Month: January 2025

The Deputy Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Ngban Basil Ngban, has partnered with security agencies to host a summit tagged ‘Empowering Youth for Community Security and Sustainable Development’, aimed at educating and motivating young people towards fostering sustainable development and engaging in meaningful activities.

The gathering, which took place in Alok, Ikom Local Government Area, attracted a range of security officials, traditional leaders, and youth representatives from all eighteen Local Government Areas in Cross River State, among others.

During his speech, the state Deputy Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Ngban, Basil Ngban, highlighted that young people are frequently manipulated in communal conflicts and urged traditional leaders to fulfill their roles by advising their communities against such behaviors.

He noted that youths are crucial pillars for the nation’s future, hinging on their pursuit of genuine social and economic transformation.

He emphasized that the contributions of young individuals, both individually and collectively, in fostering peace and stability within their communities cannot be overstated, and he called for collaborative efforts to achieve the various initiatives of the youth-friendly Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

The clan head of Nnam, His Royal Highness Chief Ashang Ferdinand Ekpangdo, who spoke on behalf of the acting Clan Head of Nnam, His Royal Highness Thomas Nyamgol Eba, urged young people to view the high unemployment rate in the country as an incentive to develop initiatives that would encourage society to seek their services rather than resorting to social vices.

He emphasized the importance of increased involvement and engagement from the youth to hasten economic growth and sustainable development.
The summit advised that young people should avoid behaviors that could impede development, such as cultism, substance abuse, and community conflicts.

In a noteworthy initiative to advance the objectives of his administration, the Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Hon. Sunny Ayang, has embarked on a detailed inspection tour of a vital healthcare facility located in the serene Utanga ward.

This visit, aimed at thoroughly evaluating the incomplete facility and identifying specific areas in need of rehabilitation, marks Hon. Sunny’s inaugural tour of facilities situated beyond the confines of the council.

During the tour, Hon. Sunny extended reassurance to the enthusiastic people of Utanga, expressing his unwavering commitment to hasten the completion and commissioning of the health facility. He emphasized that once operational, this healthcare center would serve as a crucial referral hospital for health centers in and around Utanga, Becheve, and other adjacent communities. Hon. Sunny also expressed deep gratitude to the resilient Utanga community for their vigilance in protecting the facility, ensuring no incidents of theft occurred. He announced with enthusiasm the immediate integration of volunteer security personnel into the local government’s casual staff payroll, recognizing their invaluable contributions.

As he meticulously inspected the premises, Hon. Sunny Ayang pointed out several critical areas needing urgent intervention, including the clearing of encroaching foliage surrounding the facility, the construction of a dedicated shelter for the generator, and extensive renovations to revitalize the entire building, among other pressing tasks.

“This unscheduled visit is a thoughtful response to my Supervisor for Health’s appeal, which brought to my attention the existence of a strategically placed health facility, made possible by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA). Unfortunately, it has been long abandoned without completion or utilization. I am resolutely dedicated to transforming Obanliku by initiating new projects while also completing significant unfinished initiatives,” Hon. Sunny stated passionately.

A highlight of this visit was the heartfelt welcome and numerous accolades showered upon the Executive Chairman and his dedicated team by the respected chiefs and stakeholders of Utanga ward, including the esteemed HRH Suhumba and Hon. Sabastine Taku, showcasing the strong community spirit and support for the Chairman’s vision.

Joining the chairman on this important inspection were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Glory Awowoh, the diligent Secretary of Council, Dr. Joseph Agba, the Supervisor for Health, Mr. Godwin Afu, the Leader of Council, Hon. Sunday Elam; the Obanliku Community Relation Officer, Chief Linus Afen, Internal Auditor, Mr. Innocent Achia, and several other key personnel, all committed to driving positive change in the community.

 

To bolster the security network in Obanliku and its surrounding areas, the Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Hon. Sunny Ayang, has finalized plans to partner with security agencies to establish a civilian security team (vigilantes).

 

Hon. Sunny made this announcement yesterday during a meeting with members of the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) in his office.

 

The committee, led by its chairman, Mr. Remigius Egu, briefed the Executive Chairman about the necessity of relocating the Obanliku police quarters and enhancing the security framework in the area. They also requested the renovation of the Obanliku customary court to provide better working conditions for the staff.

 

In his remarks, the chairman conveyed his intention to repair the neglected police quarters and to relocate officers to that building. He expressed gratitude to the committee for their dedicated service to the community and assured them that they would be included in other governance structures.

 

Present at the meeting were the council’s vice chairman, Hon. Glory Awowoh; the Special Adviser on Peace and Security, Mr. Ogbang Joseph; the Divisional Police Officer, represented by Officer Cletus Favour; the PCRC vice chairman, Mr. Justyn Udungeri, HRH Uchua Gabriel Adabah; along with other executive members.

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, together with his Vice, Hon. Glory Awowoh, convened with the newly elected executives of the National Association of Obanliku Students (worldwide) in his office today, Monday, January 20, 2025.

 

The meeting, spearheaded by Comrade Sunday Ugbang, the Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman on Students Affairs, aimed to introduce the chairman to the new executives. Comrade Ayu, Samuel Ayu, the President of the student organization, took this opportunity to officially congratulate Hon. Sunny Ayang on becoming the Executive Chairman of Obanliku. He expressed gratitude to the chairman for being the first to appoint a Special Assistant for student affairs in the history of Obanliku Local Government Council and for his support to the student body throughout the election period. Furthermore, the student leader presented several requests designed to improve the welfare of the student community to the chairman.

