Cross River PDP swears in new state Exco members

 

The Cross River State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated its 39 new executive members. 

The swearing-in ceremony on Monday held at the State Party Secretariat in Calabar. The oaths of Allegiance and Office were administered to the newly elected Executive members by Barr Ann Adi. 

Addressing members of the party shortly after the inauguration, the State Chairman, Venatius Ikem, promised to rejig the party while calling for unity among supporters. 

He said, “Four years ago, it took us one year plus of turbulence before we got to where we got. It is our privilege for those of us who are coming back to look back and say, well, we are blessed to even have the opportunity to serve again."

“A lot of people have blamed us, like I said at the Congress. I believe in learning from the complaints, and the mistakes. With the new blood coming in, I hope that we will be able to rejig the party, rejig our focus", Ikem assured. 

According to him, “Most importantly, I believe there is nothing like unity. If we have a united front, a united purpose, we will achieve great results.

“In accordance with our oath of office just taken, we will eschew some personal interests, some personal bickerings about personal interests, and focus very solidly on the core issues in front of us, the core challenges that we face, which is to see how we can harness all the potentials of the party, all the potentials that our members down there in the grassroots possess, and bring together", he declared. 

While thanking leaders and members of the party for their continuous support, he assured of collaboration and focus to reposition the party to its traditional form. 

On his part, Comrade Odidi Emmanuel, Chapter Chairman of Ogoja and Chairman of the Chapter Chairmen’s Forum in the state, lauded the process of the Congress, describing it as “remarkable.”

According to Odidi, Vena Ikem's reelection as the state chairman of the party is timely and significant 

"It is a good turn deserves another, the reason why most of the Exco members, including the State Chairman, were returned. This event started on the 27th of September, when the new EXCO members were re-elected under the leadership of Barrister Venatius Ikem. It is a good turn deserves another", Odidi added. 

Odidi further said, “You will agree with me that there is an adage that says, One good turn deserves another. We saw the last Exco, and they did wonderfully well. The leadership of the party were well consulted through the Chapter Chairmen of various local governments. We arrived at, since they were competent and they did very well, they should be reelected. We did so by bringing delegates across the 18 local governments of Cross River State, and the election was very peaceful."

New Legal Year: Cross River gov Urges Judiciary to Tackle Delayed Justice, seek collaboration for speedy trials

 Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has charged members of the Judiciary to prioritize timely dispensation of justice, embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and continuously upgrade their knowledge to meet the demands of modern legal practice.

The Governor gave the charge during the Thanksgiving Service to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, held at the Assemblies of God Church, 31 Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar.

In a statement on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker; Matthew Okache, disclosed that the governor, Sen. Bassey Otu was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, 

In his remarks, Otu congratulated members of the Bar and Bench for the successful completion of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, commending their resilience and dedication. 

He emphasized that while breaks between legal years are important for reflection and planning, the Judiciary must remain conscious of the weight of public scrutiny it bears.

He said, “Legal practice is not just an occupation or vocation; it is a solemn service to humanity. Any lapse in the Judiciary negatively impacts society. As you draw up your agenda for the new Legal Year, issues like delayed justice, ADR, and up-skilling of judicial officers must be prioritized."

Highlighting concerns about frivolous adjournments and prolonged detentions, he cautioned that justice delayed amounts to justice denied, as accused persons often suffer undue hardship, urging closer collaboration between the Judiciary and investigative agencies like the Police Force to ensure speedy trials.

The Governor also lamented the growing number of young inmates in correctional facilities, attributing it partly to the underutilization of ADR mechanisms. He stressed that restorative justice and community service were viable alternatives that could decongest prisons while reforming offenders.

Speaking on government’s support for the Judiciary, Otu disclosed that his administration had approved the construction of nine new courts, reconstruction of the Ogoja Division High Court destroyed by fire, and the provision of new SUVs for judges. He also announced the resolution of longstanding disputes with 30 magistrates, who have now been placed on their proper salary grade levels with arrears being paid in phases.

