…Okays N400m Counterpart Funding For APPEALS Project
•Constitutes 15-member Policy Review Committee
The Cross River State Executive Council, SEC, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu has given approval for emergency intervention works to be done on roads in Calabar, while also approving counterpart funding for the Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support, APPEALS, Project and the setting up of a 15-man state policy review committee.
A press release signed by Governor Otu’s spokesman, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, indicated that “the State Executive Council at its 17th meeting of 2023 on the 8th November, 2023 and presided over by Governor Bassey Otu approved a number of emergency intervention works on roads and drainages in the Calabar metropolis.
“The Executive Council also approved the contract award for the refurbishing, remodeling and upgrade of the state Library complex, Calabar. Among roads to be rehabilitated are: Murtala Muhammed Highway and Ndidem Iso Road. Emergency intervention and remediation works were also approved for the Marina Resort gully erosion.
“Towards government’s effort at improving the livelihood and productivity of the citizenry, Council granted approval for a N400,000,000 million counterpart funding for the Agro-processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support, APPEALS, Project, facilitated by the Ministry of International Donor Coordination.
“An Executive Bill for the Re-establishment of the state College of Agriculture and Forestry, Obubra, was also approved by Council for transmission to the state legislature. The re-establishment of the College is to boost availability of middle-level manpower in agriculture and forestry, as well as assist in the dtate’s re-afforestation programme.
“The state governor disclosed at the meeting that, henceforth, memos from parastatals that are not routed through the supervising commissioners will not be honoured.
“The Cross River State Data Centre domiciled at the Governor’s Office is being rehabilitated to support real-time digital exchange within the bureaucracy.
“Council ratified the composition of a state Policy Review Committee comprised of eminent personalities to review extant policies in order to ensure policies and plans align with the current trends and best practices.
“The Policy Review Committee comprises of the following: Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Chairman; Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong; Col. PAM Ogar (rtd); Mr. Dave Ashang; Dr. Fidelis Obo; Chief Patrick C. Okem; Mr. Bassey Kooffreh, mni; and Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita.
“Others are: Mr. Sylvester Mgbe; Engr. Effiong Bassey; Dr. Julius Okputu; Mr. Gabriel Achong (CP rtd); Chief P. J. Ekunke; Dr. Adjah Ekwang Adjah and Dr. Jake Otu Enyia.
“The governor reiterated the government’s resolve to clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities owed retirees, and emphasized that government cannot allow the aged sleep hungry or be unable to afford their medications. Consequently, funds are being sourced from the capital market to redeem the debts owed retirees by the government.”
