications of projects in areas that may not deserve such projects.

The Commissioner gave the charge during the State monthly meeting with development partners held at NG-CARES office no 4 School Road State housing estate Calabar. 

According to Mr Lukpata the State Government hold development partners in the State at high esteem and is very much interested about their operations and the environment. That the State doesn't want anything to hinder their activities or create friction hence the monthly meetings to enhance information gathering and sharing which enable members and the State to understand clearly project locations, who is involved and in case of challenges to enable Government take informed decisions and response timely to avoid degenerating.

In his words the Commissioner said connectivity is very important in project and programming. We are working for the State, whatever opportunity we have let's put in our best. Adding that Community and Social Development Agency was once a project which due to the quality of their performance was made and agency of Government and today the agency is at the top of its game still delivering quality results when it comes to projects execution. That any other project that perform creditably can still enjoy such grace.

According to the commissioner, the State has the capacity and system to absorb any amount brought by development partners and when presentations are requested from development partners is not meant to victimized anybody but to learn from each other. He expressed appreciation to those who made presentation stating that their reports meet the expectations of Government. 

Highlights of the meeting was a PowerPoint presentation by IMPACT, Self Help Africa, NEWMAP, while NG-CARES, IFAD, CUSSBON and Food and Nutrition Program Presented update on the status of their Programmes and annual work plan. The meeting also witnessed presentation of Monitoring and Evaluation template, questions and answers session from members and group photograph. 

Dignitaries in attendance were the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Development and project Coordinator NG-CARES Mr. Chris Anake, Permanent Secretary Ministry of International Donor Coordination Mr. Anthony Effiom Esq, project Coordinators and head's of departments in MIDC. A total of 21 development partners that are handling different projects in the State attended the meeting while few obtained apology.

C/R Govt in Collaboration with UNICEF Inaugurate Yala Local Govt Food and Nutrition Committee

Iloke, Egbe 

The Cross River State Government in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria has Inaugurated Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA in respond to the desire of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu the Governor to address the mennence of hunger, malnutrition and poverty amongst some residents of the State mostly the vulnerable. 

Inaugurating the committee at Ijiraga the Yala LG Council headquarters the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer Cross River State Planning Commission and chairman CR/State Council on Food Systems Security Pastor Dr. Bong Duke represented by the State Chairman Food and Nutrition Committee and Permanent Secretary SPC Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio informed that the challenges associated with malnutrition, hunger and poverty is a modern war that calls for all hands to be on deck before it can be won therefore the constitution of the committee to help push backwards the frontiers of malnutrition and food insecurity in the State is a deliberate policy of the Governor to ensure that Cross Riverians participate and enjoy the season of sweetness.

That the CRS Food and Nutrition policy requires an effective institutional arrangement to ensure a results oriented programme implementation both at the State, Local Government Area and at the Ward level which aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to fight the common enemy and reduce malnutrition, hunger and poverty in the State. Adding that the overall objective of the Committee is the improvement of nutritional status of the people of the Local Government throughout their life cycle with special focus on the vulnerable groups especially children under 5 years, adolescents and women of productive age, the elderly while providing a coordinated leadership for Food and Nutrition at that level. 

Stating that the issue of accountability and accurate reporting is key to help inform decisions making geared towards achieving the Governor's desire of making Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027. The Inauguration  of Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition is sponsored by UNICEF and the Cross River State Government with a view to provide reliable institutional framework to make Food and Nutrition protocol a tradition amongst the people of the State in a sustainable manner.

Earlier the State Nutrition Officer Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana Presented a PowerPoint overview of the State Food and Nutrition policy, organogram and expectations of Government from the committee and the people at the Ward level. Also a member of the State Technical Working Committee on Food and Nutrition Dr. Simon Obogo analyzed the psychological effects of malnutrition which deterred the proper development of vital organs like mental well-being including stunting in most children which lead to low productivity and can affect their economic contributions to society.

Members of the Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA are Hon. Godwin Odama chairman, Dr. Mrs. Augustina Okem, Cecilia Ogah, Agbor William, Tony Onah, Dominic Ogar, Mary Obok, Margret Ebiale, Ebiale Victoria, HRH Livinus Augustine and Grace Odey secretary.

Highlights of the event was the Inauguration and acceptance speech by the committee chairman where he promised the commitment of the committee to ensure that nutrition statistics in Yala LGA is reposition positively, adding that the chairman of Council Hon. Fred Okem is fully in support of the Governor's people's first mantra. Questions and answers and group photograph.

Dignitaries at the Inauguration was the clan head of Ijiraga His Royal Highness Chief Livinus Odey, political appointees, Staff of Yala LGA, Youth and women groups.

C/R Govt in Collaboration with UNICEF Inaugurate Yala Local Govt Food and Nutrition Committee

Iloke, Egbe 

The Cross River State Government in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria has Inaugurated Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA in respond to the desire of His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu the Governor to address the mennence of hunger, malnutrition and poverty amongst some residents of the State mostly the vulnerable. 

Inaugurating the committee at Ijiraga the Yala LG Council headquarters the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer Cross River State Planning Commission and chairman CR/State Council on Food Systems Security Pastor Dr. Bong Duke represented by the State Chairman Food and Nutrition Committee and Permanent Secretary SPC Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio informed that the challenges associated with malnutrition, hunger and poverty is a modern war that calls for all hands to be on deck before it can be won therefore the constitution of the committee to help push backwards the frontiers of malnutrition and food insecurity in the State is a deliberate policy of the Governor to ensure that Cross Riverians participate and enjoy the season of sweetness.

