Central Reports Blog

Independent Verification Agents (IVA) from the World Bank are in Cross River State for the verification exercise as part of the validating criteria of the World Bank State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme for Results (SFTAS) a programme supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Ministry Finance and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation which is aimed at improving transperency and accountability in governance for sustainable growth and development. Speaking during the meeting held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance, the leader of the World Bank IVA team to Cross River, Mrs Isioma Bola-Audu said the team is in Cross River to assess the state’s achievement of the Disbursement-linked results (DLRs) in accordance with the Annual Performance Assessment (APA) guidelines and Disbursement Link Indicators(DLIs) verification protocols. She noted that the programme has nine Disbursement Link Indicators(DLIs) a...

Flood has taken over the road linking ogoja from Boki in a village called kashie Remond The road that leads to ogoja has been over flooded by water as a result of the blockage of the culvert that link's the two side of the road.  Speaking with one of the motorist Mr Vincent Obi who told our Central-Reports correspondence on Monday, Aug 31st  he said; the road has been in a very bad shape  and it's getting worse by the day making it unplayable for commuters to the access neighboring communities for market's or other purposes. Mr Vincent while having a one-on-one interview with our correspondence told our correspondence that there is a great need for the road to be put in a good shape as that's The shortest road to ogoja from Boki.  While commending the community youths for their tireless efforts in taking safety measures in limiting the rate of accident, he is also lending voices with others in calling and crying to the Cross River State government, NGO's a...

Billionaire business man and oil magnate Prince Arthur Eze has revealed that his decision to explore investment opportunities in Cross River state was influenced by governor Ben Ayade's giant strides in the areas of Industrialisation. Commending the Governor for his innovative leadership, Prince Eze stated that his investment in the state would complement what Ayade has done so far. The Ukpo, Anambra state born business mogul was speaking during a tour of Industrial facilities built by the Ayade administration. He expressed delight at the Governor's foresight to transform the economic fortunes of Cross River. Said he: "I have travelled far and wide all over the world and I never thought we could have this kind of things in Africa talk more of Nigeria. I am amazed at what I have seen here today and I must commend Governor Ayade for a fantastic job " Continuing, Prince Eze said:  "For those of us in business, we can smell a good business opportunity ...

The Lagos State Government on Friday sealed 27 illegal and unapproved residential and commercial buildings in Lekki. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, stated this while supervising the sealing of the erring structures. He said the buildings, most of which were in use, were either built without planning permit or built without conforming to their approval order. The Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, disclosed this on Friday in a statement titled ‘LASG intensifies clampdown on illegal building construction, seals 27 buildings in Lekki area’. He emphasised that the area, being a physical development hub in the state, must not be allowed to be defaced with illegal developments. The commissioner said that all physical developments in Lekki and other areas of the state must conform to the planning laws of the state. He said that it was by enforcing strict compliance to laws and regulations that the pervasive inc...

2020Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday, 31st August 2020 Central Reporters 6m Good morning, Nigeria, welcome to the central report roundup of top Newspaper Headlines in Nigeria for today Monday, 31st August 2020. Here Are The Major Nigerian Newspaper Headlines: (1) I Don’t Need Your Royal Blessings – Oshiomhole Roasts Edo King Adams Oshiomhole has lambasted the Ogieneni of Uzairue, HRH Kadiri Omogbai over the reception he and his entourage received during the APC’s campaign tour of Jattu, Edo State. Central reports that as the arrowhead of the Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu governorship campaign, Oshiomhole, have embarked on a massive campaign tour of Edo North district ahead of the September 19 Edo governorship election. (2) Apostle Okikijesu Releases Shocking Prophecies, Says Buhari Will Mourn, Godfathers Will Die Apostle Paul Okikijesu of the Christ Apostolic Miracle Ministry, on Saturday released shocking new processes, revealing that President Muhammadu...

Bishop Dr. Emmah Gospel Isong who doubled as the National Patron, Nigerian Union of Journalists South South and Chairman, Cross River State Anti-Tax Agency has put on a mediation meeting with the National Union of Journalist in Cross River State. The fruitful peace/mediation meeting was held today, Sunday August 30, 2020 at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar. Facilitating the meeting, the mediator, Bishop Emmah, sue for peace and unity between the leadership of the National Union of Journalist and the State Government. The NUJ has assured to retract their steps as well as averred to path unity in other to apprise the public. Bishop Emmah, gratified the Governor, His Excellency, Professor Ben Ayade for being a peacemaker and conciliator in the State, he however affirmed that the unity will bring both party's to our desired promise land. In attendance at the mediation meeting were; Pst .Mrs. Rosemary E. Archibong; Hon. Comm. Commerce,  Mr. Eric Anderson; Hon. Comm. Tourism, Mr....

