JOHN UPAN ODEY – An Introduction

Birth and Parentage

Introducing our dear son, friend, and brother, John Upan Odey!

John was born on the 7th of December, 1977 into the family of Sir & Lady John Upan Odey (Snr) of Bebuabong Village of Urban 1, Obudu LGA of Cross River State.

His father was an astute and frontline educationist and community leader who always encouraged his people to get a good education by giving scholarships to so many Cross Riverians. He is remembered today for his love for his people and his dedication to seeing them get the greatest asset in life, a sound and quality education.

Upan (jnr) enjoyed a beautiful childhood, under strict supervision of catholic parents. Moral values of the Christian faith has guided and guarded him through life. Little wonder he has been exceptional in his academic life and leadership style!

Educational Background

He did his primary education in Obudu, and attended the Federal Government College, Ikom, Cross River State and obtained his West African School Certificate in distinctive colours in 1994.

Graduated from University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology in year 2000.

He later obtained his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2010 from University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.

In 2018, he acquired an Executive Certification in Infrastructure in the Market Economy, from Havard Kennedy School -USA

Work Experience

He began his professional career as a corps member in the defunct AfriBank between 2002 -2003. He was retained as an Executive Assistant. He quickly rose to the distinctive position of Pro – Manager/Relationship Manager in 2005, a reward for good leadership and excellent professional performance (in just 2 years).

From AfriBank, even during the banking layoffs experienced at that time in the banking sector, he was sought after by many banks. He moved to take greater responsibilities in EcoBank as Head of Private Banking Unit, between 2005 – 2007, again he performed beyond expectations and grew the assets and bank balance from 0 – about N2 Billion in less than a year!
His promotions grew rapidly, a reflection of professionalism, good interpersonal relations, excellent results and proactive service delivery...

He left Ecobank as a Senior Banking Officer in 2008 to once again take up greater responsibilities as Customer Relationship Manager (Head of Excel Banking) at Standard Chartered Bank. He rose to the position of Manager, Employee Banking (Abuja & North), a very sensitive position with great responsibility, only given to people with integrity, professionalism, and sincerity!
In this revered position, he encouraged many young Cross Riverians to take up banking and asset management as a profession, and made sure employment opportunities were open to thousands of Cross Riverians. He employed many…between 2011 – 2013.
Again, promotion came knocking and he was elevated, became Team Lead, Business Clients Acquisition 2013 – 2016.
He once again took up more responsibilities as Group Head, Retail Banking at one of Nigeria’s biggest and oldest banks, Union Bank of Nig. Plc, from 2016 – December, 2017.
He was really admired by his colleagues, employers and friends everywhere he worked. This was reflected on the very lavish and awesome send-forth organized by Union Bank Management and Staff in his honour, when he resigned in December, 2017 to participate in active politics.

He is the Founder and CEO of Green Prism Investment Ltd.

Founder, LeaderShift Movement, a political platform that encourages youth participation in politics, and the promotion of good governance in Nigerian

Professional Membership
Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) – Proficiency Certificate in Management

Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Political Life

H.E as fondly called by friends and admirers, launched himself into political limelight in 2011 when he resigned from the bank (briefly) to seek to represent Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives under the progressive platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). An election marred by gross electoral malpractices.

He won the admiration of all, including his opponents, due to his display of his calm, wisdom, and exceptional leadership qualities.

From then, while building his professional profile and gaining multiple promotions and experience, he has been a strong supporter of the progressives, a foundation member of the APC, and a Leader.

In 2017, he resigned from a very distinctive and high-paying position (with attendant privileges) as Group Head, Retail Banking to present himself for service to his people, as Governor, Cross River State!

Family Life
He is a dedicated family man and a doting father of three.

His Vision

A new Cross River State where socio-economic challenges are non-existent; quality of life, healthcare, employment, youth and women empowerment will take their deserving predominant space. 

His Mission

To revive and transform Cross River State into the no 1 investment destination in Africa by harnessing our potentials and utilizing our comparative advantage of hospitality, rich natural (soil, climate, weather, and environment), and human resources…

John Upan Odey’s blueprint for a New Cross River State will be made available soon.

