Month: November 2023

Given the GFO Orim foundation’s groundbreaking role in transforming society, and with Chief Hon. Dr. Martin Orim serving as chairman, the foundation has been awarded the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) Star Foundation Award.

The Star award was presented at the CRBC Maiden Annual Lecture with the theme: Entrenching the Culture of Productive Consciousness in a developing Economy — the Media Experience, which was held at Channel View Hotel, Calabar.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Chairman of the GFO Orim foundation, Hon. Agnes Atsu, Commissioner for Sports Development thanked the organisers of the event for finding the foundation worthy of its star award.

She stated that even though the GFO Orim Foundation does not carry out its numerous charitable endeavours to gain attention, the organisation is appreciative of the contributions made to enhance people’s quality of life, particularly in Northern Cross River State.

According to Hon. Atsu, the award is a call to action. “Chief Martin Orim, the chairman and founder of the GFO Orim Foundation, is a philanthropist who values helping others and is prepared to forgo his comfort to do so.”

“His charitable endeavours predate his appointment as Ayade’s Chief o f Staff, and he will continue to carry them out even after leaving office. He did not start them today. He will undoubtedly be inspired to do more by this award, she added.

Cross River State-owned airline, Cally Air, managed by Aero, has resumed flight operations at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, to address the increasing air traffic to Calabar.

Receiving the Boeing 737 – 5N BYR Plane, Tuesday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, the State Governor, Sen Bassey Otu commended his predecessor, Sen. Ben Ayade for initiating Cally Air and putting Cross River in the aviation map, saying with the 32-day nonstop fun to begin on November 30, the two planes have been made to fly from Lagos and Abuja, respectively, to Calabar.

“We have about three aircrafts that would be joining the fleet in no distant time,” Otu promised, adding that “Calabar has been an international airport and we want to raise it to that standard.”

“Permit me to thank officials of the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for making it possible that flight, very soon, would be landing here till 9pm. The lighting is being restored and the airport is returning to total functionality to exist as an international airport, he remarked.

The governor used the opportunity to welcome investors and fun seekers into the State, while calling on them to explore the option of Cally Aero as the plan to visit Cross River for business or leasure, saying, “To all our guests, we are expecting all of you from December 1. By the time the festival is on, one can only imagine what the temperature is going to be like.

“I want to thank Aero Contractors, our partner in this business. We have agreed to build even stronger and to make sure that this partnership becomes a very viable business for the state.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, lauded the vision of governor Otu for graciously approving the return of services of both aircrafts to Calabar, describing him as man “poised to promoting tourism and repositioning Cross River into an economically viable state.”

“Now, the two aircrafts are flying and we will cover the Carnival Calabar International Festival edition of ‘Season of Sweetness’ fully. We thank His Excellency for his visionary leadership in allowing us to achieve this aim. We thank the Almighty God for the privilege to be part of this success story,” the CEO said.

While calling on air travellers to patronise Aero Cally, Sanusi informed that the State-owned aircrafts operate the most pocket-friendly airfares in the country.

Government House Press
Calabar
28/11/23

Following the dismissal of Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim by the Appeal Court, Hon. Brian Odey of the Labour Party (LP) has been appointed as the new Deputy Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly by the Cross River State House of Assembly. Hon. Brian Odey, who represents Yala 1 State Constituency, will now assume this role.

The decision was announced by the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem.

Recall that the Appeal Court declared Hon. Thomas Aruku of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 18, 2023, general election, thereby removing Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from her position.

Chief Hon. (Dr.) Martin Orim, the immediate past Chief of Staff to the Cross River State government and chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation, has received the prestigious Rotary Humanitarian Service Award from the Rotary Club of Lagos Festac Cosmopolitan.

Receiving the award at the Festival Hotel and Spa in Lagos State, Chief Martin Orim expressed his gratitude and recognized the award as a call for him to increase his efforts. He stated that he has always found joy in improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals and promised to remain unwavering in his support.

Furthermore, Hon. Martin Orim reaffirmed his commitment to making a positive impact and dedicated himself to humanitarian services for the betterment of society.

The Rotary Club of Festac Cosmopolitan, the organisers of the award, emphasized that it was given to Chief Martin Orim after careful consideration and assessment of his humanitarian contributions. The organisation further conferred Hon. Orim with honorary membership of Rotary Club.

Chief Martin Orim’s outstanding contributions to human capacity development, empowerment, and humanitarian initiatives in Cross River State have earned him widespread recognition throughout the country.

