The Cross River Government, on Friday, conducted newsmen round some of the completed and ongoing landmark projects undertaken by the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu.Report says that the guided tour formed part of the government’s activities lined up to commemorate the administration’s second anniversary.

The projects included the abandoned Cross River Library, which was remodelled and refurbished to a world class facility. Others were the Cultural Center, Nigerian Chronicles complex and Government Secondary School, Uwanse, undergoing remodelling and renovation, respectively.The rest included the Primary Healthcare Centre, Anantigha, mini bridge in Yellow Duke, State Agency for the Control of AIDS building, the 108, 30-horse power tractors for the Ministry of Agriculture.Also inspected were the 200 electric bikes at the Ministry of Transportation, as well as completed and ongoing road projects in the state.Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, said the exercise became necessary “to showcase some of the achievements of the present administration in the last two years”.Ekpang also said that as a commissioner, he was very interested in the reconstruction of the Nigerian Chronicle building looted and burnt down during the 2020 EndSARS protest “because it was a legacy project for me.“On the other projects, we have all seen the reconstructed ultramodern library that was dilapidated for over 20 years.“Also, we are standing on the Adiabor Iseku Road that used to be a swampy forest but, today, it is a road connecting Calabar to Akwa Ibom and Port Harcourt.“We no longer have one entry and exit from Calabar,” Ekpang said.He said that the present administration “came for a rebirth of Cross River because a lot of infrastructures were down and out but there is a revolution ongoing in every sector”.He further said that the government hoped to achieve more in the next three years, when the Federal Government’s Special Agro Processing Zone would commence operation with the completion of the Obudu Cargo Airport and Deep Seaport in Bakassi.Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr Ekpenyong Akiba, said that in the last two years, the governor had been able to touch all the sectors, breaking new grounds in different parts of the state.According to Akiba, all the completed and ongoing projects in the state, including the Obudu Cattle Ranch, International Conference Centre, cultural centre and road construction in different parts showed that Cross River has a governor who is on ground. (NAN)

The Police Command in Kaduna State, said it has has made significant strides in combating crime, arresting suspects and recovering stolen vehicles and mobile phones.The command’s spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan, stated this on Friday in a statement issued in Kaduna.He said, “In a series of operations, in the month of May, the police apprehended individuals suspected of armed robbery and vehicle theft, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.

”.He said its operatives recovered five stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux, Toyota Camry, and Honda CRV.He added that nine Android cell phones were recovered from suspects involved in a robbery attack in Unguwan Rimi, Soba Local Government Area in Kaduna state.He said a total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with the various cases.Hassan said the command’s swift response to intelligence reports and public tips led to the successful arrest of suspects and recovery of stolen items.He added that the operations were conducted along major highways, including the Kaduna to Abuja Expressway, in markets and residential areas.Hassan said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the crimes.The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their swift response to intelligence.He assured the public that the command would continue working tirelessly to ensure that miscreants have no breathing space in the state.Hassan said the command’s efforts demonstrated its commitment to maintaining law and order in the state, and its dedication to protecting citizens and their property.(NAN)

The newly appointed Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, has pledged to lead a renaissance in the care and inclusion of Nigeria’s senior citizens.Akinyemi-Obe said this when she officially assumed office, during the hand-over ceremony in Abuja on Friday.

She promised a future where Nigeria’s elders are not only cared for but celebrated as vital contributors to the nation’s ongoing story. In her speech, with the theme, “Restoring Dignity, Enabling Purpose”, she expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with the role.She said that her appointment was not a privilege but a solemn responsibility to honour those who had shaped the nation.“In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to building a compassionate, inclusive society.“We will ensure that no citizen is left behind, especially those who have laboured through the decades to build this great nation,” she said.Akinyemi-Obe promised to champion dignity in retirement, quality healthcare, lifelong learning, protection from abuse and a strong voice for senior citizens in national affairs.She commended her predecessor, Dr. Emem Omokaro, for pioneering leadership, and vowing to build on her legacy.“We are not starting from scratch. We are building on a foundation of dedication and excellence,” she said.Recognising the NSCC staff as the engine of progress, Akinyemi-Obe pledged to prioritise their welfare, enhance workplace conditions and foster a culture of innovation and recognition.she said that caring for elders was a collective responsibility, and called on all sectors, government, private organisations, NGOs, faith-based groups, and the youth to key in to the gesture“Together, we will weave a safety net of care, respect and opportunity for our elders.“To Nigeria’s senior citizens, you are not forgotten. You are not a burden. You are the living libraries of our nation, the guardians of our values, the beacons of resilience.“We see you. We celebrate you. We are here for you.“Let us be the generation that made ageing in Nigeria a catalyst and not a crisis for compassion, for inclusion and for national renewal,” she said.Earlier, the outgoing D-G of the Centre said that under her stewardship,NSCC achieved historic milestones.She highlighted the development of Nigeria’s first comprehensive policy on ageing, the establishment of action plans and programmes tailored for older persons and the creation of legislative foundations that shifted national narratives.“We built the systems and engagement mechanisms to reach stakeholders and older persons wherever they are.“A particular proud achievement was the launch of empowerment programmes and the rigorous needs assessment conducted across the country.“We proved, with evidence, that older persons are still capable and contributing. There are published reports that now serve as blueprints for further action,” she said.Omokaro also addressed the evolving care economy, noting the challenges faced by families and the critical need for professional caregiving.She celebrated the establishment of national standards for geriatric care, the creation of a skills council, and the accreditation of teaching hospitals.According to her, all of these promise to create jobs and set new benchmarks for quality care.As she handed over a comprehensive report documenting the NSCC’s foundational years, she expressed her trust and confidence in the incoming D-G.“My sister, this is all we have done in four years. You can call it the foundation, but I know you are going to set the roof on it,” she said.(NAN)