Month: November 2023

By Denis E. Inakefe (ANIPR)

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has commissioned the Cross River State One Stop Centre and the Obstetrics Fistula Centre in General Hospital, Calabar, an intervention by the Spotlight Initiative under the coordination of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, in representation of the State governor, expressed satisfaction that Cross River State is among the five states in Nigeria chosen for the Spotlight Initiative interventions in establishing the One-Stop Centre and the Obstetrics Fistula Centre.

Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed Cross River State’s dedication to enacting laws targeting the eradication of gender-based violence. Furthermore, he emphasized the State’s commitment to enforcing these laws, highlighting the government’s support in eliminating the “Money Wife” practice that promotes early forced child marriages in certain communities as a significant aspect of reducing harmful practices.

Ayambem commended the Spotlight Initiative in partnership with the European Union and the UN System for their support in the establishment of the Obstetric Fistula Centre and the Gender-Based Violence One–Stop Centre, and encouraged the European Union and the UN System not to relent in their efforts and support to the State. He assured the State Government’s commitment to strengthening facilities as Spotlight Initiative Handovers Center to the State, noting that “it will only get better in our hands.”

The National Coordinator, of Spotlight Initiative, Anu Varghese John, commended the Cross River State Government for their dedication to passing and enforcing legislation supporting the Spotlight Initiative. The main objective of the initiative is to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence and harmful practices in Cross River State while promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights services.

Anu Varghese John also emphasized the significance of the Spotlight Initiative in the state, highlighting the passage and execution of laws aimed at eradicating gender-based violence, as well as the establishment of the Cross River State One Stop Centre and the Obstetrics Fistula Centre. These accomplishments, according to her, are just the beginning.

In addition, Anu Varghese John, praised the key participants in Cross River State for their efforts in abolishing forced marriages, a major concern identified by the United Nations for eradication. She assured the Cross River Government of their ongoing support.

In a heartwarming recognition of his outstanding humanitarian efforts, Chief Honourable (Dr.) Martin Orim has been chosen by Rotary Club of Lagos Festac Cosmopolitan, to receive a prestigious award for his exceptional humanitarian work and dedication to society’s advancement.

According to the Rotary Club of Festac Cosmopolitan, Chief Martin Orim will be bestowed with the award during the installation of Rotarian Dr. Margaret Agada-Mba as their president on November 25, 2023, at the Festival Hotel and Spa in Festac, Lagos State.

Chief Martin Orim, who previously served as the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State government and chairs the GFO Orim Foundation, has gained nationwide recognition for his significant contributions to human capacity development, empowerment, and humanitarian initiatives in Cross River State.

This award is just one of many acknowledgments he has received from esteemed humanitarian organizations outside the state.

In an occasion graced by eminent sons and daughters of Cross River State across the globe and well meaning Nigerians of no mean repute to pay their last respect to the departed paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty Uti (Dr) J.D. Agba OON, Uti Itedem III of Utugwang, Uti Ukani I of Obudu and the paramount ruler of Obudu.

HRM Agba was by record the longest serving monarch in the Africa’s history and the longest alive in his time.

Speaking during the service organized in his honour at the St. Mathew’s Catholic Church, Obudu, Governor Bassey Otu who was represented by His Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey noted that his life was worthy of emulation and the respect accorded him was borne out of his selfless service to his community and people while he lived.

Governor Otu said the state was indeed proud to be part of the history made flesh through the life of the late paramount ruler.

“It is very difficult for us to bear this loss of a great son of the north, he has indeed left a big vacuum.
But we know that he is with God and we will continue to pray for him”, Otu said.

He also added that the Cross River State Government will immortalize the great king to serve as a mark of respect for his numerous contributions to the state and country at large.
The Governor, through his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey in his magnanimity made a donation of Ten Million Naira to support the building of the church in honour of the departed, noting that it will serve as a rally point for the spiritual and moral development of the people in that community.

Also present at the occasion was the former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Secretary to the Federal Government, HE George Akuma (represented), Minister of Sport’s Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, former Minister for Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, Commissioner for Finance Cross River State, Mike Odere and a host of other dignitaries.

Assuming office as the 18th Governor of Cross River State on May 29, 2023, Senator Bassey Otu articulated a strategic vision for the state’s brownfield assets, emphasizing an impartial public sector value comparative analysis. He committed to a professional economic management team, advocating for non-traditional, non-recourse hybrid financing products in collaboration with the private sector.

A few months into office, Governor Otu translated his vision into action by convening “The Paradigm Shift,” an economic summit held in Calabar. Addressing the assembly, he underscored the administration’s initiative to catalyze growth through capital importation of foreign direct investments. The state’s appeal, characterized by hosting the largest Free Trade Zone, a near-zero crime rate, and a welcoming citizenry, was highlighted.

