Month: August 2024

Bekwara-born Efenji Nicholas, a prominent figure in the real estate industry, has been honored with the Achievers Per Excellence award from the Nigerian Youth League at his office in Abuja, in recognition of  his exceptional contributions and outstanding service to humanity and the country.

According to the Nigerian Youth League, the prestigious annual award is meant to celebrate individuals who have displayed exceptional performance, leadership, and innovation in their respective fields.

Receiving the award, Efenji expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Youth League for this recognition and pledged to continue making meaningful contributions to society.

Efenji Nicholas, a respected member of the Bekwara community, is actively involved in politics as a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bekwara local government.

He is also the CEO of Efenji Homes and Properties and is widely acknowledged as a highly accomplished professional with a remarkable record of success. His unwavering dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact in his field.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and frontline aspirant for the chairmanship of Obanliku Local Government Area in Cross River State, Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, has expressed his strong commitment to serving the people of Obanliku in the upcoming local government council election.

Chief Sunny Ayang disclosed this during a meeting with Obanliku stakeholders and elites to formally inform them of his intention at the Municipal Garden in Calabar.

Chief Sunny Ayang in his speech, highlighted the pressing need for development in Obanliku and outlined his vision for the local government area. He stressed his capacity and determination to bring about significant infrastructural development, particularly focusing on the restructuring of Sankwala, the local government headquarters.

Sunny Ayang emphasised the importance of improving education, healthcare, agriculture, and security in Obanliku LG, which has both interstate and international borders with Benue State and the Republic of Cameron, adding that security/boundary issues in Obanliku will not be taken lightly.

Chief Ayang emphasized the significance of accountability and empowering women and youths in his administration. “My focus will also be on human capital development, particularly through targeted programs for women and youth empowerment, which demonstrates my understanding of the critical role that inclusive growth plays in fostering sustainable progress”, he added.

Sunny Ayang also stressed that the crux of his vision is the enhancement and sustenance of the Peoples First Agenda initiated by the governor of the state, a commitment that highlights his dedication to building on existing successes and taking Obanliku to new heights.

The frontline aspirant of the APC stated that his decision to run for the chairmanship position comes after years of dedicated services, adding that his track record as a Chapter Party Chairman, Special Adviser on Security to Hon. Sunday Achunekang Local Government administration, Member of the Hospitals Management Board, and Director-General of Petroleum under the Prof. Ayade-led administration speaks to his experience and leadership abilities, underscoring his readiness to take on the responsibilities of the council chairmanship.

Chief Sunny Ayang also demonstrated admirable team spirit by expressing his willingness to support other aspiring candidates if he was not favoured. With his visionary agenda and proven leadership skills, emerges as a formidable contender, ready to lead Obanliku into a future of progress, prosperity, and unity.

The meeting drew a large and diverse audience, including political leaders and government appointees such as Dr. E.G Amanke, former commissioner for the Education and current Commissioner State Planning Commission; Hon Sunday Achunekang, former House of Assembly Member; Prof. John Shiyam, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture; Mrs. Christy Ushie, Commissioner Pension Commission; Mathew Ucheche, a former member of CROSIEC; Josphine Akayel, Director SEMA; Mr. Godwin Akor, progressive-minded youths, and women, all of whom provided valuable comments, advice, commendations, and also offered prayers for Chief Ayang’s success in his chairmanship bid.

©CSA Media
16/08/2024

In a step reflecting a strong resolve towards governance reform, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, has called upon the newly inaugurated Local Government Service Commission to uphold their primary responsibility with an unflinching dedication.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the seven-member commission in his temporary office in Calabar, Governor Otu stressed on the critical role of local government in the broader agenda of his administration.

Governor Otu described the inauguration as not just a routine exercise but as an essential step in the strategic direction of his government. “This exercise is politically imperative, socio-economically expedient, and administratively wise,” he said. “I want to welcome all of you to the train, which of course is a government that is delivering to the people what we call the People First Agenda.”

The Governor made it clear that the selection of the commission members was based on a rigorous assessment of merit and experience, ensuring that only those with the necessary commitment and qualities were chosen. “Your appointment is not just a reward; it is a responsibility. We have carefully selected each of you because we believe you have what it takes to address the challenges facing our local government system,” Otu asserted.

He did not shy away from highlighting the difficulties that lie ahead, particularly in addressing the longstanding issues within the local government system. “The local government seems to be one of our greatest problems in the system ever since I assumed office as Governor,” Otu remarked, noting that this challenge was a key factor in the meticulous selection process for the commission members.

