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Tag: Ayade

  • SDG: Fed Govt commends Ayade

    The Federal Government has lauded Cross River State Government  for demonstrating a strong commitment to  the implementation of the  goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, commendd Governor Ben Ayade during a visit to his office. She was full of praises for the governor for the full  implementation of the 17 goals, 169 indicators and 232 targets of the SDGs in the state.

    In her words, “I am happy to note that Cross River State has already been demonstrating leadership and strong commitment to the implementation of SDGs. SDGs is about people. It is a universal call for action to end poverty, safeguard our planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030 and I’m happy that Cross River is already toeing this path.”

    Continuing she said: “I want to commend His Excellency for his vision in all that you are doing especially in the empowerment of your people and investment in agriculture. You also talked about construction of Teachers’ Continuous Training College which you noted will not only train Nigerian teachers but teachers in sub-Saharan Africa and I must say that this indeed is a welcome development  and it is very apt given the level of decay in the educational sub sector.”

    Mrs Orelope-Adefulire also noted that “This will not only empower the teachers but will be translated into better learning which will have direct impact on our children and bring them at par with current realities. I like your interest in education which properly aligns with our activities as well as what you have done so far to achieve qualitative education because without education,  they won’t be an end to poverty, disease and other things hampering our growth as a nation.”

    Stressing the importance of the training facility in the overall development of children as most graduates are not employable, the SDG boss explained: “Some children are in school but they are not in school and some are out of school but they are in school. So, if they are not well taught, I’m sure they are not in school which is why we emphasis that we engage the right people to teach our children particularly at the kindergarten level.”

    She further commended the state government for initiating a healthcare insurance scheme,  ”Ayade Care”, as well as the construction of three ultramodern referal hospitals in the three senatorial districts which she said will contribute significantly  to improve the living conditions of the people.

    Adefulire sued for closer ties with the state to deliver on the goals for the overall benefits of the citizenry.

    Ayade lauded the political will of President Muhhamadu Buhari at ensuring that every part of the country gets the desired democratic dividends,  even as he pledged the readiness of the state to fulfil its parts.

    He enumerated some of the machineries he has put in place to achieve the SDGs in the state. “We have a connectivity between our Ministry driving SDGs by improving on the livelihood of the people,” he said.

     

  • We tell the African story through Calabar carnival, says Ayade

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade yesterday said the 2018 edition of the annual Calabar festival was designed to showcase and tell the original story of the black race.

    Ayade, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, spoke in Calabar during the flag off of the second dry run of the 2018 carnival.

    According to him, the theme of the Carnival `Africanism’ has been designed to showcase to the world the current state of Africa and where the continent ought to be.

    “This year’s edition of the carnival is to tell the story of the black race; where were we, where are we and where are we going.

    “The five competing bands are going to tell this story as they dance along the street in their beautiful attires.

    “We did better in the first dry run; it is our belief that the second dry run will be perfect. We are here to make a difference in this year’s carnival with the theme Africanism,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Carnival Commission, said the state had sustained the hosting of the largest street party in African for a record 14 years.

    “Today, we are experiencing the second dry run of the 2018 Calabar carnival and we are marking another milestone. Interestingly, we have sustained this street party for a record 14 years.

  • We tell the African story through Calabar carnival, says Ayade

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade yesterday said the 2018 edition of the annual Calabar festival was designed to showcase and tell the original story of the black race.

    Ayade, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, spoke in Calabar during the flag off of the second dry run of the 2018 carnival.

    According to him, the theme of the Carnival `Africanism’ has been designed to showcase to the world the current state of Africa and where the continent ought to be.

    “This year’s edition of the carnival is to tell the story of the black race; where were we, where are we and where are we going.

    “The five competing bands are going to tell this story as they dance along the street in their beautiful attires.

    “We did better in the first dry run; it is our belief that the second dry run will be perfect. We are here to make a difference in this year’s carnival with the theme Africanism,’’ he said.

  • Ayade releases N500m to start microfinance bank

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade yesterday released N500 million Start up capital as he inaugurated the state’s microfinance bank.

    The project, according to him, is to create financial inclusion among te teeming populace unable to qualify for facilities from traditional commercial banks.

    Ayade who spoke at the bank’s head office in Calabar, the state capital, said setting up the financial institution was premised on the fact that most citizens who are into petty trading and farming are lowly collateralized, hence “the bank will provide for those who ordinarily are technically challenged in terms of access to loans.”

    The governor said “our interest is to make people, bring value to humanity and make them feel the dignity of mankind.”

    Ayade said the conditions for accessing loans from the bank are ownership of farmland, a market stall or being a civil servant.

    “The interest regime ranges from zero to five per cent, this bank is not for interest or intended to make money but targeted at having women, the vulnerable and the physically challenged to encourage them that there is always a banking sector that can provide for them.”

    The governor said “we are taking care of that critical area where over 70 per cent of Cross River population is situated, who ordinarily  will not benefit from commercial banks.

