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Calabar

  • Nigerian artiste, Iyanya recovers Mayorkun’s stolen necklace, announces $500 bounty for the second one

    Nigerian artiste, Iyanya recovers Mayorkun’s stolen necklace, announces $500 bounty for the second one

    Nigerian artiste, Iyanya has revealed that Mayorkun’s necklace  reportedly stolen in Calabar has been recovered and returned to him.

    Recall that Mayorkun vowed never to perform in Calabar again after he was reportedly robbed of his multi-million naira jewellery while in the city to perform at an event.

    Iyanya had pleaded with those in possession of the jewellery to return them, promising a reward for the gesture.

    Iyanya took to his Platform X handle to announce that one of the necklaces has now been returned.

    Sharing a picture of one of the necklaces with the inscription, ‘The Mayor Of Lagos,’ Iyanya wrote: “Thank you the guy who brought this back this morning to THE GRAND HOTEL CALABAR.

    “Just returned now is 1 of 2 of @Mayorkun jewelry. We have one more to go. My brothers if you have the second one please help us return it.”

    In another post, Iyanya pledged to give $500 to anyone who returns the second necklace, which has the inscription, ‘Of Lagos’.

    “$500 if we get the second pendant.
    Money is at The Grand Hotel Calabar,” he wrote.

  • Carnival Calabar: C’River Tourism Bureau trains security personnel on friendly policing

    Carnival Calabar: C’River Tourism Bureau trains security personnel on friendly policing

    Wevole Ezin

    In a bid to ensure friendly policing on potential tourists during the 31 days 2023 annual Calabar Festival/Carnival, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau has trained military and paramilitary personnel in the state.

    The one Day Train the Trainer Workshop with the theme; “Africa’s Warmest Welcome for Military and Paramilitary Forces.” took place at the Kada Cinema, Marina Resort in Calabar.

    Speaking on the importance of the training, the Managing Director (MD), Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Ojoi Ekpenyong, said the training was part of activities to return the state to the world class destination through friendly policing.

    He said the security personnel undergoing the training include; Army, Navy, Air force, Police, Civil Defense, VIO, Road Safety, Immigrations, Customs and even private security services.

    “the essence of this training is to return Cross River State to that world class destination. The security men are our first gatekeepers, they’re the one who interact with our visitors, so we are here to let them know that they must welcome our visitors with a smile, they must do their jobs with love and with professionalism.

    “The training aim at promoting a police friendly environment in Cross River. Whether you like it or not, when the police and other agencies solve the problem on the road with love, more people will come to Cross River State, he said.

    “The expectation is high because there’s going to be a tourism policing in Cross River State. They’re all here as trainees, they will go back and train their colleagues, so these are representatives of security personnel in Nigeria. So about twenty thousand of them who will be on the road on that Carnival day will be trained in their respective agencies, he maintained.

    He said the administration of Senator Bassey Otu would not leave any stone unturned to ensure Cross River return back to tourism destination.

    Speaking shortly after flagging off the one-day training, the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, said the initiative was a welcome development designed to take the state back to it’s root as tourism destination.

    “Most of the countries people do travel to, they don’t even have what we have in Cross River State and I’m thanking the governor very strongly for rejigging the tourism of Cross River State.

    “This training is very important because if you travel to somewhere and you see a security personnel manhandling anyone, I’m pretty sure you won’t want to visit there again. So what the MD of Tourism Bureau is doing here today is very commendable because that simple lecture that is given to them and the cautiousness of handling the people coming into the state is paramount.

    “The training is very important because there’s a way security personnel will handle a person and instead of bringing in tourist into Cross River State, they rather scare them away, so it’s a welcome development, he averred.

    The Speaker assured that the monolith and the gods mountain site which was neglected by the previous government would receive maximum attention in this administration.

    Giving the overview of the training, Vice President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Justina Ovat, said the training will inculcate the spirit of hospitality and excellent service to drive exceptional guest experience during Calabar Carnival.

