PURIMED NEWS

The commissioner for environment in Cross River State, Hon. Moses Osogi has sent a goodwill message to the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on the occasion of his One year in Office, refered to his administration as one year of Undaunted Leadership. My family and i, as well as the Management and staff of the Ministry of Environment heartily felicitate with His Excellency , the president and Commander -in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and His Vice Sen Kashim Shetima GCON and particularly to our amiable Governor , my boss Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for a successful one year in office. In the last one year you have rewritten the story of Cross River State ; the successes recorded in the environment sector only became possible because you championed the transformative and developmental strides of ensuring a clean, green and serene Cross River which is borne out of your passion for t...

Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly have unanimously reaffirmed Rt.Hon Elvert ayambem as the speaker of the 10th legislative assembly of Cross River State. The reaffirmation of Rt.Hon. Ayambem, as Speaker of the house of assembly furthered a reconciliation brokered by the Governor of the State , Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu and critical stakeholders of the State with the 25 member assembly in Calabar. Ayambem in his speech expressed his appreciation to the Governor and the concerned stakeholders for what he described as their remarkable ability to bring about peace for the stability of the State and the house of assembly. He further commended Governor Otu for showing extraordinary leadership during challenging times. The Governor's track record as a leader committed to peace has never been in doubt and I thank him for his genuine interest and commitment to the peace and Unity of Cross River State - Rt Hon. Ayambem, uttered.  

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, in Cross River State, Hon Chief. Abubakar Robert Ewa today, celebrated the children's day with a message of Felicitation that admonishes the Children to embrace their dreams and work toward them fearlessly with believe to explore extraordinarily. In a press release signed by the Commissioner, he said; Dear Cross Riverians, As we commemorate the children day with our beloved children, I wish to thank God for the blessings of children to our families, the state and entire world. Children are truly gifts from God. We find hope in their boundless confidence, courage from their enthusiasm, joy in their dreams, inspiration from their curiosity and creativity which is why we as their parents must stand up to the challenge of giving our children the right foundation for their growth. In Cross River State, our Governor His Excellency Sen(Prince) Bassey Otu in his quest for an enviable future for our children has invested huge reso...

Hon. Abubakar Ewa, Commissioner For Tourism, Arts And Culture, Cross River State During An Exclusive Interview With Correspondent's Of Niger Delta Legacy TV And Magazine, Speaks On The Tourism Sector Of The State And Achievements Of The Governor Of Cross River State Sen(Prince) Bassey Otu In His One Year Of Governance.  SIR CAN WE KNOW MORE ABOUT YOU? I am Honorable Abubakar Robert Ewa, Commissioner, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Cross River State.  CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ON HOW YOU ARRIVED THIS CRADLE OF LEADERSHIP AS COMMISSIONER FOR TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE ? I arrived here on the prerogative of the Governor, His Excellency Sen(Prince) Bassey Edet Otu who found me fit to serve in his administration and went ahead to nominate me, i went through a screening and confirmation process in the State House of Assembly, after which I was announced commissioner for Tourism, Arts And Culture during the swearing in of Commissioners and by the grace of God, I am livi...

Governor Bassey Otu has restated his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies to exterminate the remaining small pockets of crime in Cross River State. The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the pledge, Friday, when he received the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South-South, DIG Sokari Pedro and his team in Calabar. Applauding the collaborative efforts of the Police and other security agencies in combating crime and insecurity in the State, Governor Otu assured the high-powered delegation of his administration's readiness to support the police with Hi-Tech facilities and basic technology that would enhance the fight against crime in the Cross River. "I want to thank you and your team for making out time to visit the State. We are happy that you came indeed happier that you are heading the department of information and communication technology in the Nigerian Police Force. "Let m...

The Cross River State Government has issued a stern warning to Religious bodies in the state against flouting sanitation law.  The State Government issued the warning through the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi when he was supervising and monitoring the May edition of the state wide Environmental Sanitation exercise, Saturday, in Calabar Metropolis. Addressing Journalists during the exercise, Osogi stated that it is against the scriptures for religious bodies to disobey Government orders, explaining that even the Bible directs believers to obey constituted authority.  The Commissioner frowned at some Christian Denominations that were seen conducting church services during the sanitation period, reiterating the State Government's stance on prosecuting defaulters to sanitation law in the state. He described their act as fragrant disregards to constituted authority and must be made to face full wrath of the law . Rating the May's exercise as highly prog...

