The Cross River State House of Assembly has on Tuesday, 26th March 2024, passed a motion urging the State Government to complete the Okuku-Okpoma-Mfom and Yahe-Ebo roads, which had been left unfinished by the previous administration.
The motion proposed by Hon. Brian Odey, the member representing Yala 1 State Constituency in the Assembly, highlighted the negative impact of the incomplete roads on the predominantly farming community of Yala.
Hon. Brian Odey
According to Hon. Odey, the unfinished roads have hindered agricultural productivity and connectivity to neighbouring states, leading to a significant loss of revenue and economic opportunity for the people of Yala. He also expressed concerns about the safety of the community, as the dilapidated road infrastructure has caused numerous accidents and damaged vehicles daily. Additionally, the dust generated by the unfinished roads has resulted in unhealthy living conditions for many residents, especially those living close to the roadside.
Hon. Martins Achadu of the Yala 2 constituency also spoke in support of the motion, emphasizing the detrimental effects of the unfinished roads on economic activities in the area. Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo of Odukpani State Constituency also expressed his support for the motion, highlighting the importance of robust road networks in local government development.
In response to the concerns raised by the assembly members, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem reassured the people of Yala 1 that their concerns had been heard. Ayambem affirmed the commitment of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu to prioritize the welfare of the citizens, declaring that no effort would be spared in ensuring the swift completion of the road projects.
The Project Development Institute (PRODA) is set to build its South-South regional office in the Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State.
The agency disclosed this during a working visit of Cross River State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel to its corporate headquarters in Enugu State yesterday.
PRODA, an industrial research and development institute that’s responsible for facilitating development and deployment of science and technology apparatuses for socioeconomic development in Nigeria, is a federal government agency domiciled in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
DG of PRODA, Dr. Peter Ogbobe, presenting gift item to the Cross River State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel during a visit to the agency’s headquarters in Enugu.
Speaking on the essence of his visit, Dr. Beshel said that he was sent by the Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu to discuss areas of partnership that would enhance the domestication of all the agency has in its headquarters in the state.
Beshel, who said the Otu’s administration is committed to making Cross River a leading state in science and technology, noted that he had a fruitful discussion with the Director General of the agency, Dr. Peter Ogbobe that will culminate in stronger ties between the state and the agency.
According to him, “the focus of our visit was to build a stronger relationship and to collaborate with the agency to domesticate all they have in the headquarters in Cross River State.
Our governor is passionate about science technology and has commissioned me to facilitate relationships that will enhance the state’s vision of becoming the leading state in science and technology in the country.”
The commissioner said that “One point to celebrate is that Cross River State has been chosen to be a Zonal Headquarters of PRODA in the South – South Geopolitical zone. There’s already a land allocation in Akamkpa local government of the state. We believe in what we’re doing and are very focused on implementing Gov. Otu’s ‘People’s First’ agenda in the area of science and technology.
Some of the agency’s workshops that the DG conducted the Commissioner round include; Ceramic and Pottery Workshop, Pencil Production Workshop, Welding and Fabrication Workshop, Foundry Workshop, Biomedical Research Laboratory and Lithium Battery Manufacturing Workshop.
Seven months ago, when Gov. Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State inaugurated his cabinet, not so many people envisaged that the newly created Ministry of Science and Technology would become the beacon of light for his administration nationally and globally like it is fast becoming.
Dr. Justin Beshel receiving the NiRA award on behalf of the Cross River State government
The Cross River State Ministry of Science and Technology, when compared to related federal ministries, is a combination of two stand-alone ministries —Ministries of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Innovation, Science and Technology. This means that the scope of the ministry covers digital economy, communication and information technology, science, technology, and innovation.
Dr. Justin Beshel, Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Cross River State, presenting the NiRA award to Gov. Bassey Edet Otu
Ostensibly, at the time, the governor created the ministry and deployed Dr. Justin Beshel as Commissioner, there was no befitting office for him to start up from even though the scope was so broad. But the governor had a clear vision, which he sold to Beshel and encouraged him to do his best. His best, with what the Ministry has achieved in such a short time, has been nothing short of amazing.
Seven months down the line, Cross Riverians have every reason to commend the Governor for first, deciding to create such an important Ministry with the mandate to drive the state’s digital economy, technology and innovation for economic prosperity, and secondly, handing it to a young man who doesn’t see his job as politics but an opportunity to help the government create a remarkable impact in science and technology.
Perhaps it is safe to say that Dr. Beshel has not only justified his appointment but has also validated the reason why Gov. Otu created the ministry by putting the state on the national and global map in science and technology discourse.