The tangible results of these efforts were evident in a recent investors’ roundtable on November 9, 2023, organized by High Chief Peter Higgins at the Mega Hilton Hotel. Dignitaries such as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, and Chief of Staff to the Governor were present, providing a platform for investors to outline their plans and areas of interest.

Bong Duke, representing the government, disclosed that 150,000 hectares of land were earmarked for rice farms, with an additional 100,000 hectares dedicated to cassava production. He emphasized a transformative approach, urging investors to perceive the state as an opportunity beyond Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, at the roundtable, assured investors of the assembly’s commitment to expeditiously process legislation supporting investment, trade, and revenue generation. Dr. Basheer Oshodi, a SUKUK expert and financial advisor, expressed excitement about investing in Cross River State, aligning with projects deemed worthwhile.

Representing Chinese-owned companies, Mr. David Gowa conveyed their readiness to engage in agriculture and construction, particularly in hydropower generation, aiming to propel Cross River State to the next level.

Mike Odere, the Commissioner for Finance, reassured attendees of abundant investment opportunities within the state. High Chief Edem Duke commended Governor Otu’s economic initiatives, extending appreciation to High Chief Higgins for facilitating the gathering.

In a closing remark, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, the Secretary to the State Government, reiterated the state government’s readiness to support private initiatives, affirming its commitment to scaling up investment.

Some of those in attendance include Mr. Eka Williams, Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Mrs. Beatrice Igwe, Housing Commissioner, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Robert Ewa, Commissioner of Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, Directors of agencies and commissions, special advisers and senior government officials.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has sought collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government in a bid to address food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the state.

Otu made the call, while playing host to the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Bello Goronyo, in Calabar.

Describing water as one of the most important components of food production, the governor lauded the federal government’s effort in improving water resources, especially in the River Basins.

“We in Cross River are open to more River Basins. We are carrying out feasibility studies on two or three locations. That was why immediately after the inauguration of the State Executive Council, we made sure that members quickly aligned with ministers at the federal level to understand programmes on board and possible areas of synergy with the view to bring the needed benefits for Cross Rivererians,” the governor stated.

Governor Otu remarked that though a subnational, Cross River runs a Renewed Hope Agenda that is rooted in people-oriented policies and programmes, adding that the grassroots programmes are being felt by the masses.

“We want to ensure food security as quickly as possible. Once there is food security, there is a guarantee for the security of almost every other segment of society,” he said.

The governor further said: “We are working hard to improve sanitation and hygiene. We want to eradicate open defecation completely from Cross River State.

“We need your ministry’s support and also seek collaborations with relevant MDAs like the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to enable us achieve our set objectives.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Bello Goronyo, who lauded the governor for his leadership disposition, said his team, was in Calabar on a familiarisation visit of the River Basin.

Goronyo noted that there are several projects to be carried out by his ministry in partnership with the state government, while commending Governor Otu for budgetary provision as counterpart funding for the projects billed to be executed in the state.

He reassured of his ministry’s support for the delivery of projects that would enhance the living standard of the people.

Emmanuel Ogbeche
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
9/11/23

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced six individuals including a herbalist, to five years imprisonment each for publishing a nude video of ex-speaker of Osun Assembly, Timothy Owoye on the internet after defrauding him of N38million.

The Nation recalled that a 13-second video of Timothy Owoeye had gone viral in 2018 where he appeared unclad and bathing in a market area.

It was alleged that the speaker was performing a ritual to avert death when he was accosted by community members of the Osunjela area of Osun State.

Subsequently, the convicts; Kazeem Agbabiaka, Femi Oyebode, Abdul-Rasheed Ojonla, Babatunde Oluajo, Adebiyi Kehinde, Oyebanji Oyeniyi and Ismaila Azeez were arraigned before a Magistrate court before they were transferred to Federal High court on October 19, 2018.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel led by the Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Moses Faremi tendered 57 exhibits which included bank statements of three commercial banks where the money of fraud was received, a flash drive, a compact disc, a wooden box, $100, gun among others before the court.

Similarly, six witnesses testified against the convicts including the ex-speaker, Timothy Owoeye, an Investigating Police Officer and four bankers.

While delivering his judgement on Tuesday, November 7, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola convicted six of them over the alleged offences bothering on bordering on conspiracy, advance-free fraud, and cyberstalking among others.

Justice Ayoola established that the convicts swindled the ex-speaker of N38 million and also posted his nude video on the internet which caused him (Owoeye) to ridicule.

While giving allocutus, the legal counsel to the convicts pleaded with the judge to tamper justice with mercy on the ground that they were first-time offenders and family men.

