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Medical Doctors in Cross River State have never had it this good in recent years. For the first time a Governor donated a bus to NMA CRS, works to complete their secretariat and has now made salaries of Doctors at state level to be at par with their colleagues at the national level.

Doctors in the state earn 70% of the Consolidated Medical Salary structure (CONMESS) against their federal counterparts who have enjoyed a 100% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure which has led to attrition of Doctors where the leave the state employment as soon as any federal institution begins to employ. This struggle has lasted for over 11 years with no head way, but without cohesion GOV Ben Ayade has shown sincere commitment to improving health care and improving the welfare of health workers in the state. History has been made under the leadership of Sen. Prof Ben Ayade, his dear wife Dr Linda Ayade and the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu. Cross Riverians can now get better care at all levels.

In a thank you visit to Governor Ayade and his Wife Dr Linda Ayade, the Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu commended their support as the reason behind the huge successes recorded in the health sector noting that the Governor’s wife is also a medical Doctor with a passion to improve health care. “Your Excellency, your support have yielded numerous achievements recorded in the Health Sector. Now with this huge success where our medical doctors can now get 100% CONMESS I must say our Health insurance is sure to work with improvement in the quality of health care rendered across the state to our people.

“Under Ayade’s Administration Primary Health Care Development Agency was created, Health Insurance Scheme was created and implemented, the first College of Nursing Science south-south Nigeria was created, primary and secondary health facilities built and some renovated,pharmaceutical company built and now health workers salary improved all in an efforts to provide quality health care for our people while achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Amidst the very lean financial resources of the State , His Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade still made this possible. In the midst of the crises in the health sector in the country, Medical Doctors in Cross River state are smiling, expressing their joy and commitment to put in more effort in the delivery of quality health care. The Ministry of Health appreciates the Governor for prioritizing the Health Sector.”

The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association Cross River State Chapter Dr Innocent Abang, thanked and commended the Governor And his wife, Dr Linda Ayade. “Your Excellencies NMA CRS wishes to thank you for making what seem impossible to become possible, the ripple effect of this is enourmous, it will change the picture of health care delivery, reduce attrition, retain and attract Doctors to state employment while improving quality of care.”

“the efforts of the performing Honorable Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu who has stood firm and has given her all to make this day historic for us Doctors is exceptional. We assure you of more support and more efforts in our line of duty as am calling out on all Medical Doctors in Cross River State to do more!.”

In her response, the Wife of the Governor Lady Dr Mrs Linda Ayade welcomed all, charging Doctors to stop the exodus out of the State/Country and continue to practice in Nigeria stating that the Country remains ours and we must play our part to fix the health system.

“We must learn how to take steps forward and do our best always in our own little way in the interest of the people rather than keep shooting ourselves on the foot or apportioning blames. Collectively we’ll get to where we desire to be.

“My desire is to see that we get more Doctors coming into practice rather than leaving, we need to stop pointing fingers and contribute our own quota to the Society Government must also play their part. Am happy this has been settled and our Doctors can now smile. Am assuring us all that very soon the health sector under Sen Ayade and our workaholic and foresighted Commissioner Dr Betta Edu will see more results as the health system is improving speedily and I remain proud of her efforts and numerous achievements as well as effort from her team members.”

Dr Linda assured other health workers that same salary increment will be accorded them soon. She thanked the State Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the Commissioner Dr Betta Edu, Nigeria Medical Association, DG of the CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong, DG SACA Dr Etcheri Ansa, DG State Insurance Scheme Chief Godwin Iyala, SA Health Dr Ushie, CRSMOH Directors, Medical Superintendents and the entire health sector. Our patients should expect better care!.

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari seeks to perpetuate injustices that Cross River State has suffered over the years, so says Governor Ben Ayade.

Ayade said the law failed to address the concerns of the state in spite of the presentation he made to the relevant senate committee

Governor Ayade stated this while receiving in audience some members of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) led by the state’s representative, Ntufam Eyo Nsa Whiley.

Whiley said they were in the state to sensitize the government and the people on the forthcoming stakeholders meeting with the leadership of the commission to collate views with regards to reviewing the current revenue formula.

Ayade expressed scepticism that the new attempt at reviewing the current revenue formula would herald anything positive for the state, maintaining that he has no faith in RMAFC, as nothing concrete would come out of the exercise.

Recalling how the Senate Committee on PIB that toured the state failed to mirror the grievances of Cross River in the bill before it was finally signed into law by the President, the governor said the experience was enough “for us to express our deep and sincere distrust in the entire exercise and processes of RMAFC.”

