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Calabar

  • No fatal accident along Calabar-Itu road – FRSC

    No fatal accident along Calabar-Itu road – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Command in Cross River has said that no fatal crash happened along the Calabar-Itu Highway recently.

    The Sector Commander, SC Innocent Etuk made the statement in Calabar on Wednesday when he visited the Cross River Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    Etuk was reacting to news being peddled in the social media that recently, a road accident along the Calabar-Itu Road claimed 16 lives.

    He said that the crash being referred to in the report happened in 2016, saying,” l the story is fake, nothing of sort happened recently,” he said.

    Reacting to complaints by members of the public about the corps ‘unending patrols’ within the Calabar metropolis, Etuk said that it was the duty of FRSC personnel to be visible.

    “We are proactive, that is the reason we are visible, we work everyday of the week including public holidays. Our mandate is to ensure road safety.

    “Road safety knows no bounds, road crashes can occur on any time or any day. So we should be available as our duty demands,” he said.

    Etuk pledged continued collaboration with media in Cross River to educate the public on the need to be safety conscious.

    “Road safety is a collective responsibility, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve this,” he said.

  • Cross River govt approves two flyovers in Calabar

    Cross River govt approves two flyovers in Calabar

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has approved the construction two flyovers and the dualisation of the 4.8km MCC-Goodluck Jonathan bypass in Calabar.

    According to the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Darlington Edem, the flyovers would be located at the popular Mobil junction and Effio-Ette roundabout.

    Edem told NAN on Friday in Calabar that the approval is part of effort by the administration to give Calabar a  facelift.

    He further said the project would ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and stimulate economic activities across the city.

    “There will be a flyover at Mobil Junction, connecting Murtala Muhammed highway and MCC road flyover at Effio-Ette roundabout, linking MCC road, Ndidem Usang-Iso road, and Parliamentary road.

    “The designs have been completed, and preparations are in motion to begin construction. This is part of a larger plan to reposition Calabar as a truly modern, efficient, and business-friendly city.

    “With reduced traffic gridlock, improved urban mobility, and upgraded infrastructure, this project is set to transform daily life for thousands of commuters and residents in the metropolis.

    “This isn’t just roadwork – it’s a bold step into Calabar’s future,” he said.

    The 4.8km road is divided into two sections; section 1, which is 1.7km would run from Mobil Junction (Route A4) to Effio-Ette Roundabout (MCC).

    Similarly, section 2: 3.1km would run from Effio-Ette roundabout to Goodluck Jonathan Bypass roundabout (Akai Effa).

  • Just in: Police officer runs berserk, allegedly shoots many dead in Calabar

    Just in: Police officer runs berserk, allegedly shoots many dead in Calabar

    An unidentified police officer has allegedly shot many at the Watt business area of Calabar, in Cross River State, on Sunday.

    The police officer, identified to be an inspector, reportedly, stepped out of a nearby police station, with his cocked gun and began shooting.

    The video of the incident, uploaded by an 𝕏 account, Official Calabar Gist, showed one of the dead victims on the ground.

    The handle disclosed that many marketers were killed by the police officer’s bullet, while others were injured.
    S@D‼️ Happen in Calabar this Sunday morning, an inspector of police ran m@d, open fire openly K!ll$ marketers and some !njured,” the account’s admin captioned the video.

    Reacting to the account’s video uploaded, via its 𝕏 handle, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident.

    Though the command did not give full detail, but promised to issue a press release on the incident, it disclosed that the inspector had been arrested and was in detention.

    However, the police did not comment on the death toll or the name of the officer, neither did the command give the name of the inspector.

    “The matter has been handled this morning and the inspector is in detention. A press release will be released in a short while,” the post read.

  • Newborn baby dumped inside gutter, found dead in Calabar

    Newborn baby dumped inside gutter, found dead in Calabar

    The body of a newborn baby who was dumped inside a gutter at Ekpo Abasi junction by Umo Edem Street, Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State has been found dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) learnt that the baby was found in its placenta and kept wrapped inside the black leather bag.

    Sadly, the child was dead at the time passerby raised an alarm after discovering the gruesome scene on Monday morning, September 2, 2024.

    Speaking about the incident, Mrs Effiom, a resident of Ekpo Abasi said, “I was on my way to get something at a nearby shop when I saw the baby’s body in the gutter. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a newborn baby, probably not more than a day old.”

    Another resident, Joy Augustine said “It was a horrific sight. The baby was still in a pool of blood, and it was clear that it had been thrown away like trash.” 

  • Standard Chartered Bank to fund Lagos-Calabar highway, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line – Edun

    Standard Chartered Bank to fund Lagos-Calabar highway, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line – Edun

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has stated that Standard Chartered Bank has indicated interest to fund key infrastructure projects in the country including the Lagos to Calabar superhighway project, Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line as well as $3 billion financing for NLNG.

    He stated at the end of a meeting with the global Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of the bank with President Bola Tinubu at the state house, Abuja.