I have received news from God about Edo, Ondo, Ghana and America elections –Primate Ayodele Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, has issued fresh revelations on the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states with stern warnings to the incumbent governors in both states. The popular seer who has just released two books; the 2020/ 2021 edition of his annual collection of prophecies, Warnings to the Nations, and a Compendium of Ten Thousand and More Fulfilled Prophecies, in this interview with central reporter's, speaks on what God revealed to him concerning other major national issues and personalities in Nigeria, major elections in Africa and the United States.

Bishop Oyedepo Covid-19 He said he would not wear gloves to do so but would lay his bare hands on the patient to receive healing. Oyedepo, who spoke at the church’s Covenant Hour of Prayer, CHoP, said Christians must be listed among the people God had vowed to honour this year. He said; “August is almost gone. We are in the 9th hour as it were, we are going to step into the 11th hour shortly: it is not late, you can connect. “COVID-19 cannot be any reason why your own ‘Breaking Limit’ package will not be delivered. It’s not a tenable reason. No circumstance on earth will make the covenant of God of no effect. “You can imagine a medical doctor, going back there to minister to coronavirus patients (documented testimony). He found something, while others are scared by everything they can see. “Can you imagine anyone bringing coronavirus patient to me and I won’t lay hands on him? Will I wear gloves to lay hands on them? I will lay hands on them; breathe into them; embra...

Party leaders and stakeholders of Ukelle, Yala 2 constituency, have unanimously endorsed Dr Stephen Odey to replace the vacant seat created by the death of Sen Dr Mrs Rose Okoji Oko at the National Assembly. This took place yesterday at Hon John Ulafor's  country home at Ijokom Village, South Ukelle. The event was very significant as the Honourable Commissioner urged  Ukelle sons and daughters to support a candidate with the best track records, emphasizing that, voting Dr Stephen Odey  mean development and ample opportunities for Ukelle man and indeed Cross River North. The Honourable Commissioner for Grants and Economic Empowerment was so excited that men with the pedigree in Ukelle were all unanimous in endorsing Dr Stephen Odey, who is adjudged the most competent candidate for the senatorial race. "Ukelle has never failed in the history of PDP in Cross River State and giving our votes to Dr Stephen Odey is going to be the  best option", he said. Mon...

A correspondent of AIT in Calabar, Rasheed Olanrenwaju who is attached to the Cross River state government house has unfortunately become a tool in the hands of agents of underdevelopment in Cross River state. Rasheed who recently reported a fake story gotten on social media about the “Disqualification of Rt.Hon Jarigbe” from contesting in the Cross River Northern Senatorial District Bye-election has gone a step further to justify the money given to him in government house, Calabar few nights ago by accusing the Member of parliament of threat on him. Rasheed who knows nothing about the member of parliament went on to do a hatchet job by running a story on Naijavoice (a site owned by a Cross River state government appointee, Matthew Okache) to justify the N150,000 he was paid by agents of the Cross River State government. It is sad to say that journalism has now been abused and degenerated to do the bidding of “Highest bidders” and journalists like Rasheed have allowed themsel...

  ThePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) Screening Committee has disqualified four senatorial aspirants from the Bayelsa Central over alleged irregular tax clearance, membership dues, anomalies in documentations and sundry issues . The affected aspirants are a former speaker and current Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Monday Bubou Obolo; Mr Gideon Ekeuwei; Mr Charles Ambaiowei and Igo Goin. The Muraina Ajibola-led screening panel from the PDP National Secretariat was said to have received nomination forms from six senatorial aspirants with only one for Bayelsa West and five for Bayelsa Central. It was learnt that after the exercise, the committee cleared former Governor Seriake Dickson— the only aspirant for Bayelsa West— and Chief Cleopas Moses, a former Chairman of PDP in Bayelsa State for Bayelsa Central. The other four aspirants were disqualified. Sources close to the panel claimed that there were over five different grounds for the purported disqualification of the four a...

The new yam festival in Yala communities, is an important one of marking the Begining and end of farming season, it is a celebration of life, accomplishments in the community, culture and the well being. Yala communities is located in Yala local government Area of Cross River state, it is renowned for it agricultural produce and Arts. One of it produce, YAM is hugely celebrated yearly at the harvest of new yam from the farm, in an elaborate ceremony popularly known as Yala New Yam festival. Congratulations  to every Yala sons and daughter as you once more celebrate our cultural holiday... We must zealously guide and promote the values we cherish as we care for the sick, sustain our institutions, support  the elderly,  feed the hungry, and welcome the stranger, no matter where they come from.  In  good times and in periods of hardship the Yala New Yam Festival  has always reminded us of our roots;  not only who we are , but also what we ca...

