C’ RIVER STATE: Gov Otu led EXCO approves N400 million for Ministry of international Donor, others
Oru Leonard
Towards Government’s effort in improving the livelihood and productivity of the citizenry, The State Executive Council at its 17th meeting of 2023 on the 8th November, 2023 and presided over by Governor Bassey Otu granted approval for a N400,000,000 (Four Hundred Million Naira) counterpart funding for the Agro-processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project facilitated by the Ministry of International Donor Coordination.
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 drainage 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 in improving the livelihood and productivity of the citizenry, Council granted approval for a N400,000,000 (Four Hundred Million Naira) 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 State’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 Office of the Governor 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:
i. Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo Chairman
ii. Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong Member
iii. Col. PAM Ogar (rtd) Member
iv. Mr. Dave Ashang Member
v. Dr. Fidelis Obo Member
vi. Chief Patrick C. Okem Member
vii. Mr. Bassey Kooffreh, mni Member
viii. Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita Member
ix. Mr. Sylvester Mgbe Member
x. Engr. Effiong Bassey Member
xi. Dr. Julius Okputu Member
xii. Mr. Gabriel Achong (CP rtd) Member
xiii. Chief P. J. Ekunke Member
xiv. Dr. Ajah Ekwan Ajah Member
xv. Dr. Jake Otu Enyia – Secretary
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.
