Month: March 2026

Students and pupils across Obanliku Local Government Area were filled with excitement last week as Dr. Mrs. Christy Ushie, the Renewed Hope Women Ambassador, embarked on a four-day outreach to schools from March 23 to 26, 2026.

The visit included several primary schools and Bendi Technical College, where hundreds of children received school uniforms, socks, sandals, sanitary pads, and antiperspirants. Many described this initiative as a timely intervention.

This effort aligned with the “People First” mantra of the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflecting the humanitarian vision of Bishop Dr. Eyoawan Bassey Otu through her “Humanity Without Borders” program, which ensures that every child in Cross River State is neatly dressed for school.

According to Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Christy Ushie, the outreach aimed to support children from vulnerable households, ensuring that every pupil has the confidence and comfort necessary for effective learning.

Children who arrived in worn-out uniforms were seen leaving school in their new uniforms and sandals, with smiles on their faces. Teachers and parents expressed their gratitude, calling the gesture a relief for many families.

At Bendi Technical College, special attention was given to female students, as sanitary pads and roll-on antiperspirants were distributed during a session called “Aunty Christy Time Out With the Girls.” This session featured discussions on menstrual hygiene and personal care, encouraging the girls to remain confident, focused, and committed to their education.

During the program, Dr. Christy Ushie noted that the outreach provided her, as one of the Renewed Hope Women Ambassadors in Cross River State, an opportunity to interact closely with the girls and share important values of service, self-confidence, and hope. She expressed how moving it was to witness the prayers and heartfelt appreciation from parents whose children received new uniforms and sandals.

Sentrytimes.com

The Head of Administration of the GFO Orim Foundation, Abuja, Mr. Frank Ogar Angiating, participated in the official training session for polling clerks ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention 2026.

Angiating, who serves as a member of the Polling Clerks Committee, joined other selected participants at the training held today, March 25, 2026, at Rockview Royale, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The session provided detailed guidance on roles, procedures, and operational expectations required to ensure a smooth and credible convention process. Attendance was strictly by invitation and mandatory for all designated polling clerks.

According to Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, Assistant Secretary of the Election Committee, the training forms a critical part of preparations toward delivering an orderly and transparent convention.

Excitement has spread across communities in Cross River North as students begin receiving ₦100,000 bursary payments under the “JariBurs” initiative, a student support programme championed by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

Alerts have started reaching beneficiaries in Obudu Local Government Area, where 100 students, drawn across the ten wards, are among the first to benefit in the second phase of the programme.

The initiative is designed to support students of tertiary institutions across the Northern Senatorial District and ease the financial burden associated with higher education.

In its first phase, the programme reached 500 students from the five local government areas in the district, each receiving ₦100,000, bringing the total disbursement to ₦50 million.

The second phase, also valued at ₦50 million, has now commenced with payments already underway in Obudu. However, reports has it that, students from Obanliku and other Local Government Areas are expected to begin receiving their alerts later today.

The “JariBurs” scheme continues to gain attention as a direct intervention aimed at improving access to education and supporting students across the district.

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation, Hon. Chief Dr. Martin Orim, has paid a congratulatory visit to the Chapter Chairmen of Obanliku, Comr. Ashibi Thomas, Bekwara, Comrade Odama Thomas Odama, and Obudu, Comrade Odama Joe, alongside their respective Vice Chairmen, Secretaries, Ward Chairmen, and Ward Secretaries of the All Progressives Congress.

Speaking during the visit, Hon Martin Orim said he came to officially congratulate them on their emergence following the successful conduct of the party’s ward and chapter congresses.

He urged the newly elected party leaders to see their offices as positions of service and responsibility, noting that they hold in trust the confidence of those who elected them. Drawing from his own political journey, Hon. Orim stated that he began politics from the grassroots as a Ward Chairman, and encouraged them to serve diligently, with the reminder that faithful service at that level can open the door to greater opportunities.