For instance, just a few months into his reign as Commissioner, Beshel led his ministry to Lagos to conquer other states at the 6th edition of the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA) award, having emerged as the best state in the country in the area of Digital Innovation in government. This was not a coincidence but an award in recognition of the far-reaching innovations the Otu administration brought on board, some of which include the digitalisation of the budget process, revenue generation, etc.
Similarly, at the just concluded 8th edition of the National Technology and Innovation Exhibition, an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology for state government and private individuals to showcase talents and innovations, Cross River, led by the Ministry of Science and Technology emerged best in the country by showcasing three technologies with far-reaching implications on the State, national and global economy.
One of the technologies showcased at the exhibition is the one hundred per cent locally developed application, the Central Authentication Payment System App. This app, invented to monitor and sum up in real-time, revenue generation from all revenue sources of government, has helped in bringing discipline, accountability, and transparency to revenue generation in the state.
As rumoured, the federal government and other federating units including the Federal Capital Territory are interested in this technology and the state is preparing to market it to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for adoption as a quasi-regulator of revenue generation across the states of the the federation. If this goes as planned, it’ll improve the influx of resources to the state for Gov. Otu to implement his brilliant ‘People’s First’ Agenda’.
Dr. Beshel with the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Godfrey Nnaji at the Technology and Innovation Exhibition held in Abuja, last week
In the same vein, the state also showcased the Fibre Extractor at the exhibition. The technology that is used to extract fibre from plantain and banana stems, as well as from pineapple, is the first of its kind in West Africa.
With the recent ban on polythene materials in some states in Nigeria, the importance of fibre technology can not be overstressed. Besides, fibre technologies are getting so much attention in the West now as some are deployed to fight environmental degradation. With this technology, Cross River is already putting itself on the global map in the biodegradable discourse.
Furthermore, another innovation displayed at the exhibition is the locally-made Stem Slicer. This first-of-its-kind machine, designed to enhance productivity and reduce time cost, is structured to neatly slice banana and plantain stems into sizes that can easily be taken up by the Fibre Threshing and Extracting Machine.
Bananas and Plantain stems have huge economic potential. The Philippines is generating huge resources from the conversion of banana stems into products like rugs, leather fabrics, and even hair extensions. According to reports, Italian shoemakers are importing a lot of made-with-banana-stem leathers from the Philippines. Even the Indians are now making huge fortunes from banana leather.
With the new Cross River Stem Slicer technology, with proper investment, Cross River State can partner with some of these countries and attract a lot of investment in this area to the state. To attain this, however, the government needs to be deliberate in marketing these technologies within and outside the country.
Undoubtedly, the vision of the governor for creating the new Ministry of Science and Technology and handing it over to a competent young hand to run is paying off. Hence, there’s a need for continued investment in the Ministry as well as collaboration with relevant federal authorities to effectively harness the potential in the technologies developed so far and many that are to come.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the Cross River State Government to revoke the sale of the State Abuja Liaison Office, which was purportedly concessioned to a private individual.
In a motion moved by Hon Kingsley Ntui, the member representing Etung State Constituency on Tuesday 19 March 2024, the House resolved that the State owned property has to be recovered.
The Assembly’s Minority Whip, Hon. Omang Omang, representing Bekwarra State Constituency, expressed his dismay on the floor of the Assembly, at the extensive renovations being carried out without the State Government’s knowledge. He also pointed out that the Assembly has not yet received any documentation approving the Abuja Liaison Office concession through due process, to a private person or group of people.
Omang citing Section 128 of the Nigerian Constitution which empowers the House of Assembly to carry out an investigation, demanded an inquiry into the purported sale of the state-owned property and the subsequent prosecution of those involved, to dissuade future attempts by others to unlawfully privatize government assets.
Hon Neji Abang, the member representing Ikom 1 Constituency, Hon Okon Owuna, the member representing Akamkpa II, Hon Ovat Agbor, the member representing Obubra I, and other members of the Assembly called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing renovations on the building and its recovery back to the Cross River State Government. In addition, they demanded that the Assembly call on all parties engaged in the concession to provide a thorough explanation of the procedures followed before the property was handed to private individuals.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed that the Assembly members’ call for the property’s return was a priority for the people of Cross River State and was not motivated by vendetta or witch-hunting. He maintained that the Governor Otu-led administration is the people-first administration and the House will do its best to support the actualization of the People’s First mantra.
The Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Justin Beshel, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Obanliku community for the tragic incident that occurred in Shikpeche, Bishiri North Ward on March 18th 2024.