Thank you and God bless.

#ThinkCrossRiver!
#ThinkJohnUpanOdey

Following the resignation of Nigeria’s immediate past minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Zainab Ahmed to oversee the ministry.

Mrs Adeosun resigned on Friday after over 60 days that an online medium blew the lid off her forged NYSC certificate.

Mrs Ahmed is Nigeria’s Minister of State Budget and National Planning. She is expected to oversee the finance ministry until a substantive minister is appointed.
She was born on June 16, 1960, and was the immediate past executive secretary and national coordinator of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). She was also a member of the last two NEITI boards, having worked in the NEITI and global EITI.

An accountant by profession with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from ABU Zaria and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Mrs Ahmed, in her biography, says she has “extensive knowledge and diverse experience in public sector reform and management.”

Mrs Ahmed’s MBA was obtained in August 2004 from the Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye; while her BSc Accounting (1981) was from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; IJMB ‘A’ Levels (1979) from SBS/ABU Zaria; and WASC ‘O’ Level in 1977 from Queen Amina College, Kaduna.

Upon graduation, Mrs Ahmed was employed in 1982 as an Accountant II in the Main Accounts of Ministry of Finance in Kaduna State and was promoted to Accountant I in March 1984, but resigned in 1985 to join NITEL. Earlier, she had done her National Youth Service in Kaduna State in 1981/1982 where she was posted for primary assignment to Messrs. Egunjobi Suleiman & Co. Chartered Accountants, and served as an Audit Trainee.

She has served the Nigerian public in various high ranking positions, including as managing director of the Kaduna State of Nigeria’s investment company, and also the chief finance officer of the Nigeria mobile telecommunications company.
Apart from her stint at NEITI, between March 2009 and October 2010, she served as managing director of the Kaduna Industrial and Finance Co. Ltd (KIFC); acting chief finance officer at Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTEL) between July 2002 to March 2009. In the same vein, between March 1985 to June 2002, she also served at the Nigerian Telecommunications Ltd (NITEL), where she was senior officer (finance) and moved up the level of deputy general manager in charge of corporate treasury until 2002.

Her other professional qualifications include Fellow, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria; Fellow, Institute of Company and Commercial Accountants and Member, Chartered Institute of Management Taxation as well as Member, Nigerian Institute of Management.

CROSS RIVER PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ASSIST AKWA IBOM STATE SET UP THEIR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE AGENCY


CROSS RIVER STATE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE AGENCY HAS BECOME A REFERENCE POINT IN NIGERIA - Chairman of AKS PHC Board

As Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency tries to take-off., geared towards achieving quality healthcare delivery and accessible healthcare for all, chairman of board and Directors of the newly created Agency visited Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency on Friday for a fact finding mission to understudy operational law and day to day running of the Agency in accordance to National Health Act.

Speaking, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Dr Betta Edu said Primary Healthcare under one roof initiative is aimed at ensuring one plan, one management and one monitoring system for PHC and as such will go  along way to reposition healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State.

She commended the Akwa State House of Assembly for passing a favorable legislation to create the primary health care agency in their state. She also praised the management team of AKSPHCDA for embarking on the journey while assuring them of Cross River State maximum support in terms of resource persons to be domicile in their Agency for technical assistance.

"We will assist Akwa Ibom State develop its primary health but all the rules guiding the programme must be adhered to.”

According to her, Akwa Ibom State Government has taken the first step by establishing the State Primary Health Care Development Agency SPHCDA, which will help in driving the programme. She then urged Gov. Udom Emmanuel to ensure that adequate facilities and manpower are on ground for the takeoff of the programme.

Earlier Speaking, delegation leader Dr Martin Akpan the chairman of board and Director of PRS, Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,  Mr Lawrence Udo said Akwa Ibom State is grateful to Cross River state Governor Ben Ayade for the support as well as the super dynamic DG Dr Betta Edu for the support so far. The assured the DG of their commitment sure that the agency works while creating an enabling working environment for the technical staff the Cross River State Government will be sending to assist them domesticate Primary Healthcare under one roof in  Akwa Ibom and overcome problems of primary health care delivery across the State.

