'You Made Nigeria Proud', Enoh Congratulates Canaan Queens for Outstanding Performance at ATTCC

Ukorebi Esien | 7th July 2024

Minister for Sports, Owan Enoh, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Canaan Queens of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, for their impressive performance at the just concluded African Table Tennis Club Championship, ATTCC in Benghazi, Libya. 

Enoh who as at the time of the tournament was attending a sports meet in Cameroon, took the time to recognize the team's achievements and convey his pride in their representation of Nigeria on the international stage, said the Queens made the nation proud. 

In a phone call made through the club's chairman, Chief Orok Duke, Minister Enoh praised the Canaan Queens for their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship, which led them to secure second place in the prestigious tournament. He emphasized that their effort and commitment have made Nigeria proud, adding that their crucial role in elevating the country's status in the sport of table tennis is priceless. 

The Minister of Sports expressed his admiration for the leadership of Chief Orok Duke and the entire Canaan Table Tennis Club, acknowledging their significant contribution to the development of table tennis in Nigeria, particularly in the women's category, while assuring the Canaan Queens of continued backing from the Ministry of Sports, encouraging them to build on their success and strive for even greater heights in future competitions.

The Canaan Queens, who were lost 0-3 to Petrojet Table Tennis Club of Egypt in the final match, have garnered widespread acclaim for their journey to the finals. Their path to the runner-up position included a decisive 3-0 victory against the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Table Tennis Club in the semi-finals, showcasing their prowess and competitive spirit.

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The Canaan Queens' remarkable performance in Benghazi has not only brought glory to Nigeria but also highlighted the potential and determination of Nigerian athletes. As they return home, they carry with them the pride and admiration of the nation, ready to inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts and champions.

List of States That Have Declared Monday Public Holiday in Nigeria

By  Ijeoma

  

Several Nigerian states have declared Monday, July 8, 2024, a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year.

Reports has it that this day marks the beginning of the new lunar Hijri year and is celebrated on the first day of Muharram.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, also declared Sunday, July 7, 2024, as the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic year 1446 after Hijrah.

The Islamic New Year is significant for Muslims worldwide as it marks the year of the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

The Islamic calendar, which is lunar, is used to determine the dates of religious duties and significant events in the Islamic faith.

The governors who have declared this holiday are:

1. Governor Umar Namadi – Jigawa State

2. Governor Nasir Idris – Kebbi State

3. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq – Kwara State

4. Governor Ademola Adeleke – Osun State

5. Governor Seyi Makinde – Oyo State

6. Governor Abba Yusuf – Kano State 

7. Governor Ahmad Aliyu – Sokoto State 

8. Governor Babagana Zulum – Borno State 

9. Governor Bala Muhammed – Bauchi State

10. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda – Katsina State

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)- Purchase of Laptop, Three-in-One Printer, and Projector

Centre for Health works, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES)

Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Date: July 1, 2024

Subject: Request for Quotation (RFQ) - Purchase of Laptop, Three-in-One Printer, and Projector

Introduction:

CHEDRES, a community-based organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria, is seeking quotations for the purchase of the following equipment:

 *1.One (1) Laptop:* 

   Specifications:

       * Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent

        * 64 GB RAM

       * 256GB SSD

       * 15.6" Full HD display

       * Built-in webcam and microphone

       * Windows 10 operating system

       * 3-year warranty

 *2. One (1) Three-in-One Printer:* 

   Specifications:

       * Print, scan, and copy functionality

       * Wireless connectivity

       * Automatic document feeder (ADF)

       * High-yield ink cartridges

       * 1-year warranty

 *3.One (1) Projector:* 

   Specifications:

       * Full HD resolution (1920x1080)

       * Brightness: 3,000 lumens or higher

       * Contrast ratio: 10,000:1 or higher

       * Built-in speaker

       * HDMI and VGA connectivity

       * 2-year warranty

Project Background:

CHEDRES is currently working under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) on increasing domestic investment for Tuberculosis interventions in Nigeria, a health component implemented by the the Palladium Group Nigeria funded by the USAID as a member of FUND TB Cluster anchored by the Policy Alert. This project requires the use of technology for data collection,  analysis, and dissemination. The equipment listed above will be crucial for supporting these activities.

Quotation Requirements:

We kindly request you to submit a detailed quotation for the above-mentioned equipment, including:

* Unit price: Please provide the price for each item separately.

* Delivery time: Please specify the estimated delivery time for the equipment.

* Warranty: Please provide details of the warranty offered for each item.

* Payment terms: Please outline your preferred payment terms.

* Technical specifications:Please provide detailed technical specifications for each item, including any additional features or options.