"This administration had approved the construction of nine new courts, reconstruction of the Ogoja Division High Court destroyed by fire, and the provision of new SUVs for judges. Longstanding disputes with 30 magistrates have been resolved and they have now been placed on their proper salary grade levels with arrears being paid in phases", he added. 

Furthermore, the Governor revealed plans to renovate all court facilities across the state and either comprehensively renovate the State Judiciary Complex or construct a new multi-purpose hall, depending on the Judiciary’s preference.

“The Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary must work in harmony to guarantee purposeful governance in our democracy. My administration will continue to accord the Judiciary the attention it deserves in manpower and infrastructure,” he assured.

Destiny Cross River Awards 2025: Cross River to Honour Patriarchs of Sacrifice and Destiny

 Calabar is set for an unforgettable historic night as the Destiny Cross River Awards 2025 holds on Thursday, October 2ND, at Shettima Hall, State Library Complex, Calabar.

In an age where selfishness, greed, and corruption have eaten deep into the fabric of society, the Destiny Awards has emerged as the loudest statement yet for patriotism, sacrifice, and the common good. It is a platform that immortalises men whose lives have been poured out as prices paid for the actualization of the prophetic destiny of Cross River State.

At the pinnacle of the evening, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River, will be conferred with the Destiny Grand Commander Award. He is being recognised for his courageous, selfless leadership in carrying the burden of rebuilding Cross River from years of desolation, and for restoring the State on the path of greater glory without excuses.

Other apex honours of the night will go to three legendary patriarchs whose names are inscribed in the chronicles of destiny:

Chief Anthony Ani, CON - Destiny Grand Patriarch Award, for standing as a worthy pillar of progress, wisdom and sacrifice through the years, paying prices that advanced the State’s economic and developmental destiny.

Prof. Kelvin Etta - Destiny Patriarchal Defender Emeritus Award, for defending the soul of Cross River’s intellectual and educational future, permanently changing the fortunes of the State in the University of Calabar and globally through his legendary selfless interventions and for raising leaders who now carry the torch of destiny.

Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON - Destiny Patriarchal Laureate Award, for his iconic sacrifices in philanthropy, law and governance, laying down his brilliance as a covenant with justice to safeguard the dignity and destiny of Cross River.

Speaking on the significance of the Awards, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Mike Mbang declared:

“The Destiny Cross River Awards is the biggest statement we have made in recent times as a people. It is a bold celebration of patriotism and historic sacrifice at a time when selfishness and greed dominate our nation. These men are not being honoured for what they achieved for themselves, but for what they gave up, what they defended, and the prices they paid so Cross River can move closer to her prophetic destiny.”

According to him, the Awards is not just a ceremony, but a covenant moment, where the sacrifices of true patriots will be immortalised as a guiding light for future generations.

The organisers; The Destiny Cross River Covenant Project Council described the night as a “roll call of greatness” and a prophetic convergence where history and destiny meet. They called on the people of Cross River, as well as friends and admirers of the honourees across Nigeria, to gather in Calabar and stand as witnesses to a night where patriotism is rewarded, sacrifice is honoured, and destiny is sealed.

CROSS RIVER SECURES HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NIGERIA COLLEGE OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY – ZARIA

Cross River State is taking another bold leap toward economic transformation and tourism development with the announcement of a groundbreaking partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria. This development comes on the heels of the successful acquisition and launch of two state-of-the-art CRJ-1000 aircraft under the visionary People-First Government of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu.

The initiative will empower Cross Riverians through comprehensive training in key aviation fields; including: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Piloting, Air Traffic Services, Technical Communication, Airport Emergency Response, Flight Maintenance, and more; ensuring that indigenes are active participants in the state’s expanding aviation industry.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, led a two-day working visit to NCAT, where he was warmly received by the Rector/CEO and top management staff of the college. The engagement concluded with NCAT’s firm commitment to partner with Cross River State on pilot training, aviation workforce development, and the establishment of a South-South Zonal Training Centre in Calabar; a move that will make Cross River a hub for aviation training in the region.