As the September 5 PDP CRN primary election draws closer, it is evident that MP Jarigbe remains the most preferred and reliable aspirant for the senate position. Just like the saying "Sticks and Stones Are Only Thrown at Fruit-Bearing Trees", the series of attack on Rt.Hon Jarigbe Agom proves further that he's giving members of the "Conquered generation" sleepless night but that can't change God's plans for the people of Cross River North. Rt.Hon Jarigbe Agom has dedicated his life to service to humanity, never has they been a time where he sets pecuniary benefits over the desires of his people. As a House of Representatives member, rarely does he spend a month without going home to check up on his people, an act that has endeared his constituents more to him. Mr Projects as he's fondly called by constituents believes that power is given only by God and with the support of the people, he has said on numerous occasions that he can only have t...

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday ordered tertiary institutions in Lagos to reopen from September 14 while primary and secondary schools in the state will reopen on September 21, 2020. He, however, said the date for primary and secondary schools’ reopening will tentative. Details later…

  The sacked Chairman of Oyo State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (AL­GON), Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, has debunked the rumours making the rounds that he was planning to dump the All Progressives Party (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement issued on Friday, the sacked ALGON chairman described the rumour as unfounded and laughable saying the rumour must have emanated from idle minds who hawk, live and thrive on unintelligent political propaganda usually described as ‘Ibon Oselu’ (po­litical gunshot). According to the state­ment, “My attention has been called to a trending un­founded lie that I, Prince Ayo­deji Abass-Aleshinloye, has joined a party called People’s Democratic Party, PDP. This prevarication is quite laugh­able please disregard it. The lie must have emanated from idle minds who hawk, live and thrive on unintelligent polit­ical propaganda they tagged ‘Ibon Oselu’ (political gun­shot) to survive on crumbs from their masters’ table...

My dearly beloved people of Boki Nation, permit me a breather to do some reflections on our cultural heritage. Boki as a one indivisible Nation should start thinking of having a New Yam Festival that would fall on a week end and depict a colouration that would show case our unique cultural heritage and customs in line with our peculiarities and its uniqueness. The idea of pecking the New Yam celebration day on the 18th August of every year, irrespective of the day in the week it falls, is becoming obsolete and in my view inconsistent with the expected shine and fanfare usually associated with this unique event, which as a boy in those days, was like a Christmas to us. Nations around us appear to have adopted the tradition of marking their new yam day on a weekend, and they appear to be taking the shine away from us. Furthermore, since they don't seem to be any significance attached to that date, I am proposing that the powers that be in Boki leadership, should consider s...

To ensure misconception about Coronavirus is trash in our local communities the Cross River State Ministry of Health and COVID-19 Taskforce has began an intensive and aggressive awareness campaign in Odukpani Local Government Area. This is aim to empower Community influencers such as  religious leaders, traditional leaders, civil base organizations, youths and opinion leaders to participate in the on-going sensitization exercises and to sustain that strategy by letting community members lead the campaign. The awareness exercise which took place at the Odukpani Local Government Council Headquarters on Friday was chaired by the Cross River State Commissioner for Health and Chairman Covid-19 Response Taskforce, Dr Betta Edu, who was received by  the Host; Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Hon Mrs. Justina Edem. Also in attendance was the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong. “Odukpani has played a very strategic ...

Specialist doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, have separated two children who were born joined around the abdomen as Siamese twins. The twins who are both girls and now aged eight months, were born at the Nembe General Hospital in Bayelsa State on December 12, 2019 and were immediately referred to the FMC Yenagoa where they were, in turn, referred to the FMC Yola. The twins had been flown by the Nigeria Air Force to Yola in January this year but the surgery to remove them was not done till earlier this month. The FMC Yola Medical Director, Prof Auwal Abubakar, who spoke to our correspondence on Saturday during a farewell for the twins and their parents, said the surgery was finally done on August 10. “We were getting set to do the surgery when COVID-19 came. It was a new disease and we were learning to cope with it. Many services at the hospital were suspended and even to get certain consumables was difficult… “The separation was done on the 10th of...

