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Tag: Cross River

  • Cross River signs over N2bn entertainment deal

    Cross River signs over N2bn entertainment deal

    Cross River State government through the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, last Friday signed an expandable N2 billion deal with a development partner, Blake Excellency Resort Limited, for the establishment of a one-stop entertainment centre.

    The Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, said that the entertainment centre would be located in the Tortulga Island area of the Marina Resort, which has remained deserted for the past two decades.

    He described the investment as an additional benefit because it would take people off the streets while providing more than 200 job opportunities for the state’s people. He stressed that the state’s revenue would increase.

    Ojoi maintained that the state is ready to open up to business and is willing to cooperate with any investor who can create job opportunities and significantly develop the state’s economy.

    Read Also: PDP tasks FG on current hardship in Nigeria

    On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Blake Excellency Resort Limited, Mr. Uzochukwu Akunedozi, said the entertainment center would accommodate kids, youths, and senior citizens.

    He noted that the facilities expected in the entertainment center include a dining restaurant, lounge, a pool, boat cruise, water slides, gaming center for kids, and a floater that can accommodate 50 to 60 people who wish to celebrate their birthdays or any events on top of the water, among other features.

    “Blake Resort is meant for entertainment; it has hosted people from across the globe, and the testimonies are there to verify. We are here to add value to what has been done in Cross River State. I’m excited because I feel privileged to be part of what the Cross River State government is doing, which is tourism, and without an iota of doubt, Cross River State is the number one tourist destination in West Africa.

    “I’m in a hurry to deliver, and I’m in a hurry to do more than I have said. Our duty is to exceed your expectations. We are looking at between now and October; we should be hitting the ground running”, he added.

    Witnessing the signing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpenyong Akiba, expressed satisfaction with the partnership deal and assured that the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

  • APC, PDP share gains in Cross River re-run polls

    APC, PDP share gains in Cross River re-run polls

    The results of the re-run elections in Cross River state which involved three contested seats, indicate that the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in the Akamkpa Biase Federal Constituency, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in the two state constituency seats – Obanliku and Yala II State Constituencies.

    All three elections held in 34 polling units in the state on Saturday, February 3, have been officially declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

    Announcing the results in the early hours of Sunday, February 4, INEC noted that Emil Inyang of the APC secured the highest number of votes in the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency rerun election.

    Hon. Inyang got 15,930 votes, defeating his closest opponent, Austin Aidam of the PDP, who secured 12,417 votes.

    In the Obanliku State Constituency rerun election, PDP’s Ashakia Ashas scored 10,587 votes while his closest rival, APC’s Achunekang Sunday, scored 10,427 votes.

    Similarly, in the Yala Two State Constituency rerun election, Achadu Martins of the PDP, who scored 9,168 votes, defeated his closest contestant, Nkasi Ekwok of the APC, who secured 8,647 votes.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River state, Gabriel Yomere, who was represented by Blessing Anyalebechi declared the result of the by-election held in Bebuenkanyang and Bayaga in Bisu ward for the Obanliku state constituency.

    The two major parties in the state, the ruling APC and the opposition PDP got the senators in the affected constituencies to lead the re-run campaigns.

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of the Southern Senatorial district led the APC to victory in the Akamkpa Biase Federal Constituency which is under the Southern senatorial district.

    The victory of the PDP in the affected two states Constituencies of Obanliku and Yala I, both under the northern Senatorial district was also fostered by the leadership of Senator Jarigbe Agim Jarigbe representing the district.

    In a telephone interview, Senator Jarigbe said: “We have once again shown that PDP remains the dominant party in my senatorial zone just as the people have demonstrated their confidence in us by voting for our candidates at the re-run polls, an indication that we are on ground.

    “I enjoin the winners to always imbibe the culture of working together for the benefit  of our people who have freely given us their mandates in trust as well as continue to fulfil electoral promises to our  constituents.

    “Once again. I commend the people of the north for always standing with us in time as this. We shall not disappoint but would always endeavour to meet your needs within the available limited resources.”

  • Large turnout of voters in Cross River re-run elections

    Large turnout of voters in Cross River re-run elections

    The re-run elections in 34 polling units within Cross River State, specifically in Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency and two State constituencies of Yala and Obanliku local government areas recorded large turn out of voters in a peaceful atmosphere.

    Elections materials arrived designated polling units and voters in most of the units visited expressed satisfaction that the exercise was free and fair.

    At Emouno polling units of Agwagune/Okurike registration area of Biase, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Hon. Emil Inyang, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

    He said he was confident of victory because even though the court ordered a rerun his margin of lead in terms of number of votes is over 2,000 and the re-run units area places he had his footprint of things he did for the people when he was a chairman of local government council.

    His PDP opponent, Austin Aidam, declined speaking when contacted. 

    Read Also: Blake Resort: Cross River signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

    Party agents of the PDP, which is the major opposition, were not seen in many polling units of Akamkpa Biase Federal Constituency. 

    Their presence was only witnessed at Obanliku State Constituency and parts of the affected areas in Yala.