Residents of Calabar metropolis have been applauded by the Commissioner for Environment in Cross River State, Hon. Moses Osogi, for their thorough participation in the end of the month State- wide environmental sanitation exercise, while defaulters were arrested and arraigned before the sanitation mobile court in Calabar. In different parts of Calabar metropolis , including Satalite town, Edim Otop, Ibb way, Etta Agbor, Ikot Ansa, Akai Efa and more where the commissioner visited to assertain the level of compliance to the exercise,  residents were found intensively participating in the sanitation exercise through cleaning and evacuating waste around their environment. A large number of defaulters of the sanitation law were also arrested on the streets as men and women found roaming the streets, vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles found driving on the roads at the hours of the ongoing sanitation exercise were impounded and the passengers arrested while owners of provision s...

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts And Culture, Hon. Chief Abubakar Robert EWA has called on talented youths in the state to come forth and partner with government to drive and promote the tourism sector of the state. The Commissioner made the call when he received in his office, the Miss Raw Beauty Africa Tourism 2024, Queen Jessica Alada who honoured him with an award of recognition for his invaluable contributions to the development of tourism in Cross River State. During the presentation of award, queen Jessica extolled the Comissioner for being pivotal to the revamp and further development of the tourism sector in the state, seek for partnership with the ministry in every of it's events. Hon.Chief Abubakar Ewa who responded with much delight, welcomed the queen and her crew to his office and emphatically stated that tourism is the image of Cross River State which is the more reason the Governor His Excellency Sen.(Prince)Bassey Otu has equipped the mini...

President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees. The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May. However, public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many. In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution. The review will also take into consideration nation...

The Cross River State government has called on the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to revisit the ancient mapping done by the colonial masters which has over the years failed to maintain peace as this was done for economic benefits rather than in the interest of the people.  This call was made yesterday, when His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu received a delegation of the National Boundary Commission led by the Director-General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji who was accompanied by Directors, Assistant Directors and Surveyors on an advocacy visit to the state.  Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, was ably represented on the occasion by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey (PhD), who is also Chairman of the State Boundary Committee. 

The Cross River State House of Assembly has raised alarm over the improper handling of state-owned cocoa farms by Mr. Oscar Ofuka, former Governor Ayade's Special Adviser on Cocoa Development. Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, member representing the Abi State Constituency, raised the matter in urgent public importance on Tuesday during the plenary session. Rt. Hon. Davies Etta informed the House that Mr Ofuka and his associates had been renting out cocoa farms beyond the tenure of the previous administration, which he described as a criminal act and an attempt to undermine the current administration, led by Governor Bassey Otu. "Being one of the main cash crops in Cross River State, cocoa is important to the state's economy, and mismanagement of it has caused serious problems." Speaking on the matter, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, the leader of the 10th Assembly, expressed his disappointment with Ofuka's actions. He restated that if Ofuka's actions persist, a warr...

Rt Hon. Peter Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, engaged in an interactive session with pupils from Kids N Us School, Calabar, during their courtesy visit to his office at Government House, Calabar, on Friday, May 17th, 2024. The deputy governor, who took the time to answer questions from the children, urged them to demonstrate a strong dedication to their studies, prepare themselves to tackle future challenges, and embrace high moral character. He emphasized that excellence is achieved through hard work. He urged them to make the most of the excellent facilities provided by the school and strive to become valuable citizens. He tasked the school management and teachers to showcase mentorship and foster a strong sense of moral discipline among the pupils. During her speech, one of the teachers who accompanied the pupils, Mrs Victoria Ekpo expressed gratitude, stating that the pupils and Kid 'N Us School were truly fortunate to have had the opportunit...