 

In his response to the students, the Executive Chairman also congratulated them on their selection as executives of the student association. He urged them to maintain their positions with responsibility and to strive for excellence in their academic and personal pursuits. Additionally, Hon. Sunny expressed a strong commitment to transforming Obanliku, pledging to prioritize the welfare of students, reduce transport fares across the Obanliku Council Transport System, and complete several stalled projects promptly.

 

Comrade Ayu, in his statements, expressed gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his supportive attitude, which was well-received by those present. Attendees at the meeting also included the vice chairman of NAOS WW, Comrade Eshikaitang Gift, the Caucus Chief, a representative from the electoral body, and other executive members.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced the process of amending the Local Government Law 2007.

The proposed amendment seeks to increase political appointments across the Local Government Areas (LGAs). The bill states in part:

“The Chairman of Council may appoint such number of Special Advisers to assist him in the discharge of his duties, provided that appointments, when added to other statutory appointments, shall not exceed a total number of 50.”

 

Sponsored by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, member representing Abi State Constituency, the bill proposes to raise the number of appointees in each LGA to 50, including 16 Special Adviser positions and the creation of a new cadre of officials known as Ward Relation Officers (WROs).

 

According to the provisions of the amended law, Ward Relation Officers will hold ranks equivalent to Special Advisers and will report directly to the Chairman of the respective Local Government Councils. This initiative aims to enhance grassroots engagement and governance at the ward level.

 

The bill also seeks to elevate the office of the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) to the status of a Permanent Secretary in the state public service. HOLGAs will enjoy all rights, privileges, and entitlements associated with Permanent Secretaries, including pensions.

 

“The office of the HOLGA shall be equivalent to the Office of a Permanent Secretary of the State Public Service and shall enjoy all rights and privileges of the Permanent Secretary, including pensions.”

 

Additionally, the amendment stipulates that appointments to the position of HOLGA must not be made from outside the local government service of the state.

 

The bill, which has already passed its first and second readings in the House, has been referred to the joint committee on Local Government Affairs, Judiciary, and Public Accounts for further deliberations and stakeholder input.

 

Speaking on the bill, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, noted that it aims to strengthen local government administration by fostering inclusivity and empowering grassroots leaders to contribute more effectively to governance. “This amendment is about bridging the gap between local governments and the people by making governance more accessible and impactful,” he stated.

 

Matthew Okache, ANIPR

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker

20/01/2025

It was another plus for the University of Calabar under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, as the National University Commission (NUC) announced the approval of 6 new undergraduate programmes to commence in the 2024/2025 academic session.

The new academic programmes are; Cyber Security, Information Technology, Information System, Software Engineering, Environmental Standards and Building.

A letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Obi, and signed by the Acting Director, Academic Planning, Abubakar Girei, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, disclosed that the approval followed the report by her Panels of Experts who conducted a resource verification exercise in December 2024 in the institution to assess the human and material resources available to establish the programmes.

The letter stated that the approval does not cover the Part-Time Mode (PTM) of delivery adding that if the University intends to commence the PTM, a request would have to be transmitted to NUC for further processing.

It also stated that the programmes shall bear only the approved titles and nomenclature and that any quest for change will require the approval of the Commission.

This pleasant development is coming on the heels of an earlier approval granted to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi by NUC in December 2024 to establish a College of Education at the University of Calabar.

Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar

The Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Council, Chief Hon. (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, alongside the Obanliku Divisional Police Officer, CSP Lasbrey, Special Adviser, Peace and Security, Mr. Joseph Ogbang, has adopted the report of the Basang Development Association ( BDA) on the recent conflict between Kabun and Bayalele communities.

 

In a meeting that was held today at the Obanliku Local Government Council secretariat, the detailed report on the resolutions of the Basang Development Association was presented by the body’s president, Hon. Sylvanus Anyawho highlighting the root and remote causes of the conflict, including a list of victims, reprimands and fines apportioned to culprits in accordance to the norms and tradition of the Basang nation.

 

The Executive Chairman, in his response, appreciated both communities for their understanding, calmness, and ovation during the report presentation, adding that their conduct signifies peaceful resolution and agreement. He likened the Kabun and Bayalele conflict to a case between a husband and wife, hence “no victor, no vanquish”. He appealed for a sacrificial role by all parties affected in the conflict while recommending that the Community chairmen and Youth Leaders of both Kabun and Bayalele communities should be relieved of their positions, considering their role in the crisis. Speaking further, the chairman thanked the DPO, CSP Lasbrey for his dynamism and proactive role that helped in quelling the crisis.

 

On behalf of the conflicting communities, remarks were given by Chief Simon Akeshere and Mr. Simon Ajinu of the Bayale and Kabun communities, respectively, emphasising their promise to abide by the verdict and settlement agreement. A highlight of the meeting was the exchange of handshakes between architects of the crisis, and group photographs with the Executive Chairman.

 

The meeting also had in attendance, the Obanliku Community Relation Officer, Chief Linus Afen, Deputy Leader of Obanliku Local Government Council, Hon. Admin Ufada, Chiefs of both Kabun and Bayalele, Chiefs of other Basang communities, amongst others.

 

Press Unit,

Obanliku Local Government Council

17/01/2025