Speaking during the visit, Amb. Awatt Caleb stated the reason for his coming and commented on Governor Bassey Otu’s visionary leadership and affirmed that the partnership will complement the government’s massive investments in aviation infrastructure, tourism, and economic renewal. “The governor is determined not just to fly aircraft or grow Cally Air, but to raise a generation of Cross Riverians who can fly them, maintain them, and run a world-class aviation system. This initiative is about building capacity, creating jobs, and securing a future where our people lead in every sector,” he said.

The Rector/CEO of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Isma’ila Adam commended Governor Otu’s passion for development; facilitating his Aide, Amb. Awatt's visit to Zaria which today will have a positive generational impact on the state, describing him as “a God-fearing leader whose programs, projects and policies are seen on national news every week.” He revealed that NCAT will provide technical guidance for the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to kickstart training immediately. He further announced plans to deploy instructors to Calabar and even send a special aircraft to convey Governor Otu to Zaria for a red-carpet working visit.

Dr. Adam also stressed the importance of female pilot training in Cross River, adding that if Akwa Ibom could make Ibom Air a success story, then Cally Air can become an aviation model for Nigeria. He assured that all NCAT training programs are recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and open doors for international career opportunities.

This partnership is expected to boost youth empowerment, strengthen local content participation, and stimulate tourism by making Cross River not just a destination but a center of aviation excellence. It also aligns with the Bilateral Air Service Agreement signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last month, which opens new opportunities for Nigerians to receive advanced aviation training.

Amb. Awatt concluded by thanking Governor Bassey Otu for his unwavering support, describing him as “the driving force behind every bold step we are taking to place Cross River on the global aviation map.”

With this partnership, Cross River is poised to produce its own world-class pilots and aviation professionals, turning the state into a beacon of innovation, opportunity, and economic growth.

~ Prince Ijo De Great

Cross River gov disburses N800m grants to youths, farmers

 Cross River State Government has empowered 400 of its citizens, comprising farmers and former members of the defunct Bakassi Defence Force, with grants worth ₦800 million to support their reintegration and entrepreneurial growth through agriculture and other ventures.

The beneficiaries, who recently completed intensive training on Innovative and Integrated Agricultural Value Chain at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State received ₦2 million each as seed capital to establish and scale their businesses.

The ₦800 million empowerment program is part of the state’s broader “People First” agenda, targeted at wealth creation, employment generation, and the promotion of food sufficiency before the end of the current administration.

Governor Bassey Otu while addressing the beneficiaries on Tuesday in Calabar, said the initiative was designed to redirect the energy of the youth from destructive activities to productive ventures, stressing that no society thrives when its most vibrant demographic is left unguided.

He said, "Today’s empowerment program is primarily targeted at redirecting the strength and energy of our youths from destructive to productive ventures. The youth as a critical demographic set is the pulse of the society, as they are as versatile as they are volatile."

Governor Otu explained that the gesture was not an exhibition of abundant state resources but a strategic investment in human capital aimed at transforming societal liabilities into development assets. He maintained that agriculture was deliberately chosen as the preferred sector, given its cascading benefits and critical role in food security.

“We are poised to remove the character of our young ones and transform them from being societal liabilities to veritable development assets. The seed capital we are giving out today is to test your dexterity and commitment. Once we see what you have done with this, we are ready to add another,” Otu stated. 

He further assured the former agitators that they were not stigmatized, but rather welcomed as integral contributors to the state’s development, noting that empowerment had always been his guiding principle since his days in the National Assembly.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, described the event as a milestone in the state’s drive to promote economic development and create jobs.

“It is my great pleasure to celebrate the graduation of 400 Cross River State citizens—200 farmers and another 200 repentant agitators—from the intensive training at CSS Farms. The skills and knowledge acquired will enable them to make meaningful impact in their communities and contribute to state economic growth,” Egbede stated.