    “This comprehensive one-day workshop aims to equip military and paramilitary forces with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver ‘Africa’s warmest welcome’ during the Calabar Carnival, ensuring an exceptional guest experience. Facilitators with expertise in hospitality, events management and military protocols will conduct the sessions, she stated.

  • Police rescue ex-INEC worker from kidnappers

    Police rescue ex-INEC worker from kidnappers

    The Police Command in Cross River rescued a former staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shortly after her abduction at her residence in Calabar on Saturday.

    The command’s spokesperson, Irene Ugbo who gave the confirmation, said the commissioner commended the gallantry of the officers involved in the operation.

    She stated that three suspects were arrested during the operation while two vehicles were recovered in the process.

    She said that the command’s Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Squad (ACKS), led by SP Chukwuma Ogini, had swung into action following a distress call on her abduction at Mathias Oje Avenue in Calabar Municipality.

    Ugbo commended the bravery of Njangachang youths in the locality, who assisted in the apprehension of the suspects.

    The suspects had arms, ammunition, and charms during the operation.

    She reiterated the Commissioner, Gyogon Grimah’s resolve to rid the state of crimes and criminalities.

    “We still want to state that no Kidnapper or criminal will find the state a safe haven for crimes and criminalities again.

    This is the resolve of the commissioner as directed by the Inspector General of Police,” she stated.

  • Fire destroys goods worth millions in Calabar

    Fire destroys goods worth millions in Calabar

    Goods believed to be worth millions of Naira were on Thursday morning destroyed by fire at Watt, a popular market in Calabar, Cross River.

    The fire, which was said to have started around 2am, affected no fewer than six shops in the shopping complex where the fire incident occurred.

    Mrs Olumayowa Olomola, Commanding Officer, Calabar Command, Federal Fire Service, who confirmed the incident, said the fire was caused by a power surge in one of the shopping malls at the market.

    Olomola, who could not give an estimate of the goods destroyed in the affected shops, however said that the shops were well stocked.

    She said that but for the timely intervention by her team; the fire would have affected more shops.

    Olomola said, “Our response was timely and we could only prevent the fire from spreading beyond the six affected shops.

    “My advice is that we should always adopt preventive measures by ensuring we put off all appliances to avoid incidents like this.”

  • One killed as gunmen attack Calabar prison

    One killed as gunmen attack Calabar prison

    A Correctional Service officer was on Wednesday night killed when gunmen attacked Afokang Correctional facility in Calabar, Cross River.

    The spokesman of the state Command of the Correctional Service, Affanga Etim, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Calabar on Thursday.

    He, however, debunked claims that the attack was aimed at the Correctional facility.

    He noted that the gunmen only opened fire on the Joint security team at the facility and that there was no damage to the facility.

    According to him, “When they came, they opened fire on the security team who also responded in like manner, and in the process, an Assistant Superintendent of Correction (ASC) was killed.

    “No inmate escaped or was killed, the attackers didn’t get close to the main facility.

    “As we speak, we have deployed more armed personnel to the facility and everything is under control.”

    A mother and her six-year-old daughter were hit by stray bullets during the attack.

    The victims who were rushed to Naval Hospital in Calabar, were hit in the stomach and hand respectively.

  • Carnival Calabar 2023: Otu woos foreign nationals, says security is intact + Photos

    Carnival Calabar 2023: Otu woos foreign nationals, says security is intact + Photos

    Wevole Ezin

    Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has called on foreign National to grace the 2023 Annual Carnival Calabar, says state security architecture is intact,

    Otu stated on Sunday, while flagging off the first Carnival dry run, at the Millennium Park in Calabar, the state capital.

    The governor represented by his deputy, Hon Peter Odey, remarked that the 2023 Carnival Calabar will be better than every other Carnival that have been seen in the history of Nigeria.

    “We are going to have the best Carnival that this country has ever seen this year.

