Month: September 2023

The Cross River State Government, in conjunction with the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology led by Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, is partnering with Silicon Valley Products Group (SVPG), a US-based company, to construct ICT hubs for the benefit of the people of Cross River State.

During the partnership meeting, which took place on Friday at the temporary Government House in Calabar, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, urged Information, Communication, and Technology investors to capitalize on the large and vibrant young population in the state by establishing ICT hubs.

Also present at the meeting was Dr. Justin Beshel, the honorable Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology, who is determined to fulfill his office’s mission of transforming the field of Science and Technology and the Silicon Valley Program Group led by Mr. Christian Idiodi, who also expressed willingness and dedication to encourage ICT-based solutions for Cross Riverians.

Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, the Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology in Cross River State, has given his assurance to an APC support group noting that his appointment as Commissioner is for service to the good people of Cross River State in line with Governor Bassey Otu’s People’s First Mantra, to provide the benefits of democracy to the
masses.

Dr. Justin Beshel, who made this known in Calabar during a courtesy call by the Amalgamated APC Support Group, stressed his availability as a vibrant man for service to Cross Riverians, saying “I am here to be sent by you. Wherever you feel I can go to get a cup of water for you to drink when you are tasty, I am available to be sent by you. Where your legs cannot carry you to because, by your age, you can’t get yourself involved in strenuous activities, I have the legs, please send me.”

Beshel assured the political group, affirming that the APC party is here to stay in Cross River State. He further advised the group to avoid mirroring politicians who, once elected or appointed into office, tend to ignore the public’s phone calls and develop an arrogant attitude. Beshel reminded them of the significance of these neglected masses, emphasising their importance in the year 2027.

During the courtesy visit, Dr. Edem Ebong, the State Director of the Amalgamated APC Support Group, described Dr. Justin Beshel, a member of the group, as a hardworking, humble, and friendly individual to collaborate with. He encouraged the Commissioner to delve deeper and uncover the positive aspects in the fields of Science, Innovation, and Technology.

Additionally, Elder Victor Antigah, the Deputy Director of the organization, commended Dr. Beshel for the remarkable progress he has made since taking office and urged him to be an exemplary representative of the group.

The meeting had in attendance, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology, some management staff, and members of the support group.

On the first day of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a briefing from the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Betta Edu on the sidelines of the gathering of world leaders.

The Minister is among the Ministers and top government functionaries accompanying the President to UNGA.

Her briefing to President Tinubu centered on the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG high-level meeting held on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly Main Hall earlier in the day and the implications for Nigeria, with a commitment for Nigeria to Achieve SDG by 2030.

The Minister shared with the President, her Ministry’s pitch deck and Action plan, as well as an advocacy tool for resource mobilization as a build-up to his speech on Tuesday, the 19th of September, 2023 when he will be addressing the UN General Assembly.

Shortly after Briefing the President, Dr. Edu held a high-level meeting with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths at the United Nations Headquarters.

At the meeting, she called for collaboration between the UN and the government of Nigeria to provide durable solutions to humanitarian crises and emergencies in the country.

Dr. Betta Edu equally sought support for the Presidential Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund, to which she got the full commitment of the United Nations.

The Minister and Griffiths further discussed systematic and long-term responses to relieve Nigeria and her citizens affected by the impact of humanitarian crises.

Dr.Edu also joined the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at a side event organized by the Nigeria Governors Wives Forum, where she spoke on the need for Nigerians in the diaspora to support the Renewed Hope Agenda and help rebuild the economy of the nation to pull Nigerians out of poverty; and also support speedy national development.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, Special Adviser On Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA.

Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State has restated Otu’s commitment to revolutionize Science and Technology in the state. The present project is geared at empowering brilliant and capable young girls of secondary education age to break barriers, shatter ceilings, and forge a path toward a brighter future.

Rev. Eyoanwan Otu who was duly represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel made this known at the event which held at the Chapel of Grace Children’s Hall – UNICROSS, Calabar.