He noted that the Otu-led administration had also trained 100 youths in ICT, particularly in web development and programming, further demonstrating its commitment to youth empowerment beyond agriculture.

The Commissioner disclosed that monitoring committees have been set up across senatorial districts to ensure judicious use of the grants and sustain the impact of the program. He added that beneficiaries who demonstrate accountability and success will enjoy further funding support.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries; Mrs. Mary Ekuri and Solomon Essien appreciated the People's First administration of Governor Otu for the initiative, pledging to positively utilize the grants for self development and wealth creation

Kwashiorkor politicians, Don't take us back to Egypt – Cross River gov Slams ADC members

 Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has described the coalition African Democratic Congress, ADC, as a political gathering of “kwashiokor politicians” and detractors who once plunged Nigeria into hardship.

Otu made the remark on Tuesday in Calabar, while receiving the endorsement of repentant members of the ex-Bakassi Defence Force who declared support for his re-election bid in 2027.

Governor Otu, disclosed that he is pleased with the gesture, stressing that the ADC is nothing more than a distraction. He warned that such political movement cannot take Cross River state to what he described as "back to Egypt."

Otu said, “We have heard that there are some kwashiokor persons making moves to take over power. They call themselves ADC. They are nothing more than detractors, a distraction!” 

He also slammed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing it as another “sickly group” incapable of returning Nigeria to what he called the “dark days.”

“As one who was once in opposition, I know detractors when I see them. They cannot achieve anything. It is glaring that people don’t like the truth, but we have seen those who put Nigerians where they were before we came in. They won’t succeed,” Otu declared.

Governor Otu maintained that his People's First administration would not stifle dissenting voices, stressing that democracy guarantees freedom of association and expression.

“Well, we are in a democracy. And so, we won’t stop them from exercising their rights of speaking and grouping for political purposes,” he added.

Investigative journalism remains backbone of democracy, says NUJ President

 

President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, has linked inclusive and sustainable democracy to vibrant investigative journalism.

In his speech at the fifth edition of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award held in Calabar, Cross River State, recently, he described investigative journalism as backbone of democracy, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Speaking further, he recalled, “today, we reflect on the immense challenges confronting journalism in Nigeria. From censorship and harassment to detention and, in extreme cases, the loss of life, our journalists face daunting obstacles in the course of their duty.”

Despite these challenges, Yahya observed Nigerian journalists have shown remarkable resilience and steadfast commitment to the values of the profession.

To him, “let us remain vigilant, especially in this era of misinformation, and continue to be the conscience of the nation. Our role is not only to inform but to empower citizens and hold those in authority accountable. As journalists, we must recommit ourselves to the highest standards of our profession—objectivity, balance, fairness, and truth.’

Saying NUJ remains resolute in its mission to defend press freedom, promote ethical journalism, and support those who champion the public interest through their reporting, he added through initiatives such as our Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards, the union continue to recognize individuals and institutions committed to openness and democratic values.

Describing late Beatrice Ita as a fearless advocate for truth and justice, he added her legacy serves as a beacon of courage, integrity, and dedication, he noted her sterling qualities continue to inspire media landscape in the country.

In conclusion, Yahya said, “this event is more than a celebration of professional excellence; it is a commemoration of a woman whose contribution to Nigerian journalism remains deeply significant.”

On her part, National Chairperson Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Aisha Ibrahim, spoke on the roles of investigative journalists in uncovering the truth, exposing corruption, and holding those in power accountable.

She urged members to continue pushing the boundaries of investigative journalism, promoting good governance, and nurturing the next generation of journalists.

Noting fearless reporting upholds values of the journalism profession, she advised journalists to strive for excellence, mentor and support one another, and nurture the next generation of investigative journalists.

By celebrating investigative journalism, she stated NAWOJ aims to promote a culture of truth, justice, and integrity in journalism, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.