By Euronews

Five continents one ball: the sixth edition of the Football for Friendship program, implemented by Gazprom, this year got bigger. 12-year-old boys and girls, came to Moscow from 211 countries. Young international players were the ambassadors of football promoting values such as friendship, equality and peace.
Victor Zubkov, the chairman of Gazprom's board of directors, says: "Football for friendship is a social program, and it is not only about football, it is also about friendship and getting children to communicate. So while they are communicating with each other they implement the nine values being promoted by this program such as, peace, equality, which is important. And I think they manage to do it.”
Thirty-two international Teams of Friendship, named after rare and endangered species, met at the Sapsan Arena Stadium in Moscow.
They proved that different cultures, languages and traditions are not an obstacle to fair play and that friendship can overcome borders.
Chanwoo Kim, from South Korea, said: "I am happy because I made many friends from all over the world. am from South Korea he is from North Korea, we met each other here and we became best friends!”
The players traditionally exchange blue and green Bracelets of Friendship, the blue symbolizes the peaceful sky and green – the football field.
The matches took place a day before the World Cup kicked off, and all the participants got tickets for the game between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Swan Dram, from France, said: "It’s a great honour to be able to play here at the World Cup in Russia. Because this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am lucky. I can’t find the words. It’s just wonderful."
Wadia Chery, from Haiti, said: Girls and boys play together, equality – is one of the most important values this program promotes.
Wadia Chery from Haiti, said: I am really proud to be here. I want to become a big football star like Mata
Fourteen-year-old Bogdan Batalin was the youngest referee on the Football for Friendship field. He came al the way from Irkutsk in Siberia to get closer to his lifetime dream.
Bogdan Batalin, a referee, said: "Football allows you to be friends because players on the field are connected by equality. This is a great experience because I want to be a referee. Here I can exchange experiences with other referees and see how footballers from other countries play."
This time luck in the final smiled on the Chimpanzee team. Jeronimo Rodriquez Uruena from Colombia was one of the best players, scoring numerous goals to pu his team on top of the podium.
Uruena said: “I feel very very very happy, this is wonderful!”
Cameron Gregory Philip, a goalkeeper from Dominica, said: “It’s an amazing experience, we won a tournament in Russia!”
In five years, the number of participating countries in Football for Friendship has grown tremendously and it has more than 3 million supporters. The most prolific goalscorer in the history of Russian football (233 goals) Aleksandr Kerzhakov explained the secret of hi success.
Kerzhakov, a Zenit St Petersburg striker, said: “Football for friendship” stretches to more countries and more continents, every year, thanks to those boys and girls themselves, and to the message that they bring back home where they are trying to change the world for the better."
Jeronimo from Colombia and Gameron from Dominica swore to stay friends forever as all others who found new friends while kicking the ball.

By Chris Harris

Europe’s new international football contest kicks off tonight ... and it’s complicated.

Here we explain why it was introduced, how it will work and its link to qualification for the continent’s next soccer showpiece: Euro 2020.

So what’s happening?

Tonight will see the first fixtures of the new UEFA Nations League, including European heavyweights France versus Germany in Munich.

How does it work?

Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has divided its 55 teams into four leagues, based on their records.
The top-ranked teams are in League A and the lowest in League D.
Each league has then been subdivided into groups of three of four teams. For example: France, Germany and the Netherlands will play each other in Group A1, while Belgium, Iceland and Switzerland will contest Group A2.
Group fixtures will take place September to November this year, with teams playing each other home and away.

How is each league and sub-group divided?

League A
Group A1: Germany, France and Netherlands.
Group A2: Belgium, Switzerland and Iceland.
Group A3: Portugal, Italy and Poland.
Group A4: Spain, England and Croatia.

League B
Group B1: Slovakia, Ukraine and Czech Republic.
Group B2: Russia, Sweden and Turkey.
Group B3: Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Northern Ireland.
Group B4: Wales, Republic of Ireland and Denmark.

League C
Group C1: Scotland, Albania and Israel.
Group C2: Hungary, Greece, Finland and Estonia.
Group C3: Slovenia, Norway, Bulgaria and Cyprus.
Group C4: Romania, Serbia, Montenegro and Lithuania.