    Mr. Wale Edun praised Standard Chartered Bank as a valued partner to Nigeria, highlighting its contributions in financing infrastructure projects, offering guidance on credit ratings, and managing Nigeria’s Eurobond prudently.

    According to him, the Moody’s positive outlook rating followed the recent announcement of the World Bank’s $2.25 billion financing package for Nigeria, reflecting the positive trajectory of the current administration’s economic reforms.

    “They are also one of our lead managers for Eurobond issuance, and they advise us on our ratings.”

    “I am pleased to note that Moody’s has just completed our rating review and maintained Nigeria’s rating as a positive outlook, which is very encouraging,”

    He said, “As friends, we do not expect you to run away from investments in this sector. We face the future prospect while prudently maximising the present.”

    “Green industry and energy, yes. We will surely catch up with that. To run a marathon, you need energy today. Nigeria holds the largest reserves of gas in Africa. We know we can make best use of great opportunities that exist in the sector. We do not want you to back away from fossil fuels,”

    “We must be able to meet our obligations to the vulnerable communities. We are committed to being prudent with our natural resources to bring prosperity to our deserving people.”

    “As we hold the largest reserves in gas on the continent, we do not want to go backward, we want to move forward, and we welcome deepened partnership with your institution. ”

     

  • Arthur Jarvis University begins treatment of life-threatening illnesses

    Arthur Jarvis University begins treatment of life-threatening illnesses

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    As part of efforts to promote local content, Arthur Jarvis University Institute of Trado-Medical Research in Akpabuyo, Cross River State says it has commenced treatment of life threatening illnesses in the South South region of the country.

    The Chancellor of the University, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong made the disclosure in a press conference in Calabar.

    The Chancellor said the university intend to use its already approved construction and equipped standard research institute within the university campus to treat live threatening illnesses such as hemorrhoids, (pile), prostate, diabetes, asthma, kidney stone, cancer, fibroid, epilepsy, bone fracture/dislocation/ setting among others.

    He said the institute will make use of the wide range of herbs from the surrounding forest across the university community and the available Traditional Medical practitioners within and around its locality to treat the ailments.

    The Chancellor of the university which commenced academic activities in 2017 said the action is in line with the Federal Government’s vision through the establishment of the Department of Traditional, Complimentary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as approved by Head of Service in 2018.

    Sir Jarvis said the National University Commission (NUC) has already captured Complimentary & Alternative Medicine among courses for Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences under the CCMAS, to train graduates on how to integrate Traditional, Complimentary & Alternative Medicine into the National Health Care System.

  • UNICAL removes HOD for alleged failure to present students for convocation

    UNICAL removes HOD for alleged failure to present students for convocation

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has relieved Prof. Victor Ecoma of his appointment as  the Head of Department of the university’s Fine and Applied Arts Department for alleged  negligence and incompetence.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the university’s Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, on Monday.

    Obi said that Ecoma was removed because he failed to present students of his department for the 36th Convocation Ceremonies of the institution which held on March 22 and March 23.

    “Prof. Ecoma’s action is an act of negligence of duty and a display of incompetence.

    “He is directed to handover all properties of the institution in his possession to Prof. Echeta Chimezie, who has been appointed to take over from him,” the  vice-chancellor said.

  • How Bolt driver rescued female passenger from committing suicide in Calabar

    How Bolt driver rescued female passenger from committing suicide in Calabar

    A driver with Bolt, an e-hailing company, Mr Kingsley Benson, on Monday saved a passenger who was on a mission to commit suicide in Calabar.

    The driver explained that he had observed something quite unusual with his passenger when she boarded his vehicle.

    He said the female passenger (names withheld) made a cryptic statement that unsettled him when he picked her up at the Bogobiri area of the city.

    According to him, “the lady requested a ride from Bogobiri this morning, but I  observed she was looking really sad.

    “I tried to initiate a conversation and she just gave me this cold and sad smile and requested I turned on my air conditioner.”

    According to the driver, the passenger’s request now got him worried when she said “driver please turn your air-conditioner on and let me enjoy this last one.

    “But before we got to her destination at Edgerly in Calabar South, the statement came up again.

    “Then my instincts made me take a closer look at the nylon bag she was carrying. Although not transparent enough, I saw what looked like bottles of sniper.

    “That was when I knew something was terribly wrong. Remembering that government had banned the substance, it then dawned on me that she wanted to commit suicide, and I started thinking of what to do to help her.

    “I knew there wasn’t time to start talking, then I told her I needed to make a quick stop at Watt market and she agreed.

    “I thought of driving to a Police station nearby but decided against it because the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital which is also nearby would be the best place to make a stopover.

    “I told her I needed to buy fuel because the hospital also has a filling station, immediately I drove into the premises, I went straight to report what I observed.

    “Immediately they took her into their facility and checked her bag, they discovered she had sniper and she confessed she wanted to end it all when I drop her at home.”