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem was in attendance at the general meeting of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Abuja today. The meeting focused on various issues related to good governance and national development. One of the key points discussed was the need for the Federal and State Governments to implement sustainable policies to alleviate the challenges arising from the removal of petroleum product subsidies.  The Speakers also emphasized the importance of upholding the financial autonomy provisions of the Constitution and called on political leaders in River State to seek peaceful resolutions to the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, the Conference urged the National Assembly, Presidency, and other stakeholders to take advantage of the ongoing Constitutional review to approve the establishment of State police as a measure to tackle the prevailing insecurity in the country.

  The Cross River State House of Assembly has confirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s nominees for appointment as vice Chairman and commissioner of the State Planning Commission. This was a sequel to the Assembly's consideration of the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution presented by its Chairman and Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rt, Hon. Davies Etta. According to the chairman of the screening committee, the nominees were invited to appear before the Committee for screening on the 8th of May, 2024, where they were "subjected to a rigorous question and answer session he added that Gov. Otu’s appointments are in agreement with section 2 of the State law which provides that; "The membership of the commission shall be drawn from the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State” The member repressing the Yala 2 state constituency described the commission as a round peg in a round hole, that, Gov. Bassey Otu ...

Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, has appealed to Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) Cross River State Chapter and Volunteer Workers of the Cross River State Environmental Protection Agency (CREPA) to work harmoniously in achieving effective coordination of all environmental matters in the state. Speaking when members of the groups paid him a courtesy call in his office in Calabar, Hon. Osogi stated that the Ministry is poised to ensure effective control of environmental issues and that it's also committed to providing an enabling platform for professional work force in the environment sector to achieve desired goals. He stressed the need for the two bodies to collaborate to ensure strict adherence to global best practices in presation and protection of the environment which remains the only hope for man's survival. Earlier in his address, the President EHOAN Cross River State Chapter, Sanitarian Dr. Simon...

Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu is currently participating in the 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19), at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.  The Governor, represented by his deputy, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, is participating in the forum's sessions on implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF), alongside other invited heads of states, Nigerian Governors, private sectors and stakeholders.  Discussions at the session focus on enhancing forest-based economic, social, and environmental benefits, increasing the area of protected forests, and proposing ways to advance sustainable forest management. The Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. George O'ben-Etchi is also present at the forum's session. The nineteenth United Nations Forum on Forests began on May 6th and will wrap up on May 10th, 2024.

The Cross River State Government has disclosed its preparedness to partner Environmental Monitoring and Energy Research Group -Africa (EMERGA), on air quality monitoring in the State. Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, made this known in his office in Calabar, Tuesday, when he received members of the organization on a courtesy visit. He stated Government's commitment to create enabling environment for private and Non Governmental organizations to carry out activities that will enhance the habitable Environment for citizenry and assured the group of a safe haven. The Environment Commissioner pledged his full support to the group acknowledging the importance of air as the most important requirement of life and stressed the need to check all forms of pollution. Earlier, the Director/Group Leader of Environmental Monitoring and Energy Research group -Africa Prof. Ewona Igwe, acknowledged the existence of universities in providing solutions to human needs, add...

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, today met with the Vigilante and Environmental Corps to discuss the issue of security in the State. During the meeting which was held in the Speaker's office in Calabar, the Speaker commended the efforts of the Vigilante and Environmental Corps, expressing his appreciation for their collaboration with other security agencies in curbing crime in the state. Ayambem voiced his concern about the need to provide support for the Vigilante group to enable them to carry out their duties effectively. He stated that he believed in the group's capabilities and felt that they should be given the authority to work with other pertinent security agencies to combat insecurity in the state. During the meeting, the Speaker mentioned that his office functions more like a post office where mail is dropped off for later delivery. However, he promised to bring the group's concerns to the attention of Sen...