League D
Group D1: Georgia, Latvia, Kazakhstan and Andorra.

Group D2: Belarus, Luxembourg, Moldova and San Marino.

Group D3: Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands, Malta and Kosovo.

Group D4: FYR Macedonia, Armenia, Liechtenstein and Gibraltar.

What are teams competing for?

The winners of the four groups in League A will qualify for Nations League Finals that will be played between June 5-9, 2019.
They will compete in semi-finals with the winners going head-to-head to be crowned the inaugural champions.

What do teams in the other leagues have to play for?

The winners of each group gain promotion up a level for the next edition of the Nations League, which begins in 2020 and has its final the following summer. The tournament’s climax is timed to coincide with the summers when there is neither a football world cup or a European championship. Basically, odd years.

Does the Nations League replace qualifying for Euro 2020?

No, but they are linked.
Qualifying for Euro 2020 — the championship played every four years — begins in March 2019 and is separate from the Nations League.
Teams play in groups entirely disconnected to the Nations League, with the winners and runners-up qualifying for the tournament.
But if a country doesn’t qualify in this traditional way, the Nations League will provide a second chance.
All of the 16 group winners from the Nations League will go forward to play-off for the remaining four spots at Euro 2020.
But if — and this is where it gets even more complicated — a group winner has already qualified for Euro 2020 via the traditional route, its play-off place goes to the next best-placed team below them in the Nations League.
For example: Sweden fails to qualify for Euro 2020 via the traditional qualification route. It also finishes second in its Nations League group, meaning it does not qualify for a Euro 2020 play-off place. But it is handed a lifeline when Turkey, the winner of its Nations League group, qualifies for the finals via the traditional route. Its play-off place for coming top of the group B2 passes to Sweden, handing it a lifeline.
It essentially means you could lose all your Euro 2020 qualification games and still qualify for the tournament via the Nations League.

Why has this been done?

UEFA says it has introduced the Nations League to improve the standing of national team football, in the face of intense competition from money-spinning domestic leagues, like the Premiership, and the Champions League, Europe’s club tournament for the creme de la creme of the continent’s teams.
There is also a belief that friendly matches between countries do not provide adequate competition and can be a distraction for the under-pressure star players.

Tennis players, commentators and officials are debating whether their sport is sexist after Serena Williams claimed the chair umpire at the US Open final treated her differently because she was a woman.
Williams was handed three code violations by umpire Carlos Ramos during her Grand Slam final against Japan's Naomi Osaka: one for coaching after Ramos ruled that her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, gave her hand signals from the stands; another for smashing her racket; and a last one for verbal abuse after she confronted the umpire.
She went on to lose the match and will have $17,000 (€14,700) deducted from her prize money for the violations.
'Double standard'
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) backed Williams' claims of sexism by Ramos during Saturday' clash in Flushing Meadows, New York.
"The WTA believes that there should be no difference in the standards of tolerance provided to the emotions expressed by men vs. women and is committed to working with the sport to ensure that all players are treated the same," Steve Simon, the body's CEO, said in a statement released on Sunday.
"We do not believe that this was done last night," he added.
Billie Jean King, a former tennis world No. 1 and gender equality advocate, praised Williams for calling out the "double standard" in the sport.
"When a woman is emotional, she's "hysterical" and she's penalized for it. When a man does the same, he's "outspoken" & there are no repercussions," King said on Twitter.
Victoria Azarenka, a Belarusian professional tennis player and former world No. 1 who competed Williams 21 times, said that "if it was men's match, this wouldn't happen like this.
"It just wouldn't," she added, describing the situation as "bs."
Many former male players also rallied around Williams.
Sports journalists and commentators weighed in the debate online, unearthing past situations where male players were penalised far less if at all for similar violations.

Osaka overshadowed?

Some however criticised Williams for her reaction.
Most commentators also deplored the fact that the controversy had the unintended consequence of overshadowing what should have been a great moment of celebration and elation for Osaka, who had just won her first Grand Slam title.

