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Tag: Cross River State

  • Police deploy troops, Mopol to Cross River community as chieftaincy crisis claims lives

    Police deploy troops, Mopol to Cross River community as chieftaincy crisis claims lives

    …villagers flee, houses burnt

    The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has deployed troops and Mobile Police personnel to Odot Uyi community in Odukpani Local Government Area following an escalation of a chieftaincy crisis that has led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

    Police sources confirmed that the crisis, which intensified on February 2, 2026, resulted in the killing of two persons and the burning of houses in the community. The violence is linked to a long-running dispute over the position of Village Head of Odot Uyi.

    According to the sources, the Village Head’s residence was set ablaze during the unrest, with properties valued at millions of naira destroyed.

    Officers from the Odukpani Division, alongside a tactical police team and Mobile Police personnel, were immediately deployed to restore order.

    On arrival, the police reportedly found the community deserted, with residents having fled, leaving only livestock behind. However, during a combing operation of the village and its surroundings, Chief Ntia Okon Bassey, 62, the Village Head-elect, was arrested. He had been accused by some villagers of fraudulent dealings involving community funds.

    Read Also: Police arrest two suspects, recover pistol, ammunition in Cross River

    Another suspect, Chief Okon Nyong, who was initially on the run, was also arrested, while the clan head of the village remains at large.

    Police intelligence further revealed that three persons were allegedly killed during the crisis. Those named include Edem Ekpo Nyong, 30, and Ekpo Ekpo Nyong, 26, who were reportedly murdered by one Okon Usanga, described as a factional leader opposed to the Village Head. Okon Usanga was also said to have been killed during the violence. However, police sources stated that no corpses were recovered from the scene.

    Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said the command was aware of the development. He disclosed that two suspects had been arrested, while another key suspect, identified as the Village Head, was still on the run.

    Akata added that investigations were ongoing to determine the root causes of the crisis, noting that, as of press time, the entire community remained deserted.

  • Cross River sets pace in women’s economic empowerment -BudgIT Report

    Cross River sets pace in women’s economic empowerment -BudgIT Report

    Cross River State has emerged as a national pacesetter in advancing women’s economic empowerment in the latest State of Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Report by civic-tech organisation, BudgIT. 

    The report places the state among Nigeria’s top-performing sub-national governments in gender-responsive economic development.

    Presenting the report on Monday, December 22, 2025, BudgIT’s Senior Gender Analyst, Damilola Onemano, explained that the assessment evaluated how Nigeria’s 36 States are enabling women to thrive across five critical pillars—agriculture, entrepreneurship, labour markets, emerging industries, and education and skills acquisition.

    According to her: “Cross River State distinguished itself through strong, measurable outcomes in sectors that are critical to women’s long-term economic inclusion.”

    From an agricultural standpoint, Cross River recorded the highest score nationwide—3.5 out of 4 points, earning a green rating and underscoring the state’s leadership in integrating women into agricultural production and land access. “Cross River’s performance in agriculture reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritise women within the agricultural value chain,” Onemano noted.

    The report further highlighted the state’s strong showing in women’s land ownership, with rates exceeding 10 per cent but below 15 per cent—an impressive feat in a national context where women’s access to land remains significantly constrained. BudgIT described this outcome as “a meaningful step toward economic security and productivity for women, particularly in rural communities.”

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    In the emerging industries pillar—covering ICT, the green economy, creative industries and digital entrepreneurship, Cross River stood out as one of only three states, alongside Lagos and Kaduna, to achieve a green score. “These states are laying the groundwork for women to participate in future-facing industries that will drive economic growth,” the report stated, noting that no state attained the aspirational blue score in this category.

    Cross River also featured prominently in fiscal support for women, ranking among only four states nationwide, alongside Lagos, Gombe and Ebonyi,. with specific budgetary allocations for women’s access to STEM education or training. Additionally, the state was listed among a small group of states with dedicated budget lines for women in creative arts, entertainment and culture, reflecting forward-looking investment priorities.

    While Lagos State emerged as the overall best performer with a total score of 19 out of 24 points, BudgIT emphasised that Cross River’s leadership in agriculture and emerging industries positions it as “a model for inclusive and sustainable economic growth at the sub-national level.”