Ayade who was visibly overwhelmed with anger said: “As I spoke to the Senate Committee on PIB then, I will choose same to communicate the position of Cross River State, which is that we do not have faith in this exercise, neither do we believe that it will end properly.”

With particular reference to the PIB, Ayade lamented that “as far as we are concerned as a state, we have been reduced to want in body in spirit and in soul,” adding that “there is no indication whatsoever that the review of the revenue allocation will be based on the principle of jurisprudence, equity and fair play.”

He recalled that “when the PIB committee visited, I took my time and articulated in the best of professional grammar to explain to them that producing communities are not as delicate and sensitive as impacted communities. Cross River State bears the brunt of production, but today the PIB is signed into law, insensitive to the oil impacted communities to which Cross River State belongs.

“In the same PIB, 30% of revenue is set aside for frontier exploration, luckily the Calabar basin which they refused to recognize in that category which stretches from all the mountain basins, cutting across the whole of Bakassi, Biase Odukpani, Okuni, Ogoja, Yala is heavily impregnated with hydrocarbon. The geo-coordinates have been issued by myself since 2016 to the federal government. Today we watch and see how the 30% set aside for the frontier exploration will be managed. And we will see what will happen to the Calabar basin.”

Ayade queried a scenario “where Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States; and Cameroon all have oil and Cross River will not have oil? And you sit on this injustice and it goes on year after year after year?”

According to the governor, “the principle under which RMAFC is set out and the way they are operating so far is inconsistent with the provisions of the law that established it. And I would like to have this on record that you have failed to use your mandate judiciously. You have failed to understand that the law empowers you to review the formula not based on obnoxious principles.”

The governor charged RMAFC to do what is fair, just and right, even as he expressed the worry that ”even as we come to articulate our position, if the majority of the people who are satisfied with the present situation, carry the day, we would have spoken in futility and in vain.

“It is clear that the law has taken all our rights and vested them on RMAFC, so no matter how we shout and scream, the buck stops on your table. Even the stabilization funds that are now being shared among all the states, that was not the spirit and intent of the stabilization funds. The basis for everything that the Constitution had envisaged to balance the financially disadvantaged states is being taken off and that is the role of RMAFC.”

Urging Whiley to be a good ambassador of the state, Governor Ayade enjoined: “Luckily we have our own son with a very rich Curriculum Vitae and if you are there and this revenue review is done without a specific focus on Cross River State, with an improved interest of Cross River State, balancing the injustice, then it will not be fair to us. Because we cannot continue to build prison yards when we can build farms and factories.”

He announced the setting up of an adhoc committee to collate and articulate the position of the state at the South-South meeting with RAMFAC.
The committee, which has a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barr Efefiom Ekong as chairman, has as members, His Royal Majesty Etim Okon Edet, chairman Traditional Rulers Council, Chief Gersh Henshaw, Prof Mike Okom, Stella Odey-Ekpo, Pastor John Ewa, Comrade Ben Ukpepi, Dan Obo, Betty, representative of the market women amongst others.
Earlier, the state’s representative in RMAFC told the governor that “The essence of this visit is nothing more than to know where we stand and how we stand and where we can improve in the sense of the revenue that accrues to Cross River.

“What my colleagues in the 36 States and I are doing is a directive of President Mohammadu Buhari to go round and sensitize their own states’ indigenes to know that it’s time for their revenue formula to be reviewed.”

Data from NHS Test and Trace shows that mass participation events can be conducted safely, but caution must still be taken around specific aspects of event participation.

The data, drawn from a range of the 37 trial events that have formed the Events Research Programme over a four month period, has shown that case numbers were largely in line with or below community infection rates for the duration of the programme.

However, a cautious approach should be taken at unstructured events involving attendees being in close proximity for extended periods of time, when spectators are at high-density pinch points at venues, when travelling to and from events, and when mixing indoors before, during and after events.

Figures published today show that 585 cases were recorded by NHS Test and Trace at the time of the British Grand Prix, which hosted the largest crowd in the UK in over 18 months with over 350,000 people in attendance across three days.

When broken down, the 585 cases from the Grand Prix show that 343 of those cases were likely to have already been infectious around the time of the event, while 242 cases are from people likely to have acquired an infection around the time of the event.

In England over this period 1.36-1.57% of people were testing positive for COVID-19, which equates to between 1/75 to 1/65 people.

Data from The Wimbledon Championships, which hosted around 300,000 people over a two week period, recorded 881 cases through NHS Test and Trace.