By Inyali Peter

Since the dawn of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria in 1999, there have never been a time that the political future of Cross River State is clothed with uncertainty as now. The state generally after the 1999 general elections has been perceived to be a stronghold of the PDP. However, after the victory of APC at the centre in 2015 coupled with the disagreement of some political gladiators with the former and incumbent Governor, there have been a mass exodus of major political leaders of the PDP to the APC.

Some of them include, Distinguished Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba who is now the Chairman of NDDC, Chief Clement Ebri, former Governor of the state, Sen. Florence Ita Giwa, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Rt. Hon. Paul Adah, Barr. Venatius Ikem, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, Dr. Peter Oti, Dr. Alex Egbonna, Chief Francis Bullem, Chief Ray Morphy Ugbal, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Prince Goddy Jedy Agba, High Chief Edem Duke, Mr. Jude Ngaji amongst others.

Unlike in previous elections where it was almost certain that any candidate sponsored by PDP would emerge victories in the general elections, the 2019 scenario would be different as the opposition APC is waxing very strong to takeover power from the PDP in the state.

However, while the prospect of taking over from the PDP is exciting and a possibility, the APC must put it house in order to ensure a candidate that would foster the peace and understanding enjoyed among the different ethnic groups and senatorial districts of the state fly the party's flag in 2019.

Prior to the 2015 election, there was an understanding among the political leaders that the Cross River northern senatorial district which was the only zone at the time to produce Governor be supported to also lead the state like other zones. From 1999 to 2007, the state was under the watch of Mr. Donald Duke who hails from the southern senatorial district. Duke handed over power to Sen. Liyel Imoke who also did eight years before shifting power to the incumbent, Gov Ben Ayade who is about to complete just first terms of four years from the north.

The southern senatorial district will be 12 years out of power by the time Gov. Ayade would complete his four years in May next year. While the central that produced Ayade's successor will just be four years out of power.

However, the buildup to the 2019 election has seen some people from the central in APC act like other senatorial districts have become slaves to them. Although the APC also have governorship aspirants from the south, they have not shown the level of betrayal and desperation displayed by those from the central.

This leads me to this simple question; if the south has waited for 12 good years and probably willing to wait for 4 more years for the north to complete eight years like others, why can't the central wait? The South has the highest voting strength in the state therefore if there's any zone that should protest that power should return to them, it should be the Southerners not the central that just left power.

In their antics to hoodwink Cross Riverians, they've come up with the narrative that to win the incumbent, the APC needs to fill a candidate with a deep pocket. While it's true that money play key role in our politics, what is not completely true is that money without credibility can't win election.

For instance, President Muhammadu Buhari was the poorest of all the APC Presidential aspirants in 2014 but because overtime, he was demonstrated resilience and unmatched integrity, he defeated other aspirants with larger pocket. He went ahead to win the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan who had the whole state resources at his beg and call.

Apart from President Buhari unequivocal integrity, the major thing that counted against Jonathan was zoning. It was believed that since Jonathan incidentally became President after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Aduah who comes from the north, the northern part of the country was supposed to produce a President in 2015 in line with the PDP gentleman zoning agreement. But Jonathan undermined this sensitive issue because he felt he had all the money. Equity and justice dealt with him as he became the first incumbent President to be defeated by the opposition.

Ahead of the APC governorship primaries, the leaders of the party in Cross River state  and national alike must learn from Jonathan's mistake that although money is important in election, money is not everything. Also, they must learn that although zoning is not constitutional, equity and natural justice recognize zoning.

A central governorship candidate for APC would mean a disaster. This is because the south that has waited for 12 years would prefer to vote PDP massively for power to return to them after four years than support a central person that would do eight years thereby stretching their wait from 12 (16 if the north have another four years) to twenty (20) years. The north in the other hand would vote PDP in protest of the injustice done them by the APC.

Similarly, the two governorship aspirants from the central have been in leadership positions for so long and their record doesn't suggest that they would be better than the available option. In fact there's no indices that suggest that they would perform better as governor.

For instance, one of the aspirants is a Senator who has spent almost 20 years in the legislative business. He was in the assembly for four years, house of representatives for 12 and now in the Senate. When his impact is put head to head with the incumbent Governor, Cross Riverians would surely vote against him because available records placed him far below Ayade as long the business of legislature is concerned.