    Nationally, the report observed that women’s participation in emerging industries remains the weakest-performing pillar, with most states clustered in the red and yellow zones. Against this backdrop, BudgIT noted that “Cross River’s green rating signals what is achievable when gender inclusion is embedded in economic planning and budgeting.”

    The traditional labour market pillar recorded the strongest national performance overall, while women’s political representation in state legislatures continues to lag across most states. Nevertheless, BudgIT stressed that “economic empowerment outcomes, such as those recorded by Cross River State, are critical foundations for broader gender equality.”

    BudgIT acknowledged that although a majority of states now have interventions supporting women entrepreneurs, the reach of national programmes—particularly the CBN Entrepreneurship Development Programme—remains limited. “Bridging the gap between policy intent and real-world impact remains a pressing challenge,” the organisation said.

    For Cross River State, the findings of the BudgIT report serve as affirmation and impetus, reinforcing its status as a national leader in women’s economic empowerment and offering a compelling blueprint for other states seeking inclusive, gender-responsive growth.

  • Calabar celebrates 20th anniversary of iconic carnival, as Governor lights Christmas

    Calabar celebrates 20th anniversary of iconic carnival, as Governor lights Christmas

    As the city of Calabar prepares to host the 20th edition of its famous and iconic street party known as the ‘Carnival Calabar and Festival,’ the Cross River State Government has assured global stars, cultural enthusiasts, creators, investors, and tourists who would be visiting the area of a memorable time throughout the event. 

    This assurance was given on Sunday, November 30, 2025, during the symbolic Christmas tree lighting at the Millennium Park by Governor Bassey Otu.

    The ceremony, witnessed by four former Governors including Clement Ebiri, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Ben Ayade, officially marked the start of the festive season in the state and the month-long series of activities related to the annual carnival.

    Reiterating his administration’s commitment to improve on existing standards, Governor Otu said, “My team and I will continue to grow Cross River through human capital development, industrialisation, rural transformation, and tourism.” 

    A culture and tourism expert in the state, Joseph Nneji, disclosed that every arrangement to make this year’s edition of the annual carnival a truly historic and remarkable one had been put in place.

    “Twenty years of the Carnival Calabar and festival is not just a celebration for Cross River State, but for Africa and the world.

     “We invite everyone—governments, tourists, creatives, brands, and cultural institutions—to join us in commemorating two decades of excellence,” he said.

    Considered Africa’s biggest street party, the Carnival Calabar and Festival has over the last two decades created its own distinct image and history, becoming one of the most anticipated events of each year during the process. 

    Starting out as a simple strategy by the state to promote tourism and reposition the city as a cultural hub, the month-long fiesta has since blossomed into a global entertainment spectacle that continues to attract millions of visitors—physical and online—edition after edition. 

    From Brazil to Colombia, France to Germany, South Africa to Ghana, and other parts of the world, the iconic carnival remains a big hit among fun lovers.

    From its early days featuring community dance troupes and traditional masquerades, the carnival has expanded to include international music concerts, street parades by themed bands like Seagull, Passion 4, Bayside & Freedom, cultural exhibitions, bikers’ parades, and beauty pageants. 

    The annual event has also continued to spotlight Nigerian fashion designers, filmmakers, dancers, musicians, and cultural storytellers, making Calabar a December destination for the world.

    This year’s edition is expected to feature international performance blocs from at least 10 countries, showcase the local culture to a global audience through special heritage displays, and bring together top global influencers, filmmakers, and tourism ambassadors. 

    In addition, the state aims to reestablish Calabar as West Africa’s tourism capital, bringing fresh opportunities for local businesses, artisans, performers, and investors through an investment summit aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s creative and hospitality sectors.

    As the city prepares to host the world, the impact the Carnival Calabar and Festival has made over the last 20 years speaks for itself—millions of visits recorded, thousands of jobs created, and hundreds of new talented and constantly evolving creatives discovered and pushed to the limelight.

    This year, the carnival not only promises to honour its past but also set a new vision for the next 20 years with the central goal of making Calabar the undisputed cultural capital of Africa.