    Efforts to reach the hospital management proved abortive, but a source who pleaded anonymity confirmed the incident, noting that relations of the girl have been contacted.

  • Five African-American women trace roots back to Calabar

    Five African-American women trace roots back to Calabar

    Five African-American women on Saturday in Calabar embraced Efik as their ancestral root after being inducted into the kingdom at a formal ceremony by Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House.

    Following their induction, the women had additional names added to their original names.

    They were named: Sandra Baker-Ekanem Abasi Ntiero, Amania Drane-Asari Abasi Ntiero, Brenda Camille Davis-Nkese Abasi Ntiero, Yvonne Taylor-Nkoyo Abasi Ntiero, and Dorletta Flucas Payton-Ekei Abasi Ntiero,

    Following their induction into the Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House, the women were presented to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V.

    The Obong of Calabar noted that with their formal induction as members of the Efik Kingdom, they are now bonafide members of Abasi Ntiero Family of Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House of Efik Eburutu Kingdom.

    The Obong commended them over their decision to trace their roots and described their decision as a welcome development for others to emulate.

    He said: “It’s a welcome development. We don’t want to shy away from it, especially for those who want to trace their roots and have found somewhere convenient for them that they can actually fit in.

    “I welcome all of you to Calabar. I welcome all of you back as you are now a part of the ancient Efik Eburutu Kingdom.”

    A representative of the Americans, Lady Chioma George W, who spoke on their behalf, appreciated the kingdom for giving them a sense of belonging.

    “I feel that I and my fellow African-American ladies are now finally back home. We all feel so special and connected to all the Efik brothers and sisters we have met.

    “Thank you very much for accepting us into your family and home.

    “The women, some of whom had retired after very successful corporate careers, chose to identify with their roots, seeking a deeper connection to their history and heritage,” she stated.

    On his part, the head of the Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House, Etubom Bassey Ndem, expressed pleasure at the accomplished American ladies for identifying with the Efik root.

    While acknowledging the emotional experience of the ladies, he noted the importance of their return to their roots at a time when many Nigerians were fleeing the shores of the country and culture.

    In response to questions about the status and inclusivity of the women in Efik culture, Etubom Ndem clarified, “It is not a strange practice in Efik kingdom.

    “They are now bonafide members of our family. We have taken them through the entire process of traditional adoption, the Efik way, including their Nkanda Ekpe rites, which is reserved for favoured Efik daughters.

    “They have been given the blessings of even our king, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.

    “More importantly, you saw us perform a solemn traditional naming ceremony and I bestowed them with primordial Efik names like our forefathers did.

    “They have every right now to be a part of the family, and to participate in all family activities and even to vote and be voted for.”

  • Humanitarian minister, graces Obong of Calabar anniversary, vows to launch grant for vulnerable groups

    Humanitarian minister, graces Obong of Calabar anniversary, vows to launch grant for vulnerable groups

    Wevole Ezin

    Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu on Saturday graced the 15th coronation anniversary of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, which also coincided with the annual Utomo Obong festival.

    The twin events were held at Adiabo, the country home of the revered first-class Efik monarch in Cross River State.

    Speaking at the colorful event, Dr. Edu described the Utomo Obong festival as a classy celebration of the rich Efik cultural heritage and congratulated the Obong on his 15th coronation anniversary as well as for the success of the festival.

    “I’m happy to be here in Calabar to attend the Utomo Obong for 2023.
    Our king, the Obong of Calabar, is an A-class king, he is father to all his subjects and he brings together all his people, the different clans, and indeed every well-wisher who wishes Cross River State well and who wishes his kingdom well too.

    “We’re here to share culture. We’re here to share a good time, and we’re here to share Renewed Hope for the people of Cross River State and the kingdom of Calabar. So from the President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from me Betta Edu, and from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Property Alleviation, we wish the Obong of Calabar more success, long life, and a peaceful reign as we all collaborate to pursue peace and development of Cross River State and Nigeria”, the Minister said.

    She reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to stamp out poverty in the country and usher in a refreshing dawn for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

    According to her, Cross River is dear to the President’s heart hence the federal government through her Ministry will on Christmas day flag off grants for the very Poor, Vulnerable groups in the State in partnership with the Cross River State Government.

    In Her words: “President Tinubu has directed that smiles be put on the faces of the poor and vulnerable in the grassroots this Christmas season, so we’ve put together names of vulnerable groups in Cross River and we’re beginning with those in the Southern Senatorial District. The flag-off will be at Millennium Park on Christmas Day.

    “These funds that will be put in their pockets will help them to start micro-businesses that can go a long way in sustaining their family and pull them out of poverty. President Bola Tinubu has a full package for Cross River State and other States in the country, which will be unveiled throughout Next Year.”

    The Minister stated that her Ministry has a checklist of would-be beneficiaries of the scheme having reached out through the traditional rulers, to all the communities the wards, the villages, and people to select those who met the criteria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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