This data breaks down to 299 cases that were likely to have already been infectious around the time of the event, with 582 cases likely to have acquired an infection around the time of the event. In England over this time period 0.31-1.36% of people were testing positive for COVID-19, which equates to between 1/320 and 1/75 people.

The data from these two events, alongside the majority of others conducted as part of the Events Research Programme, demonstrate that mass participation events can be conducted safely, with case numbers comparable to, or lower than community prevalence. It is however, important to note that when observing this data, assumptions cannot be made that transmission definitely happened at the event, nor that individuals became infected at the time of their attendance at an event.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

We’ve shown that we can reintroduce mass sports and cultural events safely but it is important that people remain cautious when mixing in very crowded settings.

So that we can keep the football season, theatres and gigs safe with full crowds this winter, I urge sport, music and culture fans to get the vaccine as this is the safest way we can get big events firing on all cylinders once more.

Health Minister, Lord Bethell, said:

Data is our greatest weapon in the fight against the pandemic, and these pilots inform our approach to mass events, now and in the future.

These events and the passion of supporters brought joy to millions of people across the country. But the reports make it clear that they also reinforce the need for us to not let our guard down. We all need to comply with the advice accompanying major events to keep everyone safe and so everyone can safely enjoy these important occasions. We can all keep doing our bit by getting tested regularly and getting the vaccine.

The two EURO 2020 matches on July 7 and 11 were events of national significance in England. They took place during a period of higher underlying community prevalence, and drew significant numbers of ticketless individuals to the area surrounding Wembley Stadium, likely contributing to the increased infections data around these events.

The associated Public Health England / NHS Test and Trace data for the EURO 2020 final shows that 2,295 people in or around the stadium were likely to have been infectious at the time of the event, with an additional 3,404 people in and around the stadium potentially acquiring infection around the time of the event.

Dr Jenifer Smith, Deputy Medical Director, Public Health England, said:

EURO 2020 was a unique occasion and it is unlikely we would see a similar impact on COVID-19 cases from future events.

However, the data does show how easily the virus can spread when there is close contact and this should be a warning to us all as we try and return to a cautious normality once again. When attending large events there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk. These include: getting both doses of the vaccine as soon as you can, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces such as on public transport on your way, and if you are catching up with friends before an event, consider doing so outdoors to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

Please do not attend events if you have symptoms – you must isolate and get a test as soon as possible. If you are a contact of a confirmed case and have had both doses of the vaccine, although you don’t need to isolate you should still get a PCR test and limit socialising to keep your loved ones and the wider community safe.

The significant numbers of people seen outside Wembley Stadium at the Euro 2020 Final, and the events taking place under Step 4 are likely to make comparisons with the other ERP events misleading. As set out in the PHE research paper, while useful for informing the approach to managing risks at major sports events, these games are not considered typical of standard sporting events and should not be used as comparators.

On the days of England’s latter EURO 2020 matches, data published by PHE shows there were subsequent spikes in cases across the country. The data shows that individuals tested positive reported participating in a variety of activities including visiting bars, pubs, other households and eating out on match days. This data highlights the need for members of the public to remain cautious in all settings, whether that be at an event, in homes, pubs or bars when coming together with family, friends or other members of the public.

The Latitude and Tramlines festivals took place after Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown on July 21, when community prevalence rates were higher. The data published from these events shows they have been associated with a higher number of cases (over 1,000 per event) through NHS Test and Trace data.

The Biden administration has increased the amount of government-provided food assistance distributed to approximately one in eight Americans each month.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Monday announced an increase of over 25% for funds used to buy food.

The increased budget will be available starting in October to the 42 million people who receive food stamps – known formally as Snap benefits.

The average benefit will increase by about $36 (£26) per person, per month.

Americans enrolled in the programme will see their monthly pre-pandemic allowance rise from $121 to about $157.

In 2018, Congress ordered the USDA to review the Thrifty Food Plan, a diet plan created in 1962 which outlines nutritional needs for Americans and what budget is necessary to achieve them.

The update is the largest permanent funding boost in the programme’s history.

The agency’s newest revisions to the plan include an increase in calories “to reflect the latest data and support an active lifestyle,” the USDA said. They also reflect current food prices and eating trends.

Experts say the budget has not been enough for Americans to choose healthier foods, instead choosing salty and sugary options. One study has found that 10% of the money is spent on sugary drinks alone – about three times the amount spent on milk.

The newest budget calls for Americans to eat more fish “and red and orange vegetables”, the USDA said.

