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Author: benchris njoku

  • Army tasks media on effective reportage of successes against insurgents 

    Commander 13 Brigade, Calabar Brig. Gen. Muftau Ibrahim and Chairman NUJ, Cross River Council during a courtesy visit of the Union to the brigade. 

     

    Insurgency
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Brig.-Gen. Muftau Ibrahim, the Commander, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, has urged the media to adequately report the successes of the military in the fight against insurgency.
    Ibrahim made the call in Calabar on Wednesday when the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River Council, visited him.
    The commander who acknowledged the role of the media in nation building, said that there was need to give more exposure of the wins of the military than the activities of criminals.
    “All the criminals need is to win once and they are all over the media, but the Nigerian military wins everyday, yet no one notices.
    “Without the media beaming their light on the activities and wins of the Nigerian Army, it will not be known and there will be a lot of misinformation.
    “Sometimes, we take action that the civil populace don’t understand. Sometimes too, there are accidents, but our overall intention is the peace and security of the country,” he said.
    Ibrahim said that the social media had become an emerging source of worry to the society because it was now an unguarded avenue to peddle falsehood and provocative statements.
    “People hide under the social media to make inciting and highly provocative statements capable of destroying the society.
    “It is unpatriotic to make statements that threaten the security and development of the nation.
    “It is important that we love, secure and be patriotic towards our nation. I don’t believe that anything is wrong with Nigeria,
    “The citizens are the ones who give the nation a bad image, but in reality, this nation is blessed, we must change from this,” he said.
    The commander further said that no form of insurgency or militancy would survive without the support of the local populace.
    He said that Cross River had remained relatively peaceful and stable because the residents were naturally peaceful people.
    Earlier, Mrs Archibong Bassey, the Chairman, NUJ, Cross River Council, commended the army for the enormous security work it was doing in the nation, saying that the force had not been adequately appreciated.
    “We only appreciate the army during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, this is not enough, we need to appreciate the heroic achievements of the force.
    She added that the union was ready to partner the army in the campaign against insecurity by ensuring that its achievements were adequately reported.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibrahim is the 46th commander of 13 Brigade, Calabar. He assumed the responsibility in January, 2024.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Prioritise patients’ health, UniCal VC urges newly-inducted doctors 

    Inductees’ at the 54th Physicians Oath-Taking Ceremony in UniCal

    Induction
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 25, (NAN) Prof. Florence Obi, the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), has urged newly-inducted medical doctors of the institution to prioritise patients’ health in order have a successful career.
    Obi made the call at the institution’s 54th Physicians Oath-Taking Ceremony in Calabar on Tuesday.
    The vice chancellor told the inductees to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution by strictly adhering to the ethics of the medical profession.
    “I also urged you to exhibit high sense of ethics and professionalism, always place the well-being of your patients first.
    “The University of Calabar is known to have produced some of the best medical doctors all over the world, they are making us proud everywhere they are.
    “Go out there and be our great ambassadors in both character and learning, this is the hallmark of your degree, we know that you won’t disappoint us, go and shine the light of this institution,” she said.
    Obi commended the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for its support towards the continuous training and retraining of doctors.
    She thanked the Federal Government for its support, saying that the university’s quota for admission during her tenure had been increased twice, from 100 to 150, and doubled to 300 in 2023.
    In his remarks, Prof. Ngim Ngim, the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, urged the inductees to effectively utilise the skills acquired in the course of their training in the university.
    “The oath-taking you have done today is the beginning of your journey into the real world.
    “The medical profession is a noble one, always  remember your alma mater, treat your patients with love and patience, patients are the centre of attention in this profession,” Ngim said.
    Also speaking, the Registrar, MDCN, Dr Fatima Kyari, said that new inductees had become international citizens, adding, ‘your new status sometimes come with grave responsibilities guided by law’
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prizes were given to deserving graduands during the ceremony.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/AYO/AZU
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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Azubuike Okeh

  • We’re working to make C’River reference point in security – Police Commissioner