......Cross River Lawmakers have confirmed Governor Bassey Otu's nominees for appointment as Chairman and Commissioners of the State House of Assembly Service Commission. Those confirmed were; Hon. Victor Okon - Chairman, Barr. Leonard Anyogor - Commissioner 1, Mr Ayamba Akanya Asigbe - Commissioner 2, Mrs Mary Eraye - Commissioner 3, and Mr Charles Okon Kutman - Commissioner 4. The confirmation of the nominees was sequel to the Lawmakers' consideration of the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution presented by its Chairman and Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rt, Hon. Davies Etta. According to Etta, the nominees were invited to appear before the Committee for screening on the 3rd and 6th of May, 2024, where they were "subjected to a rigorous question and answer session".  The Abi Lawmaker further stated that the Governor's nominations were in compliance with section 3(1) of the Cros...

In a gesture of collaboration and commitment to healthcare advancement, the National leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), led by Dr. Uche Ujinmah, recently paid a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu in his temporary office in Calabar. Dr. Ujinmah opened the discussion by praising Governor Otu's dedication to urban renewal, emphasizing the interconnectedness of aesthetics and health. "I have seen the great work you have done," Dr. Ujinmah remarked, noting the positive feedback from the state chapter regarding their cooperation. He commended the governor for his hand of fellowship. During the meeting, Dr. Ujinmah informed the governor of his imminent departure following the doctors' delegate meeting at the Calabar International Convention Center - CICC. He pleaded for more doctors in the state's service, advocating for the implementation of a new welfare scheme to attract and retain medical professionals. In response, Governor Otu expr...

Governor Bassey Otu has announced that his administration is ready to meet the counter-funding requirements of the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide mini-grid power supply to rural communities.  This move is aimed at boosting the micro-economies of the state and improving productivity levels, especially in the agricultural and rural communities. Speaking during a courtesy call to him in Calabar, by the REA management team, Governor Otu expressed his administration's willingness to meet the 30 percent counterpart funding, which is necessary for attracting REA's interventions.  He emphasized the importance of power supply in powering the rural economies to achieve energy and food security for the people of Cross River. Governor Otu commended the REA for the 7-megawatt power project that will provide steady power supply for the University of Calabar and the University Teaching Hospital, UCTH.  He also praised the REA team's technical capacity ...

In celebration of the 2024 Press Freedom Day with the theme: A press for planet, journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis, Journalists in Cross River State have used the occasion to pour commendation on the State Government for the visible strides in the Environmental sector. During an interactive session held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Center, State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists as part of activities to mark the Day, various media houses applauded the Ministry of Environment under the leadership of Commissioner Moses Osogi for implementing major environmental initiatives in line with the People First agenda of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. In separate remarks, they noted that the introduction of the monthly statewide environmental sanitation which has been observed religiously has improved the outlook of the State and yielded inadvertent results of imbibing a good environmental culture amongst citizens. Earlier in his remarks, ...

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed into law, the State Fire Service Bill 2024. The new Law is an amendment of the existing Cross River State Fire Service Law of 2004.  According to a report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Environmental Matters and Member Representing Yala II State Constituency, Hon. Martins Achadu, the bill which was sponsored by Hon. Francis Ogban (Biase) and six others was first published in the House on 20th July 2023. He added that, after the first and second reading, the bill was committed to his Commitee for detailed consideration . Achadu stressed that the aim of the bill is to reposition the State Fire and Rescue Service to international standards adding that the amendment of the law was long overdue. The Lawmaker noted that, it had been impossible for the State Fire Service to give the desired productivity due to several challenges militating against it, including lack of basic requirements for firefighting and pre...

      .......... Indegenes of Cross River State have extolled the Governor Sen(prince) Bassey Edet Otu for his proactive measures towards bettering the lives of citizens in the state. In line with Senator Prince Bassey Otu's "People First" mandate, the Director-General of the Cross River State Border Commission (BORDERCOM), Onun Hon. Ngim Okpo, conducted a Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment of border communities in Obanliku and Obudu LGA's in the Northern Senatorial District of the State on April 30, 2024. During a town hall meeting with stakeholders such as Paramount Rulers, clan heads, Village, Heads, youth groups and Heads of Security institutions in the LGA, the Director-General engaged with the community to evaluate the boundary needs in conflict-prone areas. He conveyed the Governor's commitment to the State's development and the well-being of its residents, particularly those in communities facing challenges. The survey will utiliz...