By Denis E. Inakefe (ANIPR)

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has reaffirmed Governor Otu’s commitment to Sports development in the State. He made this known on Sunday, 19th November 2023, after Cross River’s Rover FC secured a 1:0 victory over Abeokuta’s Stormers FC, at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Hon. Elvert Ayambem, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Nelly Elverts Ayambem, attended the game to show support for the players. He expressed his admiration for the disciplined and talented players on the field and mentioned his long-standing support for the Rovers team. He reminisced about the club’s successful past and expressed hopes for their promotion to the Nigerian Professionals Football League (NPFL).

Ayambem praised the efforts of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, and the Rovers FC management team in upholding the state’s football pride. After encouraging the visiting team, Stormers FC, Ayambem spoke with the players of Rovers Of Calabar FC, assuring them of his support and the government’s commitment to improving sports and meeting their needs to enhance their performance in the game.

Elvert Ayambem emphasized that the team is now under scrutiny by the entire state. Therefore, it is crucial for them to represent the state admirably and, as a result, rekindle the interest of fans who had lost faith in their performance. Ayambem expressed delight in witnessing the team make a strong comeback in the recent game.

As a motivational gesture, the speaker rewarded the goalscorer with a sum of Fifty Thousand Naira(N50,000) and also pledged a Hundred And Fifty Thousand Naira(N150,000) supporting the team. Ayambem conveyed his satisfaction and expressed his anticipation for more triumphant moments for the Rovers FC in future matches.

The match, which concluded with a 1:0 victory for the Rovers FC, saw midfielder Jesam Joecare scoring in the 84th minute. The game attracted numerous supporters from all over the state, who gathered to encourage the Rovers FC to give their best performance on the field.

The Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Daniel Obo Jr is to Chair Dr. Inyali Peter’s campaign council for the forthcoming University of Cross River State Alumni Association’s election.

Recall that Inyali, the incumbent National Public Relations Officer of the association had declared interest to contest the December 12 presidential election billed to hold in Transcorp, Calabar.

Obo who was nominated into the campaign council alongside one hundred and thirty two others, in his acceptance speech, described Inyali as a dogged fighter who always stand for fairness and equity.

According to him, “I want to thank Dr. Inyali Peter’s team for finding me worthy to Chair his campaign council for the forthcoming University of Cross River State alumni association’s election.

Inyali is a vibrant young Cross Riverian I have known for over a decade and can vouch that he has all it takes to lead the association at this critical time.

The association is in dire need of a firm character like Inyali who always fights doggedly for fairness, equity and justice”.

Continuing, he said that “I’m particularly thrilled by his consciousness in putting into consideration, all the components including the Polytechnic Calabar (where I belong) that makes up the alumni association in the setting up of his campaign team.

Without equivocation, I want to confirm my acceptance of the appointment as the Chairman of the council to deliver him as President in the forthcoming national convention.

I pledge my unreserved commitment towards the actualisation of this ambition and call on all those appointed into various responsibilities to put in their best to ensure we come out victorious”.

Obo is to work with Engr. Richard Ekpenyong, a former Student Union Government President as the Director General of the Council, Dr. Victor Ndifon, another former Students’ Union Government President, as the Alternate Director General and Mr. Peter Abutiang, a former President of the National Association of Cross River State Students, UNICROSS chapter as Secretary.

Other members nominated into the council include Engr. Maxwell Oko, another former Students’ Union Government President as Chairman, Security Directorate, Dr. Nchor Julius as Chairman, Past Union Leaders Directorate, and Nji Egbe Nji, former Speaker of the Students’ Union Government parliament as Chairman, Planning, Strategy and Implementation Directorate.

Seek the full list of the campaign council:

Comrade Dan Obo Jr, *Chairman*

Comrade Richard Ekpenyong, *DG*

Comrade Victor Ndifon, *Alternate DG*

Comrade Peter Abutiang, *Secretary*

*Directorates* :

i.*Government Relations*

1. Comrade Francis Ajah, Chairman
2. Comrade Aruku Joseph, Alternate Chairman
3. Comrade Ekeng Inyang
4. Comrade Alice Etim
5. Comrade Abang Ogon
6. Comrade Peter Enyivie
7. Comrade Paul Akpa

ii. *Planning, Strategy and Implementation*

1. Comrade Nji Egbe Nji, Chairman
2. Comrade Samuel Abaji
3. Comrade Stephen Omang
4. Comrade Fidelis Izama
5. Comrade Sly Agbor
6. Comrade Goodnews Udoh
7. Comrade Omang Idiege, Jr.