    Security
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogen Grima, says the state police command is working hard with other sister security agencies to make the state a reference point in security.
    Grima stated this while receiving the leadership and members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday in Calabar.
    The police commissioner commended Gov. Bassey Otu for creating a conducive environment for security agencies in the state to operate.
    He called on residents to continue to remain vigilant, in spite of the peace and security currently being enjoyed.
    Grima also appealed to journalists in the state to be more conscious while reporting crime, adding that reporting more on what criminals were doing could psychologically give them upper hand.
    “Your publications should motivate the security agencies to do more and not mentally encourage criminal elements in the society.
    “Even if reports of high crime rate are not true, they have the potential to prevent visitors and investors willing to come to the state for business or leisure,” he said.
    The police commissioner described Cross River as a state well-positioned for tourism, being one of the few states that still had its pristine forests and other international standard tourist attractions.
    He appealed to the government and residents of the state to create an atmosphere that would encourage outsiders to see Cross River as a key tourism destination in the country.
    On her part, the Chairperson of NUJ, Mrs Archibong Bassey, thanked the police commissioner for the enhanced security in the state, noting that it would be a disservice if security operatives were not appreciated.
    Bassey noted that few months ago, Cross River became strange to many who grew up in the state, following the high rate of crime and criminality.
    She, however, said that the police commissioner had stemmed the tide since his assumption of office in the state.
    “Although crime has not been totally put to a halt, I believe it is work in progress and we now see prompt response of security agencies during emergencies; this is highly commendable.
    “Many years ago, even at 1 a.m., you could still find people on the roads but now, immediately it is 8 p.m., people are itching to go home due to the security situation.
    “However, it is heartwarming that security agencies are now doing their best to restore security in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Grima, the 44th Commissioner of Police in the state police command, assumed office in May 2023. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • No recent confirmation of cholera in C’ River – Commissioner

    No recent confirmation of cholera in C’ River – Commissioner

    Cholera
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, says there is no recent confirmation of cholera outbreak in the state.

    Ayuk, who was reacting to the recent outbreak of the disease in some states in the country, said this on Monday in Calabar a chat with journalists.

    He said that contrary to some news reports, it was not true that new cases of cholera were detected in the state.

    “The last time there was a confirmed case was in January and that has been addressed, this not withstanding, the state is fully prepared for any emergency response in the current wave of national outbreak.

    “The public health emergency response centre has been activated, while the local government response teams have all been strengthened with adequate capacity, including commodities to handle any emergency.

    “The citizens of the state are advised to adhere to precautionary measures by maintaining good personal hygiene, safe foods and water consumption, as well as avoid crowded environments,” he said.

    The commissioner appealed to residents to report any experience of diarrhoea or stooling, vomiting or other cholera-related symptoms to the nearest health facility in the state.

    He restated the state government’s commitment to the health and well-being of residents.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 40 people have been confirmed dead from the disease, while over 500 persons have been affected in the nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/FON/IKU
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni

  • C/River declares total suspension of logging

    C/River declares total suspension of logging

    Logging

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Government of Cross River has declared a total suspension of logging activities in all parts of the state.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government (SSG) of Cross River on Saturday and made available to journalists.

    It would be recalled that the state government had earlier introduced a permiteeship’ system which empowered the state’s Forestry Commission to give permits to loggers to fell specific trees.

    However, this has not worked as illegal logging has continued in the state even in areas under government protection such as the parks.

    The SSG said, “In spite of the forbearance by government on the activities of timber loggers in the state, government notes the persisting refusal and or neglect to keep to the terms stipulated by government for the felling of trees.

    “Consequently,  Gov.. Bassey Otu has suspended further logging activities in the state.

    “Security agencies are to arrest offenders and confiscate any log and machinery deployed thereto.”

    Owan-Enoh called on the players in the timber logging trade to contact the state forestry commission for further guidance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rainforest in Cross River, which accounts for about 50 per cent of the surviving rainforest in the nation, is under serious threats from human activities such farming, illegal logging and illegal mining. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBNBRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Gov. Otu appoints new traditional rulers council chairman

    Appointment

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Ovai Solomon Edward,  the Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, as the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs.

    Otu approved the appointment in a statement by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government of Cross River, on Friday.

    It would be recalled that Otu had on June 14, approved the immediate dissolution of the state’s Council of Chiefs, whose tenure elapsed many years ago.

    This was after the State House of Assembly passed a resolution for a change of the leadership of the State Council of Chiefs, who had overstayed their term in office.

