Open Secret Newsmagazine

22/03/2023

SPONSORED POST:

CONGRATULATIONS OUR SWEET GOVERNOR-ELECT

We are honoured to Congratulate you on behalf of the Special Assistants Network (SAN) the group with the highest number of political appointees in the state.

Sir, your victory at the polls has been celebrated by many across various political parties, which shows wide acceptance. As a group, we want to assure you that we will stand by you to actualize your vision for a greater Cross River.

Yours In Service,

Effiom 'Trombone' Bassey
Chairman

Benyi Adie
Secretary

27/01/2023

27/01/2023

On cleanliness of Calabar...

"We have had our moment and that has been sorted, Calabar is clean now.

The truth is, the hike in cost of diesel didn't go well with the contractors, so they demanded an increase which wouldn't happen as magic, but needed a process.

However, as we speak, what I think we need is the reorientation of the people, which I would improve upon with my new assignment at the Ministry of Information & Orientation."

>Cross River State Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Eric Anderson speaking on on Akwa-Cross 1st Private TV Station,

03/01/2023

LAGOS IS CALLING:
Lagos, the entertainment capital of Africa is the host city for Covers Africa season 2 audition.

Register @
www.coversafrica.com

13/08/2021

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO THE NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO ANGOLA,
PROF. MONIQUE O. EKPONG ON THE OCCASION OF PRESENTATION OF LETTERS OF CREDENCE TO THE PRESIDENT OF ANGOLA

CONGRATULATIONS MAMA AFRICA

Dear Prof,
I send my warm wishes to you ma, on the occasion of your presentation of letters of credence to the President of Angola.

In just months of assuming office, you have shown capacity and
leadership prowess, which has also earned you the appointment as the chairman of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Member State Ambassadors.

To me Prof, your presentation of letters of credence to the Angolan president signifies the begining of a new positive era and forms a solid foundation for smooth bilateral relations between Nigeria and Angola.

Your Excellency, I pray for more grace for exploits and ability to execute the tasks ahead successfully during your tenure.

May GOD ALMIGHTY continue to guide, protect & keep you.

Congratulations 'Mama Africa'.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Angola!

Signed
Nelson Nseabasi
Editor-In-Chief
Open Secret News
11:08:2021.

21/07/2021

20/07/2021

CALABAR GOES GREEN IN 7 DAYS

14/07/2021

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON

It's over 30 years since countries adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child . Till date, the terms it sets out remain far from reality in many countries.

Join us on Facebook LIVE on Thursday, July 15, 2021 as we discuss the state of child protection in Nigeria.

Zoom venue - https://zoom.us/j/96224675768

Public Eye Facebook - https://fb.me/e/BSqxAa7V

Oya media Facebook - https://fb.me/e/2pVvY8cxl

Register here to get a reminder from us - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/159567914929

Social Media Handles

Oya media - https://instagram.com/oyamedia?utm_medium=copy_link

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mediaoya?s=21

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/Oyamedia UK

Initiated by Funmi Iyanda and Royal African Society,

Supported by MacArthur Foundation.

09/07/2021

THE AKWA-CROSS CORN-VERGE

Lovers of food and travel will Corn-ive to give a memorable experience in Calabar this weekend at the Akwa Ibom & Cross River CORN-FERENCE or CORN-FRIENDS or CORN-VERGE.

There will be live performances to spice the occasion up courtesy of the Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Eric Anderson who is the host.

It's all about unity, collaboration and food tourism.

12/06/2021

2021 DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY, PROFESSOR MONIQUE EKPONG,
THE NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO ANGOLA

Fellow Nigerians,
I am delighted to send you good wishes on the occasion of our 2021 Nigerian Democracy Day celebration.

Since 2018, when His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) in his thoughtfulness declared June 12 to replace May 29 as Nigeria's national day to celebrate democracy, the history of our nation was rewritten.

For those who know the story of June 12, 1993, that makes today a day for sober reflection, on the labours of our heroes past, just as we celebrate the bond that binds us together.

I send my warmest regards to Nigerians; at home, in the Republic of Angola and in diaspora. As we mark 2021 Democracy Day, let us remember, that there can be no democracy without truth, there can be no fact without discussion, there can be no change without opportunity, without opportunity there can be no advancement and democracy offers us this option.

I borrow the lines of former American President Barrack Obama, when he said "the single-most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘WE’.
WE the people. WE shall overcome together. Yes WE can."

I urge Nigerians to continue to embrace democracy and support the leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR). Let us all have faith in what "WE" do, let us recognise the power of unity and utilise it.

Happy Democracy Day!