    “This newly-commissioned bank will ensure you become stable while creating an alternative income rather than depending on the state government.”

    Ayade also explained that the over 3000 workers of the state Garment Factory and the local government workers will be expected to open accounts in the n bank, if they must benefit from loans.

    “For all young men, as we offer you appointments and create jobs for you in this regime, you will now put food on the table andy with hands on the plough as the microfinance bank will be available to give you loan for you to do that 30,000 hectares of cocoa, to give us over 60,000 hectares of rice farm that we are looking for, or organic bamboo plantation to feed our toothpick factory,” the governor stated.

    Ayade said Boki, with no institution or bank will be the first to get a branch. The groundbreaking of the bank is billed for December.

    “I promise Boki that I will bring an institution because the area is too big not to have an institution, I hereby implement the promise I made during my campaign,

    Chairman, National Association of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria, John Owan, said: “We are happy to have a new baby born into the industry as all microfinance banks in Cross River before now were privately owned,” pointing out that, “having seen the state-of-the-art facilities here, I have no doubt that those who patronise this bank will not regret doing so.”

    Cross River Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria Sampson Esua said Ayade had made the job of CBN easy with the bank several package.

  • Ayade offers jobs to Cross River civil engineers

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has offered employment to graduates of civil engineering from the state.

    The governor announced this when the National Chairman, Institution of Civil Engineers, Andem Ekpo-Bassey, visited him, with members of the organising committee of the association’s 16th Annual General Meeting.

    Ayade directed the new recruits to submit their curriculum vitae (CV) at the Civil Service Commission, New Secretariat.

    The governor, who was inducted Honorary Fellow of the institution, lamented the ill treatment members have received in Nigeria.

    He noted that civil engineering plays a role in the progress of mankind and as such, must be treated with dignity and given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the nation.

  • Ayade, COAS launch Operation Crocodile Smile III

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has inaugurated the Army’s  Operation Crocodile Smile III in Bakassi Local Government, to check kidnapping, militancy and robbery

    Ayade said it would help to maintain the peace and orderliness during the annual Calabar festival and 2019 polls.

    According to him, the exercise will reduce proliferation of arms through the Cameroon border at Ikang in Bakassi.

    The governor added that the Army has remained disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties.

    Ayade called on security agencies to bring the security challenges in the country under control.

    “As the 2019 general elections draw closer, I want to use this opportunity to warn politicians to desist from moving arms and sponsoring violence at polling units.

    “As the chief security officer of the state, I will work with security agencies to ensure that anyone caught is prosecuted,’’ he said.

    Chief of Army Staff Lt. General. Tukur Buratai said the operation was a training exercise to enhance internal security operations by the Army.

    The COAS, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, said the operation was a training exercise to help soldiers of 13 Brigade hone their military capabilities.

    According to him, the exercise was designed to include riverine and land operations to monitor the creeks by tackling kidnapping, militancy and robbery.

    “This exercise has been designed to enable officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade to show their proficiency in internal security.

    “The land operation will be conducted to check armed robbery, communal clashes, stop and search of vehicles among others.

    “The riverine operation will equally help us to check the activities of militancy and kidnapping of personalities across the creeks.

    “In addition to the exercise, we will also carry out medical outreach in host communities and schools.

    “As we do this, it will also help us to maintain peace and order and create a conducive environment as we approach the 2019 general elections,’’ he said.

    He urged the soldiers to deal with criminals based on the rules of engagement.

    The Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, Brig.-Gen. Charles Okulide, disclosed that 800 security personnel drawn from the Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence and Immigration would be participating in the one month exercise.

    Okulide said that the initiative was to foster inter-agency relationship among security agencies in the state, thereby expressing confidence that the exercise will be hitch free.

    According to him, the Brigade has made giant efforts in curbing heinous crime in the state through the sustained collaboration of other security agencies

     

     

  • Ayade, Tambuwal, Mark, Jang, Bafarawa congratulate Atiku

    CONGRATULATORY messages yesterday continued to trail Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, Sokoto State Governor and PDP presidential aspirant Aminu Tambuwal, former Senate President David Mark, former Plateau State Governor Senator Jonah Jang and ex-Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa were among those who congratulated Atiku on his victory.

    They promised to support the PDP candidate before and in the presidential election.

    Ayade, in his message, described former vice president’s victory at the just concluded PDP convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as well-deserved.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Christian Ita, Ayade said Atiku’s victory at the convention was a reflection of the wishes of PDP members.

    “On behalf of the government and the good people of Cross River State, I want to heartily congratulate you on your victory at our party’s presidential primary. The trust placed in you to fly the flag of our great party in the 2019 elections is undoubtedly a springboard of great inspiration and motivation to bring your vast private and public experience in ensuring the well-being and unity of our great country and its people,” Ayade said.