    The governor said the dissolution was in line with the power vested on him by Section 3 of the Council of Chiefs Law of Cross River, 2004.

    According to him, the appointment of the new chairman is for a period of two years, effective from June 21.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the position of the chairman of the council of chiefs was rotational among the three senatorial districts of the state.

    The newly appointed chairman is from the Central Senatorial District, and after two years, it would go to the Northern Senatorial District before returning to the Southern Senatorial District. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/FON/JNC
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Nigerians can vote out under-performing leaders -C’River REC

     

    Politicians

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Gabriel Yomere, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Cross River, has said that Nigerians reserve the right to vote out under-performing political leaders.

    Yomere stated this at the second quarter consultative meeting of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of civil society organisations in Calabar on Friday.

    He said that Nigerians should refuse to accept the notion that every politician must serve two terms irrespective of their performance.

    The INEC official said that it was unproductive and irresponsible to stay indoors during elections after criticising an under-performing politician.

    “After assuming duty as the REC in Cross River in 2022, I went through the records and saw that the 2019 election turnout was extremely poor.

    ”I became very worried and decided to do something about it. But after the 2023 election, the outcome remained poor,” he said.

    Yomere said that part of the reasons for meeting with civil society organisations was to seek their support towards citizens participation in the electoral process.

    “Civil society organisations are critical stakeholders in the electoral process, they need to work with INEC and security agencies to achieve results,” he said.

    The REC who said that Continuous Voter Registration exercise would soon commence, urged civil society groups to participate in the mobilisation of residents.

    Also speaking, Mr Nsikak Ikpeme, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar chapter, said that the 2023 governorship election in Cross River witnessed apathy because the electorate were dissatisfied with the electoral process.

    Ikpeme said that to ensure a credible electoral process, INEC should be willing to adopt technology, saying,” this will rebuild confidence and trust in the system”

    Sheik Abdulkadir Ibrahim, NASFAT Commissioner for Cross River, commended INEC for the meeting, and appealed that such meetings should be held more frequently.

    Mrs Julie Agbor, the President, National Council of Women Society, urged the commission to involve more women groups in its activities to deepen grassroots mobilisation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CBN/DCO/AZU

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh

  • PG student captures footages of endangered C’River gorillas

    PG student captures stunning footages of endangered C’ River gorillas
    Gorillas
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Adekambi Adeyinka, a Masters student at the University of Calabar, has captured stunning footages of the world’s rarest great ape, the Cross River gorillas, in the Afi Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Adeyinka of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, disclosed this on Wednesday in Calabar while reacting to the need to protect the rare apes on the list of endangered species due to human activities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the extraordinary sightings marked the first successful photos since three graduate students at UniCal began studying this elusive subspecies in 2023.

    NAN reports that the study was part of the Cross River Gorilla initiative.

    The Cross River Gorilla, known as Gorilla gorilla diehli, is a critically endangered subspecies of the western gorilla.

    It was named a new species in 1904 by Paul Matschie, a mammalian taxonomist working at the Humboldt University Zoological Museum in Berlin, but its populations were not systematically surveyed until 1987.[3][4]

    It is the most western and northern form of gorilla, and is restricted to the forested hills and mountains of the Cameroon-Nigeria border region at the headwaters of Cross River.

    Estimates from 2014 suggest that fewer than 250 mature Cross River gorillas remain, making them the world’s rarest great ape.

    Adeyinka said that the sighting was more than just a visual success and underscored the importance of community involvement and innovative research in conservation.

    “By working closely with local communities, we are not only gathering crucial data but also fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to protect these incredible great apes and their habitat,” he said.

    Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to the realisation of their strategic pillar of saving species in peril.

    Onoja said the University of Calabar in 2022 commenced a five Year Community Conservation Graduate Student Scholarship Programme for the Conservation of Cross River Gorilla.

    He said the initiative was funded by the Wilder Institute – Calgary Zoo and implemented by NCF in partnership with the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), Ghana.

    “The programme which involves supporting graduate research projects in Nigeria, including scholarships for one Ph.D. student and four master’s students in UniCal for five years.

    “This collaborative initiative extends beyond borders to allow an exchange programme for knowledge sharing that creates successful community conservation initiatives,” he said.

