NDDC Delivers 30 Boats to Flood Victims in C/River Riverine Communities as Part of 2nd Phase of Palliatives
Calabar— The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has delivered over 30 boats to various riverine communities across Cross River State. This initiative, led by Otuekong Orok Duke, the NDDC Commissioner representing Cross River State, aims to mitigate the impact of recent floods that have severely disrupted the livelihoods of residents, particularly those in rural areas.
Addressing journalists in Calabar, the state capital, Duke explained that the boats are part of a broader relief effort by the NDDC to provide essential support to those displaced by the flooding.
“These boats were supposed to be distributed three months ago but were delayed,” Duke noted. “I insisted on securing Cross River’s allocation, which we have now received, though they are only thirty. While these boats are not enough to cover all the affected communities, they are a start. We're still waiting on the arrival of cassava processing machines as part of this relief package, but in the meantime, it’s essential to get these boats to beneficiaries.”
Distribution to Southern Riverine Communities
Duke revealed that the boats have primarily been allocated to communities in the southern part of the state. Some of the benefiting areas include Esuk Atu, Obufa Esuk Orok, Idang, Anantigha/Jebbs, Esiere Ebom, Duke Town, Volvo Market, and Lemna Beach within the Calabar municipality. Additionally, ten boats have been sent to Adiabo and Odukpani to support communities at Adiabo and Ikot Offiong Beaches.
“This is a small gesture from the NDDC as part of our ongoing palliative efforts. We thought it timely to distribute them now, especially as people are actively engaged in election campaigns and community events,” he said.
A Work in Progress for Cross River’s Fair Share
In response to inquiries regarding Cross River State’s share of NDDC projects, Duke emphasized that mu
Labour Party’s Shedrach ‘Papa’ Ikpeme Declares Interest for Chairmanship of Calabar Municipality
Labour Party’s Shedrach ‘Papa’ Ikpeme Declares Interest for Chairmanship of Calabar Municipality
Calabar – Shedrach Ikpeme, the Labour Party's candidate for the Calabar Municipality council chair, on Saturday, officially declared his interest in the position during a gathering at Ikot Ishie Square. In a passionate speech, Ikpeme emphasized his commitment to bringing prosperity to the people of Calabar Municipality and expressed his deep conviction for the role NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
"I did not come out to contest because you people told me to," Ikpeme stated. "I came out of conviction. With this, we're going to win the election." He underscored his belief in the support of the people and assured them that their votes would count, adding that the people’s trust had been his greatest motivation.
Ikpeme went on to criticize the exploitation of vulnerable groups, particularly market women, by harsh taxation policies. "I saw an old woman, almost 70 years old, being molested because she could not pay her dues. At 60, people should be retiring, not being harassed to survive," he said. Ikpeme pledged to introduce initiatives that would alleviate the financial burdens on traders and provide financial support for business owners.
Addressing the issue of youth involvement in drugs due to unemployment and idleness, Ikpeme said: "Our youth were not born into drugs. It was boredom and idleness that pushed them there. We will engage them in productive activities." He mentioned plans to promote farming and other vocational skills among young people, moving towards a "go green" initiative.
On health and education, Ikpeme was critical of the current state of public facilities. "The health centers in Calabar Municipality must work, and we will improve them," he said. He also lamented the condition of primary schools, promising to provide better infrastructure and resources, including snacks for students, to keep them engaged in their studies.
Ikpeme concluded his spe
Gender Representation of APC Chairmanship Candidates for C/River Local Gov’t Elections 2024
In respect of the 2024 local government elections into the offices of council chairman and ward councillor billed for 2nd November, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC has released the list of their 18 chairman candidates.
The list is as follows:
1. Yakurr: Yibala Igri Inyang
2. Obanliku: Sunny Ebebe Ayang
3. Calabar Municipality: Pastor James Anam
4. Yala: Fred Okem
5. Ikom: Mercy Nsor
6. Akamkpa: Akposi Felix Akposi
7. Bekwarra: Theresa Ushie
8. Obudu: Peter Akonfe
9. Akpabuyo: Effiom Bassey (BB)
10. Bakassi: Effiong Bassey Okon (Effiong Eyen)
11. Biase: Edodi Edodi
12. Boki: Beatrice Nyiam
13. Obubra: Kingston Arikpo
14. Ogoja: Christopher Agbeh
15. Abi: Egbala Egbala
16. Calabar South: Patrick Okon Archibong,
17. Bekwarra: Sunny Ayang, and
18. Etung: Henry Anom.
The list was announced by Governor Bassey Otu on Monday in Calabar the state capital metropolis.
Gender analysis made by NEGROIDHAVEN suggests, 3 out of 18 names announced are women which constitutes approximately 16.67%.
Senatorial District wise, two of the women candidates are from Cross River North which constitutes 40%, and one is from Cross River Central which is 16.67%. All seven chair candidates in Cross River South are men. The gender representation tilts in favour of the men against the women.