People have questioned why some APC leaders have even projected him as the best man to succeed Ayade when he has failed to match Ayade's Senate record. People have asked that, if he couldn't perform better than Ayade in the Senate, is it as Governor that he will? This would lead to one conclusion, the "devil we know is better than the angel we don't know".

For the second aspirant from the central, the simple fact that he presided over the meeting that APC officially zoned it governorship ticket to the north in 2014 and considering that the masses know that APC practices eight years zoning formula, his integrity and sincerity would be under serious scrutiny. People would question why APC would present and want them to trust a man who cannot respect an agreement he played key role in reaching.

The "very first job of a leader is to inspire trust. Trust is the single most essential element to our ability to deliver extraordinary results in an enduring way. Trust is integral to building high performance because it enables an organization to work as it should; it’s the first defense against dysfunction and the first step towards delivering better outcomes", (anonymous).

APC can't win with a man that has trust issues hanging on his neck.

From the South, although they have genuine reasons to want to seek governorship after 12 years, waiting for just four more years won't be too much a sacrifice to make for peace, justice and equity. Anybody that would come from the north would do four years and handover power to south. Those with genuine ambition now should wait till 2023.

Besides this, sentiment would naturally count against one of the aspirants would hail from the same area with the only APC southern senatorial aspirant. It would be difficult for APC to get massive support required to win governorship election from the south when the party present governorship and senatorial candidates from one local government.

The other aspirant who has picked form doesn't enjoy so much goodwill that can win a governorship election. Comments and post on social media clearly points to the fact that he's perceived as a failed hotelier therefore there's the belief that a man who cannot manage his personal business cannot be trusted to manage the state.

All this permutations by all standard still favours a northern candidate. Fielding a northern candidate would be the best thing that can happen to APC because like earlier stated, the south would prefer a governor from the north who would do four years than central for eight years.

Again, already the incumbent doesn't enjoy so much popularity in the north where he comes from because of the belief that people have not really felt the impact of his government.

For instance, the terrible roads situation which only an APC aspirant from the north can use during campaigns against him. But if APC field a candidate from another party, the bad road which would have been a plus for the APC would become a minus because the incumbent would campaign vigorously that if voted out, a Governor from another place would abandon the road project. And naturally, people would buy into such campaigns. Your own na your own!

Similarly, the only governorship aspirant from the north who has picked form is a young vibrant youth. If the APC present him in 2019, he will enjoy enormous support from the youths who are agitating that power should shift hands. The fact that he's the youngest person amongst all the aspirants across party would also project APC as a youth-friendly party.

The possibilities are there. All the permutations favour the north. The APC now has to choose between fielding a northern candidate with goodwill and strong character to win Cross River or present the ticket to the highest bidder and not only loose to the PDP but present the party as a commercial platform for the highest bidder before the masses.

A stitch in time saves nine!

Chief DJ Ogar

DC and DJ

Dr Dorncklaimz Enamhe aka DC, a leading federal House of representatives aspirant in Bekwara/Obanliku/Obudu federal constituency, in his usual way of show of respect express his regret towards the demise of an icon and role model Hon Chief DJ Ogar.

DC console the Ugaga people and the entire Yala people.
See DC words below>>>>

My leader the Hon Chief DJ Ogar second Republic super star whose son,my brother and friend Ipoule DJ a medic in the US wouldn’t get angry when they say to him “where DJ ?”

He was a community leader who was loved by his People and in his time as member of the CRHA was always on point speaking up on all issues bothering on his constituency (unlike now)
Speaker Udomoshiet will always say let’s listen to Hon DJ Ogar and Hon Kelvin Akonjom

As chairman of Yala he put Yala in the map
As an educationist and administrator he connected with his staff

During the agitation of Ogoja state he stood side by side with Chief Dr I I Morphy and on one such occasion Hon DJ Ogar and Chief Morphy took us (ogoja youths ) through the history of the creation of Ogoja state,from Lancaster to the COR state movement and their efforts at the constitutional conference