    INEC REC in the State Prof. Gabriel Yomere said reports across the affected areas in the State indicate a successful exercise.

    The Commissioner of Police CP Gyongon Augustine Grimah said only one attempt of a violent was reported around Obanliku area but the security agencies deployed for the exercise contended with it and returned normalcy almost immediately.

  • Blake Resort: Cross River signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

    Blake Resort: Cross River signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

    The Government of Cross River State, through one of its agencies, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, has signed an expandable N2 billion deal on Friday with a development partner, Blake Excellency Resort Limited, for the establishment of a one-stop entertainment centre.

    The Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, revealed that the entertainment centre would be located in the Tortulga Island area of the Marina Resort, which has remained deserted for the past two decades.

    He described the investment as an additional benefit because it would take people off the streets while providing more than 200 job opportunities for the state’s people. He stressed that the state’s revenue would increase.

    Ojoi maintained that the state is ready to open up to business and is willing to cooperate with any investor who can create job opportunities and significantly develop the state’s economy.

    Chief Executive Officer of Blake Excellency Resort Limited, Mr. Uzochukwu Akunedozi, said the entertainment center would accommodate kids, youths, and senior citizens.

    He noted that the facilities expected in the entertainment center include a dining restaurant, lounge, a pool, boat cruise, water slides, gaming center for kids, and a floater that can accommodate 50 to 60 people who wish to celebrate their birthdays or any events on top of the water, among other features.

    Read Also: Foundation opens N2.5bn medical facility in Cross River

    “Blake Resort is meant for entertainment; it has hosted people from across the globe, and the testimonies are there to verify. We are here to add value to what has been done in Cross River State. I’m excited because I feel privileged to be part of what the Cross River State government is doing, which is tourism, and without an iota of doubt, Cross River State is the number one tourist destination in West Africa.

    “I’m in a hurry to deliver, and I’m in a hurry to do more than I have said. Our duty is to exceed your expectations. We are looking at between now and October; we should be hitting the ground running”, he added.

    Witnessing the signing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on general duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, expressed satisfaction with the partnership deal and assured that the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.

  • Foundation opens N2.5bn medical facility in Cross River

    Foundation opens N2.5bn medical facility in Cross River

    A medical facility with an estimated worth of N2.5bn has been built, equipped and Commissioned in Cross River State by Mr. Thomas Etuh, in honour of his late wife Jennifer who died four years ago.

    The facility located at Ochon community in Obubra local government is expected to offer free medical healthcare in the community.

    Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk who cut the tape to commission the facility lauded the Jennifer Etuh foundation Chairman and husband to late Jennifer, Mr. Thomas Etuh for the Initiative, adding that the state governor is gladden by the contribution to the development of the state.

    Read Also: 15 escape death as private jet overshoots runway at Ibadan Airport 

    In his words, Governor Bassey Otu is ready to partner with the hospital through the state health insurance scheme to make the facility accessible to the community residents.

    In a brief interview with the foundation’s Chairman Mr. Etuh stated that the hospital was the wish of his late wife Jennifer who was passionate about catering for the people’s health needs.

  • Civil Service promotion exercise, Cross River govt warns against illegal practice

    Civil Service promotion exercise, Cross River govt warns against illegal practice

    The Cross River state government is currently initiating procedures for the promotion service within the state Civil Service and has cautioned its officials against engaging in any unethical practices.

    A statement issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Innocent E. Eteng, highlighted the government’s awareness of a misleading social media publication titled ‘Red Alert.’ 

    The publication alleges corrupt activities by an unidentified “Director” in the Civil Service Commission during the ongoing promotion exercise in the state.

    The statement emphasized that the state government dissociates itself from any untoward practice and warns all those in its employ, their relatives and agents to desist forthwith from paying money or gratification to any Government official for promotion purposes.”

    Read Also: Lassa fever: Cross River govt begins contact tracing, line listing

    The statement also urged all Civil and Public servants to be guided by the provisions of the Service rules and extant laws.

    It said: “It is important and instructive to state categorically that, any promotion that does not follow due process and recommendation from the MDA or/and Senior Staff Management Committee (SSMC)of the relevant MDA and duly authenticated by the Chairman, Civil Service Commission as well as meets the required maturity period for promotion in accordance with the Public Service Rules and extant Government Circulars will be rejected by the office of the Head of Service.”

    It was gathered that the state Civil Service is currently under staffed following recent bulk retirement of staff and many years without employment into the service.

  • Minister warns political jobbers against creating rift in Cross River 

    Minister warns political jobbers against creating rift in Cross River 

    Minister of Sports Development Sen. John Owan-Enoh has warned those he described as political jobbers not to create rift in Cross River politics by propagating false ideas about him coming out for a governorship contest against Governor Bassey Otu in 2027.

    Speaking at Ikom, during a church service at his instance to thank God for his appointment into the executive cabinet, Owan-Enoh, who contested the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 elections, but lost to Otu, said he had told those who cared to listen not to create imaginary rift between him and the incumbent governor.

    He said Governor Otu was in his first term and “has demonstrated leadership and he is doing well for the state.”