Justice Ayoola later sentenced all the convicts to 5 years imprisonment each.

Agbabiaka (herbalist), Oyebode (community leader), Ojonla (community leader) and Babatunde (Prince) were convicted of conspiracy and advance-free fraud while Adebiyi was convicted of cyberstalking.

However, Justice Ayoola discharged Oyeniyi on the case of conspiracy levelled against him.

The Senate has said the National Assembly took into cognisance the suffering of Nigerians in giving accelerated consideration to the N2.17 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ali Ndume, gave this explanation in a chat with newsmen in Abuja, on Saturday.

He explained that passing the budget within 48 hours was a patriotic duty.
The appropriation bill was submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday and the National Assembly suspended some of its rules to fast-track its passage.

The bill was read for the first and second times and sent to the Appropriations committees of both chambers.

The report of the joint committee was presented, considered and approved within 48 hours.

While explaining what happened, Ndume said, “The increases of prices of fuel, costs of essential services and food items have gone up in the country following the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

“Workers embarked on strike many times as a result of this and there were negotiations between the organised labour unions and the Federal Government.

“At the end of the negotiations, the Labour and the Federal Government agreed that workers would be paid N35,000 in addition to their minimum wage.

“If N35,000 is paid to each of the over 1.5 million workers, the amount is huge. The money was captured in the supplementary budget.

“There were also agitations among parents of students in tertiary institutions following the increment in the tuition fees and the Federal Government came up with a wonderful idea of giving loans to students in tertiary institutions hence provision of N5.5 billion was made in the supplementary budget for that purpose also.”

The Senate has mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to investigate the immediate and remote causes of dwindling revenue derivable from solid minerals development in the country.

Senate resolution followed consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Thursday. The motion titled, “Comprehensively Review the Input and Output Values of the Nigerian Mining Industry in Light of its Central Role to Economic Diversification, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Social Inclusion,” was sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu).

Mr Ngwu, in his lead debate, said after several decades of policy incoherence and weak institutional dis-alignment, the economic potential of the sector to the gross domestic product of the economy has remained dismal.

He said that quarrying dominates the total output of the mining sector, with almost 90 per cent contribution and an increasing growth rate that is largely driven by products such as granite, gravel, marble, and other construction materials in high demand within the housing sector.
He, however, said the requisite benefits to the government are not significantly evident by way of royalties.

He said the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Solid Mineral Industry Report, 2020 indicates that the five-year trend of solid minerals’ contribution to GDP from 2016 to 2020 has fluctuated.

According to him, while Nigeria gets less from the sector, about 0.45 per cent in 2020, other African countries significantly contribute to their GDP.
“For example, the sector contributes over 40 per cent to the GDP of Botswana, and in Congo and South Africa, it is about 25 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively, ” the lawmaker said.

He said the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has been selling and is on the verge of concluding privatisation and commercialisation of all publicly funded facilities relating to the Nigerian mining and mineral sector even when the privatisation programmes have not shown any concise, beneficial impact to the mining industry.

He expressed concern that despite abundant mineral endowment in Nigeria and resources expended by the government, the contribution of the mineral sector to job creation, infrastructure development, and the GDP of the economy remains one of the lowest across the African sub-Saharan region.

Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) said people saddled with the responsibility of driving revenue for the country through the mining sector were doing so for their personal exploration and exploitation; hence, the sector was not contributing maximally to the nation’s GDP.

According to Mr Umeh, there is a need to investigate the sector, as not doing so would result in continuous revenue loss from the sector.
Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC Yobe) said the Senate should make solid minerals development a major legislative agenda, saying there was the need to advocate for interventions from the federal government to make the sector viable.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the sector had been neglected, saying that bandits’ activities of illegal foreigners were visible in the sector.

He said the nation’s precious minerals were being taken away daily without commensurate revenue or taxes, loyalty accruing to the Federal Government. “As far as solid minerals are concerned, there is no arrangement on what the government gets as revenue,” he said.

He said the motion was apt, adding that the Senate would not wait any longer to make recommendations to the government on the sector.
He urged the committee to conclude the investigations in three weeks.
The Senate, in its further resolutions, called for a review of the activities of the policy administrators, policy executors, and industry players in policy formulation and policy execution at downstream, midstream, and upstream operations of the sector.

It also urged the committee to ascertain the extent and impact of illegal mining activities and the extent of complicity of local and expatriate industry players.

The upper chamber called for a review of all the BPE privatisation or commercialisation programmes of all mining and mineral resources-related programmes from 1999 to date.
It also called for a stop to further privatisation of mining assets until the Senate concludes the investigation.
(NAN)