Signed,

Prof. Monique O. Ekpong (KSJi)
Ambassador of Nigeria to Angola

08/06/2021

CROSS RIVER BORN NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO ANGOLA APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF AMBASSADORS GULF OF GUINEA COMMISSION

The Nigerian Ambassador to Angola, Her Excellency, Professor Monique O. Ekpong (KSJi) has been appointed the CHAIRMAN of AMBASSADORS Gulf of Guinea Commission,with member States including NIGERIA ,Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The announcement was made by the Executive Secretary, Amb. Florentina A. Ukonga rising from a strategic meeting between the Sec.General of the Commission & the Ambassador of Nigeria to Angola, which was held in Luanda, on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. The appointment was made in view of the fact that the Nigerian President, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (RTD) is the present Chairman, Gulf of Guinea member states,
which includes countries bordering the Gulf of guinea,it was only natural & right that the Ambassador from Nigeria in Angola(where the headquarters is located) should be appointed head of GGC Ambassadors for synergy & equity.

Coastal states in Nigeria have strategically keyed into the activities of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, in a bid to contribute their quota, aswell as receive support from the commission.

Recently, the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade appointed the former speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo to head the commission in the state.
Sir Ayade had said the state is poised to harness economic potentials that abound in the Gulf of Guinea. To this end, the state government is facilitating the establishment of a new Commission to enhance trade between the state and the countries that make up the Gulf of Guinea.

It is worthy of note that the commission clocks it's twenty years of existence this 2021, having been formed on the 3rd of july 2001, to oversee affairs affecting countries in the region, the commission is charged with various responsibilities which include
Taking charge of encroachment into territorial waters,security on the high seas(total reduction of pirates activities),
Taking charge of GGC territorial waters as regards fishing and also to enhance trade & businesses around the Gulf of Guinea.

The Cross River State born Ambassador to Angola, Prof. Ekpong's appointment as Chairman, GGC Ambassadors is also very timely and will strategically position Nigeria in a prime place in the scheme of things in the region and continent as a whole.

© Media Unit
Nigerian Embassy, Angola.
08-06-2021

08/05/2021

NO SIDON LOOK SET TO TOUR LGAs IN CROSS RIVER STATE

Nigerian civil society organization, NO SIDON LOOK has officially unveiled their 'LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT ASSESSMENT TOUR' initiative in Cross River State.

The unveiling took place at the organization's Calabar office, declaring an assessment tour of Local Government Areas (LGA) in Cross River State as the next initiative from their stables starting from Monday, May 10, 2021.

The Director General of the organisation, Mr. Portrait Peterson stated that the group will embark on a tour of the 18 LGAs in Cross River State, to have first hand experience of the strides of the council's administration one year after assuming office.

Mr Peterson said his team is set to evaluate the performance of the council chairmen, in relation to the core functions of a local government, which includes education; public health, town planning, roads and transport, and waste disposal.

No Sidon Look organization has as part of it's mandate for grassroot development, to ensure that the masses enjoy dividends of democracy through good governance, this the group hopes to achieve by x-raying the impact of the LGA administration.

© Nelson NseAbasi

03/04/2021

Open Secret
Relaunching Soon
-New Look Website
-Wider Coverage

11/03/2021

POLICE OFFICER RECALLED AFTER 21 YEARS OF WRONGFUL DISMISSAL PROMOTED
TO ASP.. Senator Albert decorates him with new rank, donates car to aid his duties

History was made on February 16, 2021 when a police officer from Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Celestine Obot Williams, who was wrongfully dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 21 years ago and later re-instated, was promoted to the rank of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). The promotion takes effect from June 11, 2020.

The story of his re-instatement/restoration began in 2016 when he submitted a petition to the senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District,Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) requesting for his re-instatement for wrongful dismissal.

In the petition, Senator Albert Akpan requested the Senate to intervene in view ofthe fact that the police wireless message attached to his request revealed that the appellant, who at the time of his dismissal, was a constable, was not tried but dismissed for an undisclosed offense.

The Senate consequently recommended
his re-instatement and promotion to the rank at par with his mates. After due investigations and deliberations by the Police Service Commission, Mr. Williams was accordingly re-instated in May 2017 but not at his due rank.

Speaking on the re-instatement and subsequent promotion of Mr. Williams,
Senator Albert was full of praise for President Muhammadu Buhari for the remarkable working capacity of his government. He equally thanked the leadership of National Assembly for taking positive action on the petition from his constituent .

He also had words of appreciation for the Nigeria Police Service Commission who contributed to the resolution of the matter, the Inspector General of Police, the entire Nigeria Police Force and others who played their part by standing up for justice to the glory of God.

