Ikomconnect

05/06/2024

🌍 The world of cocoa production is vast and vibrant, stretching from West Africa to South America. West Africa leads the charge in cocoa production, with Côte d’Ivoire at a substantial 44% and Ghana at 14%. Not far behind, Ecuador contributes 9%, showcasing their premium, single-origin chocolates, while Cameroon and Nigeria each produce 6%, known for their robust flavors and high-quality beans.

🏞️🚜 Despite the booming industry, it's crucial to spotlight the environmental cost - significant forest areas are cleared for cocoa plantations. In Indonesia, Nigeria, and Ghana, small-scale farms face challenges like deforestation, aging plantations and the harsh impacts of climate change.

Let's advocate for sustainable practices that protect our planet while enjoying the delicious fruits of these lands!



Source: fao.org

31/05/2024

A bill proposing regional government in Nigeria is expected before October 1, 2024.

What are your thoughts?

31/05/2024

Happy birthday to Hon. Evang. Jones Ayuk Ojong, the founder and Chancellor of Havilla University. You are a persistent, daring, bold, and focused individual with a profound relationship with God. Wishing you many more years, sir.

07/05/2024

CBN orders ‘Cybersecurity Levy’ deductions on electronic transfers

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed 0.005 percent Cybersecurity Levy deductions on electronic transfers. A circular issued by the CBN, yesterday, directed the deductions would become effective from the next two weeks.

The circular, issued by the Director of Payment Services, Uzoma Efobi, was addressed to all banks and payments services operators in the country.

According to the CBN, the deductions shall be applied at the transaction origination.

They will be put together and paid into the Cybersecurity Fund held by the CBN.

He apex bank warned that a defaulting institution could be fined to the tune of not less than two (2) percent of its annual turnover.

However, interbank transfers and loans transactions were exemted from the CBN cybersecurity levy.

The Act

The circular was a follow-up on an earlier letter dated June 25, 2018 (Ref: BPS/DIR/GEN/CIR/05/008), and October 5, 2018 (Ref: BSD/DIR/GEN/LAB/11/023), on compliance with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.

It noted that “Following the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (amendment) Act 2024 and under the provision of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act, a levy of 0.5 per cent (0.005) equivalent to a half per cent of all electronic transactions value by the business specified in the Second Schedule of the Act, is to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund which shall be administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser.”

Also, CBN stressed that “The deducted amount shall be reflected in the customer’s account with the narration, ‘Cybersecurity Levy’.”

Meanwhile, just barely a week ago, the Federal Government implemented deduction of ‘Stamp Duty’.

Deposit Money Banks are to begin the deduction of 0.375 per cent stamp duty charge on all mortgaged-backed loans and bonds.

05/05/2024

Governor Otu Pledges Support For Federal Government Housing Initiative

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu has pledged to support the Federal Government housing initiative being implemented nationwide, including Cross River State.

Governor Otu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill during a meeting with the management team of the Federal Housing Authority, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, expressed his alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s “renewed hope agenda”.

He assured the success of the housing project even as he revealed plans for developing new satellite towns by the State government.

Otu commended the planning of the project handlers, especially highlighting the flexibility and emphasis on local content in each State and assured that the government would allocate more than the initial 25 hectares previously provided for the housing project in the State.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, disclosed that the housing development would feature duplexes and bungalows to accommodate individuals from various income brackets.

Ojo also noted that the housing estates would include public facilities, such as schools, police stations, and local markets, among others.

The Federal Housing Authority delegation included Arc. Ezekiel NY A-Etok; Executive Director (Estate Services) Dr. Mathias T. Byuan, Executive Director (Housing Finance and Accounts); and Mr. Abdullahi Dankane, Executive Director (Business Development).

05/05/2024

Nollywood actress and comedian Wofai Fada has proceeded with her wedding to Taiwo Cole in a traditional ceremony, despite her in-laws' disapproval.

After announcing her impending marriage to Taiwo Cole on social media, accompanied by photos flaunting her engagement ring, Fada's in-laws issued a disclaimer rejecting the union.

In the statement, they emphasized their lack of awareness or permission regarding their son's marriage to Wofai Fada, urging the public to disregard any wedding-related publications.

Nevertheless, Fada and Cole went ahead with their traditional wedding, donning Ugep Cultural attire from Cross River, as captured in circulating photos and videos.

Despite the controversy, Fada appeared radiant and joyful as she celebrated her union with the love of her life.

02/05/2024

The Federal Government College Ikom Old Students Association (FEDIOSA) is set to host its 35th anniversary celebration from May 23 to May 26, 2024, at the college's assembly hall on the school campus.

The theme for the event is: "Building Bridges, Shaping the Future We Want."

Congratulations to FGC Ikom on 35 years of excellence.

02/05/2024

COASTAL HIGHWAY: Federal Government Pays N2.75 Billion in Compensation for Demolished Properties

The Nigerian government on Wednesday compensated property owners with a payment of N2.75 billion for properties impacted by the construction of the country's most significant infrastructure project. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this announcement during a stakeholders meeting at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, explaining that the N2.75 billion was paid for properties located within the first 3 kilometers that were demolished to make room for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

“These are difficult decisions, but they were necessary for economic development,” said Umahi. “Many people doubted that we would follow through with the payments, but we made it clear that this is President Bola Tinubu's administration. We have implemented several policies, and we are seeing the outcomes,” he added.