    “We are ready and all the service commanders are here and what that means is that we are ready.

    “So, we are sending message to our friends out there in America, London, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago that their security is safe in Cross River, we are ready , very ready to host you, ready to welcome you because this year’s Carnival will be the best in the world,” the governor assured.

    Earlier, Chairman of the state Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, informed that the cultural milieu that has turned around Cross River in the turn of the millennium, changing the landscape of Nigeria is back.

    Onah maintained that towards this end, the city lights of Calabar are coming right back even as the streets were becoming cleaner.

    Among the participating bands who walked through the 12 kilometers Carnival routes were, Masta Blasta, Seagulls, Bayside, Calas Vegas, Passion 4 and Diamond.

    Commenting, Special Adviser Events management, Effiong Ekpenyong, disclosed that the Calabar Carnival has also introduced raffle draw where the winner will cart home a brand new car.

    See photos below:

  • Cross River Govt. plans rail line to link Obudu to Calabar

    Cross River Govt. plans rail line to link Obudu to Calabar

    Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River says his administration has begun plans to construct a rail line that will link Obudu from Calabar.

    Otu disclosed this in Calabar during a media interaction to mark his 100 days in office.

    He said that the planned rail line, which would come to fruition during the lifetime of his administration, would help to ease the transportation challenges in the state.

    He noted that the planned project would be environmentally friendly.

    “I had said I wouldn’t embark on any new projects but to finish all the abandoned ones, but the rail line is important to ease the present challenges in the state.

    “My administration is not just going to start this project, but will also see to its conclusion,” he said.

    While noting that his administration had achieved huge success in the area of infrastructure development within his 100 days in office, he also said that Cally Air was receiving priority attention as well as the Obudu Cargo and Passengers airport.

    Expatiating on the Cargo airport, the governor said that the state had secured N3.7 billion for its completion.

    He said its completion was part of the plans to transform Cross River into an aviation hub.

    According to him, to transform the state into a transit hub and an evacuation corridor, the government had attracted an Irish Aviation Company to build and run an Aviation Training School in Bebi, Obanliku.

    “The State Government will undertake the payment of full tuition fees for all the indigenes of the state enrolled in the institution.

    “The sum of N3.7 billion has been made available by the State Government for the completion of the Obudu Cargo and Passenger Airport.”

  • Doctors protest over colleague’s abduction in Calabar+Photos

    Doctors protest over colleague’s abduction in Calabar+Photos

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar.

    The Nigeria Medical Association(NMA), Cross River chapter are protesting over the abduction of Prof. Ekanem Philip- Ephraim who has been in captivity for the past 19 days.

    She was abducted by unknown gunmen on July, 13, 2023 at her Clinic in Atimbo, close to Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministries in Calabar while attending to a patient.

    NMA has down tool in all the hospitals across the state.

    In a peaceful protest despite the heavy down pour this morning in Calabar, the aggrieved doctors took to the streets, carrying placards with different inscriptions such as; “set Cross River State free from stranglehold of kidnapers, Free all persons held captive by kidnappers”, ” make Cross River safe again, ensure Cross River is delisted from the united states’ travel advisory” “Cross River State cannot remain a ghost town.”

    Leading the Protest, the NMA Chairman, Dr. Felix Archibong, said the protest was to remind the state governor and the Cross River State House of Assembly that doctors have been sick since the kidnapped of their colleague, to that effect, they cannot treat patients.

    He called for security action for unconditional release of their colleague.

    He said,” As you are aware, our esteemed colleague, Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, was tragically kidnapped eighteen days ago. Despite continuous efforts, we have yet to witness her safe return. This unfortunate incident has deeply shaken the medical community, and we stand in solidarity with her family in this distressing time.

    “The Nigerian Medical Association Cross River State Chapter is holding a peaceful protest today and we request for your support in ensuring the safety and security of all participants during this demonstration. We also demand for a swift action in ensuring the release of our kidnapped colleague – Prof Ekanem Philip-Ephraim.