Submission Deadline:

Please submit your quotation in PDF format by July 10,2024 to chedresnigeria@yahoo.com.

Evaluation Criteria:

Quotations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

* Price: The most competitive price will be given priority.

* Delivery time:  Faster delivery times will be preferred.

* Warranty: Longer warranty periods will be favored.

* Technical specifications: The equipment should meet the specified requirements.

Contact Information:

For any inquiries, please contact:

Jane Iwara 

Finance and Admin Officer  chedresnigeria@yahoo.com

08061210187

We look forward to receiving your quotations and working with you to achieve our goals.

Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,

CHEDRES

UNICROSS Elevates 10 Senior Lecturers To Professors

Asuquo Cletus Felix

The University of Cross River State,  has announced the promotion of 10 of its senior academics to the rank of professor, and three others as readers.

The elevation, which was approved by the chairman of the Senate Prof. Stephen N. Ochang street news learnt,  was a sequel to the recommendations of the University Appointment and Promotion Committee.

In a post by UNICROSS Press, the university online newspaper, noted that 10  distinguished scholars were found to have excelled in the realms of teaching, research and community service and were subsequently promoted to the highest rank attainable in academia.

Those in the list include; Prof. Hannah Ettah,  ⁠Prof. Emmanuel Eyam Ogban, ⁠Prof. Usang Eteng Eloma,  ⁠Prof. Eng. Richard Antigha,  ⁠Prof. Stephen Akomaye Adah,  ⁠Prof. Henry Ojating,  ⁠Prof. Rev. Mrs Veronica Bassey-Duke.

Others are  ⁠Prof. Irom Bassey Okey,  ⁠Prof. Nkanu Ettah,  ⁠Prof. Simon Ogbeche Odey, 

Dr. Emeka Ategwu (Reader),  ⁠Dr. Eng. Peter Ohioro (Reader),  and 

Dr. Melvin Ugwu (Reader).

C'River Launches CRAFTFEX Project to Boost Agro-Tourism

Ukorebi Esien | 29th June 2023

CALABAR - Cross River State has unveiled a bold new initiative to boost its tourism sector through the CRAFTFEX Project, an agrotourism festival and international expo. The event, launched by Hon. Abubakar Ewa, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, aims to position Cross River State as a major player in the global agrotourism market.

In his address, Hon. Ewa stressed the strategic importance of the CRAFTFEX Project in showcasing Cross River State's rich cultural and agricultural heritage. He highlighted the project's potential to attract both local and international tourists, thereby boosting the state's economy and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.

"The highway from Sokoto to Bamenda in Cameroon and other countries shows our commitment to regional connectivity and economic integration," stated Hon. Ewa. "Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, Cross River State can become a hub for agrotourism in West Africa."

The commissioner invited partners and stakeholders to collaborate with the Cross River State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. "Our doors are open," he affirmed, urging potential investors and partners to explore the vast opportunities presented by the CRAFTFEX Project.

The agrotourism festival and international expo will feature a variety of activities, including exhibitions, cultural performances, and tours of agricultural sites. The initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance cultural exchange, and foster economic growth through tourism.

Mr. ASU Abang, Chief Executive Officer of Asurock Integrated Service and head of CRAFTFEX, stated that the goal is to build a strong food system to fight hunger and starvation in the region. "When the programme becomes fully operational, hunger and starvation will be a thing of the past," he said.

The event's theme was "Building Stronger Food Systems to Strengthen Resilience on the Fight Against Hunger in Nigeria," with a sub-theme of "Harmonising Agriculture, Arts, Culture and Tourism Development for Sustainable Development."

The CEO emphasized the need to prioritize agriculture to effectively combat hunger. "Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the rich agricultural and tourism potentials of Cross River State. CRAFTFEX is not just a festival but a celebration of our heritage, an acknowledgment of our farmers' hard work, and a showcase of the boundless opportunities that lie within the fusion of agriculture and tourism," he stated.

With the launch of the CRAFTFEX Project, Cross River State is set to leverage its unique cultural and agricultural assets, creating a vibrant and dynamic tourism sector that will benefit both the local community and international visitors.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu Commends Canaan Queens for Securing Second Place at African Table Tennis Club Championship

Governor Bassey Edet Otu 

Ukorebi Esien

The Canaan Queens of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, Calabar, have emerged as the runners-up in the ongoing African Table Tennis Club Championship in Benghazi, Libya. The team, representing Nigeria, put up a valiant effort but were defeated 0-3 by Petrojet Table Tennis Club of Egypt in the final match held earlier today.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State extended his heartfelt commendations to the Canaan Queens through a visual call, applauding their outstanding performance and resilience throughout the tournament. He expressed pride in their achievements, commending how their journey to the finals has brought immense pride to both the state and the nation.