Editorial Desk, Central Reports Blog !!! Dear John, we are pleased to offer you once more our heartfelt commends and praises on your committedness, effectiveness and wholesome services to Central Reports. May we use this medium also to assure you that better, brighter and more prospective days are coming as you continue to work in our team for the information dissemination sector. Continuously sir, be assured of our kindest regards and best wishes today and onwards. On behalf of the entire team i say well-done to you sir. Paschal Nyiam CEO/Editor In-chief  Central-Reports Blog

A 90-year-old woman, Mrs Olapeju Johnson could not believe how she miraculously escaped death yesterday when an helicopter crashed into her compound  at no 16 A Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja area of Lagos. A light helicopter belonging to Quorum Aviation with registration Number 5N-BQW was flying from Port-Harcourt to Lagos when it crashed at about 12.47 p m killing two crew members on the spot while the third crew member who was critically injured and was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) died few hours later. A visibly shocked occupant of the building where the helicopter crashed into, 90 year-old Mrs Olapeju Johnson (nee Awolesi), who escaped death by whiskers said the helicopter crashed landed between her house and that of her daughter in-law. However, she thanked God that her family members were safe. She said, ,”the helicopter crashed landed where it was least expected and I was reading my Bible when it occurred....

A kidnapping suspect arrested for allegedly abducting the wife of an Appeal Court judge and killing her aide has said that he joined the gang that kidnapped the wife of an Appeal Court judge, a Cameroonian envoy and an Igbo businessman, among others, when commercial motorcycle was banned in Calabar, Cross River State. According to a police source, on Saturday, July 4, 2020, Ekwele Agube, the wife of a judge at the Court of Appeal, was kidnapped by six armed men who accosted her along Ministry Road, off NPA Junction in Calabar, Cross Rivers State and killed her aide identified as Glory Egbela before whisking her away to an unknown destination in their operation vehicle. The victim, who spent 14 days at the kidnappers’ den, was released after a ransom of N6.8 million was paid to her abductors. But few weeks after her release, operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), who were detailed to investigate and track down the kidnappers, succeeded in arresting six su...

The world has turned to a place of fear. A lot of evil are now happening all over the world because of the quest to make money and be rich. Many young men and women have been lured to doing evil because of their quest for money. It is so painful  that the youths who are supposed to work on the betterment of the society are taking such kinds of drastic measures of doing unhealthy things to make money and be famous. A certain young man whose identity is yet to be revealed was caught with human feces. According to our correspondence the young man came from Anambra state to Delta state. It was in Oshimili North in Delta state that he met his waterloo after he was caught in the act by the vigilante group. According to the young man, it was his boss who asked him to go get human feces and according to him too, he uses it for ritual which he wants to make money with. After his arrest, he was paraded in the street so people could see him and hear what he had to say. At a po...

Another kidnap just took place on Marian Road axis inside state housing, Calabar minutes ago. A female medical doctor named, Vivien Otu, who went to eat in a food joint called “BELASH" was abducted after eating. CrossRiverWatch gathered that after eating and was about to enter her car the gun men drove into the compound of BELASH and shot many rounds in the air and carried her into their car and zoomed off. Details are still sketchy but people at the location have also informed our reporter that security personnel are trailing the kidnappers.  

THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF YAKURR LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL HON. OFEM EBRI OBETEN HAS RELEASED HIS APPOINTMENTS LIST TODAY.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the deployment and redeployment of Permanent Secretaries in the Civil Service of the Federation.Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), made this known in a circular she signed and issued on Friday in Abuja. Those affected are Chinyeaka Christian, deployed from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Ministry of Power with effect from Aug. 27 and William Alo, redeployed from Ministry of Labour and Employment to Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. Also redeployed are: Olusade Adesola from Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to FCT, with effect from  Aug. 27 and Esther Jack from Ministry of Power to Ministry of Water Resources with effect from Sept 30. Similarly, Akpan Sunday was redeployed from the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to Ministry of Science and Technology with effect from Sept. 30, while Ernest Afolabi was redeployed from OHCSF to Ministry of Works and Housing ...

Paschal Nyiam. Tribute To My Dear Grandmother (An epitome of a Matriarch) By: Paschal Nyiam The moment i received the shocking and devastating news of your departure from this mother earth and ascendance to heaven, Mama, my world caved in. My heart was torn into two, one was filled with heartaches and pain, the other couldn't grips the reality and wished it was just a nightmare, not knowing it's reality i faced. Sleep eluded me at night's. I lie awake at nights when the world and it's beings are fast asleep, through the stillness of the dark; alone i take a walk down memory lane with unflinching pains in my heart, achs in my head and tears rolled down my cheeks. Mama, if i could write a story about you, it would be the greatest ever told of a kind, generous, simple, warm hearted, loving and caring mother who had an unending cheerful and giving heart of gold. Diction fail me in providing the right words that would correctly describe your sterling qualities...