  • Cross Rivers  expresses readiness for  National Council of Sports

    Cross Rivers  expresses readiness for  National Council of Sports

    • By Olamilekan  Israel

    The Cross River State Government has assured delegates and residents that Calabar remains safe and fully prepared to host the forthcoming  National Council on Sports scheduled for this week.

    The 2nd  National Council on Sports is  scheduled to take place between  November 25th and 29th in the Cross River State’s capital.

    The government, in a press release statement, has given its assurance following recent speculations alleging insecurity in the state. It described the reports as unfounded and inconsistent with the `serene, orderly and peaceful’ atmosphere currently experienced across Cross River.

    According to the statement signed by Linus Obogo, Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the state has, in recent days, successfully hosted major national events without incident. Among them was the National Council on Health meeting, attended by the Minister of Health and key stakeholders from across the country.

    Obogo said Governor Otu’s administration has strengthened the state’s security architecture, ensuring residents and visitors enjoy uninterrupted safety.

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    He added that Cross River `remains calm, secure and hospitable’ and is fully ready to host national and international events of any scale with excellence confidence and efficiency.

    Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) , said it  has concluded arrangements for the event, adding the annual gathering remains Nigeria’s highest policy-making platform on sports development, bringing together state Commissioners of Sports, senior government officials, sports administrators, and key stakeholders from across the nation.

    This year’s Council Meeting is themed: “The Business of Sports — Creating Jobs, Wealth and Utility under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    The theme aligns strongly with the sports transformation vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration continues to position sports as a viable economic sector capable of generating employment, stimulating investments, and expanding national opportunities for youth engagement.

    The Cross River State Library Complex, beside the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the official venue of the Council Meeting. Sessions will begin daily at 9:00 a.m.

    Participants will examine key areas including sports financing, infrastructure development, talent production systems, grassroots mobilisation, sports tourism, digital innovation, and institutional partnerships. Recommendations from the Council will feed into national policy for the 2025/2026 sports year.

    The NSC invites all stakeholders to join in shaping the future of sports administration in Nigeria.

  • C’River, AHF partner to provide pads to underserved communities

    C’River, AHF partner to provide pads to underserved communities

    The Cross River State Government on Wednesday in Calabar agreed to partner with the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to provide sanitary pads to women and girls in underserved communities of the state.

    Mrs Edema Irom, Commissioner for Women Affairs, spoke during an engagement with four secondary schools in Cross River to commemorate the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

    The engagement saw the distribution of sanitary pads to students of West African Peoples’ Institute (WAPI); Government Secondary School Lagos Street, Calabar; Henshaw Town Sec School and Government Secondary School Akim by AHF.

    Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to emphasise the importance of breaking taboos, ensuring access to quality menstrual products, comprehensive period education, and period-friendly facilities.

    The theme of the 2025, observance is “Together for a period friendly world.”

    Irom called on line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations and communities to collaborate in ensuring that sanitary pads are provided in public places.

    “The greatest challenge we have had as a ministry is the provision of pads, even if the pads are made available, another challenge is water and proper toilet facility in schools.

    “It will shock you to know that most times women come to the ministry to ask for pad and many girls sleep around for things as little as money for sanitary pads,” she said.

    On his part the Advocacy Manager of AHF, Steve Aborishade said menstruation went beyond issues of hygiene to issues that include a conducive environment for girls to enjoy their monthly period.

    Aborishade said some of the needs identified include: lack of access to sanitary products, water, and the stigma and taboos affiliated with menstruation.

    He added that they were pushing for a society where menstruation was not seen as a problem but something normal with young women and girls.

    Read Also: AHF Nigeria joins calls for period equity on Menstrual Health Day

    “We hope to end the era where girls use different materials that cause complications in their health as sanitary towels,” he said.

    Similarly, Mrs. Gertrude Egbole, Principal of WAPI, who was represented by Mrs Ofem Okoi, a Teacher in the School, thanked AHF for the engagement, adding that they take menstruation seriously in the school.

    One of the beneficiaries of the engagement, Miss Destiny Udoaka, an SS 1 student of Henshaw Town Secondary School said she was very happy for receiving the menstrual pad from AHF.

    Udoaka also commended AHF for involving the boys in the engagement because it helps them understand better that menstruation is not a crime but a normal thing that happens to every woman.