Otu further stressed the importance of delivering the dividends of democracy through an inclusive government. “We have a major challenge ahead of us: to ensure that we run an inclusive government that carries everyone along,” he stated. “But I’ve discovered that the system is fraught with too many issues, so I do not envy the challenges you are going to face. However, I trust that you will meet these challenges head-on.”

One of the most pressing issues, according to the Governor, is ensuring that gratuities and benefits reach those who are rightfully entitled to them. “We would have started disbursing gratuities by now, but we are encountering serious problems with the local government system. Every time we announce plans, fresh documents emerge, figures escalate, and ghost workers appear. This is a significant problem that needs urgent attention,” Otu explained.

In his concluding remarks, Governor Otu set the tone for the work ethic expected of the commission, indicating that hard work and perseverance will be the hallmarks of this administration. “We work around the clock; we can be called at any time to deliver. We have a very short time left, and we’ve already completed a significant portion of our term. Before you know it, the term will be over, and we must have something tangible to show,” he urged.

Responding to the Governor’s charge, Mr. Darlington Bassey, the newly appointed Chairman of the Commission, expressed his deep appreciation for the trust placed in him and his colleagues. “We are fully aware that this commission is the bedrock of the administration. We will indeed come out in our element to deliver on the mandate given to us,” Bassey assured.

He acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead but vowed that the commission would work tirelessly to meet the Governor’s expectations and ensure that the local government system becomes a model of efficiency and transparency.

As the commission members embark on their duties, they do so with the weight of the Governor’s expectations and the hopes of the people of Cross River State on their shoulders.

The success of this commission will be a critical determinant of the effectiveness of Governor Otu’s People First Agenda, a vision that promises to transform local governance and bring tangible benefits to every corner of the state.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, received Governor Bassey Otu’s Community Relations Officers on Wednesday in his Calabar office, charging them with developing a strong working relationship with relevant stakeholders in government and their respective communities to be able to solve the masses’ problems.

Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem stated that Community Relations Officers have independent work scope due to the latitude function in their office. He urged them to go to the communities in their respective areas to solve the masses’ problems rather than seeking offices where members of the communities would come to them.

“You can use the Local Government Secretariat if an office space is required, but it is preferable to go to people and interact with them to resolve their political, social, security, and other issues and relay them to the governor if they are beyond your abilities,” Ayambem said.

Ayambem thanked the governor for prioritizing the Community Relation Officers, citing an example of a salary increase by the governor compared to what the Officers were paid in the previous administration, and promised to convey their need for mobility to the governor for the Officers to function effectively. “Senator Bassey Otu’s government is not insensitive. It is a government that is ready to address the problems of the people.”

The Speaker also advised CROs to consult with stakeholders at all levels before holding meetings in their respective communities to avoid unnecessary crises.

Earlier, the Spokesman of the Community Relations Officers, Mr Abeng Neji, appreciated the Speaker for quick approval and the audience, given the short notice for a courtesy call.

Neji expressed gratitude to God for restoring peace to the Assembly following several weeks of unrest and went on to highlight their difficulties, which included not having an office mandate that would have allowed them to carry out their duties efficiently and without interference, not having an office space since they were appointed as Community Relations Officers (CROs), not having an empress for their offices, and having to be mobile to carry out their community relations work.

While thanking the Speaker and Assembly members for their efforts and recommendations for their appointments, he appealed for the cooperation of respective members to achieve success in security, political, social, and other matters.

Cross River state governor, Senator Bassey Otu has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 365-kilometer railway to connect the southern part of the state with the north.
The project is a Public-Private Partnership funded initiative driven by Messers Reinhoke LLC in partnership with the State government.

Performing the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the premises of the Tinapa Free Zone Resort, the Governor stated that the railway project is one of the fruits of the Investment Summit held in August 2023, at the Calabar International Convention Centre, where the state government had a robust engagement with financial, infrastructure and social investment players, seeking buy-in in the growth trajectory of Cross River’s economy.

“Today, therefore, marks an important milestone in our quest to expand and diversify the stock of our infrastructure by partnering with Messers Reinhoke LLC for the construction of the Grandlito Railway Project that will run from Calabar to Obudu. On completion, the project will cover an approximate distance of 365km with main terminals in Calabar and Obudu, while three sub-stations will be located at Ugep, Ikom, and Ogoja,” Otu informed.