The recipients of the compensation include Landmark Group, Kids Club, Maxtivity, and Bolaji Areyoh, who, according to Umahi, had the largest affected infrastructure, especially his Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, among others.

Areyoh acknowledged that despite the significant sacrifice involved, the project would bring benefits to many more Nigerians, encouraging others who are also affected to cooperate with the government. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, stated that the coastal highway is no longer just an idea—it’s a reality. "We are compensating for properties demolished within the first 3 kilometers today, and those affected will receive their cheques and funds in their bank accounts," she said.

"The minister had previously promised fair compensation, and this move proves that the federal government stands by its word," Kesha added.

Regarding the demolition at Landmark, Minister Umahi clarified that there was no mistreatment toward the group, noting that Landmark was never granted ownership of the shoreline, which is why it had to be reclaimed. He mentioned that some compensation was being paid out of goodwill, acknowledging that some occupants had been using the land illegally. Umahi also suggested that some people might be politicizing the situation.

The minister emphasized that compensation for demolished properties would follow the government’s established rates. However, the demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort has caused controversy, with some Nigerians criticizing the decision as inconsiderate. Critics suggest the government could have rerouted the highway to avoid demolishing a major beach resort, an investment reportedly worth $200 million, employing over 4,000 Nigerians in various businesses.

Others, however, see the broader perspective, arguing that the coastal highway represents a significant infrastructure project for Nigeria. These supporters believe that connecting two major cities along the southern coast will ease transportation and promote economic growth by enhancing connectivity, stimulating business activity, and facilitating smoother movement of people and goods.

"The highway will serve as a major route for commerce, connecting Lagos, a bustling city in the west, with Calabar, a vibrant port city in the east. Taking on this massive project will create new opportunities for communities and businesses, significantly impacting Nigeria's economy and society."

01/05/2024

Governor Bassey Otu has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for the state workers, saying that the new wage implementation aligns with the realities of the time in the state rather than sentiments.

In his words, “owing to the peculiarity of Cross River State regarding its lean finances occasioned by low Statutory Federal Allocation and aggravated by the unfavorable State GDP to Debt servicing ratio, the new wage implementation is in line with the realities of the time rather than sentiments.”

At the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, where he joined the Workers Day celebration, Governor Otu disclosed that under his administration, payment of salaries and workers and pension entitlement remains a first-line charge.

For the backlog of gratuity in the state, which dates back to 2014, the Governor appealed for patience, saying, “Government is presently on the verge of concluding necessary arrangements for the staggered payment of outstanding gratuity to its retired workers.”

He emphasized that the theme for this year’s Workers’ Day is “People First,” and interestingly coincides with my administration’s mantra.

“Accordingly, whatever action aimed at alleviating the suffering of the workers is readily embraced by me. One of such measures is the payment of a living wage to the workforce. May I, therefore, state categorically that the government of Cross River State, under my leadership, is willing and ready to put smiles on the faces of its workers and in line with the season of sweetness which characterizes my administration.”

Governor Otu expressed goodwill and solidarity with the workers during the 2024 Workers' Day. He emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the government and its workforce to create wealth and improve livelihoods.

He assured that his government had prioritized the well-being of workers by ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions, conducting promotions, and planning to employ qualified youths.

However, in addition to celebrating workers, the Governor calls for increased productivity among workers, highlighting the importance of reciprocating the government's efforts.

29/04/2024

Four months after the Yuletide season attacks, unknown gunmen resurfaced in Nde along the Ikom-Ogoja highway.

In the early hours of Sunday, April 28, 2024, around 6:15 a.m., villagers fled for their lives as gunshots rang out from the unknown gunmen, who were firing randomly along the Ikom-Ogoja highway near Nde. This gunfire lasted about 15 minutes before the attackers fled. Commuters were forced to stop some distance away from the gunfire, seeking safety. This incident marked the first occurrence since the December 2023 attacks, which resulted in three deaths and ten kidnappings, with the captives released after ransoms were paid. The youths of Nde, together with security forces, launched a search for the assailants but were unsuccessful.

However, at about 3:30 p.m. the same day, the gunmen resurfaced, this time shooting at three commuters, killing one and injuring the other two. The military, police, and local vigilante groups are now on the hunt for these unknown gunmen/kidnappers.

31/10/2023

One of the problems of road transportation in Nigeria is bad roads.

This is Nde, along the Ikom/Ogoja highway this afternoon. The bad spot on this axis is getting worse by the day..

Commuters are advised to seek alternative route or be ready to spend more time when you get to the bad spot

13/06/2023

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem emerges as the 10th Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

Congratulations

09/06/2023

25/05/2023

Do you know?

That Tanzania has installed its first electric vehicle charging station in the capital, Dodoma.

25/05/2023

UBA bank CALABAR branch staffs today celebrating Africans day with this beautiful Efik Attire.

Branch there today collect free food chop😁

This is why there are called UNITED BANK OF AFRICA !!!

PC Jamie Suns

20/05/2023

Special shout out to Elder Francis Bojor Ndifon the president General Kekura Ekpache Nkome on the occasion of his birth anniversary. “May the joy that you have spread in the past come back to you on this day. Wishing you a very happy birthday boss!"

With love from all of us Ikom Connect

19/05/2023

Follow us on Instagram