  • Deputy Speaker awards scholarships to two orphans

    Deputy Speaker awards scholarships to two orphans

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has awarded scholarships from primary to the university level to two young orphans at the Infant Jesus Orphanage Home in Calabar, Cross River State. 

    The Deputy Speaker, who was in Calabar to deliver the convocation lecture of the University of Calabar, also donated N2 million and various food items to the Orphanage.

    The 12 year-old orphans, Chidera Emmanuela Maduka and Chimankpa Emmanuel Maduka indicated interest in studying law when the Deputy Speaker asked the children at the home who wanted to be lawyers.

    Moved by the kindness of the Deputy Speaker, some members of the House of Representatives, who accompanied him on the visit, made a donation of N1 million while his former classmates in the 1998 set of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar donated N300,000 to the home. 

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress( APC), Anambra State, Mr. Johnbosco Onunkwo donated N200, 000 while the members of Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) also gave N500,000 to the Home. 

    Kalu said: “I’m here with my classmates from University of Calabar, and my colleagues from the National Assembly to show our love and support to you.

    “We will take over the training of Chidera and her twin to University level. I’m happy and proud they want to study law. We will support them. We will pay your school fees.

    “We brought you some food stuff and we will send you more. We will bring you toiletries. The people you’re seeing here are your fathers and mothers. We are going to appoint a committee that will be taking care of you.

    “Aside the food stuff, I’m giving a cash donation of N2 million, N200,000 from friends of Benjamin Kalu, N1 million from members of House of Representatives here with me, N300,000 from my classmates and N500, 000 from PISE-P members.

    Speaking to Journalists shortly after the brief visit, Kalu added :”I came here not only to give them something that they will eat today and not have tomorrow. But to draw up a programme that will be sustainable. 

    “You know I came with my classmates. Some of the kids here want to be lawyers like us. I have given them scholarships up till law school. This is to inspire them and that’s projecting education. Education can take you from this position and put you on a pedestal you never imagined. 

    “Like in the speech I delivered at UNICAL 50th anniversary, I studied under a tree, no classroom. That’s the truth. But today through education I have built schools where I used to sit. These kids are potential leaders of tomorrow. If you see my pictures under the tree in the 70’s, you won’t believe I will be Deputy Speaker today.”

    The coordinator of the orphanage, Sister Chinyere Chukwuka, expressed gratitude to Kalu and his team, praying for God’s blessings upon them.

  • C’River Rep trains health workers, sets agenda on public health care

    C’River Rep trains health workers, sets agenda on public health care

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare, Dr Alex Egbona, on Monday flagged off a training for health workers in the Abi and Yakurr local governments of Cross River State that make up the federal constituency which he represents in the House of Representatives.

    Egbona, who attracted the federal training programme from the Federal Government for health workers in his constituency, said he had a knack for proper health care delivery for his people and he would want to use the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency as case study on how the country can manage the primary health care system.

    The training held simultaneously at Itigidi and Ugep, headquarters of the two local governments respectively.

    It will hold for three days and would be followed by a comprehensive free medical outreach in all the wards of the federal constituency, from November 13 to 17.

    Speaking while flagging-off the training at the two venues at separate times on Monday, Egbona hailed health workers in the country, saying their services were too important because “health is wealth.

    “If we are not healthy, we cannot play politics. If we are not healthy, we cannot go to school. If we are not healthy, we cannot fly or drive to any part of the world. Health is so important and that is why I celebrate all of you.

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    “I have done so much in the area of healthcare for my people. I will even do more. My attention now is on the primary health system. That is why I have taken steps to work with the relevant federal government agencies to attract solar energy to the health centres in my constituency.

    “I am also attracting solar electricity and boreholes to the various health centres. My target is to make sure that there is power and water supply in all the health centres and I am using my constituency as a case study on how to effectively run the primary health care system in Nigeria.”

    At the Yakurr training centre, immediate past director of the local government health authority, Arikpo Igri Omini, who was one of the facilitators appreciated the Egbona for his benevolence and foresightedness and acknowledged him as a pacesetter in the constituency.