Dr. Beshel speaking on behalf of the Governor’s wife emphasized the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in today’s rapidly changing world. He stated that these fields are crucial for progress and hold the potential for innovation, development, and prosperity.

He assured Cross Riverians that the First Family is committed to ensuring young individuals are not left behind. They will be equipped with the requisite knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in STEM. This commitment aligns with the current administration’s People’s First agenda, as the ‘First Family’ aims to establish an inclusive ecosystem. In this ecosystem, girls are encouraged to dream big and pursue their passions in STEM without any hesitation.

The event featured young girls showcasing their skills in coding, gaming, robotics, and fireside.

Some of the dignitaries at the event included Hon. Agi Atsu ( Commissioner for Sports), Barr. Odum-Ijom Ukam (Commissioner for Youths), Prince Edwin Okon (IRS Chairman) the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, represented by the DVC Administration, Prof. Ekeng Ekefre, a partner of the Guru Innovation Hub, Mr. Oku Oku, Dr. Comfort Oko (SSA Admin to the Governor’s Wife) Jeff Ademade (SA NGO), George Ejikang (APC Chapter Chairman, Obanliku), among others.

Following the STEM event, the Commissioner promptly proceeded to examine the facilities at the Entrepreneurship International Relation and Development Centre (EIRD) located at the University of Cross River State, Calabar.

Yemi Cardoso has been nominated by President Bola Tinubu as the newly appointed governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Additionally, four deputy governors have been nominated by him, namely Emem Nnana Usoro, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor, and Bala M. Bello. Further updates will be provided in due course.

Speaker Of The Cross River State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has commissioned the new Cross River State House of Assembly signpost. The commissioning of the signpost took place on Wednesday, at the entrance of the House of Assembly complex, Calabar.

Rt. Hon. Elvert expressed his gratitude for the moral support he received from Sen. (Prince) Bassey Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, and the dedicated members of the Tenth Assembly while commissioning the signpost.

Ayambem noted that the old sign was no longer effective, as it was old and in poor condition. He explained that the former signpost was dilapidated and hard to see, offering inadequate directions to the assembly complex.

Additionally, the speaker noted that the new signpost was purposely designed to have a monumental feel, showcasing the historical achievements of the 18 local government areas listed on the other side.

Members of the House of Assembly applauded the Speaker for creating such a masterpiece and art that will stand the test of time.

The project is one of the many undertaken by the speaker, since their official assumption of office, and others include the rehabilitation of the assembly complex ease points, restrooms, and furniture, reconstruction of the Assembly water systems, and just recently added the security unit quarters and the assembly entrance gate to his the bucket list.

The State House of Assembly has entered a 5-week recess and will reconvene on October 20th, 2023, after adjourning today. The adjournment was proposed by Hon. Ogidi Martins Achadu, the Member representing Yala11 State Constituency, and supported by Hon. Samuel Neji Abang, the Member representing Ikom 1 State Constituency.

During the recess, Members will be able to perform oversight duties, conduct committee meetings, and engage with their constituents.

The House finished the debate on the only topic on the agenda for the day, which was the motion presented by Hon. Ogban Francis Onette, representative of Biase State Constituency. The motion called for an urgent investigation by the Government of Cross River State into the impact of mining activities on the environment, abandoned open pits, and the use of child labor by miners in the state. Following the debate, the House adjourned.

During his comments, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem expressed his appreciation to the Members for their support and dedication, which he believed has led to the accomplishments achieved thus far. The House has successfully passed three bills and made about 25 resolutions, with several other bills currently in progress.

The National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau state has nullified the election of a two-term member of the House of representatives in Plateau state, Dachung Musa Bagos.

Bagos who represents Jos South/Jos East Federal constituency was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party during the February 25 National Assembly poll.

In nullifying Bagos’s election, the tribunal declared the Labour Party candidate, Ajang Alfred as the rightful winner of the poll and ruled that the PDP candidate was not validly nominated by his party to contest the poll.