The Canaan Table Tennis Club, founded by seasoned sports administrator Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has been a pillar of support for Nigeria's Table Tennis Federation, especially in the women's category. Their consistent representation of Nigeria in major international competitions underscores their commitment to excellence and development of the sport.

Despite the loss in the final, the Canaan Queens' path to securing the second place was marked by impressive victories, including a decisive 3-0 win against the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Table Tennis Club in the semi-finals. Their performance has not only highlighted their individual talents but also demonstrated the strength and potential of Nigerian table tennis on the continental stage.

Governor Otu praised the team's dedication and the leadership of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, emphasizing how their efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of table tennis in Nigeria. He assured continued support for the club and urged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.

The Canaan Queens' remarkable achievement in Benghazi stands as a testament to their hard work, strategic prowess, and the unyielding spirit of Nigerian athletes. As they return home with their well-deserved silver medals, they carry the hopes and pride of a grateful nation, ready to build on this success in future competitions.

Canaan Queens Secure Spot in Finals at African Table Tennis Club Championship

Ukorebi Esien 

Canaan Queens of the Canaan Table Tennis Club in Calabar have qualified for the final round of the ongoing African Table Tennis Club Championship in Benghazi, Libya. The Nigerian representatives advanced to the finals after a decisive 3-0 victory against the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Table Tennis Club in the women's semi-finals on June 26, 2024.

Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, founded by Cross River's seasoned sports administrator and veteran, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has consistently demonstrated excellence and a high competitive spirit. Throughout the championship, they have maintained an unbeaten record, showcasing their dominance and skill in the sport.

The club will face a formidable opponent, Petrojet Table Tennis Club of Egypt, in the final on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM Nigerian time. This highly anticipated match will be held in the city of Benghazi, Libya.

Canaan Table Tennis Club has been a strong support base for Nigeria's Table Tennis Federation, particularly in the women's category. Over the years, the club has been instrumental in nurturing talent and providing a platform for female athletes to compete at the highest levels. Their dedication and commitment have seen them represent Nigeria in numerous major international competitions, earning accolades and bringing recognition to the country.

The achievements of Canaan Table Tennis Club go beyond this tournament. They have a legacy of developing world-class players who have competed and excelled in various continental and global championships. Their success is a testament to the hard work and vision of Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, whose leadership has been pivotal in elevating the status of table tennis in Nigeria.

As the Canaan Queens prepare for their final match, they carry the hopes and pride of their nation. Their journey in the African Table Tennis Club Championship not only highlights their individual prowess but also underscores the strength and potential of Nigerian table tennis on the international stage.

Wood Logging Business in Cross River State and the Dilemma of Government: Is Prince Otu Caught in the Web?

By Ukorebi Esien | 26th June

The intricate relationship between the government of Cross River State and the timber logging industry is a narrative fraught with challenges, policy reversals, and persistent illegal activities. The latest development in this saga is the recent suspension of wood logging activities by Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, citing non-compliance by loggers with stipulated government terms. This move comes just a year after the governor lifted a 15-year-old ban on logging, reflecting the ongoing struggle to balance environmental conservation with economic interests.

A History of Logging Bans
The state's history with logging bans dates back to 2008, when then-Governor Liyel Imoke imposed a one-year moratorium on logging. This was aimed at allowing Cross River State to benefit from the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program. Despite the moratorium, illegal logging surged, undermining the very purpose of the ban.

Governor Otu, upon assuming office last year, lifted this long-standing ban, presumably to stimulate economic activities and regulate the logging industry under more controlled conditions. However, the expected compliance from loggers did not materialize. According to a statement from Prof. Owen Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, loggers have consistently ignored the terms stipulated by the government, prompting the recent reinstatement of the ban.

Persistent Challenges
The dilemma faced by the Cross River State government is a complex one. On one hand, the state boasts 58% of Nigeria's forest cover, a significant natural resource that requires protection against unsustainable exploitation. On the other hand, the logging industry represents a substantial economic activity for many local communities.

Former Governor Ben Ayade's administration also grappled with this issue. In 2022, Ayade declared a war on illegal timber loggers, highlighting the severe environmental degradation caused by these activities. Ayade's government took a hardline stance, threatening severe consequences for those caught in the act, including the prosecution of colluding government officials and security agents. Despite these efforts, illegal logging continued to thrive, indicating a deep-rooted issue that transcends simple policy enforcement.