“I feel stupid and disappointed” – Erica breaks down in tears as she tells Kiddwaya about his disloyalty Big Brother Naija housemate, Erica recently broke down in tears while talking to her love interest in the Lockdown house, Kiddwaya. During their discussion, Erica noted that Kiddwaya’s attitude towards her doesn’t appeal to her emotions. According to her, Kiddwaya makes her more sad than he makes her happy. She further expressed that she feels very disappointed and stupid to have gotten really close to him. She said he doesn’t see her as a special person, and he treats her like anybody else in the house. Kiddwaya patted her back and tried to console her as she let out all her emotions and fears about him.

  NYCN STATE CHAIRMAN APPLAUD OBUBRA COUNCIL BOSS PERFORMANCE It was Abraham Lincoln who opined that "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's true character, give him power". Today, the State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria Cross River State paid a solidarity visit to the chairman of Obubra Local Government Area. Speaking during the visit, the NYCN State helmsman, His Youthfulness Comr. Dan Obo, expressed satisfaction with the level of excellent performance recorded by the Council Chairman. Reacting nostalgically, the State NYCN Chairman condemned the action of  arsonists that set the Council headquarters ablaze at the twilight of the Local Government Electioneering period.  In his words, "My Chairman, permit me to congratulate you once more on your meritorious emergence as Local Government Chairman, indeed, you have shown that we did not make any mistake in giving you our mandate. I have no doubt in your capacity to deliver ...

  COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY CONGRESS OF THE CROSS RIVER STATE COUNCIL OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 AT THE ERNEST ETIM BASSEY PRESS CENTRE, CALABAR Arising from the recent outburst from the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode with the Cross River State Correspondent of Daily Trust Newspaper, Mr. Eyo Charles during an illegal press conference organized by the Cross River State Government, on Thursday, August 20, 2020 and subsequent reaction from deferent segments of the society, the Cross River State Council of NUJ held an emergency congress to appraised the various issues that emerged from that event. Accordingly, after exhaustive deliberations and contributions from members the Congress hereby resolves as follows:   1.    Congress condemns the verbal insult and abuse from FFK and noted that such words could only come out of the lips of a frustrated, immature, bankrupt, irresponsible and...

The Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, said on Thursday that he would not waste time to sign the death warrant on a Kano-based singer, Yahaya Sharif, who was sentenced to death by an Upper Shariah Court for blasphemy. Ganduje made the remark at a stakeholders meeting on the issue at the Government House, Kano. Ganduje noted that the convict had a 30-day grace to appeal the judgement, adding that if by the end of the 30 days the convict had not appealed, he would not waste time to sign the execution order.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said on Thursday that the Federal Government was creating a “payroll support” for private schoolteachers and artisans to cushion the untoward economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on them. He added that the Federal Government had secured land in 11 states of the federation to build thousands of two-bedroom apartments for Nigerians at the cost of N2m each. Osinbajo stated this at the ongoing 60th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.

President Muhammadu Buhari has fired Charles Dokubo as coordinator of the presidential amnesty programme. Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, broke the news in a statement on Thursday, saying Milland Dikio (pictured) has been appointed as interim coordinator of the programme. “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Col. Milland Dixion Dikio (rtd) as Interim Administrator (Amnesty Programme),” the statement read. “This followed the President’s approval of the disengagement of Prof. Charles Quarker Dokubo from Office as the Coordinator, Amnesty Programme with immediate effect. “Prof. Dokubo has been directed to hand over all official matters to the most senior officer of the Programme. “President Buhari appreciated the services of Prof. Dokubo to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best in his future endeavours.” Buhari had suspended Dokubo in February, saying the action was in line with the recommendation of a caretaker committee se...

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said the attempt by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to rationalize the excruciating hardship being suffered by Nigerians under the Buhari administration has further given the party out as an insensitive group of people. The PDP also chided the ruling party for supporting the increase in the price of fuel from N87 to the current N148 per litre as well as “the endemic corruption in the Buhari administration,” saying that “only a corrupt party that relishes in inflicting suffering, pain and anguish can defend the actions of Buhari administration.” In a statement issued by spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP noted that by kicking against its solidarity with Nigerians in “our caution to President Muhammadu Buhari against making empty promises to the people, the APC has pitched itself against the Nigerians and further confirmed that it is a propaganda machine that only thrives in lies, deception, fake promises and incurable corruption.” ...