A highly elated ASP Williams was today, March 11,2021 decorated with his new rank by Senator Albert Bassey in his office. While decorating Mr. Williams,Senator Albert charged him to be patriotic, selfless and honest in carrying out his duties and should see beyond his travail over the years but to look into the future with all amount of hope and trust in God that who had promised was able to make do that which he promised.

ASP Celestine Williams has been posted to Zone 6,Calabar, Cross River State and is to be paid all his arrears and entitlements for the last 21 years while the Distinguished Senator has donated a vehicle to ASP to him to aid his movement in the discharge of his duties.

04/03/2021

NIGERIAN STATE GOVERNORS WITH AIDES ON ENTERTAINMENT

Nelson NseAbasi

As the creative industry continues to witness a boom in Nigeria nay Africa, Nelson NseAbasi writes about state governors who have seen the need to appoint an assistant or adviser for the vibrant revenue generating entertainment sector, which boasts as the highest employer of youths.

Here is a rundown of 11 (eleven) Nigerian states with a government appointee responsible for Entertainment Industry (number 11 will shock you);

1- ABIA
SSA Entertainment/Tourism - Queen Onyekachi Atulomah

2- AKWA IBOM
SA Entertainment- David Sergeant (Utang Akwa Ibom)
SA Talent Hunt - Emmanuel Godwin

3- BAYELSA
SA Entertainment - Gift Loveday (Aproko)

4- BENUE
SA Entertainment - Bet Hills Nyikwagh

5- CROSS RIVER
SSA Entertainment - Big Daddy
S.A Entertainment- Effiom Bassey (Trombone )

6- DELTA
SSA Entertainment - Frank D Don
SA Talent Devt. Ogude Akpos (Ogus Baba)

7- EDO
SA Entertainment - MC Youngest Comedian

8- ENUGU
SA Entertainment - Dubem Gustavo

9- IMO
SSA Entertainment - Chinonye Agogbuo
S.A Entertainment - Bobby Michaels

10- KANO
SA Entertainment - Ibrahim Ibrahim

11- KWARA - Juwon Olorunipa
(1 each per Senatorial district)
Juwon Olorunipa, Ismaila Abdulrahaman Obansa and Hassan Ibrahim, Senior Special Assistants (SSA) to the Governor on Entertainment in Kogi West, Central and East districts respectively

(c) Open Secret Nigeria

24/02/2021

CROSS RIVER TOURISM BOSS CONTINUES TALKS WITH ROYAL FATHERS

The Cross River State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, who is on a synergy tour to the Paramount Rulers in the State for the purpose of Culture and Tourism Development, has proceeded with his team to visit the Paramount Ruler Elect of Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Ndidem Eta Bassey Eteta, and members of the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council at the office of the Chairman of Calabar Municipal Local Government Area.

In his address, Mr. Eric Anderson, commended Calabar Municipality for her fluidity in being a key player in the culture and tourism sector for being the host of the annual world-renowned Carnival Calabar and Festival and other major cultural and tourism related events over the years, saying that the visit is to further strengthen already established relationships and involve more deeply, her traditional institutions in the sector's growth process.

The Paramount Ruler- Elect of Calabar Municipal Local Government, Ndidem Eta Bassey Eteta, on behalf of the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council, pledged the Council's total support for the good cause saying that the itinerary of the sector's events and other related matters should reach them early in order to enable them make useful inputs.

The meeting also had in attendance: The Chairman, Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Hon. Efefiong Nta Eke, Leader of Council, Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Hon. Essienawan Eso, amongst others.

Still on strengthening relationships with traditional institutions, the Commissioner and his team also visited the tribal King of the Efut Kingdom and Paramount Ruler, Calabar South Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Muri Munene Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, and other Chiefs of the Calabar South Traditional Rulers Council, at his private residence in Calabar.

Mr. Anderson averred that to avoid unfortunate situations where future generations would have to consult foreigners about their roots, today's generation should ensure first-hand knowledge about our heritage is transfered truthfully from the custodians of traditions so as to pass it on to the next generation.

The Commissioner humbly requested the Royal Fathers to oblige the Ministry of their revered inputs whenever it is needed.

Responding, the Paramount Ruler, Calabar South Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Muri Munene Prof. Itam Hogan Itam, promised full participation in the development of culture and tourism in the State, adding that Governor Ben Ayade is doing well for the sector.

He also lauded Governor Ayade's security successes recorded through "Operation Akpakwu", appealing to His Excellency to ease the curfew from 10pm to 12 midnight for the sake of the hospitality business and as a way of restoring security confidence in the hearts of the masses.

- Achiane Adams, CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development