    Prof. Francis Bisong, Secretary, Cross River Gorilla Conservation Project Committee, said Adeyinka’s result was promising as it demonstrated the power of collaboration to save the severely endangered Cross River gorillas.

    Bisong said the capture of two silverback gorillas on trial cameras in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary emphasised the need for innovative technology, collaborative and community engagement to safeguard the species and its environment.

    “These findings highlight the sanctuary’s vital role in gorilla protection and the need for more research and collaboration to conserve Cross River gorillas and the region’s rich biodiversity.

    “I urge the scientific community, conservation organisations, and stakeholders at all levels to support and extend this essential effort to protect one of the world’s rarest and most fragile species,” he said.

    Dr Mary Liao, Conservation Manager, Wilder Institute, said the images captured by the camera traps were an incredible glimpse into the life of the elusive and magnificent creatures. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/DE/IS
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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • UniCal demonstration school wins SAGE 2024, to represent Nigeria in Tokyo

    Officials of the SAGE initiative and team lead of the UniCal International Demonstration Secondary School

     

    SAGE

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The University of Calabar International Demonstration Secondary School has won the 2024 edition of the Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) competition.

    By coming tops at the national competition, the School will represent Nigeria at the global level in Tokyo.

    The school presented a solar-powered Chi ECOSOL Freeze Storage System, equiped with off-grid capacity for areas with limited or unreliable traditional electricity.

    The system uses high efficiency cooling storage unit to preserve fresh produce and vegetables.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Abuloma, finished second with a project on Bio Fortification of Cassava Flour at the finals held in Calabar.

    NAN also reports that FGGC Benin came third with their project on Tomato Powder.

    It would be recalled that Nigeria has won 12 out of the 17 international SAGE completions held in different parts of the world after its premier edition in 2002 in America.

    The theme for this year’s edition of the competition is: “Mobilising Education for Food Security”

    Speaking during the award ceremony on Monday in Calabar, Mr Peter Odey, the Cross River Deputy Governor, said that the theme for the 2024 edition of the competition was apt and well thought-out.

    Represented by Hilary Bisong, the member representing Boki Constituency II at the State House of Assembly, Odey, said that the theme touched on a major challenge in todays human society.

    He said that there was need for a multifaceted global campaign against hunger and food scarcity.

    “Nobody who has access to three square meals in a day will start thinking of crimes and violence.

    “Our state has very fertile soil, the winning school has proffered solution to the challenge of food storage and preservation.

    “For example, in Boki, we always have so much food after harvest, but a lot of the foods get wasted due to poor storage, so this project gives us a solution,” he said.

    Also speaking, the President, SAGE Nigeria, Mr Agwu Amogu, said that the essence of the initiative was to make young people to become solution providers through entrepreneurship and community service.

    Amogu said that the initiative had directly and indirectly impacted on no fewer than 200,000 people since 2005 when it took effect in Nigeria.

    “Also, no fewer than 8,000 students have passed through the initiative, many of them have graduated, and are now alumni of SAGE.

    “Our goal is to move the mindset of young Nigerians from entitlement to being solution and innovation providers.

    “This new mindset will not only create jobs for them, it will even make them to become job creators and self-reliant,” he said.

    On her part, 15 year old Miss Victory Idiku, the team lead of UniCal International Demonstration Secondary School, expressed her team’s joy after  wining the competition.

    “It took us several weeks of research to create that innovative project, it also took a lot of hard work to effectively present it.

    “We are happy to represent Nigeria at the global event in Tokyo, we promise to make our nation proud,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CBN/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Gov. Otu dissolves council of chiefs leadership 

    Dissolution

    By Christian Njoku

    Calabar, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, has approved the immediate dissolution of the leadership of the state Council of Chiefs

    Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, the Secretary to the State Government, announced this in a statement in Calabar on Friday.

    Owan-Enoh said that the governor’s action was in line with Section 4(1) of the Cross River Council of Chiefs Law, 2004.

    “The governor appreciates the chairman and members of the dissolved council for their meritorious service to the state.

    “He wishes them the best in their roles as traditional rulers in their respective domains,” the statement read in parts.

    NAN recalls that the State House of Assembly recently passed a resolution for the change of the leadership of the council on the ground that it had overstayed its term in office.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CBN/EBI/AZU

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    Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh