Succour for Etung Students as Emerging Philanthropist, George Abang Reels Out Educational Grants

Ukorebi Esien | September 7, 2025

BENDEGHE EKIEM — The 2025 Etung New Yam Festival in Bendeghe Ekeim took on added significance as Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang provided educational relief to indigent students by sponsoring WAEC registration and financial support under the Etung Students' Association Empowerment Programme in Etomi.

The festivities, marked by thanksgiving, traditional rites, and community engagements, showcased the rich heritage of the Etung people. Dr. Abang, a civil engineer, farmer, and scholar, began the celebration with visits to traditional chiefs and youth groups.

Abang announced his philanthropic gesture at during the Etung Students' Association Empowerment Programme, where he sponsored WAEC registration forms students and also offered financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One beneficiary expressed relief at the support: "Without this, I would have struggled to register for my WAEC exams. Dr. Abang has given me hope to continue my education."

A youth leader at the event applauded the dual gesture: "He has gone beyond celebrating culture in Bendeghe Ekeim, he is investing in the future of Etung as a whole. This is the kind of leadership young people need."

Community elders also commended the effort, stressing that blending cultural preservation with educational empowerment sets a new standard for leadership. "It is not common to see someone honor tradition and at the same time reach out to support education across communities," a traditional leader observed.

Abang, who is also the initiator of the Abon Abang Foundation, has been consistent in promoting education, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development. His latest intervention reinforces his reputation as a unifying figure bridging the gap between tradition and modern aspirations in Etung.

By celebrating the new yam in Bendeghe Ekeim while extending succour to students in Etomi, Engr. Dr. George Ndifon Abang has shown that culture and development can go hand in hand in shaping a progressive community.

Owan Enoh MSME Support Program - How The Beneficiaries Will Be Selected

Entries for the Owan Enoh MSME Support Program have swelled over 12,000. This demonstrates not just acceptance but also exposes the yawning desire for a helping hand by Cross Riverians.

I am also sure that many Cross Riverians are already wondering how exactly will beneficiaries be selected from such a massive pool. Many who think some privileged assessors will grab their pens to tick as many names off and plant their favored winners, have been calling, chatting and texting to lobby, to no avail. But I want to give you an idea of the painstaking work that is ongoing behind the scenes by the team that is assessing the entries.

Stage One: CATEGORIZATION 

The entries are all being categorized into 14 different sectors, namely: Agriculture, Construction, Creative Arts, Education, Energy, Fashion Designing, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, ICT, Transportation, and Others. All these fourteen sectors have their drop down sub-sectors.

Stage Two: ELIGIBILITY SCREENING 

This involves a general assessment using simple Yes/No responses. Any application that receives five (5) or more "No" responses will be automatically disqualified.

Applications with more "Yes" responses will advance to the next stage.

Some of the queries include:

1. Residency / Location: Is the applicant or business based in Cross River State?

☐ Yes ☐ No

2. MSME Definition:

Does the business qualify as a micro, small, or medium enterprise (not a large enterprise)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

3. Sector Fit:

Does the business fall within target sectors (trade, industry, services, artisanship, agriculture, etc.)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

4. Business Status:

Is the business operational or is the business idea viable?

☐ Yes ☐ No

5. Documentation:

Has the applicant provided at least one proof of business (CAC registration, tax ID, cooperative membership, trade association ID, or any verifiable evidence)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

6. Application Completeness:

Is the application form properly completed (all required fields answered, supporting documents attached)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

7. Previous Support:

Has the applicant declared that they are not currently benefitting from another government MSME grant/loan that would make them ineligible for this fund?

☐ Yes ☐ No

This stage is expected to reduce the number of entries to a manageable size of 3000-4000.

Stage Three: APPRAISAL TEMPLATE 

This is the stage that involves the detailed scoring of each application. Applications are evaluated using the full scoring template. A 75% score serves as the cut-off mark for consideration.

Each panel member independently scores the applications assigned to them and to ensure fairness and transparency, 15%–20% of each panelist's assessment is randomly reassigned to another panelist for re-evaluation.

This process helps us maintain integrity, fairness, and objectivity, ultimately leading to a near-perfect selection outcome.

Some of the appraisal queries include:

Business viability and feasibility, assess operations, sustainability

(0-20).

Clarity of concept, defined problem, feasibility, job creation and employment potential (0-15).

Current and future staff, realistic market potential and growth prospects (0-15).

Actual market performance, market research, identified customers, demand validation, financial management and sustainability (0-15).

Cost structure, revenue model, funding strategy, social impact and inclusiveness (0-10).

Intended or actual community/social benefits, innovation and creativity (0-10).

Stronger emphasis for new business ideas: novelty, originality, problem-solving approach alignment with Owan Enoh MSME Fund objectives (0-10).

CAC, Tax, NAFDAC, proposed business name readiness. Documentation and compliance (0-5)

Total score, out of 100, will determine the final recommendation.

Assessors have been duly briefed on prioritizing gender inclusion and urban-rural balance in the final selection to ensure fair spread between Calabar, other urban centers, and rural LGAs.

Note again that no beneficiary in the formal sector will be given any cash. Whatever the applicants stated as the needs of their business will be procured and supplied to them. The same applies to the informal sector unless successful applicants who deal on perishable wares.

Yours sincerely,

Citizen Agba Jalingo.

Olayi Hails Youth Minister’s Call for Alignment with Presidential Agenda for Youths

Ukorebi Esien | September 6, 2025

CALABAR —The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has applauded the Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, for urging youth leaders across the country to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for young people.

Comrade Olayi, who was among the 37 state chairmen of the NYCN that paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja on Friday, described the engagement as "timely and inspiring." He said the Minister's charge to youth leaders to embrace innovation, assertiveness, and boldness while moving away from tokenism reflects a renewed commitment to reposition the NYCN as the umbrella body for all Nigerian youths.

"The Minister's words have reawakened our resolve to take ownership of our mandate as true advocates of Nigerian youths. Our responsibility is not just to seek token representation but to be bold, strategic, and impactful in driving development for our people," Olayi stated.

He further commended Hon. Olawande's assurance of continuous support and his recognition of the outstanding contributions of some state chapters, noting that it demonstrated the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening youth leadership at both national and sub-national levels.

At the close of the meeting, the Forum of NYCN State Chairmen presented the Minister with a symbolic gift of appreciation in recognition of his relentless efforts toward youth development since assuming office.

Reiterating the determination of the Cross River State NYCN to plug into the federal youth agenda, Olayi assured that the state chapter would continue to work in harmony with other state councils and the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure that Nigerian youths take their rightful place as catalysts of national growth.

C'River Youths Tasked on Productive Use of Internet, Digital Platforms

Ukorebi Esien | September 4, 2025.

CALABAR — Young people in Cross River State have been urged to channel the power of the internet and digital platforms toward promoting innovation, showcasing local opportunities, and contributing to the state's development, rather than limiting online spaces to personal promotion or unhealthy rivalries.

The charge was given by the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, during the completion of the council's youth tour of the northern senatorial district, which culminated in an interactive session with the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and youth leaders from across the five LGAs.

Young people expressing themselves during the event

Olayi stressed that education, skill acquisition, and digital responsibility remain crucial to youth empowerment, urging young people to stay informed and assertive in order not to be misled.

"The internet should be a tool to market our zone and showcase what we do in Cross River, not just a place for self-promotion. If you're not informed, you'll be deformed, and that is why we must stay focused and use technology productively," he charged.

The session also reinforced ongoing commendations to the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration for its "People First" agenda. Youth leaders acknowledged visible progress in infrastructure, employment, and social welfare across the state, while advocating for greater gender inclusion and accountability in government programs.

Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who addressed the youth delegation, reiterated the administration's determination to provide platforms for vocational training, job creation, and direct youth engagement.

"Governor Bassey Otu is intentional about empowering our youth. From training to employment, the government is putting structures in place to ensure young people are not just seen, but heard and included in decision-making," he said.

He further urged young people to embrace unity and collaboration, warning against infighting that undermines their collective progress.

"Young people must stop fighting against themselves and instead start fighting for themselves," Odey emphasized.

The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede; and the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, among others.

By the end of the session, youth leaders resolved to support the Otu administration's youth-centered policies while taking personal responsibility to foster peace, digital innovation, and accountability across Cross River State.

Stop Fighting Against Yourselves, Start Fighting for Yourselves” – Deputy Governor Charges C'River Youths

Ukorebi Esien | September 4, 2025

CALABAR —The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has called on young people in the state to embrace unity and collaboration, stressing that their strength lies in working together for shared progress rather than internal divisions.

Speaking during an interactive session with youth and student leaders from the five northern LGAs at the close of his tour around the Senatorial District, Odey urged the younger generation to channel their energy into self-development and collective advancement.

"Young people must stop fighting against themselves and instead start fighting for themselves," the deputy governor said. "Governor Bassey Otu is intentional about empowering our youth. From training to employment, the government is putting structures in place to ensure young people are not just seen, but heard and included in decision-making."

The session also provided an opportunity for youths to commend the Otu-led administration for its "People First" agenda, particularly projects and programs already visible in the North. Youth leaders cited road infrastructure, civil service employment, and welfare interventions as evidence of government's people-centered approach.

Cross section of youth leaders in the event 

NYCN State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, reaffirmed the council's commitment to working with government for peace and development. He urged youths to take education and skills acquisition seriously, stay assertive, and make responsible use of digital platforms to market opportunities in the state.

"If you are not informed, you will be deformed. Our youths must focus on education, skills, and the productive use of the internet—not just for self-promotion but as a tool to showcase Cross River positively," Olayi stressed.

HE Rt. Hon. Peter Odey addressing the youth leaders 

Speaker of the Cross River State Youth Parliament, Comrade Comfort Ngeh, added a call for greater gender inclusion, applauding the administration for actively supporting young women but urging deeper representation in leadership.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede; and Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor.

The youth leaders expressed readiness to support government programs while also vowing to hold accountable those engaged in practices such as job racketeering.

C’River Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Forestry Activities, Publishes Approved Revenue Subheads

Ukorebi Esien | September 3, 2025 

CALABAR — In a bid to sanitised the forestry sector, the Cross River State Government has intensified its reforms in the sector cracking down on illegal activities, while making public officially approved revenue subheads.

This was contained in two separate memos circulated from the forestry commission earlier today. The memos informed that all unauthorized evacuation passes previously in circulation have been withdrawn while a list of approved  collections were published.

 

In one of the memos signed by the  Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Bassey Onoyom Bassey, it's states that field staff have been sternly warned against issuing unapproved passes, stressing that violators will face severe consequences. She noted that the move is part of efforts to restore normalcy, end revenue leakages, and curb illegal logging across the state.

Furthering the reforms, the Chairman/CEO of the Forestry Commission, Ntufam (Dr.) George O'Ben-Etchi, disclosed that the government has approved the automation of evacuation passes as well as the streamlining of all revenue collections under the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS).

He listed the recognized revenue subheads as follows: 

1. Fines and fees

2. Hammering fees

3. Industrial development levy on timber 

4. Joint Tax Board levy

5. Road infrastructure levy

6. Timber market charges

7. Chain saw levies

8. Sawmill charges

9.  Timber shade levies

10. Non-timber forest product levies

11. Levies from quarries and farms operating in forest reserves.

Dr. O'Ben-Etchi warned that any individual or group found engaging in unauthorized collections or operating outside the approved framework will be sanctioned. He emphasized that the reforms are designed to ensure transparency, block illegal collections, and increase the state's internally generated revenue (IGR) for development projects.

"We Are Just Getting Started" – Ekpenyong Vows to Consolidate on Cultural Gains

Ukorebi Esien | September 2, 2025

CALABAR – Special Adviser on Events Management to the Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the Carnival Calabar and Festival Committee, Effiong Ekpenyong, has assured Cross Riverians that the state's cultural and tourism assets will continue to receive renewed energy, innovation, and global attention under his stewardship.

Speaking on Monday to mark his second anniversary in office, Ekpenyong described his two-year journey as both "challenging and rewarding," stressing that his focus moving forward will be on consolidating achievements and deepening the cultural and economic impact of events management in the state.

"We are just getting started. The task ahead is to consolidate on the gains already made, innovate in the face of global trends, and deepen the role of events and festivals in fostering unity, economic empowerment, and community development," he said.

Ekpenyong praised the visionary leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, under whom the Carnival Calabar has continued to thrive as "Africa's biggest street party and a rallying point for cultural diplomacy." He also expressed appreciation to the First Lady, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Itam Bassey Otu, for what he described as "unwavering encouragement and motherly support."

The Special Adviser noted that the Carnival has remained a unifying platform that promotes the state's rich heritage while attracting tourism, investment, and international recognition. He credited the successes of the past two years to the dedication of his team, the creative industry, stakeholders, and the people of Cross River.

"Our people's warmth, creativity, and resilience remain the backbone of this global brand. Together, we have moved from vision to impact, but the journey ahead is even greater," Ekpenyong added.

As he sets his sights on the future, Ekpenyong reaffirmed his commitment to serve with "passion, creativity, and integrity," promising that Cross River will remain at the forefront of cultural excellence and tourism in Nigeria and beyond.

C"River Suffers Another Setback as FG Rolls Out New Educational Policy

Ukorebi Esien | August 14, 2025

CALABAR — Hopes for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Odukpani, in Cross River State have been dashed following the Federal Government's decision to place a seven-year ban on the creation of new tertiary institutions across the country.

The policy, announced on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, aims to consolidate and strengthen existing institutions before considering the establishment of new ones. The Federal Government said the decision was necessary to address funding challenges, infrastructure deficits, and quality concerns affecting the nation's tertiary education sector.

This development comes barely a month after the Bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Odukpani, Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District,  passed its final reading in the National Assembly and was awaiting presidential assent.

Stakeholders in Cross River have described the policy as a major setback for the state, which has been lobbying for more federal presence in its educational sector and beyond. The proposed university was expected to boost technological innovation, create employment opportunities, and attract investments to the state.

Reacting to the news, some education advocates expressed disappointment, urging the Federal Government to consider institutions that have already completed legislative processes before the policy was announced. Others stressed the need for Cross River representatives in the National Assembly to push for an exemption in light of the university's potential socio-economic benefits.

With this decision, Cross River joins other states whose proposed institutions have been caught in the policy freeze, leaving communities and stakeholders in suspense over the fate of long-awaited projects.

Cabinet Reshuffling, As Governor Dissolves Executive Council, Sacks Commissioners

 Ukorebi Esien | September 2, 2025

MINNA – Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has dissolved the Niger State Executive Council, relieving all commissioners of their duties in what he described as a strategic step toward repositioning his administration for greater efficiency.

The announcement was made on Monday, September 1, 2025, during the weekly State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Minna.

While all commissioners were directed to vacate their offices, the governor retained key principal officers, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and a few other aides. He ordered the affected commissioners to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries, who will now oversee operations pending the appointment of new commissioners.

Governor Bago explained that the shake-up was necessary to inject fresh energy into governance and improve service delivery. He added that a new cabinet will be constituted within the next one to two weeks after a review of performance and needs across ministries.

"This is not about politics; it is about service. We must deliver on our promises to Nigerlites, and for that, I need a team that can match the speed and vision of this administration. Lobbying for positions will not be entertained; appointments will be based strictly on capacity," the governor stated.

The dissolution marks the second major restructuring since Bago assumed office in May 2023. Political observers believe the decision is aimed at consolidating his development agenda while ensuring accountability among political appointees.

INEC Holds Workshop on Electoral Risk Management in Anambra

Ukpa Ewa | August 30, 2025 

AWKA —The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organized a one-day workshop on Electoral Risk Management (ERM) for electoral officers, media, civil society organizations, security agencies and other stakeholders in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election. The workshop, held in Awka, was aimed at building a robust ERM stakeholders team for the state and developing risk mitigation strategies for a peaceful electoral environment.

Addressing participants, INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, said the workshop was timely as the state runs up to the election. She explained that INEC is mandated to conduct free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, noting that ERM was introduced after the 2011 post-election violence. According to her, the initiative, developed with the African Union and international community, was domesticated in Nigeria to address local risks such as natural disasters, insecurity and man-made violence. She assured that INEC had identified flashpoints early for adequate security deployment and expressed confidence that the election would be successful and the winner declared.

On her part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, said the workshop was designed to train staff and brainstorm on how to ensure the election is credible. She explained that the exercise was also to expose participants to electoral risk factors peculiar to Anambra. She commended security agencies for their continued collaboration with INEC and assured that the training would not be taken for granted.

In their separate remarks, CSP Emeka Chukwuemeka, Head of the Political Desk at the Anambra Police Command, and Mr. Shima Rhodes, Deputy Director of the Department of State  Service in Awka, promised adequate security before, during and after the election. They urged INEC to intensify voter sensitization across the 21 local government areas to reduce voter apathy while commending the Commission for its efforts in strengthening democracy.

In her presentation, Dr. Jennifer Ikechukwu explained electoral risk factors, indicators, and levels, stressing that commitment is key to credible elections in a safe environment. She highlighted internal risks such as poor training of officers and problematic voter registration, and external risks such as violence, assassination, cultism, and armed robbery. She said the ERM tool helps track risks, predict possible threats, and guide informed decisions.

The workshop featured breakout sessions in senatorial districts for identification of risk factors and preventive measures, as well as  question and answer session.