    Read Also: Police target N59b from registration of 11.8m vehicles

    “I will support him to the end. Detractors, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Anybody that comes out to contest against Governor Otu by 2027 will have to contend with me standing solidly with Otu,” Owan-Enoh added.

    He called for support for Governor Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying: “Asiwaju Tinubu has the intellect and capacity to turn things around in Nigeria, let’s support him. If you support me, support the president and pray for him.”

    The minister thanked Governor Otu for the leadership he was offering in Cross River State, noting that when it was obvious that other state functions wouldn’t give him chance to attend his thanksgiving service, he spoke with him and told him that the deputy governor and the secretary to the state government (SSG) would represent him.

    He said: “It’s not just the deputy governor and the SSG that came. The speaker of the state legislature and members as well as commissioners were also present.”

    The thanksgiving service was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Ikom, and officiated by the Bishop of the Ogoja Diocese, Most Rev. Donatus Edet Akpan.

  • Cross River: we hope to surpass N35b revenue projected for 2024 

    Cross River: we hope to surpass N35b revenue projected for 2024 

    Cross River State Internal Revenue Service has set target to surpass the N35billion revenue projected for the Service for 2024.

    The acting Executive Chairman of the Service, Prince Edwin Okon, made this known in Calabar during an interactive stakeholders’ session and training in best practices for tax consultants operating in the state.

    The session was organised by the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) and facilitated by Lani Consulting.

    Okon, whose keynote address was titled: ‘Synopsis of CRIRS 2023 Strategy and Achievements,’ urged stakeholders and participants to come up with practical solutions to the problems of multiple taxation and block loopholes in revenue generation.

    “In 2024 and beyond, the projection is to reduce the number of taxes to single digit.

    “We can do much more if we are able to work together and block loopholes.

    Read Also; Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

    “We hope to move the revenue far beyond the N35billion target and this requires the support of all stakeholders,” he said.

    Okon said since his appointment about five months ago, they had raised the internal generated revenue of the state from N20billion in 2022 to about N36billion as at last month.

    He also said revenue generated from ministries, departments and agencies had increased from the usual N3.8 billion since 2012 to N6.8 billion currently.

    He advised the participants to not just complain, but also come up with solutions that are achievable.

    Commissioner for Commerce, Abigail Duke, said the interactive session was timely and praised the CRIRS for the initiative.

    She added that the clash in revenue collection in the state was a very important issue that should be handled.

    Duke said revenue is the bedrock of development in any society “and if the government cannot generate revenue, we cannot get good governance.”

  • Former Cross River Gov Ayade loses sister

    Former Cross River Gov Ayade loses sister

    The former governor of Cross River state, Prof. Ben Ayade has confirmed the death of his sister, Mrs. Ateb Janet Oniga.

    This was contained in a notification of death personally signed by the former governor on behalf of the Ayade family of Kakum in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River state.

    The statement read: “With a deep sense of sorrow, I announce the passing unto glory of Mrs Ateb Janet Oniga (Nee Ayade). Aged 54.

    Read Also: Appeal Court reaffirms Cross River Governor Otu’s victory

    “She died on Friday 24th of November, 2023 after a brief illness. Until her transition, Janet was a God-fearing woman, a devout Christian, a loving mother to her children, and a caring sister to her siblings.

    “She was exceptionally kind, vivacious, and engaging. The family and all those who knew her will sorely miss her. While the family accepts this irreparable loss as the will of God, it requests prayers as it grapples with the loss. Burial arrangements will be communicated by her family.”

  • Otu sets up 15-man policy review committee for Cross River State

    Otu sets up 15-man policy review committee for Cross River State

    The meeting of the State Executive Council of the Cross River State Government has given the nod to several initiatives meant to further development in the state and improve wellbeing of the residents.

    A release from the government house Press unit revealed that a number decisions were taken at the 17th meeting of the State Executive council presided over by the governor.

    Amongst the decisions taken includes the ratification of the composition of a 15man State Policy Review Committee which comprises eminent personalities to review extant policies in order to ensure policies and plans align with the current trends and best practices.

    At the meeting, the governor reiterated the government’s resolve to clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities owed retirees, and emphasised that government cannot allow the aged sleep hungry or be unable to afford their medications.

    “Consequently, funds are being sourced from the capital market to redeem the debts owed retirees by the government,” the statement revealed.

    Read Also: Palliatives: Cross River govt begins 2nd batch distribution

    The Executive Council also approved the contract award for the refurbishing, remodelling and upgrade of the State Library complex, Calabar. 

    Among roads to be rehabilitated are; Murtala Muhammed Highway and Ndidem Iso Road. Emergency intervention and remediation works were also approved for the Marina Resort gully erosion.

    The Council granted approval for a N400,000,000 (Four Hundred Million Naira) counterpart funding for the Agro-processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project facilitated by the Ministry of International Donor Coordination.

    It noted that an Executive Bill for the Re-establishment of the State College of Agriculture and Forestry, Obubra, was also approved by Council for transmission to the State Legislature.