Bagos is the third PDP candidate whose elections had been nullified in the state by the tribunal.

The other two were Senator Napoleon Bali who represents Plateau South and Peter Gyengdeng who represents Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal constituency.

Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has expressed great satisfaction in bringing back Ironbar Bassey, a former gold Olympian from Lagos, to Calabar. Bassey, born in Cross River State in 1965, represented Nigeria in weightlifting at the Olympic Games but faced hardships after an injury during the competition, leading to neglect and menial jobs in Lagos.

Ayambem strongly believes that nobody should be neglected in life’s journey. He shared this sentiment upon arriving at the Magaret Ekpo International Airport, tasked by Governor Bassey Otu to bring Bassey back to Cross River State.

Recall that on August 29, 2023, the Cross River State House of Assembly, in a motion moved by Rt. Hon. Davies Attah, the member representing Abi State Constituency called on the State Government to quickly rehabilitate and move Ironbar back to Calabar, the motion was unanimously agreed upon, to assist in rehabilitating Ironbar Bassey, who had given up on life, especially in sports. Governor Otu promptly approved the resolution and delegated Speaker Ayambem, along with other officials, to facilitate Bassey’s return and rehabilitation.

In Lagos State, they assured Bassey of Governor Otu’s dedication to rehabilitating, empowering, and reintegrating him into society, particularly in the sports sector. Speaker Ayambem praised Governor Otu for swiftly approving Bassey’s rehabilitation.

In company of the Speaker to Lagos State is the Cross River State Humanitarian Commissioner, Hon. Helen Isamoh, Hon. Brian Odey member representing the Yala 1 State Constituency, Hon Linus Etim, member representing Akampka 1 State Consistency.

Ironbar Bassey, expected to meet Governor Otu in Calabar, expressed his gratitude for this support. He had lost contact with his family in the United States, including his daughter who was attending the U.S. Marine Academy when he returned to Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, has stated that the Cross River State Government led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu is committed to rehabilitating, empowering, and integrating into the sports sector a Lagos-based gold Olympian, Mr. Ironbar Bassey, who was found doing menial jobs and rambling on the streets of Lagos State.

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem made this known in Lagos having wrapped up his visit to Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Lagos State Speaker, to facilitate legislative collaboration.

Mr. Bassey Ironbar, born in Cross River State in 1965, had represented Nigeria in Egypt and the United States of America in the Olympic Games in the weightlifting category in 1985 but later faced difficulties after sustaining an injury during the Olympic Games and was neglected after the competition, prompting Rt. Hon. Davis Ettah, a Member representing Abi State Constituency to move a motion in the Assembly’s Sitting on 29th, August 2023, was unanimously agreed for the Cross River State Government to assist in rehabilitating the Cross River-born athlete, Mr. Ironbar who had given up on life, particularly in regards to Sports.

Governor Bassey Otu in line with his People’s First mantra, gave immediate approval to the Assembly’s resolution and further delegated the Assembly speaker, Ayambem to lead the the team to bring back Mr. Ironbar for the rehabilitation and integration processes.

After receiving approval from Governor Otu, Speaker Ayambem, along with his Chief of Staff Mr. Ndoma Anakan, Dr. Helen (Cross River State Humanitarian Commissioner), Hon. Brian Odey (representing the Yala 1 State Constituency), Hon. Linus Etim (representing Akampka 1 State Consistency), and popular comedian MC Mbakara, met with Mr. Ironbar Bassey in Lagos State.

During the meeting, they assured him that Governor Otu is dedicated to rehabilitating, empowering, and reintegrating him into society, specifically within the sports sector. Elvert also commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for promptly approving the rehabilitation of the former athlete based in Lagos.

Mr. Ironbar Bassey expressed his gratitude to Governor Prince Bassey Otu for considering his well-being and for the kind act of rehabilitating, empowering, and integrating him into the sports sector and society as a whole. He mentioned that he had lost contact with his family in the United States of America, including his daughter who was attending the U.S. Marine Academy at the time he returned to Nigeria.