The funding boost comes amid an effort by President Joe Biden to bolster the country’s social safety net.

Americans must be below certain income limits in order to be eligible for the programme – for a four-person household, their net monthly income can’t be above $2,184.

…We recognised Abuja election, says WA.

THE World Athletics has confirmed Tonobok Okowa as the officially recognised President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, The exclusively reports.

WA confirmed Okowa’s choice in an email to our correspondent.

“World Athletics has received information from both elections and based on the information provided, we are now working with the board elected in Abuja.

“The meeting in Abuja was attended by the most voting members plus the National Olympic Committee, and is the board with whom the National Olympic Committee dealt with for the purposes of entering its team to the Olympic Games,” WA Head of Communications, Nicole Jeffery, said in a statement sent to The Reports

World Athletics’ declaration puts an end to the leadership crisis that has rocked the AFN since 2019, which led to parallel elections in Abuja and Kebbi on June 14, which produced Okowa and incumbent Gusau as presidents.

Our correspondent further learnt that before the official recognition of Okowa as AFN president by WA, the global athletics body had sent the password for the official email of the federation and correspondence between both bodies to his camp. The Gusau-led group was previously in custody of the password.

WA told our correspondent on June 30 that it revoked the initial access of the email granted to Gusau as standard procedure after the election.It is World Athletics’ standard practice to revoke all access at the time of a Member Federation election until the new office-bearers are confirmed. In the case of Nigeria, we are still verifying the information we have received about the two elections,” WA said in the email.

Edo State has recorded 36 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), as the government intensifies efforts to contain the third wave of the pandemic and protect citizens.

The State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, disclosed this after the daily virtual meeting of the State COVID-19 Taskforce, chaired by the State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Obi said all is set for the commencement of the second phase vaccination rollout, noting that Edo anticipates the arrival of the 65,020 doses of Moderna (mRNA) vaccines approved for the state by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

According to him, “Edo, in the last 24 hours, recorded 36 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and zero recoveries, with a test positivity rate of 13.8 percent and 59 percent rise in active cases. The 36 new cases were confirmed from the 260 samples collected within the 24-hour time frame.

“11 of the newly confirmed cases were reported from Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH) laboratory; eight cases were confirmed at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) laboratory; three from Lily Hospital laboratory, while the remaining 14 were confirmed from rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) across the state.”

Noting that over 95 percent of newly confirmed cases are those who were never vaccinated, Obi charged citizens to leverage on the opportunity of the second phase vaccination exercise to get inoculated, as it is the only safe way of beating the deadly virus.

He noted that the government has intensified COVID-19 active case search and contact tracing, as well as targeted sample collection and testing activities in the state’s 18 local councils, as part of efforts to contain the pandemic across all Edo communities.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that his administration has no plans to increase taxes in the state, noting that the state seeks inclusiveness and participation from citizens in revenue generation and administration.

The governor gave the assurance after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders in tax administration at the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) head office in Benin City.

Obaseki’s visit to EIRS office follows the expiration of the tenure of the board, led by Igbinidu Inneh.
He said the state’s revenue service needs to be re-energized before the appointment of a new board.

The governor said the ratio of people who pay taxes compared to the taxable population in the state is very small, noting, “There is no need to increase taxes. What we need to do is to engender citizen participation and achieve inclusiveness. Today, the ratio of citizens who pay taxes relative to the population is very, very small and the burden is only on a few persons who pay tax.”

“Everybody who has a source of income, by law, should pay money to the state. That is what we are trying to do by ensuring that everybody pays something directly to the state government’s treasury,” he said.

Obaseki continued: “We want to make sure that we re-energize the service. Right now, we are not meeting our budget in terms of revenue collection in the state. There are still lots of leaks. We believe that we can achieve better efficiency by restructuring the way revenue is collected in the state.

“The meeting today is to meet with members of staff of EIRS, work with them and redesign the revenue collection system in the state. Before now, it was quite centralized. What we are looking at is to have a team with almost semi-independent offices across the 18 local government areas of the state that will be responsible for all the taxes that will be collected in that area.”

“The other reform that we are looking at is to collaborate with the local government, so that we can consolidate both the taxes the local government is supposed to collect and the one accruable to the state. That way, we can reduce the burden on our citizens,” he said.

The Edo Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has announced the temporary closure of sections of the Murtala Mohammed Way, Benin City, to facilitate ongoing construction of the flood erosion alleviation work in the Ogiso/Osunde catchment areas of the city.