    Another trainer, Mrs Imelda Ejukwa, who spoke on hypertensive disorder in pregnancy harped on the timeliness of the training and urged the lawmaker to intervene and resuscitate the Assiga health center.

    The Director of Local government Health Authority in Yakurr, Dr. Mrs Ibiang Okama Eko appreciated the federal lawmaker for this giant strides in all areas, saying that he had done much more for the constituency that all other representatives from the constituency.

  • Buhari’s double shuffle

    It is settled in labour relations that he who hires has the authority to fire.  That is what applied to the amiable, industrious and proud daughter of Adiabo Okurikang in Odukpani Local Government, Cross River State, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, until last week the head of service of the federation.

    Her story is well known but the facts may not have been fully established. President Muhammadu Buhari has only exercised the powers vested in him by asking Oyo-Ita to step aside, temporarily, to allow a thorough investigation of the allegations of abuse of office against her.

    Her replacement is by no means a push over in the federal civil service and service to the country. Folashade Yemi-Esan, a first-class dental surgeon, and proud alumnae of the University of Ibadan, began her career in the Federal Civil Service at the Federal Ministry of Health after graduation in 1987 from the nation’s premier university.

    She rose to the position of permanent secretary in 2012 when she first served as permanent secretary, service policy and strategy in the Office of the Head of   Service of the Federation.

    Her tour of duty has seen her serve as permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information and the Federal Ministry of Education, among others. She was, until her recent elevation as head of service last week, the permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Her selection was probably endorsed by President Buhari on account of her vast experience and being the most senior permanent secretary in the federal civil service.

    But perhaps more significant is the decision of President Buhari to extend the tenure of seven permanent secretaries who were expected to retire, at various dates, between September and December. By presidential fiat, the lucky seven distinguished public officers have had their tenures extended by one calendar year beginning this October.

    So how did the president acquire this executive power, some well-meaning people may ask? Others, more discerning, have also observed that the president had in the recent past granted extension of tenure to military chiefs, to wit, the chief of defence staff and the service chiefs – heads of army, air-force and the navy.

    The Nigerian Constitution at Section 171 (2) d empowers the president to appoint persons to hold or act in appointive offices at his pleasure. It is also his prerogative to determine the duration of such appointments, although extant rules stipulate a maximum of 35 years in service or 60 years age, whichever comes first.

    Section 171 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), unambiguously vested in the president, the power to appoint persons to hold or act as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ambassadors, high commissioners or other principal representatives of Nigeria abroad as well as permanent secretaries in the ministries, departments and agencies.

    In clear terms, Section 171 (2) is explicit on the power of the president on who may be appointed, act or be removed as permanent secretary in any ministry or head of any extra-ministerial department of the Government of the Federation  or ‘howsoever designated’.

    Beyond acting within the confines of the law, many analysts would also agree that President Buhari  has a moral responsibility to ensure that the fabric of the federal civil service is not unwittingly eroded by the sudden departure of seven permanent secretaries within three months. The consequential impact of such depletion of well-trained and tested civil servants cannot be in the interest of the nation and the effective delivery of the programmes and development agenda of the Buhari administration.

    Going down memory lane, it is instructive to remember that before the appointment of new ministers, specifically between May 29 and August 21, permanent secretaries ran the affairs of ministries, department and agencies.  Besides, prior to the inauguration of the cabinet, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation organised a presidential retreat for ministers and permanent secretaries where nine priority areas of government where identified to be jointly executed by ministers and permanent secretaries.

    It is also expected that these permanent secretaries have a crucial role to play in the avowed intention of the executive arm of government to kick-start the process for the 2020 budget, and working in collaboration with the National Assembly, to return to the January-December budget cycle. Furthermore, the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development while demerging four others, and thus expanding the bureaucracy, underscores the need for experienced hands to nurture them to stability.

    One other solid consideration for the tenure elongation is the fact that the process for finding replacements for the seven permanent secretaries due for retirement is multi-layered and may take up to three months.  By tradition, to climb to the peak of the federal civil service, those on the directorate level go through thorough security screening after written and oral examinations.