According to Dr Justin Beshel, preliminary investigations indicate that the accident which resulted in the death of 2 abled youths, leaving 3 unconscious,
occurred while some youths were digging for the recently discovered solid mineral and tourmaline in Shikpeche, an Obanliku village sharing a boundary with Benue State.
As a result of this unfortunate incident, Dr Beshel noted that has been actively pursuing ways to ensure that local miners in Obanliku comply with safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Beshel also noted that he has been in contact with the Commissioner for Solid Minerals to bring order to the growing artisanal mining sector in Obanliku and the state at large.
Furthermore, Dr Beshel urged the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to take immediate action in implementing and formulating new policies that will regulate the activities of miners in the area and prevent a reoccurrence of similar accidents.
He also assured his commitment to ensuring the safety of all those involved in mining activities in Obanliku and will continue to work tirelessly towards implementing measures that will prevent such unfortunate incidents from happening in the future.
The Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has directed the immediate suspension of the Cross River State House of Assembly Commission.
Governor Bassey Otu informed the House of Assembly of this through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, in a letter dated March 18, 2024, which was read on the floor of the House of Assembly by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem on March 19, 2024.
The Governor stated that the suspension became necessary following the House of Assembly Commission’s failure to reveal the correct seniority order of the eligible staff members for the position of Clerk of the House of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
“The unfortunate outcome was His Excellency, the Governor’s misguided selection of Mr. Patrick Edi over Mrs. Catherine Ubi and the ripple effect this has caused,” the letter read.
The Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu has approved the immediate withdrawal of Mr, Patrick Edi’s appointment as the Clerk of the House of Assembly.
Governor Bassey Otu notified the House of Assembly of this decision in a letter dated March 18, 2024, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, which Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem read on the floor of the House of Assembly on March 19, 2024.
According to the SSG’s letter, the reversal of the appointment was “based on the fact that the critical criterion for seniority was not highlighted or even made reference to in the recommendations made to His Excellency. Specially, while Mr. Patrick Edi was employed before Mrs Catherine Ubi, her becoming a Director before the other gives her the advantage of seniority.”
As a result, Barr. Catherine Ubi was appointed the substantive clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Cross River State has emerged as the overall best in the States’ Ministry of Science and Technology category at the just concluded 8th national Technology and Innovation Exhibition.
The programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, was held at Eagle Square, Abuja, between the 11th and 15th of March, 2024.
The exhibition featured five categories, which include JETS, Technology Entrepreneurs, Research Institutions, Tertiary Institutions, and State Ministries in Charge of Science and Technology.
Team Cross River, led by Dr. Justin Beshel, the State’s Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology displayed indigenous technologies—the Central Authentication Payment System, Plantain stem Slicing Machine, and the Fibre Extractor to emerge the best in the 36 states of the federation and FCT.
Prof. Eka Braide, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (formerly Cross River University of Technology) and Federal University, Lafia who is the President Nigerian Academy of Science, presented the award to the state on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Godfrey Nnaji.
Speaking after receiving the award on behalf of the state, Dr. Beshel thanked the team of innovators from Cross River State for the efforts they invested in developing the technologies saying that their success in the exhibition was a testament to Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to harnessing tech talents in the state.
Beshel, who dedicated the prize to the governor for his support for the team, called on investors, the private sector, and the federal government to support the state to develop the technologies into national and global products.
Explaining the technologies, he said that “Cross River State Ministry of Science and Technology brought to fore, 10per cent local content Central Authentication Payment System App which monitors and sums real-time, revenue generation from all Revenue Generation Agencies. This does not only allow for transparency, but also accountability, and nib to the barest minimum, revenue leakages while promoting Internally Generated Revenue.
Also showcased was a Locally Fabricated Fibre Extractor, the first of its kind in West Africa. This machine extracts fibre from plantain and banana stems, as well as from pineapple. The use of fibre can not be overemphasized, especially with the recent policies on the ban on polythene materials. Fibre is used in textile industries paper-making industries and for the production of Plaster of Paris (POP). Being biodegradable, it is an emerging technology applicable in the Western world to keep the environment clean and safe. ”
The Commissioner added that “to enhance productivity and reduce time cost, another machine, the Stem Slicer was also fabricated and showcased. It’s designed to neatly and promptly slice the banana or plantain stems into sizes that can easily be taken up by the Fibre Threshing and Extracting Machine. And this, too, is the first of its kind. “
The State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, has emphasized the significance of information and communication technology (ICT) in education. He made this known on Tuesday, 12 March 2024, during the official handover ceremony of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Digital Economy Centre equipped in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme to the University of Cross River State.