The chapter chairmen, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to Hon. Orim for the visit, describing it as a strong source of encouragement and motivation for effective leadership within the party.

They also used the opportunity to sympathize with him over the passing of his sister, Lady Josephine Ukpong, and wished him strength as he prepares to begin official political consultations in the coming weeks.

The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Martin Orim, alongside his wife, Mrs. Ubeloka Orim, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Deputy Speaker of CRSHA Rt. Hon Sylvester Agabi Jnr Chief Tony Undiandeye, and other political associates, earlier today laid his Sister, Lady Josephine Ukpong (LSM, JP), to rest.

The late Ukpong, a former Vice Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area and mother of the current Special Assistant on Youths and Sports to the Executive Chairman of Obanliku, Immaculata Ukpong, was honoured with a valedictory session and church service organized by the council before her interment.

Sen Jarigbe Agom described her passing as a painful loss to both the family and the Obanliku political community, urging the family to take comfort in her impactful life and legacy.

Hon Martin Orim, while appreciating the show of support, described his late sister, fondly called “Aunty Zee World,” as a sister who lived an exemplary Christian life.

He noted that her love, values, and the memories shared would remain a lasting source of strength to the family.

CMO Media

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has pledged over ₦20 million to kick-start the construction of the proposed Abanyom International Market in Ikom Local Government Area, describing the project as a strategic step toward transforming the area into a major commercial hub.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Ayambem explained that the development of a thriving market cannot be the effort of one individual. According to him, markets are established through collective commitment that combines spiritual, social, and physical foundations.

He noted that the presence of traditional leaders, chiefs, and the clan head at the ceremony signified that the community had given its spiritual consent for the market to stand.

Ayambem recalled his earlier consultation with the clan head of Abanum–Abangok, where he shared his vision of establishing a new market that would eventually attract government investment.

“I told the clan head that I may not have the resources to build the entire market alone, but I can start something that will attract government intervention. Once traders relocate here and the market begins to grow, it becomes the strongest case for the state government to step in and develop it fully,” he said.

The Speaker announced that he had earlier donated ₦10 million to commence the project and would credit an additional ₦10 million to the same account to ensure immediate work begins.

He described the Abanyom International Market as potentially the largest market in the Ikom area, noting that its size and location give it the capacity to surpass the existing township market once fully developed.

Ayambem said the vision is to create a commercial centre that would attract traders from surrounding communities and neighbouring areas, including Kimiriro, thereby strengthening local commerce and economic activity.

Calling for unity among the people of Bakor, the Speaker emphasized that development can only come when the community speaks with one voice. He stressed that his primary focus as a lawmaker remains the unity and development of Bakkor land.

Ayambem also highlighted several projects he has executed across the constituency, including classroom blocks, road grading, community halls, and other infrastructure, which he described as part of responsible representation.

On the structure of the new market, the Speaker explained that local ownership would be encouraged, with community members acquiring and developing shop spaces while government collects regulatory tolls.

The Speaker praised Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his support toward development initiatives in the constituency and expressed confidence that the state government under the current governor whom he described as “Peoples First Governor” would eventually take over and expand the market project. He called on his people to give the current government unwavering support ahead of the 2027 election.

Ayambem further assured the community that once the initial phase is completed and traders begin to relocate, he will formally present the project to the governor with documented evidence of progress to secure full government intervention.

Describing the market as a personal commitment to the people, he noted that the project also fulfils the vision of the late Hon. Tidelis Nandi, whose dream was to see a modern market established in Abanum.

The Speaker urged residents to support the initiative and protect the project, expressing optimism that the market would become a lasting legacy for the community and a catalyst for economic growth in Ikom Local Government Area.

Speakers at the event, including the Vice Chairman of Ikom Local Government Council, Hon. Maurice Ndoma, Hon. Asinya Ekpa, Mr. Smart Nnangbe, Hon. Nsed Ayambem, Mr Victor Ndoma and several traditional rulers, praised the initiative and described it as a landmark project capable of improving the economic fortunes of Ikom.

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