    The sudden exit of Mrs. Oyo-Ita as head of service may not necessarily affect this process. However, it may not be expedient for government to allow the loss of personnel who have garnered experience, become fully matured but have not yet attained the retiring age of 60 years. Certainly the nation can benefit more from their wealth of experience!

     

    • Kareem writes from Abuja.

  • Ayade seeks Fed Govt’s backing to get $1.3b sovereign guarantee for projects

    CROSS River State Governor Ben Ayade has appealed to the Federal Government to secure a sovereign guarantee of $1.2 billion to cover the execution of two major projects by his administration.

    The governor said the projects would be for the economic benefit of the state, Nigeria as well as West Africa.

    The projects are the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport and the proposed 276-kilometre Super Highway from the deep seaport to the Northeast.

    Ayade spoke in Calabar, the state capital, when he hosted the Ad Hoc Committee of the National Assembly seeking to determine why the Eastern ports in Warri, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Onitsha were not being put to maximum use.

    The governor told the legislators, led by the committee’s Chairman Buba Yakub Yusuf (Adamawa APC), that “$1.2 billion is the budget for the two projects and all we need is a sovereign guarantee”.

    He added: “China Harbour Engineering, a reputable company in port building, roads and other major infrastructure, is ready to build for us if there is a sovereign guarantee. Cross River knows nothing other than the Bakassi Deep Seaport.”

    Ayade sought the understanding of the visiting lawmakers to include in their recommendations to the legislature as well as the Presidency the need to support Cross River State in executing the two projects.

    The governor insisted that the projects would be beneficial to Nigerians and West coast of Africa.

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    “We have received 10 approvals from the Federal Ministry and the minister has signed the final ODC for the construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport. More so, the Managing Director of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) has already got Bakassi Port in a master plan.

    “So, we expect the committee to seek a sovereign guarantee for Bakassi Port,” he said. Yusuf hailed Ayade for his vision and drive for the projects.

    The lawmaker noted that the projects have the potential to turn around the state’s economy and beyond.

    He said: “The committee will do everything it can to support and see that this great dream of the governor and the state is brought to fruition. This man has already put this dream to use, and it is practically on the ground as he has told us. In four years, Cross River is ready to go, to give Nigeria its first deep seaport.

    “And as he has said, not only modern Nigeria but even the neighbouring countries; Chad, the Cameroons, the Niger will all benefit from this giant project.

    “So, this committee is to investigate and find out why our Eastern seaports are not working. I am sure most of our recommendations will help ease and bring the giant project of the deep seaport in Cross River State to fruition.”

     

  • Fed Govt, ophthalmologists restore sight to 8,000 Nigerians

    THE Federal Government, through its Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), has restored the sight of 8,000 Nigerians since February, last year, the society’s National President, Dr Ayobade Ogundipe, has said.

    The joint project, named the National Cataract Project under President Muhammadu Buhari Restores Vision, was inaugurated in February, last year, to restore vision to 10,000 Nigerians who were blind because of cataract, he said.

    Speaking at the 44th scientific conference/annual general meeting (AGM) and 50th anniversary celebration of the society in Calabar, the Cross River State, Ogundipe said the project had attained 80 per cent implementation.

    The OSN president said states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have completed theirs while the remaining six states are at various stages of completion.

    He said as part of the annual conference, the society usually has surgical eye camps to offer community service to residents the host communities.

    “We had a surgical eye camp at Ogoja General Hospital. We had screened the beneficiaries at the Refugee Camp in Ogoja, where the people displaced by current crisis in Cameroon are accommodated. We planned 200 cataract surgeries for the refugees and some inhabitants of Ogoja,” Ogundipe said.

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, urged the residents to pay more attention to their eyes because of it delicate nature.

    The governor added that the eye is the all-important organ with which every being sees and appreciates the surroundings and all creations.

    He said it was unfortunate that people pay attention to other parts of their body but not the eye until they are partially or completely blind.

    Ayade stressed the need for timely eye checks.

    The governor hailed the society for ensuring standard eye treatment and care over the decades.

    He said there was still room for improvement.

    Ayade hoped the conference would prepare participants well and empower them towards better healthcare delivery.

    The conference, with the theme: Universal Eye Health: Leveraging on Integration, Linkages and Collaborations, was held at the Calabar International Conference Centre.