    Mark, in his statement, said throughout his campaigns, he maintained that the PDP presidential aspirants, including Atiku Abubakar, were eminently qualified to provide excellent leadership for the nation and that as a faithful and steadfast party man, he would support anyone of them who emerged the flag bearer of the PDP.

    He restated his commitment and pledged support for Atiku  to bring victory to the party in 2019.

    In his statement, Tambuwal said: “On behalf of my humble self, my family, and millions of my supporters from across the length and breadth of the country, I heartily rejoice with and congratulate your excellency on your emergence as the standard flagbearer of our great political party, the PDP at the just concluded National Convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    “The task at hand, going forward, is to ensure victory at the polls in order to save our fatherland from the current regime of annihilation bestriding it.

    “This calls for unity of purpose that admits of no division, no distractions and no internal wrangling. I commit myself to this task and urge all members of our great party to roll up their sleeves and set to work as members of one united family.”

    Jang said in spite of the outcome of the PDP presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, in which he lost, he would support Atiku.

  • Ayade unopposed as party disqualifies other aspirants in Cross River

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has allegedly disqualified two aspirants challenging Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for the party’s ticket in the governorship primaries to hold today.

    But the two aspirants, Dr Paul Udayi and Emmanuel Ibeshi, resisted the development, which they described as an act of impunity and injustice.

    They said they were disqualified without any explanation from the party.

    They were upset that after having bought the required forms to participate in the primaries and after been cleared, they were summarily disqualified.

    Addressing reporters in Calabar yesterday, Ibeshi who said he was disqualified yesterday said: “There is no valid ground for my disqualification and I have been provided with no such ground.

    “Indeed there has been no attempt to justify or even explain its action in cancelling the clearance certificate earlier issued to me to contest the election.

    “This committee was given a devious agenda – to disqualify all aspirants contesting for the gubernatorial ticket of Cross River State, thus leaving the incumbent, Senator Ben Ayade, as the only aspirant for the party ticket.

    “We understand Governor Ayade was particularly irked that he was the only governor in the South-South Zone facing opposition in the primaries for the party ticket.

    “I am ready to contest my disqualification and seek such redress and remedies as are available under the law in this country.

    “The main issue behind all these drama is that Governor Ayade having run an extremely incompetent government is afraid of being defeated if the people are given a chance freely to choose between me and him.”

    Ibeshi said he will consult with his team on his next steps.

    Udayi, who was disqualified on earlier, had dragged the party to the State High Court over the issue.

    Udayi was the first aspirant to pick up the expression of interest and nomination form to contest the governorship election in Cross River State from the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.

    The defendants in the suit are PDP the National Chairman of PDP, the Cross River State chairman of PDP, the Chairman of the Gubernatorial Screening Committee for the South-South geo-political zone and members of the Gubernatorial Screening Committee for the South-South geo-political zone.

  • Nigeria needs a digital president, says Saraki

    Presidential aspirant, Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday said that Nigeria needs a “digital” President that is abreast with the new world social order.

    Saraki, who visited Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State Wednesday to seek support for his presidential ambition, said Nigeria desires a dynamic leadership that is private sector inclusive.

    “I am in Cross River to solicit delegates’ support in the forthcoming presidential primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). I have the intellectual ability and capacity to rule Nigeria and that is why I am soliciting the support of all Nigeria to achieve this aim,” he said

    Governor Ben Ayade commended Saraki for coming out to seek for the office of the President, adding that he has the capacity to lead Nigeria to a greater heights.

    Read Also: I’ll stand by consensus candidate – Kwankwaso

    He raised alarm over the increasing number of Cameroonian refugees into the state due to the current crisis in Cameroon over the demand for Ambazonia Republic.

    Ayade told Saraki that Cross River was currently facing security challenges with the discovery of 27 illegal routes used by the Cameroonians to gain access into the state.

  • Ayade directs SUBEB to recruit 2500

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has directed the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to commence immediate recruitment of 2,000 primary school teachers and 500 security men across the State.

    Dr Stephen Odey, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, who made this known at a press briefing in Calabar on Monday, said it was in a bid to address the dearth of teachers at the basic level.

    “From what we experienced when we conducted our personnel audit and subsequent visits to schools for monitoring and inspection, we discovered that some schools from primary one to six have only two or three teachers.

    “This is unacceptable. For us to have qualitative and quality education, teachers are very key.

    “Since we came on board in October 2015 till now, we have recorded over a thousand retirement and death cases, so we need to replace these teachers.

    “When I approached the governor on this, he graciously approved the recruitment of 2000 teachers and 500 security men”, he said.

    Read Also: Ayade urges NYSC members to participate in Carnival

    The board chairman commended the government for creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed in the state.

    According to him, since the inception of SUBEB, no governor in the state has approved the recruitment of 2,500 persons in one fell swoop for the board.

    He said that the approval would improve the basic education sub-sector in the state.

    “With this approval, 2,500 persons in Cross River will be taken off the streets and will be gainfully employed.

    “This is in line with this administration’s policy of providing food on the table of its citizens,” he said.