That the CRS Food and Nutrition policy requires an effective institutional arrangement to ensure a results oriented programme implementation both at the State, Local Government Area and at the Ward level which aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to fight the common enemy and reduce malnutrition, hunger and poverty in the State. Adding that the overall objective of the Committee is the improvement of nutritional status of the people of the Local Government throughout their life cycle with special focus on the vulnerable groups especially children under 5 years, adolescents and women of productive age, the elderly while providing a coordinated leadership for Food and Nutrition at that level. 

Stating that the issue of accountability and accurate reporting is key to help inform decisions making geared towards achieving the Governor's desire of making Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027. The Inauguration  of Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition is sponsored by UNICEF and the Cross River State Government with a view to provide reliable institutional framework to make Food and Nutrition protocol a tradition amongst the people of the State in a sustainable manner.

Earlier the State Nutrition Officer Mrs. Nkem Eyong Ubana Presented a PowerPoint overview of the State Food and Nutrition policy, organogram and expectations of Government from the committee and the people at the Ward level. Also a member of the State Technical Working Committee on Food and Nutrition Dr. Simon Obogo analyzed the psychological effects of malnutrition which deterred the proper development of vital organs like mental well-being including stunting in most children which lead to low productivity and can affect their economic contributions to society.

Members of the Food and Nutrition Committee in Yala LGA are Hon. Godwin Odama chairman, Dr. Mrs. Augustina Okem, Cecilia Ogah, Agbor William, Tony Onah, Dominic Ogar, Mary Obok, Margret Ebiale, Ebiale Victoria, HRH Livinus Augustine and Grace Odey secretary.

Highlights of the event was the Inauguration and acceptance speech by the committee chairman where he promised the commitment of the committee to ensure that nutrition statistics in Yala LGA is reposition positively, adding that the chairman of Council Hon. Fred Okem is fully in support of the Governor's people's first mantra. Questions and answers and group photograph.

Dignitaries at the Inauguration was the clan head of Ijiraga His Royal Highness Chief Livinus Odey, political appointees, Staff of Yala LGA, Youth and women groups.

We Would Support Food and Nutrition Activities Holistically- Odukpani Council Boss

Iloke, Egbe 

The Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council RT. Hon. Etim Asido has pledged the readiness of his administration to support the comprehensive development of nutrition by making it a cardinal objectives of democratic dividends to his people given the desire of the Governor His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to make Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria by the year 2027.

The Chairman stated this during the inauguration of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition held at the conference hall of the Council, Odukpani while affirming that the vice chairman of the Council who double as the LGCFN is credible and has the capacity required to drive the process successfully adding that, his office is open and can be contacted anytime the need arises. 

Inaugurating the committee the Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer Cross River State Planning Commission Pastor Dr. Bong Duke said  CRS Food and Nutrition policy requires an effective institutional arrangement to ensure a results oriented programme implementation both at the State, Local Government Area and Wards. 

The VC CEO represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio stated that the overall aim of the committee is to improve the nutritional status of the people living in the LGA throughout their life cycle with focus on vulnerable groups especially children under 5 years, adolescents, women of productive age and the elderly.  While providing a coordinated leadership for Food and Nutrition interventions at the LG level with accountability and accurate reporting for informed decisions. According to the VC CEO the desire of the Governor to make Cross Riverians the healthiest people in Nigeria start with the LGA.

Earlier the State Nutrition Officer Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana made a brief PowerPoint presentation highlighting history, organogram, multi sectoral nature of nutrition which called for synergies and analyzed the short and long time negative consequences of malnutrition in children under 5 or above inclusive of adults. She also highlighted the support received from the Governor which has improved nutrition activities in the State. Some of the achievements are 6 months maternity leave with pay for nursing mothers, improve budget and releases, establishment of nutrition departments in 7 MDAs and approved State policy on nutrition, etc.

Adding her voice the Director PRS Ministry of Local Government Affairs Mrs Ewo Edet inform that nutritional practices are not very expensive as many view it and assured the Local Government Committee of budget provisions already made in 2025 appropriation to ease the committee work.

Highlights of the inauguration were acceptance speech by the Local Government vice chairman who double as the chairman Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition stating that she will give her best to serve her people through the committee work. Presentation of the State policy on Food and Nutrition to the LGCFN by the SCFN Mr Kingsley Ndem Eyibio, questions and answers and group photograph.

Members of the Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition are Hon. Mrs. Patricia Iya - chairman 

Mrs. Emem Etim Asido, Dr. Mrs. Obal Usang Esang, Mrs. Ekanem Uno Onote, Hon. Barr. Alex Asuquo, Abang Johnson Abang, Evelyn C. Obiku, Ikonwem Okon Uwa, Asuquo Offiong Ekong. Others includes Veronica Effiom, Eunice C. Igwe, His Royal Highness Sylvanus Iyamba and Essien Edet. The advocacy and inauguration of Local Government Committee on Food and Nutrition in the State is sponsored by UNICEF and CRS Government.

In attendance were the wife of the chairman Mrs. Emem Etim Asido who also expressed desire to support the program, the Head of Local Government Administration Dr. Mrs. Obal Esang and the 10 Counselors in Odukpani LGA.

Similarly, the State Committee on Food and Nutrition paid advocacy visit to the Executive chairman of Calabar Municipal soliciting stronger synergies. The Chairman represented by the Vice Chairman Pastor. RT. Hon. Okon Etim Nyong who warmly received the committee members with a promise to support nutrition activities. 

The visit featured presentation by the State nutrition officer and members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition, questions and answers and group photograph. In attendance was the Head of Local Government Administration Mrs. Ekanem Ansa Henshaw, His Royal Highness Ntufam Dr. Hayford S. Edet, Directors and heads of Departments in Calabar Municipal Council and Staff while members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition were also fully in attendance.