DJ who influenced my name as DC
Would always ask of my Dad as if they were mates
My father a messenger working in BIR
DJ a member of CRHA didn’t talk about his pedigree unlike now and would let his elitist children mix with us and give us money when we visited

The last time we saw was on an international flieght
DJ would laugh before you laugh and his was always infectious

He was the father of Yala politics
He was one of those who signed the CALABAR/OGOJA ACCORD
DJ was always sitting with his people in his compound drinking palmwine and advising young men

Eze my friend from Enugu a security personal says if all Ogoja men were like Chief Hon DJ Ogar
Then Ogoja will be the most peaceful community on earth

DJ as chairman paid bursaries to students and assisted us in the campaign against cultism in ogoja ,each time we invited him to come and address us he will come

DJ that which you,Dr M T Mbu,Chief (Dr)Okoi ARIKPO,Dr Joseph Wayas,Chief Micheal Ogon,Hon Timothy Omang,Hon Cornelius Agbor,Chief C O Tawo,Chief JA Agba,Hon Lekam Okoi,Mr Clay Onah,Chief DW Onah,Chief JIC Igbe,I I Morphy,Linus Okom , Hon Charles Adoga,Dr Emmanuel Utande Lord Opiepie,Chief John Upan Odey,FLE Adinye,Paul Ukpo,Mark Ukpo,Dr Peter Ogbang,Musa Adede, Hon Ekok Ojogu and Hon kelvin Akonjom to mention a few fought  for is no longer together

You should have waited to unite us again before the elections but God knows why he took you now

My condolences to Mama,my friend Dr Ipoule Ogar and my beloved sister Akuma Ogar Uriesi and all the DJ Ogar’s family,the entire Ugaga community,the Yala Nation and the entire cross river state
RIP

May Papas Gentle Soul  Rest In Perfect Peace
Go with the Lord the Iroko

President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the resignation of Kemi Adeosun as minister of finance.
In a statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina , the President thanked the minister for her services to the nation and wished her well in her future pursuits .
Buhari also approved that the Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Mrs . Zainab Ahmed , should oversee the ministry immediately.
The statement read , ” President Muhammadu Buhari Friday accepted the resignation of the Hon. Minister of Finance , Mrs Kemi Adeosun. The President thanked the Minister for her services to the nation and wished her well in her future pursuits .
” The President also approved that the Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed , should oversee the Ministry of Finance with effect from today .”

Linda Ikeji writes open letter to ex staff accused of rape
By Eje Peter 

Following the recent rape accusation by Nigerian TV presenter and model, Emilia Samuel, against Theo Ukpa, a film maker, his former boss, Linda Ikeji wrote him an open letter officially distancing herself from him. Although Ukpa was sacked by Ikeji after the rape allegation was made public, he had put up a strong defence countering Samuel’s accusations.

His claims notwithstanding, he was sacked by Ikeji, who was forced to write him an open letter after his continued avowal of innocence.

Her letter reads thus; “Dear Theo Ukpaa, I have known you for many years and I’ve shown you nothing but love and kindness and made you the head of my TV channel but listen my dear friend, if you dare release another statement denying what you did or calling another one of your victims a liar, not only will I expose you, I will have you arrested and charged to court where you can go defend yourself properly.

“These girls – and I didn’t say girl, I said girls may not have a voice, money or time to take it up with you but I do, so please don’t test me.

“I know more than most and right now I can’t tell you how ashamed I am to have given you another chance in my organisation. You weren’t sacked solely over Emilia’s story.

“I am not so stupid that I would let go of the person I relied on the most to help me run my TV channel over a story by someone I don’t know.

You were dismissed last year, remember? And I’d never heard of Emilia or her story. “If you think I am going to seat back and watch you victimise your victims, or humiliate them further by making them seem like liars, you have another think coming.

“What you need now is seek help and if you’re too ashamed to do so, at least hide your head in shame and don’t dare call another girl a liar. Please don’t make me come for you, Theo! Be warned!”

(TEVB)

Loyalists and supporters of Chief Jude Ogbeche Ngaji  has purchased a nomination form for him to run for Federal House of Representative  Ogoja/Yala  Federal Constutuency .