Governor Otu also disclosed that $350m (Three Hundred and Fifty Million Dollars) is estimated as a conservative cost for the project, adding that the public-private partnership in the provision of the infrastructure is based on funds from equity investments and debt financing from financial institutions with significant backing from Cross River state government.

Speaking further, Otu averred that the importance of the rail project to the economic growth of the state is promised on the strategic location of the state among other sub-nationals. “Cross River is frontier to Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe. It is also home to the largest export processing zone in Nigeria – the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).”

“The railway line will not only facilitate the easy intra-state movement but will serve as an evacuation corridor for goods and services within international borders,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the expected boost in international trade and its ripple effect will drill down the entrepreneurial spirit of Cross Riverians and trigger the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He enjoined the company handling the railway project, Reinhooke Investment LLC, to attach the desired seriousness to meet the stipulated timeline for completion.

The governor also charged communities whose areas the rail project will cut through to give maximum cooperation to the construction company, directing indigenes of such communities to, in line with local content, apply for sub-jobs from the firm based on their capacities and set skills.

He reassured Cross Riverians that his administration remains poised to change the infrastructural landscape of the state through enduring partnerships.

In his speech, Stanley Orji of Rinehooke Investments LLC said the project will attract investments, stimulate job creation, and encourage the establishment of new businesses such as Hi-tech, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture, as well as bolster the ease of doing business in the state, making Cross River an attractive destination for both local and international investors, while assuring of his company’s commitment to contractual obligations and project execution within the agreed timeframe.

© Nsa Gill
Chief Press Secretary
To the Governor of CRS
13/08/2024

The Burial Committee of RT. Hon Dr. Joseph Wayas GCON, appointed by the Governor of Cross River State, his Excellency Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has conducted an on-site assessment in Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government headquarters.

The committee, headed by Papa. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe consisting of various dignitaries, visited Dr. Joseph Wayas’s old residence at Sankwala Square and his new site near the highway, where he will be laid to rest.

Following this, the committee paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Amb. Dr. Uchua Amos Etem, in his palace.

During the meeting with Uchua Amos, the committee expressed gratitude for the warm reception and sought the royal father’s support and guidance for all guests during the burial activities.

The Chairman of the subcommittee, Justice Elias Abua, praised the convener and emphasized the significance of the repatriation of Wayas’s remains, seeking the cooperation of Obanliku indigenes to ensure the committee’s success.

In response, the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Uchua Amos Item, expressed appreciation for the committee’s efforts and the Governor’s determination to give Dr. Wayas a dignified burial.

Uchua Amos Item also commended the committee for dispelling misconceptions about Dr. Wayas’s burial and assured the committee of Obanliku’s readiness to host the world for the burial.

By Joe Effiom

The sole spiritual head of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) Leader Olumba Obu stated that as long as the headquarters of the BCS is in Nigeria, the country will remain united, and any efforts to divide it will be unsuccessful.

During a press conference celebrating the 66th anniversary of 8 Eton day, Patriarch Christ Shepherd Amah Williams, a spokesman for the religious group, mentioned a prophecy made in 1969 by Leader Olumba Obu.

He said, “Since 1958, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star has organized numerous peace advocacy programs annually across various states in Nigeria and beyond. In 2014, when it became evident that the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria was at risk of crisis due to rising insecurity, the Leader of the Brotherhood, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, made divine pronouncements and directed His followers to march around the city.

He mentioned that this divine intervention is credited with spiritually thwarting the plans of those who sought to destabilise the Federal Capital Territory, noting that similar advocacy actions has taken place in the South East, South West, and other parts of the nation, bringing peace to these regions.

Amah maintained that the proliferation of wars and conflicts is a manifestation of deeper issues that plague our global society-chief among them, the persistent failure of leadership and the widening chasm of trust between those who govern and those who are governed.

“Leaders must recognise that true power lies not in domination or control, but in the ability to listen, to understand, and to act in the best interests of all.

“The grievances of the people cannot be ignored, nor can the divine mandate to lead with justice, compassion, and integrity. The time has come for leaders to embrace a new paradigm-one that prioritizes dialogue over discord, empathy over ego, and the common good over personal or institutional gain.

“The path forward must be one of reconciliation, humility, and a renewed commitment to the values that bind us together as a global community. Only then can we hope to heal the wounds of division and build a future that reflects the true essence of our shared humanity, he said.