Month: November 2024

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Governing Council Member of the Federal College of Education in Bichi, Kano State, Chief Hon (Dr) Martin Orim, has facilitated the construction of a Market in Sankwala (Garage Area), Obanliku Local Government Area.

The Market construction, facilitated by Chief Hon (Dr) Martin Orim, on March 10, 2022, was built and completed by the Federal Government Border Communities Development Agency and handed over to the Clan Head of Bebi, His Royal Highness, Uchua Akusam, on behalf the local government in November 2024.

According to the former Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress, the facilitation of the market to Obanliku was motivated by the fact that Obanliku, as a neighbouring local government to Cameroon, requires a market to enhance both commerce and trade between the two countries as well as to ensure security between the two areas.

Some residents of Sankwala commended Chief Martin Orim for his goodwill towards the Obanliku people, describing him as a promoter of quality governance, and encouraged the current public officeholders to borrow a leaf from the former Chief of Staff.

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The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has urged lawmakers to ensure that government funds appropriated for projects are used effectively to directly benefit Cross Riverians as well as projecting the state in the right trajectory among the comity of states.

Ayambem made this known on Friday during a one-day 2025 Budget Retreat organised by the House of Assembly at WatBridge Hotel And Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

According to Ayambem, the goal of the budget retreat, which was initiated by the 10th Assembly, is to examine the complexities of the Cross River State budget, identify and ensure that its major benefits are delivered to Cross Riverians.

Hon. Ayambem, in calling on lawmakers to commit to the retreat, stated that the budget retreat was designed to provide members of the House of Assembly with in-depth knowledge of legislative activities while also preparing them for future leadership roles.

The Speaker also urged the legislatures to support Governor Bassey Otu’s Peoples-first agenda and goal of creating a prosperous state.

The one-day budget retreat featured professionals and experts in legislation including former Clerk of the House of Assembly Assembly, Mr Jerry Akabisong as guest speakers.

©Denis Inakefe anipr

Dr. Mrs. Virginia Ironbar, the Wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State and Acting Director of the Pre-Degree Program at the University of Calabar, delivered an inspiring keynote lecture at the 2024 Cross River Student Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Mentorship Summit (CR-SEEMS).

Her lecture focused on the transformative power of soft skills, positive mentorship, and volunteering in preparing young individuals for success in the 21st century.

Speaking to an audience of students, budding entrepreneurs, and professionals, Dr. Ironbar emphasised the indispensability of soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability. “In today’s competitive world,” she stated, “technical expertise alone is insufficient.

Soft skills are the bridge that connects knowledge to meaningful outcomes in the workplace and beyond.”
She underscored the value of mentorship as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, encouraging participants to seek out mentors who provide guidance, constructive feedback, and inspiration.

“Positive mentorship,” she noted, “unlocks hidden potential, aligns aspirations with actionable goals, and accelerates progress.”
Dr. Ironbar also highlighted the benefits of volunteering as a pathway to gaining hands-on experience, improving efficiency, and building expertise. She encouraged attendees to embrace entrepreneurship by identifying and solving real-world problems, emphasising self-awareness in career choices. Drawing from the wisdom of Socrates, she advised, “Man, know thyself,” urging participants to pursue careers aligned with their strengths and passions.

Quoting Thomas Carlyle, she remarked, “An unplanned life is like a ship without a rudder,” urging participants to set clear goals and take charge of their futures with purpose and direction.

The summit, which attracted industry leaders and policymakers, provided a vibrant platform for networking, collaboration, and capacity-building. Attendees praised Dr. Ironbar’s practical insights, leaving with renewed commitment to personal development and entrepreneurial excellence.

CR-SEEMS 2024 highlighted the importance of holistic approaches to employability and entrepreneurship. Dr. Ironbar’s passionate advocacy for soft skills, mentorship, and volunteering resonated as a call to action for the next generation to rise with competence and confidence.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has delivered a compelling keynote address at the Student Entrepreneurship and Employability Summit held today in Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, urging youths to take proactive steps toward shaping their future. Themed “After Studies, What Next?”, the summit brought together government officials, industry leaders, and students to discuss pathways for success after formal education.

In his address, the Speaker emphasized that education is merely the foundation for personal and professional growth, urging students to define their purpose and build a vision for their lives. “Completing your education is not the end of your journey but the beginning of a new chapter,” he said. “You must ask yourself: What are my goals? What problems can I solve? Clarity of purpose will guide your actions even in challenging times.”

The Speaker highlighted the importance of combining technical and soft skills for career success. While technical skills enable individuals to excel in their chosen professions, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership are critical for adaptability. He also underscored the value of discipline and a strong work ethic, stating, “Success requires hard work and perseverance.”

Addressing the topic of entrepreneurship, Ayambem encouraged youths to explore opportunities in sectors like agriculture, technology, and trade. He drew attention to government programs such as the Cross River State Entrepreneurship Training Initiative, which provides training, grants, and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs. “Many great businesses started small but grew with creativity and consistency,” he noted, urging participants to embrace small beginnings.

For those pursuing formal employment, the Speaker stressed the importance of preparation, including crafting an impressive CV, acing interviews, and gaining experience through entry-level roles. He also encouraged networking and mentorship, describing mentorship as a vital tool for navigating post-graduation life. “Seek out experienced individuals in your field who can provide advice, encouragement, and opportunities,” he advised.

The Speaker reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth development, citing initiatives such as innovation and technology hubs, access to startup loans, and laws designed to promote better training opportunities. “We are creating an environment where businesses can grow and young people can thrive. However, youths must take ownership of their future by being proactive and determined,” he said.