iii. *Contact/Mobilisation*

1. Comrade Abang Ogon, Chairman
2. Comrade Gifted Nelson Alternate Chairman
3. Comrade Spencer Enyivie
4. Comrade Ekpo Otu
5. Comrade Oshaka Oshaka
6. Comrade Edward Obi
7. Comrade Illoke Egbe
8. Comrade Ikem Peter
9. Comrade Nentui Kasetima
10 comrade Mgbe-Esse Glory Enene
11. Comrade Omang Idiege Jr
12. Comrade Paul Akpa
13. Comrade Oshie Godwin
14. Comrade Francis Osang, Secretary

iv. *Finance/Audit*

1. Comrade Ikem Peter, Chairman
2. Comrade Maxwell Oko
3. Comrade Nchor Julius
4. Comrade Ekpo Otu
5. Comrade Otiko Tony
6. Comrade Derek Omini
7. Comrade Nji Egbe Nji
8. Comrade Richard Ekpenyong
9. Comrade Rene Abang
10. Comrade Ugbe Margaret
11. Comrade Francis Ajah
12. Comrade Ijoh Emmanuel
13. Comrade Samuel Abaji
14. Comrade Nentui Kasetima

V. *Polycal Relations*

1. Comrade Ephraim Akamo, Chairman
2. Comrade Daniel Obo Jr
3. Comrade Francis Ajah
4. Comrade Godswill John
5. Comrade Edim Moses

Vi. *Security*

1. Comrade Maxwell Oko, Chairman
2. Comrade Christian Kejuo, Alternate Chairman
3. Comrade Maurice Eniang
4. Comrade Ijoh Emmanuel
5. Comrade Samuel Abaji
6. Comrade Peter Okpokiri
7. Comrade Samuel Ben
8. Comrade Roy Inyang
9. Comrade Ikpi Esoku
10. Comrade Jerry Oti
11. Comrade Otu Saviour

Vii. *Media and Publicity*

1. Comrade Ofem Jesam – Chairman
2. Comrade Kingley Agim (Spokesman)
3. Comrade Jimmy Agbor
4. Comrade Solomon Ugo
5. Comrade Alobo Ishmael
6. Comrade Uhili Mariam
7. Comrade Fred Ibobo
8. Comrade Denis Inakefe
9.Comrade Ofere Timothy.
10. Comrade Jacob Clifford
11. Comrade Michael Oyi
12. Comrade Ghedoni Blessing

Viii. *Past Union Leaders*

1. Comrade Nchor Julius, Chairman
2. Comrade Fidelis Izama
3. Comrade Richard Ekpenyong
4. Comrade Peter Abutiang
5. Comrade Victor Ndifon
6. Comrade Ekong Ika
7. Comrade Stephen Omang
8. Comrade Ekpenyong Otu (EFCC)
9. Comrade Spencer Enyivie
10. Comrade Christian Kejuo
11. Comrade Ephraim Akamo
12. Comrade Sly Agbor
13. Comrade Sunnyskipo Otu
14. Comrade James Ikpi
15. Comrade Daniel Agbor
16. Comrade Nkari Francis
17. Comrade Nsidibe Udoudo
18. Comrade James Odey
19. Comrade Markpeace Osim
20. Comrade Oyom Effiong
21. Comrade Samuel Odey, Alternate Chairman

x. “Inter-faculty”

1. Comrade Peter Enyivie, Chairman
2. Comrade Markpeace Osim
3. Comrade Ubi Eteng
4. Comrade Omang Idiege Jr
5. Comrade Wodah Francis
6. Comrade Wonah Patrick
7. Comrade Akwaji
8. Comrade Eze Benson
9. Comrade Obaji Caleb
10 Comrade Nzie Thomas
11 Comrade Agida Lazarus
12. Comrade Nicholas Egere
13. Apostle Abasiodiong Nkanta

xi. *Inter-chapter*

1. Comrade Udeme Obo, Chairman
2. Comrade Ochi Anthony
3. Comrade Izama Fidelis
4. Comrade Mac-Anthony Ilok
5. Comrade Edward Friday

*Women Affairs*

1. Comrade Marvelous Bam, Chairman
2. Comrade Ugbe Margaret
3. Comrade Jesustina Ogar
4. Comrade Florence Osim
5. Comrade Alice Etim

*CRUTITES in CRUTECH*

1. Comrade Godswill John, Chairman
2. Comrade Emmanuel Inyang
3. Comrade Ekong Ika
4. Comrade Okiri Emmanuel
5. Comrade Moses Edim
6. Comrade Benson Eze
7. Comrade Velocity Inah

“Cross River based Alumni”

1. Comrade Paultu Tawo, Chairman
2. Comrade Egere Nicholas
3. Comrade Anthony Igri
4. Comrade Nicholas Egere
5. Comrade Paul Akpa

*Diaspora Alumni*

1. Comrade Otiko Tony JP, Chairman
2. Comrade Ekpo Otu
3. Comrade Nchor Julius