In a statement, Communications Officer, Edo NEWMAP, Ivy Adodo, said the roads will be closed for four weeks commencing from Thursday, August 19, 2021.

Adodo, while assuring the timely execution of the project, appealed for the patience and understanding of the general public, particularly those in the affected areas.

The statement reads: “This is to inform the general public that the Edo Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) is currently executing the flood erosion alleviation work in the Ogiso/Osunde catchment areas in Benin City.

“To enable the construction of two culverts along Murtala Mohammed Way in Benin City to effectively drain and transport runoff within the catchment, the section between Osemwende Street and Agbonmwoba streets on Murtala Mohammed Way will be closed to Traffic for Four weeks commencing from Thursday 19th August, 2021.”

Adodo further stated: “During this period, traffic moving toward Ikpoba Slope will detour using either of Osemwende street, a Nekpenepken and Ozolua Streets, through 2nd East Circular and continue down to Akpakpava road or can rejoin Murtala Mohammed Way again using either of Agbonmwoba Street, Igun Street, St. Stephen Street and Imuetinyan Street.

“The same but reverse route applies to commuters from Ikpoba Slope toward Sokponba Road axis on Murtala Mohammed Way.”

“Edo NEWMAP regrets any inconveniences and appeals for the patience and understanding of the general public particularly those in the affected areas as it assures of timely execution of this project,” the statement added.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sports development in order to positively engage youths in the state.

Obaseki gave the assurance when he received the Chairman, Edo Cricket Association, Mr. Uyi Akpata, who led the National Female Cricket Team, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor reassured that his government will sustain investment in sports, ensuring an enabling environment for sports to thrive.

According to him, “We are very clear in Edo that this is the way to go; first, to understand that the role of government in sports, like any other area, is to create an enabling environment. Government has a catalytic role to create what is required for sports to grow.

“That is why we are setting up our Federation to encourage sports by collaborating with the private sector; we have done that successfully with cricket. We have taken it a step further to encourage other sports like lawn tennis, swimming, gymnastics and other sports that we are traditionally good at in Edo.

“We also believe that our role is to create world-class facilities, which is why we have made a huge investment in sports infrastructure across the state and we will continue to do so. Aside from the total revamp of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, we have built over 20 standard football pitches across the state.”

Reassuring his government’s efforts to positively engage youths in the state, Obaseki further stated: “We have also engaged in activities to catch our young men and women very early in life, to get them interested in these sports and participate actively to get to their peak globally.

“As a state, we want to assure you that this is just the beginning; we will continue to improve our facilities, as we don’t want Botswana and other African countries to perpetually host these games; we want to host them in Benin.

“We will continue to offer our facilities to the federal government for the training of our athletes ahead of major tournaments. Most of the facilities used at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are right here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Wishing the team success in their forthcoming games, the governor said: “You have been here for training and enjoyed your stay; you are going out to represent the country; you are going to be our ambassadors, I wish you good luck.”

Earlier, Akpata commended the government for its support to the team in the last two weeks, adding that the governor has created the right environment for the game of Cricket to thrive.

…assures of decisive action, calls for calm.

The Edo State Government has condemned, in strong terms, the planned coronation of Idriss Addano as the ‘Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State’, describing the purported move as sacrilegious and a threat to peace and security in the state.

In a statement, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq., assured citizens that firm and decisive action will be taken to prevent the actualization of the illegal and sacrilegious act.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Government has been inundated with complaints from indigenes and residents of the state over the purported move to embark on the coronation of one Idriss Addano as ‘Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State’.

“The Edo State Government wishes to state as follows: That whether or not this event is held at the said, or any other location within the state, it would constitute a direct assault on the traditions, custom and culture of the people of Edo State, by individuals who clearly have sinister motives and are trying to abuse the well-known Edo hospitality by their act of sacrilege.

“That it is a potential threat to the peace and security of Edo State, with the capacity to cause a breakdown of law and order as citizens of the state are likely to be provoked by the obnoxious ceremony.

“Under the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, it is an offence for anyone to proclaim himself, or allow himself to be proclaimed as the holder of any traditional title not recognized under the said law and/or without the approval of the appropriate authorities.”

According to Ogie, “The state government hereby wishes to assure all concerned that firm and decisive action will be taken to prevent the actualization of this illegal and sacrilegious act and that all persons found to have been involved in the conception and/or execution would face the full wrath of the law.”

“The Edo State Government, therefore, calls on all citizens to be calm, law-abiding and rest assured that government is firmly on top of the situation,” he assured.