Dr. Justin Beshel stated that nations are shifting from analogue to digital economies, and no state should be left behind, adding that with the establishment of the Digital Economy Centre in the University, students will graduate to become independent entrepreneurs rather than relying on white-collar jobs.
The wife of the Senate President Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, who represented President Tinubu’s wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the event, expressed her commitment to providing greater opportunities for women and girls in Nigeria to thrive in the digital era. She noted that the equipped ICT centre is a collaborative effort to provide access to technology for women and girls.
The President’s wife noted that the formal opening of the ICT centre marks a strategic step forward in setting the path for Nigerian women and girls to participate and thrive in the digital revolution, adding that the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with NITDA will be expanding opportunities for digital literacy and empowerment by building and equipping ICT learning centres in other parts of the country.
The Wife of the State Governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, also commended the unwavering commitment of the President’s wife to the development of education and technology infrastructure in Cross River State. She stated that the establishment of the state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the University of Cross River will empower students, faculties, and researchers with the requisite tools and resources necessary to excel in the digital age.
Prof. Augustine Angba, the UNICROSS VC, inferred that the facility comprises state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge software, and other resources that will greatly enhance educational and research capabilities in the University, He stated that the impact of this donation went far beyond the tangible items seen at ceremony, adding that It represents an investment in the future of the University and its students.
Furthermore, Prof. Angba stated that with the advanced resources at the university’s disposal, they will be able to offer a world-class education that prepares students for the digital era and equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving professional landscape. He also said the Centre will serve as a catalyst for research and innovation that will enable faculty members to conduct groundbreaking research, explore emerging technologies, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of information technology.
The President of the Student Union Government, University of Cross River State, Comrade Humphrey Ogboetim, in his goodwill message congratulated everyone for being a part of the milestone event and further highlighted the importance of technology in the advancement of any society.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey asserts that the All Progressives Congress (APC) receives a significant boost with the defection of Hon. Mike Usibe, a former People Democratic Party House of Representatives candidate, and Mr. Ukeh Ikem, the brother of the PDP State Chairman.
Rt. Hon. Odey made this assertion while addressing the press after he received the defectors at well-attended ceremonies at Ogoja and Obudu Local Government Areas on Saturday.
He stressed that the migration of Hon. Mike Usibe, a former People Democratic Party House of Representatives candidate, and Mr. Ukeh Ikem, brother of the PDP State Chairman, along with numerous supporters from Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Obudu Local Government Area, serves as a significant boost for the APC in the Northern Senatorial District and Cross River State as a whole.
The delighted deputy governor, praising Hon. Usibe, described him as an accomplished businessman and a formidable influence in Yala/Ogoja politics. He portrayed Ikem as a valuable asset to the APC, highlighting his extensive experience in grassroots politics as a significant advantage.
Commending both the defectors and their supporters for their courageous decision to leave their former party, he assured them of equal rights and privileges within the ruling party, the APC.
Odey, emphasizing the influx of defections from the PDP and other political parties to the APC in the Northern Senatorial District and statewide as an indication of opposition decline, reaffirms Governor Otu’s steadfast dedication to transforming the socioeconomic status of Cross Riverians, evident in his ‘People First’ mantra.
During their respective opening remarks at the event, Yala Local Government Chapter Chairman, Mr. Solomon Ogar, and the host (Ogoja) Chapter Chairman lauded Mr. Usibe’s virtues and impact, expressing that his move to the ruling party was akin to catching a ‘big fish’ and signifying the complete breakdown of the main opposition party in the zone. APC Chapter Chairman, Mr. Henry Ubibi, emphasized that the APC imposes no restrictions, welcoming all who decide to join the party. He praised the courage and dedication of the defectors to the state’s growth, assuring them of equal treatment alongside longstanding members.
In his earlier remarks at Ogoja, Hon. Usibe, leading the defectors, clarified that he abandoned the opposition PDP due to his belief that the new APC government at both the State and Federal levels is actively working to reshape the country’s socioeconomic status.
Mr. Ikem, leading the defectors in Obudu, expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the ruling party. He explained that his decision to join the APC stems from the desire to acknowledge the significant strides initiated by the government led by Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu.
Goodwill messages were received from several speakers, notably the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi and former Chief of Staff, Chief Martins Orim
The reception ceremony was graced by the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Hon. Kenn Aklah, along with other key party stakeholders and hundreds of party members.