Otu's Renewed Ban and Its Implications
Governor Otu's decision to reinstate the logging ban reflects the persistent challenge of enforcing compliance within the timber industry. The directive for security agencies to arrest offenders and confiscate logs and machinery underscores the government's commitment to curbing illegal activities. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen.

The statement from Prof. Enoh also called for players in the timber logging trade to contact the State Forestry Commission for further guidance, indicating an attempt to establish a more structured and transparent framework for legal logging activities. Yet, the history of non-compliance and the strength of illegal logging cartels pose significant obstacles.

Environmental and Economic Considerations
The environmental implications of uncontrolled logging are profound. Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and contributes to climate change. The REDD+ program, which aims to incentivize forest conservation, remains a critical initiative for Cross River State, necessitating strict control over logging activities.

Economically, the logging industry provides livelihoods for many in Cross River State. The challenge for Governor Otu is to find a sustainable path that balances economic benefits with environmental stewardship. This requires not just stringent enforcement but also community engagement and alternative livelihood programs for those dependent on logging.

Conclusion
Governor Prince Otu finds himself at a crossroads, entangled in the intricate web of policy, enforcement, and economic interests. The reinstatement of the logging ban underscores the ongoing struggle to achieve sustainable forest management in Cross River State. Whether this latest move will lead to meaningful change or simply another chapter in the long history of logging dilemmas remains to be seen. What is clear is that a multifaceted approach, addressing both the environmental and economic dimensions, is essential for any long-term solution.

Offiong Edem Leads Canaan Queens to Represent Nigeria at African Club Table Tennis Championship

Offiong Edem 

Offiong Edem  Wil be leading the charge for the Canaan Queens, a renowned table tennis club from Calabar, as they proudly represent Nigeria at the 2024 African Club Table Tennis Championship. Taking place in Benghazi, Libya, this prestigious tournament not only highlights top African talent but also serves as a key qualifier for the World Club Championship.

The Canaan Queens, under the leadership of Chief Orok Duke, the chairman of the Canaan Table Tennis Club, arrived in Benghazi on Monday. They are set to face the Libyan team in a high-stakes quarterfinal match scheduled for 5 PM Nigerian time. The Nigerian table tennis community is rallying behind the Canaan Queens, hoping for a stellar performance.

In an official correspondence addressed to the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Ishaku Tikon, the Canaan Table Tennis Club confirmed their acceptance and readiness to represent Nigeria. The letter, signed by Chief Orok Duke, expressed the club's enthusiasm and preparedness for the competition.

The communication read in part:

"Dear President Ishaku Tikon (NTTF),

"With reference to your letter conveying your approval for the nomination of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar to represent Nigeria in the 2024 African Clubs Table Tennis Championship in Libya from 25th – 27th June 2024 in the Female Category (vide letter; NTTF/02/PD/VOL.11/06, dated 4th June 2024), we write to inform you of our acceptance and readiness to represent Nigeria in the above-named Competition (in the Female Category)."

The team roster includes notable players such as Offiong Edem, Fatima Bello, Cecilia Offiong, Idongesit Udoka, and Vivian Oku. The delegation is also composed of officials: Orok Otu Duke (Chairman), Effiowan Ntiero (Secretary), Anthony Essien (Admin), and Richard Edem (Coach).

Offiong Edem and Cecilia Offiong are well-known figures in Nigerian table tennis. Offiong Edem, a seasoned player, has represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Her agility, precision, and strategic gameplay have earned her several medals and a prominent place in the sport. Cecilia Offiong, equally accomplished, has a rich history of victories in continental championships and has been a pivotal player in Nigeria's successes on the African table tennis scene. Her experience and leadership are invaluable assets to the Canaan Queens.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on the Canaan Queens, led by these two stalwarts, as they strive to secure their place in the World Club Championship.

One year after lifting a 15-year logging ban, Otu reinstates logging suspension in C'River

Ukorebi Esien | 25th June

CALABAR- Cross River State Governor, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reinstated a ban on wood logging across the state, citing non-compliance with government regulations by loggers as the primary reason. 

The decision, communicated through a statement by Prof Owen Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, directs security agencies to enforce the ban by arresting offenders and confiscating any related equipment. The statement also urges those involved in timber logging to liaise with the State Forestry Commission for further guidance.

This move comes just a year after Governor Otu lifted a 15-year ban on logging that was initially imposed by former Governor Liyel Imoke in 2008 to facilitate the state's participation in the REDD+ programme aimed at reducing deforestation and forest degradation.

 Despite the lifting of the ban last year, concerns over non-compliance and increased illegal logging have prompted the reinstatement of the prohibition on logging activities in Cross River State.