Ayambem also called on elders and leaders to play their part in nurturing the next generation. “Supporting our youth ensures the long-term prosperity of our state. Let us create a supportive environment where dreams can grow and flourish,” he urged.

Matthew Okache, anipr
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
19/11/2024

The governor of Cross River governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has charged the Joint public service negotiation and implementation committee of the new national minimum wage in the state, to submit its report within the shortest possible time.

Governor Otu gave the charge recently during the inauguration of the committee at the Glass House, temporary office of the deputy governor in Calabar.

Represented by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Otu assured that as soon as the report is received, he would immediately start the implementation of whatever is agreed by the committee.

“We would plead that you submit your report before the governor within the shortest possible time, once that is done, we will immediately start the implementation of what has been agreed.

“The administration of Prince Bassey Otu is christened ‘People First,’ so, the people will always come first and you will agree with me that he has been the most labour friendly governor that we have in Nigeria and this would be reflected on the negotiation that you are going to see and the result of it is what all Cross Riverians would be happy that we indeed did the right thing as a state.

“We are going to be relying on this committee to guide us, that is why we have our Accountant General here to open the books so that we see what we have as a state, because government is willing and ready to meet with the yearnings of the people of Cross River,” Otu explained.

He implored the committee to come up with a minimum wage that would serve the people of the state and in line with other states, while taking into cognizance the peculiarity of the state.

On his part, Chairman, Cross River chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Gregory Olayi, applauded the governor for inaugurating the committee, a development he said, has put in check some of the issues bothering the union.

Olayi assured that the labour union will cooperate with other members of the committee to work tirelessly so as to meet the timeline set for the team.

Responding, the State Head of Service and chairman of the committee, Dr. Innocent Eteng, assured that his team would do its job painstakingly and in the interest of workers and state at large.

“For us, it is very auspicious, we can assure you that we are going to do our job painstakingly and assiduously in the interest of Cross River State.

“We will discuss with labour very amicably to take into cognizance the circumstances of our peculiar situation as well as consider the interest of workers in the state,” Eteng remarked.

Members of the committee include, Special Adviser, labour and productivity; Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Finance, Local Government Service Commission, Budget, Justice as well as office of the Head of Service and SSG/GAO.

Others are: Accountant General of the State, Chairmen of NLC and TUC in the state, State President of NULGE, Chairman joint service negotiating council; Chairman, Medical and health workers Union; Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Union; Secretary, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria; while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment is to serve as the committee Secretary.

Government House Press
Calabar
15/11/24

The Executive Chairman of the Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, has given Francis Ulan, also known as Atinor, a brand-new Daylong 150 motorbike, in keeping with his promise to the beneficiary during his triumphant arrival in his hometown of Buya.

Chief Sunny Ayang, represented by the Secretary of the Obanliku Council, Dr Joseph Agba, and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Kayang, presented the motorbike to Francis Ulan, also known as Atinor, on Friday, at the Council Secretariat.

The Executive Chairman, during the presentation, stated that Atinor’s empowerment was part of his vision of youth empowerment and reward for hard work, and he encouraged the beneficiary to ensure that the motorbike was used effectively to improve his livelihood.

The beneficiary, Francis Ulan (Atinor), expressed profound gratitude to Chief Sunny Ayang upon receiving the motorbike, saying he had no regrets supporting ‘the man of the people’. He assured the chairman that he would utilize and maximise his empowerment to better his life and support his family.

According to Atinor, his previous motorbike, which was given to him by Hon. Peter Akpanke, House of Representatives Member for Bekwara, Obanliku, and Obudu federal constituency, as compensation for the PDP ward chairmanship position of Bishiri South, was retrieved by Akpanke’s loyalists after he supported Chief Sunny Ayang, whom he believed was the people’s choice, as evidenced by massive votes for the chairman from his ward and the local government as a whole.

The beneficiary assured the chairman of his unwavering support and prayed for God’s guidance and protection, as well as the chairman’s continued success, wisdom, and upliftment in his endeavours.

Kayang, Emmanuel E., NSBMB, MNIM
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Obanliku

In line with his Vision of ensuring sustainable development to boost the economy of Obanliku and improve the livelihood of the people, Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Chief Dr. Sunday Ayang JP, has constituted an Advisory Council to drive the economy of his LGA.

A release signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Kayang indicates that Ntufam Barr. Fidelis Ugbo is the Chairman of the Advisory Council, Hon Tony Abaka is Secretary, while Barr. Gabriel Ikang is to serve as the legal Adviser.

The Committee Members are; Hon Sunday Achuekang, Prof. Pius Abatang, Dr. Godwin Amanke, Hon. Maurice Evey, Dr. Mary Theresa Ikwen, Hon. Bridget Alina, Prof Magnus Anya, Hon. Maria Oboh, Mr. Ernest Aku, Hon. Tidious Ijuah, Hon. Linus Amewo, Chief Pius Awah, Dr. Sam Ugare, Pst. George Ejikang, Chief Emmanuel Inakefe, Prof. Augustine Ogogo, Mr. Magnus Umah, Hon. Margaret Inde, Hon. Tony Ushie, Prof. Mike Ushie and Mr. Tom Aahibi.

Others are Prof. John Shiyam, Mr. Babimton Unung, Hon. Stephen Eneng, Hon. Moses Ucheche, Agba Ebenezer Agba, Dr Godwin Agaga, amongst other representatives of Associations and Union.

Reacting to the Press Release, the Chairman of the Advisory Council, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo described the advisory council constitution as a positive step towards the right direction and an indication of inclusivity in governance. He promised that the Council will not let Obanliku down, nor relent in their efforts to achieve results that will see Obanliku more developed than other LGAs.

By Joseph A. Ashibekong