Niger Delta
C’River Awards Road Contracts For 28 Communities
The Cross River State Government has signed a contract for the construction of 474 kilometres of rural roads valued at N20.325 billion to cover 28 communities across the state under the Cross River-Rural Access and Mobility Project (CRRAMP).
The African Development Bank (ADB) shall contribute N7.016 billion, constituting 34.5 percent of the total civil works, while the remaining cost of N13.308 billion or 65.48 percent will be contributed by the Cross River State Government.
Eight contractors signed the contracts with the State Government and the proposed roads are located in Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani, Akamkpa Obubra, Biase, Yakurr, Abi, Ikom, Etung, Boki Obudu, Obanliku, Yala, and Bekwarra Local Government Areas.
Speaking after the ceremony, Governor Liyel Imoke said it represented a major step in the administration’s desire of serving the people because of its potential of propelling economic growth and creation of wealth, which has been the government’s commitment on inception.
Imoke disclosed that the state saw the roads as a challenge and approached ADB and Federal Government who suggested that they should be laterite roads.
He said he insisted that the roads be asphalted in view of the fact that Cross River State is situated in a rain forest region, hence he opted the state to finance the additional cost of the civil works in order to give the rural populace a sense of belonging. The Bank, he said, had no option than to give no objection to its desire.
The Governor said one of the conditions of ADB was that funds be made available immediately and he lauded it for supporting the state to achieve its aim.
Imoke explained that the decision of government was not only to make funds available, but also ensure the economic wellbeing of the roads because of their potential to turn things around in the designated areas.
According to him, the state used international procedure as guidelines during the procurement process of the contract, which is an indication of transparency in the procurement exercise.
He expressed hope that the good relationship between ADB and the state will be strengthened.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.