The loyalists insisted that Chief Jude should run and that they are  also ready to champion and support him during the election.

 The group pleads with Chief Jude Ogbeche Ngaji to consider their request based on his monumental feats achieved..

The loyalists and friends want him to represent them at the House of Representatives in 2019; they want him to contest the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency seat.

The loyalties believe that Chief Jude who is not only for the youths but also for the elders  will never disappoint them; He will always serve them and listen to them,”

Chief Jude has always support the living conditions of his people through his philanthropist nature which is the core key to transforming the society.

According to the requesting  message sent to Chief Jude Ngaji,  the loyalists requested that  chief should accept their request in the interest of the development of Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency.

Chief is love by his people and if he eventually move to other party, then PDP should get ready to face a massive defection in Cross River North because thousands of Jude's supporters won't allow their leader to move alone.

Although, Chief hasn’t made a categorical statement on the pleas,  or made his intention known on the issue.

Lets keep calm and watch how the event unfold itself.

By Victor Egba

Jude Ngaji. Joining the APC signs of Good times Ahead.

It is shocking news, not unexpected though that the Chief security adviser of the incumbent Governor Ben Ayade has defected to the All Progressive  Congress to seek elections to the federal House of Representative for the Ogoja/ YalaFederal constituency .

A swift reaction from the attempt at imposing candidates on the  people of cross River.  Judes defection accentuate the truism that the All Progressive Congress is the only veritable platform that will serve the interest of every ordinary Cross Riverian not the self serving interest of some sheriffs.  Who feel entitled to power and trades with the destiny of our youths.

It is no doubt that the Judifeid movement is synonymous with the Owanified Movement, built solely for the service of the people.
Jude Ngaji is one young dynamic gentleman who enjoys the followership of many young and aged people. Across age Barrie's and class.  He indeed deserves a chance to forge his own destiny, and not be denied a sterling opportunity to advance the course of his people.

As he makes the critical decision to push against the impediments to democrat called imposition of candidate, rather than cower in fear,  we welcome him to the party of internal democracy. Where the rule of law prevails and the people are the deciding factor of electoral outcomes.

Today.  Jude joins the ranks of Former speaker,  Larry Odey. Chief Tom Agi and other progressives. Well meaning Cross Riverians to push away a government of ineptitude and underperfomance.

This should be an example to all other youths out there,  Take your future in your hands,  follow the courage of Jude. Join the APC.

APC is here to salvage Cross River State.

BREAKING: With Or Without APC, I Will Win 2019 Election, Ambode Fires Back

The embattled governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has replied his critics that only Lagos electorates will decide his faith and not APC or any godfather.

Mr. Ambode said, he is unmoved by the news that he will not get a second term ticket under APC because of gang up by some certain interest to field Jide Sanwoolu against him. While chatting with his inner caucus members, he said his performance will decide his political fortune in 2019.

Ambode said he is confident that he will emerge as the next governor of Lagos State, with or without his party APC.

On impeachment threat, Ambode said he has not committed any offence to warrant such moves, he urged Lagosians to remain steadfast and stand together at this time, noting that it is normal for those who wants to subdue the overall interest of all Lagosians for personal and selfish gain to try to undo government. He said, no matter the machinations, they will fail.

Northern CRS Roads especially Ebo was better before now.





In the beginning it was not so. Why now.
The abandoned road project across the northern Cross River State is a worrisome development and a shame to the government of the day.

Pictured, is the bizarre and awkward nature of wogada Ebo Road under the present northern Cross River State government.

Wogada Ebo is one of the oldest community in Yala Local government Area of Cross River State. The Community boundaries between Benue State and Ebonyi State. With vast population and fast growing birth rate. The people of Ebo are mainly farmers.

The road linking this community to other communities and states is nothing to write about. In the beginning it was not so.
The present government are responsible for the present unmotorable, unbikeable, unbarowable and untrekeable nature of the road. As compare to now, the road was in a manageable state not until the present digital cum worst analog ideology.
If English grammar could be transferred to work this road and many others in the state could have been done.

Cross River State government needs to wake up to the yearning and suffering of the people.

Adoga Michael Oyi