    “Furthermore, we urge you to request for the deployment of a crack team from the Inspector General of Police to provide immediate solution to the menace of kidnapping in our state. A robust security outfit similar to Operation Akpakwu to strengthen efforts in curbing criminal activities, including kidnapping, in the state should be established immediately. These proactive measures will help protect the lives and properties of citizens and instill confidence in the people of Cross River State.

    “Additionally, we appeal for your urgent intervention in the assent and implementation of the Cross River State anti-kidnapping law. This legislation will serve as a powerful deterrent against perpetrators of such heinous acts and offer justice to victims and their families.

    “Your Excellency, we believe that your esteemed leadership can make a significant difference in addressing this prevailing security challenge. We trust that you will take decisive actions to prioritize the safety of citizens and protect the invaluable contributions of professionals like Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim.”

    Addressing the aggrieved doctors at the state house of assembly, the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem told the NMA that they feel their pains. He said the house have aggreed to support the state government for the safe release of Prof. Philip-Ephraim

    He also assured the protesting doctors that the house would make laws with severed punishment against kidnaping in the state.

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  • Cross River speaker calls for arrest of gay party organisers

    Cross River speaker calls for arrest of gay party organisers

    Mr Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly has called for the arrest and prosecution of organisers of a gay party in Calabar.

    Ayambem made the call in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Matthew Okache, on Tuesday in Calabar.

    It would be recalled that on June 30, a hotel in the Ekorinim area of Calabar played host to a gay drag party which has been condemned by many stakeholders in the state.

    The speaker, who called on the relevant agencies to bring the organisers and collaborators to book to serve as deterrent, noted that minors were also present in the party.

    He warned anyone or organisation in connection with such unlawful act to desist or risk prosecution from the authorities.

    “It will be recalled that former president Goodluck Jonathan on Jan. 7, 2014 signed the same-sex Marriage Prohibition Bill into law.

    “The law imposes a 14-year jail term on anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union.

    “Similarly, it imposes a 10-year sentence on individuals or groups, including religious leaders who witness abet or aid the solemnisation of same-sex marriage or union.

    “Also, a 10-year prison sentence is imposed on those who directly or indirectly make public show of same-sex amorous relationship or supporters of such groups,” he asserted.

    In addition, the speaker called on hospitality operators in the state to ensure that no hotel or club entertains persons below 18 unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • Three missing as boat conveying Medical Students capsized in Calabar

    Three missing as boat conveying Medical Students capsized in Calabar

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Boat conveying students of Nigeria Medical Students Association (NiMSA) has capsized at the Marina Resort in Calabar, Cross River capital as three feared dead.

    It was gathered that the boat capsized at 3pm today (Saturday) when some of the medical students who came from Universities across the country to attend the NiMSA annual Health Week, organised by the NiMSA, Cross River chapter .

    According to the source, two of the missing students are from Amodu Bello University, Zaria while one was from University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    ” The Medical School in Calabar is hosting this year’s health week, so students across Medical schools in Nigeria came to Calabar just to have their annual health week, so in the cause of doing their social activities, the plan was for them to go to Marina and visit the Slave Trade and all that but few of the students decided to go on a boat cruise and it happened that when they were coming back to move to Tinapa for their normal social activities, the boat capsized.

    “There were 14 persons including the driver of the boat, eleven of them came out safely while three of them is still missing. Two is from Amodu Bello University and one from University of Uyo. The have been trying to see how they can retrieve their bodies because they cannot find them. They are saying we should come tomorrow and get their floating bodies, that is what is on ground for now.”

    A source from the Nigeria Navy who also pleaded anonymity hinted, “The boat capsized due to the high wave on the Calabar Channel and the 14 passengers, including the driver were drown.

    “But the fortunate thing is that the Nigeria Navy patrol teams were nearby. So their divers were able to save 11.”

     

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