Read more at 👇
https://www.negroidhaven.com/2024/10/gender-representation-of-apc-chairmanship-candidates-for-c-river-local-govt-elections-2024/
Cross River Local Government Elections 2024: Labour Party's Papa Ikpeme for Calabar Municipality mayoralty
Senate Passes Bill to Create South-South Development Commission (SSDC)
Senate Passes Bill to Create South-South Development Commission (SSDC)
The bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, has passed its second reading after a voice vote where lawmakers unanimously gave backing to the bill. The establishment of the South-South Development Commission will address infrastructural development in the South-south region.
Recall that on 18th July 2024, during the plenary, the bill was stepped down for further consultation after it was presented by another Senator on behalf of Senator Ekpenyong, who was away on an official assignment. The bill was asked to be represented in due course.
Thankfully, the bill was quickly withdrawn for further consultation and not subject to voting, which would have automatically killed the bill for the remainder of the 10th Assembly, making it ineligible for representation till the 11th Senate commenced in June 2027.
The federal lawmakers had rejected the bill back in July when it was first presented because they claimed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had covered most of the functions of the proposed (SSDC).
The lead debate presented yesterday, Thursday 3rd October by the sponsor of the bill, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) convinced senators across party lines and geopolitical zones to embrace and support the idea.
In his arguments, Senator Ekpenyong, said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is being mistaken to be a single geopolitical development commissions, but it is rather a resource based commission that cuts across three geopolitical zones; South West, South South and South East.
Elated by the total support given the proposed commission by all senators who contributed, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio put the bill to a vote and it was unanimously passed and referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties to report back within one week.
Ambassador Blessing Fubara addressing the press during Project Hope 2nd phase launch
CROSIEC MEETING IN CALABAR ENDS IN CHAOS
CROSS RIVER LG ELECTIONS 2024: How CROSIEC's Wednesday 25th September 2024 meeting in Calabar ended in chaos as IPAC members lost decorum in heated exchange of words...
It was Vena Ikem of the PDP Cross River and Ambo Ramzi Nyce Michael of the SDP Cross River in the centre of the charade...
#negroidhaven
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Town hall Meeting, Bakassi LG.
NDDC Provides Relief to Cross River Flood Victims
On Wednesday, Orok Duke, the NDDC Commissioner representing Cross River State, visited the Bakoko community in Calabar to deliver essential relief materials to flood victims. The intervention, part of NDDC’s ongoing support to affected communities, included items such as shovels, wheelbarrows, mosquito nets, fishing nets, and food supplies like indomie, rice, and beans etc.
UPDATE ON THE NIGER DELTA MUSIC AND ART PROJECT (MAP)
According to Ambassador Blessing Fubara the consultant for MAP, eligibility for entry and participation in terms of age is 18 to 45. He added while fielding questions on Cool FM that 'we are only looking at 5 talent sets: the musicians/artistes, music producers, cinematographers, script-writers/director of photography and creative content developers'.
On Saturday the 25th of May, I led the Senate Commitee of the NDDC to the commissioning ceremony of the OGBIA - EMEKALAKALA - AKIPELAI - ETIAMA - NEMBE ROAD & BRIDGES Project.
I commended the commission on the completion of a great feat of engineering in the construction of this 27km road that connects 14 communities, across 7 bridges and 53 culverts all through creeks & swampy terrain.
I highligted the importance of policy continuation, particularly in the area of infrastructural development, as espoused by the Lagos masterplan formulated by HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his time as Governor, and which has been adhered to by successive administrations.
I urged the present board and management to forge ahead in its quest to complete all legacy projects and assured them that as they do this, they will have an ally in this 10th National Assembly who will continue to provide support.
I concluded by thanking Shell Petroleum Development Company for its partnership in the project and encouraged other IOC's to emulate them.
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Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
C/River and Abia communities embroiled in recent lethal communal conflict
The communal clash between the Isu community in Arochukwu LGA of Abia state and Ukwa community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River state has taken a new dimension this week. The conflict is connected with an unresolved boundary dispute between the two communities NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The said tragic incident which took place in the wee hours of Saturday has led to the killing of Mrs. Alade Kalu Elem an elderly lady of Obiezu/Ohabuike Isu community in Arochukwu.
According to a source whose identity cannot be disclosed, 'Ukwa people attacked us earlier this morning, killing an elderly lady'.
While the police is said to have arrested three persons in connection to this department, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the tenth House of Representatives, Hon Ibe Okwara Osonwa has condemned the killing of Elem.
The unresolved boundary issue is said to have started as far back as 1989 where Umon clan in Biase reportedly launched an attack against Iheosu-Ihu.
https://www.negroidhaven.com/2024/05/c-river-and-abia-communities-embroiled-in-recent-lethal-communal-conflict/